Is it safe to build or buy property in Southcliff? This is a serious question and one that can only be answered by state licensed professionals.
The Southcliff project was approved in advance of the Asheville/ Buncombe County "Is it safe to build here?" hazard mapping program, so landslide risks were undetermined. The preliminary landslide map for the county shows mountain ridges and slopes at certain risk of slope failures. Red Zones (High Geologic Hazard) are identified as cautionary, must be investigated, building sites. A significant number of landslides and their deposits are displayed on the map; these areas are classified "no build" locations. The approximate location of Southcliff is indicated on the map.
For additional information about the Western North Carolina landslide mapping program please visit the North Carolina Geological Survey website.
The Buncombe County Hazard Mitigation Plan (August 23, 2004) determined that the steep slopes and fragile soils of Western North Carolina put the county at high risk for landslides. This report was issued just weeks before the catastrophic 15 county slope failures of 2004. (Western North Carolina received 2 federal disaster declarations in September 2004.)
It is critical to know whether the Southcliff home building sites are safe: costs for ascertaining slope stability are affordable, generally less than $2,000. Investors should note that they will be self-insuring for all landslide property loss. Homeowners policies will not cover this expense, regardless of the cause.
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