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#Post#: 3932--------------------------------------------------
Landslides-Watauga County NC grading & Building In landslide
Hazard Areas at 697 Jordan V Cook Road Boone, NC 28607
By: Masked Man Date: July 20, 2025, 2:43 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Ya wanna know why there are so many landslides in the
Appalachian mountains? let's investigate... using what is
publicly available to us and in the public domain...
Let's report a sighting of alleged yet apparent unregulated
heavy construction being done directly in a landslide hazard
area deemed so by the U.S. Department Of the Interior
Here’s the Watauga county planning department …
HTML https://www.wataugacounty.org/App_Pages/Dept/Planning/forms.aspx
Here’s the link to the landslide hazard areas provided by
Watauga planning departments site
HTML https://unca.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e9f79de934f24e40a71bab8db8050612/
attached is a photo of map of landslide area in geographical
location surrounding and within 697 Jordan v cook road where
there is building uninspected as far as I know which was moved
by crane atop of landslide area a building been previously
denied permit by Watauga
county..
HTML https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=c1b7e01bd5&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-a:r-6422514895130684827&th=1981066278c017c9&view=att&disp=safe&realattid=f_md55r9be0&zw
Here is is video of guy today pulling a giant rock out of
landslide hazard Area Ive got many videos of this area because I
live underneath it
VIDEO LINK:
HTML https://drive.google.com/file/d/15GvWBYlIjKH-Gung0s3S1oBAcV8T8xIZ/view?usp=sharing
...cutting trees yanking our rocks and dumping them over the
side towards waterway which is adjacent to our property..
...What's going on? Is it a road or drive to park heavy
equipment like it has been ? Is it going to be a deck to the
building that has no building permit? You tell me why Watauga
County has record breaking number of landslides and flood
problems...
SideNote: This is the problem folks Counties are allowing people
to grade and build directly on landslide hazard areas all over
North Carolina...
I’m not really sure who to ask about the building permit that
was denied in the past.. what about a sift net.. our back yard
is under this heavy construction daily for years straight ..Do
these people have a permit for their grading and building? Is it
okay to build and grade and do heavy construction directly in
a landslide zone in this county?.. I wanna see a building permit
from county!? I don’t get it.
Dear Watauga county Just give them a grading and building permit
in Watauga county if Watauga county thinks it's safe to do this
in a designated landslide area.
but do something for my records and for public records.
I believe people have the right to request building permit and
grading permit especially adjacent neighbors .I represent an
adjacent property owner that lives under and adjacent to this
unregulated construction directly atop Landslide hazard area
that is being done allegedly by Galan Construction LLC INC in
geographical location surrounding and within 697 Jordan V. Cook
Rd, 28607 where this undisclosed heavy construction is occurring
and has occurred for over a year a now.
Please Watauga county inspect the new building at least ..and
to acknowledge to me and to the public this is either
unacceptable or acceptable responsible construction and building
on landslide hazard area.
Being a survivor of many floods including the hurricane Helene
we the public would like to know if Watauga county condones
grading and building directly in landslide hazard areas deemed
so by the Us Department of Interior? (a link to map of landslide
hazard is available directly from Watauga County's website)
If you don't mind me a layperson on the matter saying so who is
stupid and inconsiderate enough to let someone precariously
grade and build in a landslide hazard area? That is dangerous
and it doesn't take a brain surgeon to compute that it is
dangerous.
P.S.
Dear Watauga County do state codes supersede county ordinances?
This is a big deal not for babies... This grading inspection and
building inspection is no small task and should be done prior to
the grading and building if people are smart. It doesn’t make
any sense to do the work first then get it inspected later..
Just peruse some of these NC state codes...
“Appendix J Grading
The provisions contained in this appendix
HTML https://up.cod
es/viewer/north_carolina/ibc-2015/chapter/J/grading#J
Section J103 Permits Required
J103.1 Permits Required
Except as exempted in Section J103.2, no grading shall be
performed without first having obtained a permit therefor from
the building official. A grading permit does not include the
construction of retaining walls or other structures
J104.3 Geotechnical Report
A geotechnical report prepared by a registered design
professional shall be provided. The report shall contain at
least the following:
1 The nature and distribution of existing soils.
2 Conclusions and recommendations for grading procedures.
3 Soil design criteria for any structures or embankments
required to accomplish the proposed grading.
4 Where necessary, slope stability studies, and recommendations
and conclusions regarding site geology.
Exception: A geotechnical report is not required where the
building official determines that the nature of the work applied
for is such that a report is not necessary
HTML https://up.cod
es/publication-images/767c324d-c83e-42d2-b04e-0b1bfff74840.jpg”
#Post#: 3935--------------------------------------------------
Re: Landslides-Watauga County NC grading & Building In lands
lide Hazard Areas at 697 Jordan V Cook Road Boone, NC 28607
By: Masked Man Date: July 20, 2025, 2:17 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Partial Follow up:
so a year ago I did an FIOA statement letter to my Watauga
county to disclose any thing that could be released to the
public about this case of unregulated construction occurring on
Landslide hazard area deemed so by the US department of
interior.
The County gave me a building permit that was denied.. that is
the construction company owner did not have a building permit
granted and that my county said they were working with them on
this and that I should get along with my neighbors. To this day
a year later there has been constant grading and building in
area and a structure was moved from one slope (within landslide
hazard area) to another by crane recently.
Currently I'm in communication with the sheriff of my county who
seems more cooperative and knowledgeable than my county. The
sheriff said I have rights to request from my county a building
inspection any time a new building is erected somewhere.
That's where it stands so far .. they continue to grade and
build in landslide hazard area.
[*Attached is a building permit denial from over a year ago that
was released to the public to me from my county after I
requested this using an FOIA statement]
... its ridiculous they are still building and grading yet
permit was denied.
P.S.
My concern about landslide hazard areas/ building and grading
permits has some merit because according to the North Carolina
Geological Survey (NCGS)they are grading and building right
smack on one(we are talking sinkhole county in my backyard right
above creek !) as I type this....
check this out brother and sisters, when it comes to Watauga
county being concerned or concerned, I'm not just blowing
smoke.... i google:"
number of landslides in Watauga county us department of interior
grading permit"
Here's what I get....
"Here's information regarding landslides in Watauga County,
North Carolina, and grading permits:
Landslides in Watauga County, NC
Watauga County experiences a significant number of
landslides, particularly compared to other parts of western
North Carolina.
Over 2,000 landslides were triggered in Watauga County alone
by the heavy rainfall from a hurricane in August 1940. Debris
flows accounted for 77% of these landslides.
More recently, Hurricane Helene in 2024 triggered over 2,000
landslides in western North Carolina, including Watauga County,
according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The North Carolina Geological Survey (NCGS) maintains a
landslide inventory that includes over 4,500 landslides across
the state, and this information is publicly available and
updated as new landslides occur.
Landslide problems can be exacerbated by factors such as
land mismanagement and areas impacted by forest fires.
Some typical stuff that pops up when googling the matter:
Grading permits
Grading permits are handled by the Watauga County Department
of Planning and Inspections.
Applications for permits can be submitted by email, mail, or
in person.
A grading permit is likely required for any land-disturbing
activity that significantly alters the terrain, particularly in
areas prone to landslides.
For specific requirements, including the need for a grading
permit and associated regulations, it is best to contact the
Watauga County Planning and Inspections Department directly.
Important note: The term "US Department of Interior grading
permit" is not a standard term in the context of general land
development. Grading permits for projects in Watauga County are
typically administered at the local (county) level. However, if
the project is on federal land administered by the Department of
the Interior (e.g., National Park Service land), then federal
permitting requirements would apply in addition to local
regulations."
#Post#: 3939--------------------------------------------------
Re: Landslides-Watauga County NC grading & Building In lands
lide Hazard Areas at 697 Jordan V Cook Road Boone, NC 28607
By: Masked Man Date: July 21, 2025, 1:41 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Side comment:
All I know is if a landslide hazard area doesn't necessitate the
need for grading inspection, then what does!?
In this case, the county assumes no responsibility and the state
of NC leaves it up to the building inspector whether a grading
permit is required when people build on landslide hazard areas.
What are the chances of no grading permit or process required
when building in landslide hazard area considering the soil, the
elevation and angle and slopes involved? Certainly not fair to
adjacent neighbors underneath area who aren't doing anything
wrong.
Its' Hard not to perceive it as a threat or hazard when people
build and grade in landslide hazard areas. To me its just as
scary as if a landslide or flood could occur. To me building
inspectors who turn a blind eye to grading on landslide areas
might as well be on par with arsonists. That's what it feels
like anyway. I like safety and those that play it safe.
It just seems inherently dangerous to build on landslide hazard
areas and the term landslide seems equivalent to land
disturbance that erodes... erosion to me equals landslide and to
me, the layperson, it seems an irreversible process and the
whole practice of building without permit seems like a
fraudulent act practically condoned by county ordinances ,
state laws and those who know better to me.
Think of the repercussions in vast numbers that buy land and
make it a practice to grade or build in landslide hazard areas.
Its horrific considering I am a survivor of the floods and
landslides of Hurricane Hellene but if there’s a landslide above
my home and your home that is not up to code with no grading
permit slides into the creek and my property, Put a mask on and
get out and stay out of my yard, it’s finders keepers losers
weepers I’m building a shed for firewood or my bicycles out of
the leftover material and carnage that slides into my yard,
Tsk, Tsk, Tsk, The county and the developers should know better
it is wrong to develop haphazardly on landslide hazard area,
The Masked Man
.
#Post#: 3940--------------------------------------------------
Re: Landslides-Watauga County NC grading & Building In lands
lide Hazard Areas at 697 Jordan V Cook Road Boone, NC 28607
By: Masked Man Date: July 21, 2025, 8:15 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Where did Helene's dangerous landslides start? 3 counties
discussed
VIDEO LINK:
HTML https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCvNongDXhY
SUMMARY:
Oct 22, 2024
Yancey County/Pensacola 0:00-8:15
Watauga County/Vanderpool 8:15-11:50
Buncombe County/Swannanoa and Fairview 11:50-36:00, with drawing
Helene likely produced thousands of landslides in the North
Carolina Mountains, including a large number of dangerous debris
flows. Often called mudslides, these fast-moving landslides
carry huge boulders and trees and flow at high speed down
mountainsides. Unfortunately, many lives (perhaps 20 or more)
were lost due to debris flows during the storm. This video shows
where debris flows happened and the paths they took down the
mountainsides. Because debris flows are a process associated
with extreme rainfall, they aren't a threat all the time. They
also need certain landscape conditions to form and travel, so
not everywhere is at risk during heavy rain. Understanding how
these landslides form and travel is a big part of reducing bad
outcomes in future storms. Debris flows can form with much less
rain than Helene brought, so we'll likely see many of them down
the road before another Helene-scale storm.
#Post#: 3943--------------------------------------------------
Re: Landslides-Watauga County NC grading & Building In lands
lide Hazard Areas at 697 Jordan V Cook Road Boone, NC 28607
By: Masked Man Date: July 21, 2025, 10:01 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Here's some of the process I went through with emailing my
county and a secret as to how I was actually able to get the
last building inspection done last year..I had to write and FOIA
letter to the director to get all the work done by Watauga
county building inspectors released to the public last year.
Meanwhile through emails from the county I was accused of being
a racist..Ive been accused of possibly harassing the
construction company and government officials and Ive been told
to get along with my neighbors and I just wanna see if its safe
and if the building is up to code because the new building looks
precariously parked on slope that appears to have all the
ingredients outlined in this video
VIDEO LINK:
HTML https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCvNongDXhY
Landslide area on map they are building and grading on next to
me:
LINK:
HTML https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZS0pMhNGAugazY6MMt7icg-7ZdkF4ADy/view?usp=sharing
(This is why I am trying to get the good sheriff to make a
current request to county for building/grading inspector of
the latest building they constructed there and moved with crane
onto slope)
After the first year of grievance letters and getting accused
of stuff I got a reply from my FOIA request last year....
07/14/2024
J*son W*lker
Director.
Bachelor of Science - BS Criminal Justice/Police Science,
Watauga County Planning and Inspections Department
1*6 Poplar Grove Connector Suite 201
Boone,NC 286*7
Dear Mr W*lker:
Under the North Carolina Public Records Law, G.S. §132-1., I am
requesting an opportunity to inspect or obtain copies of public
records that involve continual heavy construction activity
from Galan Construction at 697 Jordan V Cook Road, as they
continually
Grade and do heavy construction with heavy construction vehicles
for
approximately the last two years Directly Above New River
Headwaters
as well as Directly Above adjoining Properties IN and around
Designated LandslideHazard Area.
If there are any fees for searching or copying these records,
please
inform me if the cost will exceed $__1.dollar____. However, I
would
also like to request a waiver of all fees in that the disclosure
of
the requested information is in the public interest and will
contribute significantly to the public’s understanding of
_Richard
Easley adjoining neighbor and concerned citizen This information
is
not being sought for commercial purposes.
The law requires that you respond to and fulfill this request
"as
promptly as possible." If you expect a significant delay in
responding to and fulfilling this request, please contact me
with
information about when I might expect copies or the ability to
inspect
the requested records.
If you deny any or all of this request, please cite each
specific
exemption you feel justifies the refusal to release the
information
and notify me of the appeal procedures available to me under the
law.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
The Masked Man
J*son.Walker <J*son.W*lker@watgov.org> REPLIES:
Thu, Jul 25, 2024, 11:26 AM
Mr. Masked Man,
Based upon your records request I have attached a recent letter
that was mailed to the owners of said property. This is
currently all matters relating to your request that are public
record on 697 Jordan V Cook Rd.
Attached is letter/Permit for building denied
LINK:
HTML https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W4z5rz-TRloMF3dHWaTM8kIS07eaiqv7/view?usp=sharing
...Now Masked Man thinks what do I do now!? Its been a year
people are still in designated landslide area building landslide
hazard area grading every day with excavator ...not only that
there was hurricane Helene that nearly flooded me out...
hopefully the sheriff will make this next request for
building/grading permit on my behalf as I am quite
uncomfortable asking my county to release this information
although I will I have to for it is our right to ask county for
I hope what I am going helps others who are trying to deal with
people building irresponsibly and those dealing with the
possible and prospective manmade 'side' of catastrophes such as
landslides, floods, due to irresponsible grading & building
etc.
The Masked Man
P.S. Also for the layperson Here's some advice I got from an
official on the matters regarding to permits...
"That is not a CRIMINAL matter. It is a CIVIL issue via state
building and utility codes and/or local ordinances (city or
county).
As I understand from my city and county management days, if
there is a structure being built, it must conform with the
respective Planning and Building Inspection Departments of the
town(s) (e.g. Boone, Blowing Rock, Beech Mountain, or Seven
Devils, or the county of Watsuga (outside of the aforementioned
municipalities)).
The biggest carrot for a building code violation is that no
building permit may result in no electricity, water, sewer, etc.
If you know that structures are being built, then it’s okay to
report it to the noted Municipality, or the County.
Also, many insurance companies will not insure a structure that
has not been approved.
There may also be some issues with the fire department without a
valid building permit.
The structure location and use may also in violation of the
zoning regulations and zoning ordinances.
That’s it in a nutshell."
ALSO: Masked Man would like to NOTE: I am just a layperson on
the matter I have only disclosed what is considered to be of
public record according to county official and at the same time
my opinions are my own and I invite others more educated in the
matter to please share and help educate me and the general
public in these matters.
.
#Post#: 3944--------------------------------------------------
Re: Landslides-Watauga County NC grading & Building In lands
lide Hazard Areas at 697 Jordan V Cook Road Boone, NC 28607
By: Masked Man Date: July 22, 2025, 1:23 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Between you and me times sure have changed eh? If ya don't mind
me saying We all serve our country in various ways and we all
have a lot to learn from one another. I had a paper route when I
was 14 and it was no easy feat. That's 7 days a week rain or
shine on a bicycle carrying a heavy load of papers delivering
the important news to every walk of life past every snarling dog
past every bully known to a kid .. you had to go up and collect
the money at the door .. you talk about tough I seen fistfights
in garages... I had to collect money from wacked out guys that
didn't wanna pay for their paper.. look snarling dogs in the
snout everyday and drive past people on my bicycle just to keep
people up to date and informed with the American news..
...We didn't have internet or cell phones when I was a kid and I
hate to say it but I can't even get the county to go to a
landslide hazard area to follow up on a building permit!?
... I had it harder as 14 year old paperboy and faced rougher
characters anyday than what these people have to face. Here's
to how tough you and I are
... here's a doubleshot The Masked Man playing his electric
guitar rocking' the Watauga County Administrative Blues .. these
people better toughen up...😉
Masked Man plays electric guitar,
the Watauga County Administrative Blues
Audio Mp3 LINK:
.
HTML https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WrzJ93zr0HH8bzsi4T5wZCUbPTb_V4Ik/view?usp=sharing
...All this landslide stuff can be big stresser for everybody so
just for myself I better add a shuffle in G on my electric
guitar for ya because it simply relaxes me to play guitar
(what's the fun of making a grievance without playing the
blues) :) I hate stress.
Masked Man plugs into cry baby wah wah pedal with his electric
guitar &
plays Shuffle in G
Audio Mp3 LINK:
HTML https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ATtDqaUjnNuTgiCoalIHi7qYOsQy9UBS/view?usp=sharing
If I get covered up by this landslide a tree tips over onto my
head or a house crashes into my yard moving the creek through my
home driving me and my loved ones away, I want it to be of
public record they did this to an aspiring guitarist for the
record!
here's proof a crane was involved if that helps a building
grading inspector justify his reasons for inspection...
Video LINK of crane after it moved a building:
HTML https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ijufk2rBNaOWoQ3P9_x_QjLSHXw_qzsA/view?usp=sharing
and here is the before video,,if you look closely the big
antique Blue building is on the right side of the video.. This
is right before they moved it. I don't know how important this
is but I assume this is the building that didn't pass
inspection.. I just wanna know if this building passed
inspection or if there was some deception on this construction
company's part ...I want to make sure everything is on the up
and up.. he graded yesterday as well as today.. I'm sick of it
but if everybody permits it then let the county come forward
lets see the permit :
right before they moved it.
VIDEO LINK:
HTML https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pWe_DZsxNB0TEfww3C4xh8EXWheSOmji/view?usp=sharing
Watauga County spokespeople Feel free to reply and take interest
in my post to help clarify or remedy these apparent issues. Any
mature feedback and solutions much appreciated
.
#Post#: 3971--------------------------------------------------
Re: Landslides-Watauga County NC grading & Building In lands
lide Hazard Areas at 697 Jordan V Cook Road Boone, NC 28607
By: Masked Man Date: July 30, 2025, 11:53 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
For what it’s worth I made the following request to see building
permit to my county
(I share this freely with Data Report Info so they may see for
themselves, learn from my efforts, and freely judge whether I am
being responsible and reasonable and fair in my request to see a
building permit to my county)….
“to Jason.Walker
6 minutes agoDetails
I am enquiring into the status on a previous building code
violation and the current status of building inspection at 697
Jordan V Cook Rd.
Recently much grading has been done and a crane was used to
erect what appears to be a home on a slope of land that is of
questionable stability. Is this building and grading in
accordance and in compliance to NC state codes?
I am also interested if state codes do not supersede county
ordinances in a way that building on this slope necessitates the
need for grading permit/septic and are steps being being taken
by Galan Construction LLC inc such as retaining walls to prevent
further erosion? Etc.
Thank you,
The Masked Man
P.S.
Any input would be highly regarded publicly by a spokesperson at
your agency on this matter as landslides and buildings are of
great interest to the public.
In light of the recent hurricane Helene event these issues are
of great public interest. For the sake of the communities
wellbeing We invited full examination of practices in regards to
building and grading inspections.
So Feel feel to reply publicly with your candid thoughts and
expertise about this topic of landslides and building codes and
grading issues in your county. Your voice in this matter is
highly respected!
HTML https://www.datareport.inf
o/current-weather/landslides-watauga-county-nc-grading-building-
in-landslide-hazard-areas-at-697-j/“
#Post#: 3972--------------------------------------------------
Re: Landslides-Watauga County NC grading & Building In lands
lide Hazard Areas at 697 Jordan V Cook Road Boone, NC 28607
By: Masked Man Date: July 31, 2025, 2:14 am
---------------------------------------------------------
...I just think its weird just as Watauga County is in the
middle of reconstructing, fixing bridges and roads meanwhile
some family construction company is developing, grading, yanking
earth supporting trees and rocks out and hoisting buildings with
cranes building directly on a landslide hazard area deemed so by
a map drawn up by the US interior above my home and yard over
moving water next to springs...these people doing this have been
doing this for over a year straight here and there whenever they
feel sometimes using excavator for days straight and all
weekends. These people doing this I see are totally unregulated
insofar as I know... I wanna see some inspectors! I wanna see
something in writing! I don't think its too much to ask. The
whole point of building and grading inspections are for the sake
and safety all those affected by the construction. Regardless of
political differences or views that are or aren’t shared I would
think safety and well-being this in the best interests of all
parties concerned.
Now as a footnote Here's a story of Henderson County is not to
far away from me about landslides
SUMMARY:
2,000+ landslides hit Western North Carolina due to Hurricane
Helene
Western North Carolina is often celebrated for its natural
beauty, but floodwaters from Hurricane Helene had a devastating
impact on the mountains and the local community. Landslides
resulting from the flooding caused multiple fatalities, leaving
many residents feeling less secure and comfortable in their
surroundings. Geologists estimate more than 2000 slides happened
after Helene. READ MORE ABOUT THIS:
HTML https://wlos.com/news/local/more-than...
LINK:
HTML https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD_Zy9bNG_4
#Post#: 3992--------------------------------------------------
Re: Landslides-Watauga County NC grading & Building In lands
lide Hazard Areas at 697 Jordan V Cook Road Boone, NC 28607
By: Masked Man Date: August 4, 2025, 8:16 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Let's continue the process of investigation into what happens
and what to do when someone builds atop a landslide hazard
area...
...So its been a couple workdays I guess and no response in my
request for building inspection for a building that has been
built directly on a landslide hazard area above a waterway next
to our home according to the US department of the Interior.. So
I did some research and sure enough "building inspection records
in North Carolina are generally considered public records and
are accessible to the public. This is due to North Carolina's
public records law, which mandates that most government
documents, including those related to building construction and
development, be open for inspection and copying". So I wrote.
reminder again to my county that I am requesting these records..
"9:08 PM (2 minutes ago)
to Jason.Walker
North Carolina's Public Records Law, codified as Chapter 132 of
the North Carolina General Statutes, mandates that most
government records be open for public inspection and copying.
This law aims to ensure government transparency and allow
citizens to access information about how their government
operates
...Many North Carolina counties and municipalities offer online
portals where one can search for and view building permits,
inspection results.
How do I access this information?
Thank you for your time,
The Masked Man"
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