ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- The University of North Carolina at Asheville's five newly constructed residence halls are prohibited due to a life safety concern.

• Construction issues make the residence halls unsafe
• A decision will be made by the Department of Insurance after the State Construction Office turns the buildings over to the university for occupancy
• Officials will discuss the plan Aug. 17

Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey cites construction issues as the reason the halls are deemed unsafe. He says they wouldn't allow for safe evacuations in the event of a fire.

In a statement, Causey says:

"I will not allow anyone to live in a building that may pose a threat to their life or well-being. However, I am confident we will be able to work with the university to swiftly abate the hazards in order to allow students to move in.” 

Once the State Construction Office turns the buildings over to the university for occupancy, a decision will be made by the Department of Insurance.

Commissioner Causey, representatives from NCDOI and the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s Risk Management Division, and UNCA plan to discuss the issue on Aug. 17. 

Classes are scheduled to begin Aug. 20.