Building safety in Buncombe County will see a leadership change as Jason Rogers, the current Assistant Director of Permits & Inspections, steps into the role of Director. Rogers brings over 27 years of experience in building inspection to his new position.
County Manager Avril Pinder commented on the appointment: “I’m excited about keeping the momentum the department has while looking to Jason for further innovation and elevated service to our Permits & Inspections. His experience and familiarity with Buncombe County and Western North Carolina make him an ideal candidate, especially as we work to foster an environment of positive growth in the post-Helene landscape.”
Rogers joined Buncombe County in 2015 after working for 13 years with the Town of Waynesville. He noted his progression within the department and credited former Director Bob Haynes for mentoring him over the past four years. “I have naturally progressed in the ranks within the department, and over the last four years I’ve worked under the mentorship of [former Director] Bob Haynes. So, I feel that I have been prepared for the position,” said Rogers.
Among his initial goals is improving code enforcement capabilities and expanding technological services such as online permitting. “A long-term goal would be to continue to advance the department with technology improvements such as online permitting and the use of the website for remote customers,” he stated.
Rogers described his work as rewarding due to its impact on community safety. “This work is very fulfilling because it touches so many people in their daily lives, like the spaces they live and work. This job really gives us the opportunity to help shape a community for the future,” he said.
The transition comes at a time when education metrics remain a focus in Buncombe County schools. For example, during the 2022-23 school year, only about 28.5% of senior students taking science on the ACT were considered college-ready according to data from state sources (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/). Similar results were seen among juniors, with approximately 30.1% meeting readiness standards (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/). In reading, about 41.1% of seniors and 43.2% of juniors reached college readiness benchmarks (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/), while math readiness was lower at around 25.6% for seniors and 32.7% for juniors (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/).
Jason Rogers will officially begin his role as Director on February 27.
For more information about scheduling inspections or permit fees, visit Buncombe County’s Permits & Inspections page.
