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Administration of Estates

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1. What terms are involved in the administration of estates?

The decedent is the deceased, i.e. the person who left the estate. A decedent has died testate if he or she has left a valid will. If a person dies intestate (without leaving a valid will), the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in effect at the time of death, determine who the heirs are and who will therefore receive the decedent's property. The person who the court appoints to administer the estate for the decedent is called an executor if specified in the will or a personal representative if no executor was specified. Executors and personal representatives are also referred to generically as administrators or fiduciaries. Other people involved in the administration of estates include the Commissioner of Accounts (a local person appointed by the circuit court to oversee the administration of estates), the circuit court clerk and his or her deputies, and the circuit court judges.

The will (last will and testament) is a legal document drawn up by a person and/or his or her attorney to specify how a person's property should be distributed and who should administer the affairs of the estate. A copy of a document is certified by a circuit court deputy clerk to indicate that it is a true and complete copy of the original. An exemplified copy also contains the official seals of the judges and clerk of the circuit court.

To probate a will is to officially prove it as the authentic and valid last will and testament of the deceased and admit it to record. Qualification and appointment of a personal representative may or may not accompany probate. If a decedent owns real estate in multiple jurisdictions in Virginia, the will should be probated in the jurisdiction where he or she resided and then a certified copy recorded in the other jurisdictions. If real estate is owned in another state, an exemplified copy of the will must be probated in that state.

2. When should a will be probated, or, if there is no will, when should a personal representative be appointed?

Although there is no statutory schedule for probating a will or beginning estate administration, it is prudent to begin the estate process within 1 to 3 weeks after death.

3. Who inherits the property of an intestate (person dying without a will)?

The distribution of property for an intestate is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia in effect at the time of death. After payment of funeral expenses, debts and cost of administration, the law provides for the following course of descents: All to the surviving spouse, unless there are children (or their descendents) of someone other than the surviving spouse, in which case 1/3 goes to the surviving spouse and the remaining 2/3 is divided among all children.

If no surviving spouse, all to the children and their descendents. If none, all to the decedent's father and mother or the survivor. If none, all to the decedent's brothers and sisters and their descendents. There are other contingent beneficiaries set out in the Code of Virginia.

4. How long does it take to probate a will or appoint a personal representative on an intestate's estate?

The time is usually less than 1 hour. The time varies depending on the number of potential personal representatives to be appointed, the degree of cooperation that exists between them, their familiarity with the estate, whether or not surety is required on the bond, the accessibility of the subscribing witnesses, and other factors.

5. Is it always necessary to have someone qualify as a personal representative on a decedent's estate?

Qualification is not always necessary if the estate consists solely of real estate held with full rights of survivorship. (When a husband and wife own their home jointly, with right of survivorship, the surviving spouse"automatically inherits the other half's interest.) While not considered for probate purposes, real property held in this manner is not exempt from estate tax considerations. It is also not necessary if jointly owned bank accounts, insurance or bonds payable to a living beneficiary, or anything Payable On Death (P. O. D.).

6. Who will qualify as an executor under a will?

If there is a will, and an executor or executors is named in the will, the person or persons specified will qualify. If there is a will, but no executor is named or the specified executor refuses or ceases to serve, the circuit court may grant administration to an alternate executor or a beneficiary of the will.

If there is no will, the surviving spouse is given preference in the appointment of a personal representative, followed by the other natural distributees (children, parents, etc.). Anyone having an interest in the estate may qualify after 60 days have elapsed since written notice has been given to the other heirs. Whoever is appointed as an executor must take an oath to faithfully perform the duties required and must give bond in an amount at least equal to the value of the estate. If the will does not waive surety, surety must be given on the bond.

7. Who has jurisdiction to qualify administrators on a decedent's estate in Virginia?

The circuit court clerks and deputies thereof may qualify personal representatives. To learn more, view our Circuit Court page.

8. Where should I go to qualify as a personal representative on someone's estate?

You may go to the circuit court clerk's office of the jurisdiction where the decedent had a known place of residence, where the decedent owned real estate, or, if none, where the decedent died or owned any property. The Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court of the city of Roanoke is located in the Roanoke City Courthouse, on the 3rd floor.

9. What information must I have available at the time of qualification?

You will need the decedent's full name, age, address, place and date of death and marital status, a certified copy of the death certificate, and the original Last Will and Testament, if one exists.

You will also need estimated values of real estate in Virginia and personal property owned by the decedent, both tangible and intangible (furniture, livestock, machinery, vehicles, cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, etc.) and finally names, ages, addresses and degrees of kinship of the heirs at law.

10. What are the basic duties of a fiduciary (executor or personal representative)?

The most important duties of a fiduciary are to identify and take possession of the property of the decedent over which the fiduciary has control, determine and see to the payment of the liabilities (debts) of the estate, including taxes, and sell or distribute the property of the estate in accordance with the dictates of the will and the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia in effect at the time of death. Within 30 days after qualification or probate, you will need to give written notice to the heirs and beneficiaries of the estate, or those who would have been the heirs. The affidavit of notice must be filed with the clerk's office within 4 months from the date of qualification.

Other important duties are filing a complete inventory of the estate within 4 months of qualification with the Commissioner of Accounts (a local person appointed by the circuit court to oversee estate administration) and an annual accounting of all assets and distributions of the estate until a final accounting can be made.

11. Is an executor or administrator compensated?

The law provides for fiduciaries to be compensated for the time and energy involved in administering a will. The Commissioner of Accounts must approve the compensation, which is generally limited to five percent of the assets handled.

12. Is this everything I need to know about administering estates?

No. There are over 200 sections in the Code of Virginia that deal solely with the administration of estates. You should contact the Clerk of Circuit Court's Office if you have any questions regarding probate procedure. You should contact an attorney if you have any questions regarding the legal interpretation of Virginia's estate laws.

13. What must a personal representative do to have a will admitted to probate?

There are 4 steps a personal representative has to do to have a will admitted to probate. Read about the process online. Personal Representative Probate Steps

14. What taxes and fees are associated with probate?

There are numerous taxes and fees associated with a probate. Find out more online. Probate Taxes & Fees

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Admissions Tax

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1. Do I compute the Admissions Tax based on the total amount of gross receipts from admissions?

No, the tax should be computed based on the individual ticket or admission price. For example, $20.00 x 9%; $13.50 x 5.5%; $5.00 x 5.5%. The tax should not be computed or based on total gross receipts.

2. Do I need to keep records of my admissions receipts?

It is very important that accurate, auditable records be maintained. These records should reflect all of the ticket prices and cover charges as well as list all of the tickets or admissions sold by category and the total number of customers. Each charge made should be entered in a cash register and the total amount of money taken in should match the cash register tape. If a cash register is not available, a two-part ticket or some other accurate system may be used.

3. Are charitable organizations or one-time events exempt from the Admissions Tax? Are any individuals or groups exempt from this tax?

Charitable organizations, clubs or groups are not exempt from this tax. The City Code does not provide for any exemptions from the tax for one-time events or for educational or charitable groups. The Code does exempt the tax for any admission charge of less than ten cents $0.10.

4. If there is a charge for a buffet and those persons paying for the buffet receive free admission, should the buffet receipts be reported as Meals Tax or Admissions Tax?

If a person pays for a buffet and receives free admission, their payment is in effect an admission charge and is not taxable as Meals Tax. If payment is made which entitles the customer to admission, it constitutes an admission charge regardless of what they receive in exchange. If a person pays for a hat, t-shirt or buffet and receives free admission in exchange, the payment constitutes an admission charge and is taxable for the Admissions Tax.

If a person pays for a buffet and is also charged a separate admission fee (e.g. $2.00 buffet and $2.00 admission), then the charge for the buffet is taxable under the Meals Tax and the Admission Charge is taxable under the Admissions Tax. It is important to keep detail records of the ticket sales and taxes.

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Appeals & Board of Equalization

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1. How do I know if my assessment is correct?

You should first attempt to decide for yourself what your property is worth by looking at area sales, contacting appraisers, and comparing assessments of similar homes. Sales and assessment information is available in the Office of Real Estate Valuation and open to the public for review during regular office hours. Some information is also available by using the Data and Searches page.

2. What if I don't agree with my assessment?

Please see our Appeals Process page.

3. What are the grounds for an appeal?

Please see our Appropriate Grounds for Appeal page.

4. What is the Board of Equalization?

Please see our Board of Equalization page.

5. What evidence do I need to present to the Board of Equalization?

State law puts the burden of proof on the property owner to show the assessment is incorrect. Keep in mind your evidence must be strong enough to prove the assessor's value is incorrect. Simply stating property taxes are too high is not relevant testimony. You should establish in your own mind what you think your property is worth. The best evidence for this figure would be recent sales prices for properties similar to yours.

The closer in proximity and similarity, the better the evidence. Another type of evidence is oral or written testimony from a witness who has made a recent appraisal of your property. A third form of evidence would be identification of properties similar to yours, but with dissimilar assessments.

6. Does the Board of Equalization have the final say?

No. If you don't agree with the decision rendered by the Board of Equalization, you may file suit in the Circuit Court. This will usually involve you hiring an attorney to represent your appeal.

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Architectural Review Board

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1. What am I allowed to do under historic district zoning?

The H-1 and H-2 historic districts were created to promote historic preservation and protect the city’s historic resources against architecturally incompatible development. The city regulates exterior design only; interior modifications are not subject to review. The Architectural Review Board (ARB) reviews plans for exterior improvements, suggests design alternatives and approves plans by issuing a Certificate of Appropriateness.

The ARB has adopted design guidelines to help you plan compatible improvements to your property. The guidelines adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

2. When do I need a Certificate of Appropriateness?

A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for any work resulting in a change of exterior design or appearance. A Certificate is not required for routine maintenance or repair if the original design, material and appearance is not changed. Things you can ask yourself include the following. Are you repairing and retaining existing materials? Are you replacing features using the same material and design? Are you using a new material, but keeping the same design? If you answered “yes” to any of these, you may need to fill out and submit an In-kind Repair and Replace Form.

Note that you must post your Certificate of Appropriateness, along with all other required permits, in a publicly visible location on your property. The Certificate must remain posted for the duration of your project.

3. What are common projects not requiring a Certificate?

Repointing masonry, matching existing mortar, and any interior modifications are common projects not requiring a Certificate. However, it may require an in-kind approval.

4. What information do I need to provide?

A complete application must contain photographs of the property to document existing conditions, samples of any new materials to be introduced, scaled drawings of your project, showing all dimensions, details, and materials, and drawings should include a site plan (“bird’s eye” view) and all relevant elevations (facades) and sectional (“slice”) views.

5. How do I obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness?

Once you submit your application, the Architectural Review Board (ARB) Agent will review the proposed work, consult the design guidelines and schedule the matter for an ARB meeting. The time line for approval depends on the nature and scope of the proposed work. The ARB Agent may approve some simple, routine improvements, often on a same-day basis. In general, larger or more complex projects require a hearing before the ARB, which meets the 2nd Thursday of each month. The deadline for submitting material for the Board's consideration is 15 business days prior to the meeting.

6. When can I begin work on my project?

The applicant is responsible for meeting all provisions of the city’s building and zoning codes prior to beginning work. Permits are issued by the City’s Permit Center
Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building
Room 170
Roanoke, VA 2401

If a Certificate of Appropriateness is required, you must submit a copy of the Certificate to the Permit Center for permitting. If a Certificate is not required, simply submit this application, with the ARB Agent's signature, for permitting.

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Brownfields

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1. What is a Brownfield?

The Environmental Protection Agency defines brownfields as "real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties takes development pressures off of undeveloped, open land, and both improves and protects the environment."

2. Why participate in the City's program?

Federal and state laws were passed in 2002 to remove barriers to reusing sites with environmental issues. By participating in the program, City staff can assist an owner or developer to establish liability limitations/amnesty for environmental issues and can access state and federal funds to help address those issues.

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Building Safety

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1. What model codes are adopted by Virginia?

The City of Roanoke, along with all other jurisdictions in the State of Virginia, oversees permitting and inspections by use of the Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). The provisions of the USBC are based on nationally recognized building and fire codes published by the International Code Council, Inc. The model codes are made part of the USBC through a regulatory process known as incorporation by reference. The USBC also contains administrative provisions governing the use of the model codes and establishing requirements for the enforcement of the code by the local building departments and other code enforcement agencies. The current version of the USBC is known as the 2015 Edition of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and was effective throughout Virginia on September 4, 2018.

2015 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code

2. When is a building permit required or not required?

Application for a permit shall be made to the building official and a permit shall be obtained prior to commencing any of the following activities: Construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion or demolition of a building or structure, including the installation or altering of any equipment regulated by the USBC; Change of Occupancy of an existing structure when a new certificate is required by the USBC; movement of a lot line that increases the hazard to or decreases the level of safety of an existing building or structure; removing or disturbing any asbestos containing materials during demolition, alteration, renovation of or additions to buildings or structures.

Not Required:

There are a lot of situations (repairs, for one) where a building permit is not required. View Permits required and exemptions to find out what is and is not covered.

View more about building permit requirements online.

Permits Required and Exemptions for Permits

3. What are the permit fees?

Permit fees are levied to offset the cost of enforcement and appeals of the building codes and permit fees are based on the total valuation of a project. The total valuation is the greater of the actual contract price submitted on the permit application or an applicable amount based on the total square footage of the structure to be built multiplied times the square foot cost data shown on the Building Valuation Data Table with is part of the fee schedule, which can be viewed online. For trade work, renovations, remodel work, or special construction the contract price is used for the total cost of construction. Fee Schedule (PDF)

4. Who may apply for a permit?

Any person applying to the Building Inspections Division for a permit shall furnish prior to the issuance of the permit, either satisfactory proof to the building official that he is duly licensed as a contractor in the Commonwealth of Virginia or file an Owner/Builder Affidavit with the permit application indicating that he is exempt from the licensing requirement. Owner/Builder Affidavit (PDF)

5. May I obtain permits by mail or phone?

Yes, you may apply for permits by mail, email or fax. Otherwise, permits must be obtained in person. You may call or write the Permits and Inspections Office and request an application or you may download applications directly from this website. Permit Center Contact Information

6. May someone else obtain a permit for me?

Certain professionals employed in connection with the project may also obtain permits. The owner may also have a designated agent to obtain permits. An agent is anyone the owner has given authority to act on his or her behalf. Evidence of this authority may be provided as a signed statement on the permit application or a check for permit fees bearing the owner's name and signature.

7. Should I purchase the permit or let my contractor purchase it?

It is our opinion, in almost all instances, the contractor should be required to obtain the permit as part of the project agreement. This is simply because the permit holder is the party responsible for the work and complying with the codes and regulations. A reputable contractor should have no problem obtaining a permit. It is usually those with no license or outstanding violations that will ask you to purchase the permit. If an owner wishes to secure the permit, he will be required to complete an Owner Builder Affidavit which affirms that he will perform all of the construction work myself, with immediate members of his family or with W-2 employees of his company.

If the owner is not performing this work himself, with members of his immediate family or with W-2 employees of his company, the contractor actually doing the work is required to be licensed and must obtain the required permit, not the owner.

An owner wishing to do some of the work himself may qualify to be listed as a subcontractor on the permit for this portion of the work. If you decide to purchase permits yourself, you are responsible for all code requirements and if portions of the project are subcontracted, you must use licensed subcontractors and have those subcontractors properly listed on your permit. Owner/Builder Affidavit (PDF)

8. What type of permit do I need?

The City of Roanoke issues a combination permit when work on a project involves the building trade and at least one other specialty trade. In these cases, a general contractor or the owner, if he/she qualifies, must obtain the permit and list all subcontractors working on the project. If only one trade is involved in the project, the appropriately licensed contractor or exempt person obtains the permit. Permit Types

9. How long is a permit valid?

A permit remains valid for as long as the work is proceeding, and an inspection is performed within the last 6 months. If the work is halted or abandoned for a period of at least 6 months, the permit may be suspended. Extensions may be granted by the Building Commissioner. Letters are sent to permit holders advising them that a permit has expired. The permit holder must apply for an extension in writing and receive approval prior to proceeding with the project.

The Building Inspections Division, as the permit issuer, must have approved inspections recorded in our files for a permit to remain active. If you haven’t started your project or called for any inspections in 180 days or more, your permit will expire. It is the permit holder’s responsibility to prove to the Building Commissioner that work has not been suspended or abandoned. Extensions are not guaranteed.

10. May a permit be voided?

Permits may only be voided by the Building Commissioner when false or fraudulent information has been provided on the application. Otherwise, the permit may be cancelled by the applicant.

11. May a permit be returned for a refund?

Anytime before completion of the project, a permit may be canceled by the permit holder. If the project is incomplete, you are eligible for a refund based on the unfinished portion of the work minus an administrative cost of up to $90.

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Business Personal Property Tax

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1. What is business personal property tax?

Business personal property tax is a tax on the furniture, fixtures, machinery, and tools used in a business, trade, or profession. The Code of Virginia (§58.1-3503) states that all tangible business personal property is taxable for the physical life of the property regardless of age (1 day or 1,000 years old.) Taxable assets include items that have been received free of charge, as a gift, or personal items that have been brought from home to use in the business. Taxable property also includes items that have been partially or fully depreciated for income tax purposes. This tax is assessed annually and is based on all assets owned, or in the possession of, the business on January 1.

2. How is business personal property assessed?

Assessed values are based on a percentage of the original cost for the year of acquisition of the asset. The percentages are listed on the filing return.

3. What is the tax rate for the City of Roanoke?

The tax rate for the City of Roanoke is $3.45 for every $100 of the assessed value. Please note that Aircraft is taxed at a rate of $1.06 per $100 of the assessed value. The tax rates are established by Roanoke City Council.

4. Who is required to file the business personal property tax return?

Every established business, trade, or profession is required to file business personal property tax. The business return is required of every business regardless of size or number of employees.

5. What is the deadline for filing business personal property returns?

The deadline for filing business personal property returns is on or before February 15. A postmark of February 15 is accepted as a timely filing; however, metered mail is not.

6. What is a detailed fixed asset list?

A detailed fixed asset list is a list of all furniture, fixtures, machinery, and tools used in a business, trade, or profession. The list should include the item/asset description, the year acquired or placed into business use, and the original cost. Each business should make a copy of the filing information each year and maintain the list as changes occur throughout the year (disposals, purchases, items received, etc.)

7. What should be included on the asset list?

Business personal property tax includes items that have been purchased by the business to use, or have with the intent to use, to operate any aspect of the business. Taxable assets include items that have been received free of charge, as a gift, or personal items that have been brought from home to use in the business. Taxpayer property includes items that have been fully depreciated for income tax purposes regardless of age. The fixed asset list should include every item in the business - not just new purchases or items recently received. Taxable items include but are not limited to equipment, vacuum cleaners, sanders, hand tools, saws, climbing equipment, ropes, electric tools, ladders, yard tools, mowers, pressure washers, air compressors, tripods, cameras, lenses, film developing equipment, hair styling equipment, massage tables, hot stones, movable shelves and racks, baby cribs, play pens, toys, kitchen utensils, kitchen appliances, linens, filing cabinets, desks, chairs, wall pictures and hangings, lamps, furniture, decorations, storage cabinets, heaters, fans, photocopiers, fax machines, calculators, digital cameras, lap top computers, and computer equipment excluding software packages.

8. What items are exempt from the business personal property tax?

Real estate (building and land) and computer software packages (Lotus, Excel, Word, Quicken, etc.) are the only items exempt from the business personal property tax.

9. Is there a minimum dollar amount that does not have to be reported?

No. All items in the business are taxable for the physical life of the item.

10. Is leased equipment taxable?

Yes. The tax liability is determined by the lease agreement between the lessee and lessor. If the lessor is required to file and pay the tax, the lessee should list the leased equipment on the back of the business personal property filing form. If the lessee is required to file and pay the tax, the equipment should be included in Schedule 1 or 2 on the lessees business personal property filing return. The lessee should make notation on the detailed asset list that the asset is a leased item.

11. Are vehicles assessed for business personal property tax?

Yes. The vehicle tax is prorated according to the number of months a vehicle is located or domiciled in the City of Roanoke. Taxpayers and businesses have 30 days to notify the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office of any changes (buy, sell, moved, junked, traded, totaled, etc.) The Commissioner’s office verifies all information with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Additional documentation may be required from the taxpayer before an adjustment is made.

12. When are the annual business personal property tax bills mailed?

The annual business personal property tax bills are mailed on April 15.

13. When are the annual business personal property tax bills due?

The annual business personal property tax bills are due by May 31.

14. What should I do if my business has an address change, moves, or closes?

Please contact the City of Roanoke Commissioner of the Revenue’s office as soon as possible at 540-853-2524.

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Callers with Special Needs

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1. How can hearing impaired callers use 911?

Many hearing impaired persons have a TDD (Telecommunicating Device for the Deaf), a keyboard hooked into a telephone. They simply type instead of talk. The 911 dispatchers also have a TDD and can type back to the caller. 

Our center is also able to receive text messages to 911. If your phone provider allows, you may send us a text message. Our dispatchers will be able to communicate with you via text just as effectively.

2. How can callers who don't speak English use 911?

The E-911 Center uses a third party language translation service to provide a translator for the language needed. The translator will stay on the line throughout the call to relay information between the caller and the dispatcher. This service is paid for by the City of Roanoke.

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Calling 911

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1. What is 911?

9-1-1 is the 3 digit telephone number designated in the United States as the universal emergency number.

2. When should I call 911?

You should call 911 to report any police, fire, or medical emergency. Non-Emergencies can be reported at 540-344-6681.

3. What happens when I call 911?

A Communications Officer will answer your call and ask you several questions about your emergency. Based on the nature of the emergency, the dispatcher will summon police, fire, or emergency medical response. When you call 911, tell the dispatcher your exact location, or as much information about your location as possible, the nature of the emergency (someone has a gun, my house is on fire, my neighbor collapsed, etc.), how many people are injured, if any, and names and descriptions of the people involved in the emergency. Answering these questions does not delay the response since the dispatcher will enter your situation in the system as soon as basic information such as location is provided.

Answering the additional questions ensures you get the best response to your situation. Adding any conditions which could make the situation unsafe for responding personnel or bystanders (weapons, gas leaks, disabled vehicles, animals, etc.) is beneficial as well.

Stay on the line until the dispatcher hangs up. You may be able to provide the dispatcher with additional information as emergency personnel respond, or the dispatcher may be able to provide you with emergency instructions.

4. How are calls to 911 prioritized?

As soon as your call is received, the information is sent to the appropriate agency for dispatching. All calls must be prioritized to insure the safety of the citizens and the responding personnel. Calls that occurred earlier in the day may be held so more urgent calls may be dispatched first.

Some situations are more urgent than others. Most often these calls are calls in progress, such as breaking-and-entering, assaults, and suicide attempts. All calls involving weapons are considered urgent calls and are dispatched immediately. Weapons can consist of objects such as guns, knives, baseball bats, broom handles, bottles, and razors. All weapons pose a threat to citizens as well as the responding personnel. It is very important to tell the dispatcher if a weapon is or was involved in the emergency.

5. Will my call to 911 be kept confidential?

Callers to 911 may request their information not be shared with responding police, fire or medical personnel if this information is not relevant to the emergency. However all calls to 911 are recorded in case they are needed in later investigations and are a matter of public record. Under Virginia law these records are accessible to the public.

6. What should I teach my children about 911?

Many hang-up 911 calls are made by children playing on the phone. This is especially true with old deactivated cell phones. By law even deactivate cell phones are still able to dial 911. Each time this happens, a 911 dispatcher will try to immediately call the phone back to determine whether or not there is an emergency. If there is no answer on callback, police are dispatched. If there is an answer on callback, the dispatcher will attempt to speak to an adult to insure all is well. We are unable to call back deactivated cell phones back to verify if there is an emergency or not. If you wish to give your child an old cell phone to play with we ask you to remove the batteries so they don't accidentally call 911 and for their own safety.

We ask adults to not punish children who call 911 and hang up, but rather explain to them 911 should only be used in an emergency. If children are punished for accidentally calling 911, it may scare them from ever using it in the future, whether they have a legitimate emergency or not.

Our Community Involvement Team is able to give presentations to groups of children and demonstrate 911 using our simulator. Children can practice calling 911 in a learning environment, both using a home telephone and a coin telephone. They will see a real dispatcher answer their call for help. They also learn what information will be asked of them and why. We explain kids save lives, too. This program has been very successful in day care centers and elementary schools. The simulator is mainly for children, but we do have a program geared for adults as well. We have found elderly adults enjoy learning how the 911 system works as well.

To arrange a demonstration for your group, please contact the E-911 Center at 540-853-5827.

7. How do I get an ambulance to take me to my medical appointment?

911 only handles emergency medical needs. If you need transportation for a scheduled appointment contact your medical care provider or insurance company to arrange non-emergency transportation.

8. How do I report a lost or found pet?

The Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection maintains a list of pets missing or located and may be reached at 540-344-4922.

Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection

9. Who handles loose or vicious dogs?

In the city, issues with loose or vicious dogs are handled by the Animal Wardens. Call 911 if it is an emergency situation with a vicious dog or 540-344-6681 for non-emergency situations.

10. Who can help me with stray cats?

The city Animal Wardens have animal traps that can be utilized based on availability and necessity to help capture stray cats. Monitoring the trap and letting the wardens know when they have captured an animal or when they need to be picked up are your responsibility. Call 540-853-5303 or 540-853-2387 to request a trap.

11. Where can I get help with wild animals (squirrels, opossum, raccoons, bats, birds, deer, foxes, snakes, etc)?

The city Animal Wardens do not handle wild animals unless they are a direct threat to public safety. This means they typically will only deal with domestic animals (cats and dogs). You can contact a licensed trapper or a critter removal service which you can find in your local phone directory. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries offers a Wildlife Conflict Resolution help line at 855-571-9003, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Information

12. How do I report a problem with water service?

Water service issues including broken water mains should be reported to the Western Virginia Water Authority at 540-853-5700.
Western Virginia Water Authority

13. How do I report a power outage?

Power and other utility outages should be reported directly to the appropriate utility. You can call Appalachian Power (AEP) at 800-956-4237

If there is an immediate hazard such as a live wire down or electrical fire then you may call 911 to make the area safe, however AEP will still need to respond to fix the electrical problem.

AEP for Power Outages

14. Who do I call to report a problem or question with trash or recycle pickup?

Contact the city Solid Waste Management Office at 540-853-2000 - Option 1. Their webpage, linked below, is also an excellent resource for information. 

Solid Waste Management Web Page

15. Who do I call to request other assistance from the city?

For other non-emergency request for assistance you can call the city at 853-2000.

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Children’s Services Act

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1. What is the Children’s Services Act (CSA) for at-risk youth and families?

The Children’s Services Act is a 1993 Virginia Law that provided for the pooling of 8 specific-funding streams used to purchase services for high-risk youth. These funds are returned to the localities with a required local match and are managed by local interagency teams. The purpose of the act is to provide high-quality, child-centered, family-focused, cost-effective, community-based services to high-risk youth and their families.

2. How did the Children’s Services Act get started?

In 1989, the General Assembly became concerned because the cost of providing residential treatment to high-risk youth was increasing at approximately 22% each year. Because of this, a study of children in residential care was conducted. A total of 14,000 from 4 different state agencies were examined. Subsequent analysis showed that services were provided to only 4,993 individual children. In addition, 9 out of 10 of these children returned to their home communities where necessary changes in the child's community environment had not been made. The progress achieved in the residential facility was often lost.

At that point, it was decided that high-quality, less-restrictive, community-based services would be provided to these children if the funds were managed at the local level.

3. Who manages the money at the local level?

Each locality is required to have at least 2 different interagency teams. They are the Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT) and Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT).

4. Who participates on the local teams?

The CPMT is made up of at least 1 elected or appointed official or his designee and the agency heads or their designees from the local Department of Social Services, School System, Community Services Board (mental health), Court Services Unit (juvenile justice), local Health Department, a parent and, where appropriate, a private provider. This team holds administrative and fiscal responsibility for the local-funds pool, develops local policies and procedures, and appoints members of the Family Assessment and Planning Team.

The Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) is comprised of the supervisory-level staff from the same agencies as the CPMT as well as the parent and private providers. These teams work with the families to develop the Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP). If the services needed are beyond what is available in the participating agencies and there are no other family or community resources available, the team may choose to purchase them with local CSA pool funds.

5. Which children may be served by the teams?

In general, the children who would have been served by one of the original funding streams placed in the pool are targeted for services through CSA. The children who would have been served by education funds and/or foster care funds placed in the pool are considered mandated for service. This is because there is sum sufficient language attached to them in the Federal law and/or the Code of Virginia. Also considered mandated are those children who are at risk of removal from their own homes and meet the guidelines for Foster Care Prevention Services, as well as abused or neglected children, as defined in §63.2-100 of the Code of Virginia.

6. Are these the only children who may be served?

If funds are available, localities may choose to serve other children with emotional or behavioral problems, especially those with multi-agency involvement. Parents may be required to contribute financially toward the cost of CSA-funded services.

In the City of Roanoke, "non-mandated" funds are available to some children and families served by the Community Services Board (Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare), Court Services Unit, Roanoke City Public Schools and the local Department of Social Services. These funds are limited, and the City of Roanoke is not required to appropriate funds to serve this population.

7. How do children and families access the teams?

Each locality develops its own policies and procedures governing how families access the teams. The City of Roanoke allows the local Department of Social Services, Roanoke City Public Schools, Community Services Board (Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare), the 23-A Court Service Unit, and parents to make referrals for potential funding. For more information, please call the CSA Coordinator at 540-853-5635.

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Cigarette Tax

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1. What happens if a retailer sells cigarettes without tax stamps?

Any untaxed cigarettes offered to sale to the public or possessed on the premises where cigarette sales occur are subject to seizure and destruction. Additional penalties may apply. The penalty for selling untaxed cigarettes is a Class 1 misdemeanor which carries a fine of up to 12 months in jail or up to $2,500 or both. There is also a monetary fine in addition to the seizure which is one half of the amount of the tax along with interest and a late payment penalty.

2. What if I didn't know about the city's Cigarette Tax?

It is the duty of all dealers and sellers to pay the tax and properly affix the cigarette tax stamps. It is also their duty to ensure that all cigarettes have the proper tax stamps before delivering or offering the cigarettes for sale to the public. All cigarettes should be inspected by the dealer and seller to ensure the tax stamps are displayed.

3. What if a retailer buys cigarettes and discovers that they do not have tax stamps?

The retailer should immediately check any purchase of cigarettes and inspect for the city stamps. If it is discovered that the cigarettes do not contain stamps, the retailer should return the cigarettes and only purchase cigarettes that have the proper state and city stamps affixed. Important Note: Any cigarettes without the proper city tax stamps are subject to seizure.

4. What is the responsibility of a local dealer in cigarettes?

Under Section 32-193 of the Code of the City of Roanoke, every local dealer and every agent appointed is required to purchase stamps from the City Treasurer and to affix the stamps to each package of cigarettes prior to delivering or furnishing such cigarettes to any seller. If a seller discovers cigarettes without the tax stamps, the seller should immediately return the cigarettes to the dealer who is required to affix the proper amount of tax stamps or replace the packages with others that are properly stamped.

5. What is the responsibility of a seller?

Every seller, dealer or retailer is required to examine each package of cigarettes prior to exposing it for sale for the purpose of ascertaining whether the cigarette package has the proper stamps affixed. If any unstamped or improperly stamped packages are discovered, the seller or retailer shall immediately notify the dealer. The dealer is required to affix the proper amount of stamps or replace the packages with others that are properly stamped.

6. What is the Cigarette Tax revenue used for?

The Cigarette Tax revenue supports the General Fund of the city. This fund is used to pay for basic city services such as police, fire, schools, and other city services.

7. How long should a seller or dealer keep records?

It is the duty of every seller and local dealer to maintain and keep for a period of 3 years all records of cigarettes received and sold and to have all records available for inspection.

8. What happens to the untaxed cigarettes that are seized? And, can they be returned to the retailer?

Any cigarettes upon which the tax has not been paid and upon which stamps have not been affixed shall be seized. Such seized cigarettes are deemed to be forfeited to the city and are subject to destruction. Any unstamped cigarettes located on the premises are presumed to be offered for sale and are subject to seizure. Additional penalties may apply including fines and a Class 1 misdemeanor charge. A Class 1 misdemeanor charge carries a fine of up to $2,500 or 12 months in jail or both.

9. Can loose cigarettes be sold outside of a pack?

No, only properly stamped packs of cigarettes may be sold or offered for sale to the public. Loose cigarettes are considered untaxed and are in violation of Code of the City of Roanoke. Cigarettes are to be sold to the ultimate consumer in unopened packages so that the label, stamps, stickers or health warning labels are not altered, removed, concealed or obscured.

10. Are tobacco products called "Little Cigars" considered to be a cigarette or a cigar and therefore not taxed?

Tobacco products called "Little Cigars" are considered to be a cigarette as defined in the Code of the City of Roanoke. Little Cigar packages are required to be sold with the proper city tax stamps.

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City Clerk

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1. How do I contact the City Council Members?

Council Member's contact information can be found on City Council's webpage or by contacting the City Clerk's Office at (540) 853-2541.

2. Who is the Council Member for my area?

The Roanoke City Council is comprised of six Council Members and a Mayor elected at large. Any Council Member or the Mayor may be contacted with regard to City issues and citizen concerns.

3. When and where are Roanoke City Council meetings held?

Roanoke City Council meets at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on the first Monday of each month and at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on the third Monday of each month. If the meeting date falls on a holiday, the meeting will be held on the following Tuesday.

Roanoke City Council meetings are held in the City Council Chamber which is located in the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S. W., Room 450.

4. What is the procedure to appear before City Council? Do I need to complete a form?

Citizens may address any agenda item(s), public hearing and non-agenda items during the regular meetings of Council which are held on the first and third Mondays.

Citizens who wish to speak may register on the date of the meeting at the entrance of the City Council Chamber before 2:00 p.m. Citizens may also pre-register by calling the City Clerk's Office at (540) 853-2541, Monday through Friday, (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.), prior to and including the date of the Council meeting.

Speaker forms will not be accepted for the Council Meeting once the meeting has convened. Any material needing to be distributed to City Council Members must be reviewed by the City Clerk before the start of the meeting.

Speakers appearing before City Council will not be allowed to: Campaign for public office, promote private business ventures, engage in personal attacks, use profanity or vulgar language. Speakers who violate these rules will be declared out of order and shall immediately yield the floor and be seated.

5. How can I obtain an Ordinance or Resolution adopted by City Council?

Copies of ordinances and resolutions can be researched and printed from City Clerk Online or by contacting the City Clerk's Office at (540) 853-2541.

6. How do I apply to serve on a Council-Appointed Board, Commission, Committee or Authority?

Applications to serve on a Council-Appointed Body can be picked up and submitted at the City Clerk's Office located in the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S. W., Room 456 or apply online here.

7. What is the procedure to rezone a property, alter or vacate a street or an alley?

The applicant must obtain an application from the Office of Planning, Building and Development as well as meet with staff of the Office of Planning, Building and Development, to determine that all filing requirements have been met and that all information contained in the application is correct.

The Office of Planning, Building and Development shall determine the required fees. A statement determining compliance with the Zoning Ordinance will be prepared by the Secretary or Agent to the City Planning Commission and attached to the application.

The applicant is responsible for any and all advertising costs incurred for advertisement of applications for public hearings before the City Planning Commission and City Council and will be billed by the City or the local newspapers for such costs.

For further information, please contact:

Tina M. Carr, Secretary, Roanoke City Planning Commission at (540) 853-1730

8. What is the procedure to apply for real estate tax exemption?

Any organization planning to seek tax-exempt status for its real and/or personal
property must first request in writing on the organization’s letterhead a determination
from the Commissioner of the Revenue whether the organization is already eligible for
tax-exempt status by classification or designation per Title 58.1, Chapter 36 – Tax
Exempt Property, of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. The organization must
include a written description of the intended use of the property for which tax exemption
is being requested.

The Commissioner of the Revenue will respond to the organization in writing after a
determination of tax-exempt status has been made. If the organization is already
eligible for tax-exempt status and the intended use of the property is determined to be
consistent with the mission of the organization, the organization will be so informed in
writing.

For further information, please contact:

Commissioner of the Revenue's Office at (540) 853-2521
City Clerk's Office at (540) 853-2541

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Clerk of Court

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1. What do I need to obtain a marriage license?

You can apply for your marriage license by mail.

Both parties must be present to apply for a marriage license. You must both be at least 18 years of age and present valid government issued identification that is not expired (ie; passport, drivers license, id card). If an interpreter is needed you should bring one with you. Neither the bride or groom can interpret for the other. Your marriage license must be used within 60 days or returned to our office. The license must be returned to our office within five days after the marriage occurs. It can be used anywhere in the state of Virginia and your Officiant must have been approved to perform licenses by any circuit court in Virginia. The costs for the marriage license is $30.00 and we accept cash, MasterCard and Visa. There is a $2.00 convenience fee when a card is used for payment. Once you are married and the Officiant has returned the completed copies of the marriage license you can get certified copies. You may present these to employers, insurers, social security or the DMV. The certified copies are $2.50 each  

2. How do I get married at the courthouse by the Clerk of Circuit Court

Brenda S Hamilton is the Clerk of Circuit Court for the City of Roanoke and is authorized to perform marriages. Due to COVID-19 she is not performing wedding ceremonies at this time. 

3. Can I pay my court costs/fines online or over the phone?

The Circuit Court of the City of Roanoke accepts online payments for criminal and traffic fines and costs. You cannot make payments over the phone. Mail payments may be made by check or money order to the Roanoke City Circuit Court 315 Church Avenue SW, 3rd Floor Roanoke, VA 24016, payable to the Clerk of Circuit Court, and make reference to your case number(s).

4. How to I obtain a Concealed Handgun Permit?

In order to obtain a concealed handgun permit you must be 21 years of age or older, have a valid government-issued photo ID, be a resident of the City of Roanoke, and provide proof of competency with a handgun. Click Here

5. Who do I contact when a loved one passes away

Cecilia Mcghee 540-853-6712

Kim Simmons  540-853-5832

Kara Stapleton 540-853-6710

Until further notice appointments are required for all probate matters.

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Foster Care

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1. What is foster care?

Today’s foster care system is designed to protect and nurture children and support permanency, most often this is return home, but can also be adoption, placement with relatives, or living independently, but connected with a family. Children in foster care have been removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect, or special family circumstances. Even though this is for the children’s well-being, it is still a difficult time for them. Foster families provide not only a home, but also caring, understanding and guidance. When returning home is not possible, adoptive families provide the permanency every child deserves: a forever family to call their own

2. Who are the children in foster care?

In the City of Roanoke, children in the foster care system and/or available for adoption are of all ages, with a large percentage of youth between 11-18. Some have special needs, medical issues, or academic challenges. All of them are unique individuals with potential, who need an everyday hero, maybe you, to help them. Like all children, they need a safe, stable and nurturing family.

3. Is fostering or adopting just like raising my own children?

Raising a child who is or was in foster care is different from regular parenting. It can be more challenging; kids in care have experienced many hardships. It can be more complex, but foster and adoptive parents are supported as a part of a team; they receive special training, help to meet children’s individual needs, access to medical care for the child and reimbursement for certain expenses. Good foster and adoptive parents know that, above all, this is about selecting families for children who need them, not just about putting children into families who want them. It takes a village to raise a child: our village, more than ever, needs families to help do this.

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General

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1. Frequently asked question?

Answer.

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Habitual Offenders

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1. How can I appeal a determination of habitual offender status?

If the commissioner of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles determines you to be a habitual offender and you believe that you do not fit the definition above, or if the determination was based solely on failure to pay fines or costs and you have now paid all such fines or costs, you may petition the circuit court in the city or county in which you reside to restore your privilege to drive. If you are not a resident of Virginia, you may petition the circuit court of the city of Richmond, Virginia.

The Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court will provide you with forms provided by the Supreme Court of Virginia for your information.

2. How can my driving privileges be restored if i am a habitual offender?

There are many ways to petition the court in which you were determined to be a habitual offender or the circuit court in the city or county in which you reside to restore your privilege to drive. View more information on restoring driving privileges online. Restoring Driving Privileges

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Health Impacts of Lead

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1. What are the health effects of lead?

Lead poisoning is a preventable environmental disease which affects an estimated 250,000 children in the United States. Lead can get into your body, through breathing or swallowing lead dust particles, and by eating chips, dust, or soil containing lead based-paint. Lead is most harmful to children 6 years old or younger because children often put their hands and other objects in to their mouth which may have lead dust on them. Growing bodies absorb more lead, and children's brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.

2. What do I do if I think my child or I have been exposed to lead?

Talk to your pediatrician, general physician, or local health agency about what you can do. Your doctor can do a simple blood test to check you or your child for lead exposure. You may also want to test your home for sources of lead. Call us at 540-853-5682 to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.

3. What are the health effects of lead in children?

Health effects of lead in children can include behavioral and learning problems (hyperactivity), delayed growth, hearing problems, headaches, and damage to the brain and central nervous system.

4. What are the health effects of lead in adults?

Health effects of lead in adults can include reproductive problems, high blood pressure, digestive disorders, muscle and joint pain
, memory and concentration problems, and nerve disorders.

5. What are some sources of lead?

Contaminated dust is the major source of lead for most children. While lead paint that is intact is generally not a concern, paint that is peeling or chipping can create a hazard. Lead-based paint was used heavily in homes built before 1960, but was phased out of paint in 1978. In general, the older the home or structure, the more likely it is to have lead-based paint. It is most commonly found on windows, trim, doors, railings, columns, porches and exterior walls.

View more about sources of lead online. Sources of Lead

6. What are some big steps in reducing my risk of lead?

If you live in a home built before 1978 and the paint is in poor condition, or you have been or are remodeling, you should talk to your physician about having your children tested. A simple blood test is the only way to know if a child has lead poisoning. Blood lead tests are especially important for babies and toddlers since their blood levels tend to increase rapidly from 6 to 12 months and peak at 18 to 24 months of age. Children older than one year should have a blood test every couple of years or every year if the house or apartment contains lead paint or if you use lead in your job or hobby.

A paint inspection will determine if there is lead content in the paint. A risk assessment will determine if there are any sources of lead exposure which may be hazardous and what actions you need to take. Lead inspections and assessments should be done by qualified individuals who are certified lead-based paint professionals. For a list of certified professionals, visit EPA's website or call the Roanoke Lead Safe program at 540-853-5682 Certain renovations can release lead from paint and dust into the air. Take precautions before you or a contractor disturb painted surfaces by having the area tested for lead-based paint and temporarily remove your family when the remodeling is being done, especially children and pregnant women (sealing off the area from the rest of the house). Do not use a belt-sander, propane torch, heat gun, dry scraper or dry sander. These can produce large amounts of lead dust and fumes. EPA

7. Are there any other small things I can do to reduce my exposure to lead?

Keep the areas your children play in as dust-free and clean as possible. Ensure that your children have a nutritious diet strong in iron and calcium. This will reduce the amount of lead their body takes in. Keep children from chewing on window sills or other painted surfaces.Wash children's hands often throughout the day, especially before meals and bedtime. Wash bottles, pacifiers, toys, and stuffed animals regularly.

Make sure you clean-up paint chips immediately. If you rent, notify your landlord of peeling or chipping paint.

Clean floors, window frames, window sills, and other surfaces weekly using warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner. Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead from soil. Finally, bathe pets on a regular basis to reduce the amount of dirt they bring in from the outside.

8. What are remodeling laws in regards to lead?

Landlords have to disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before leases are signed. Leases must include a lead-based paint disclosure form.Home sales contracts must include a lead-based paint disclosure form. Buyers have up to 10 days to check for lead hazards.

Contractors doing renovation repair, and painting projects in homes, schools, and child care centers have to be certified and trained to follow lead safe work practices. Renovators are required to provide occupants with a copy of the EPA booklet, Renovate Right. All of these federal laws are for pre-1978 housing.

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Juror Information

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1. How was I chosen for jury service?

Potential jurors are selected randomly by a computer process overseen by the city's jury commissioners. Names are selected from the voter registration files in such a way as to produce a representative cross section of the community. Men and women over 18 years of age and from all walks of life have an equal opportunity to be called for jury service.

2. Do I have to respond to the summons to jury service?

Yes. The summons to jury service is an official court summons. If you do not respond, you could be held in contempt of court.

3. What if I can't perform jury services right now?

Your term of jury service might disturb your regular pattern of work and other activities. If this disruption causes you genuine hardship and not just inconvenience, it may be possible for you to defer your service to another time. However, deferment is done only in case of genuine hardship or need. The judge decides. If you feel you can't perform your jury service at this time, call the number listed on your summons to discuss your situation.

You won't be excused because jury service is inconvenient or because you have a busy schedule, but you may be excused for reasons such as a physical ailment. If you have special conflicts on particular days during the term, the court may excuse you on those days.

4. What about my job?

Your employer can't fine, demote or otherwise penalize you for missing work while performing jury service. Many employers will continue to pay your salary while you are in jury service. Contact your employer to find out the policy at your job.

5. Will I be reimbursed for serving on a jury?

You will be reimbursed $30 per day for attendance for each day you must report to the courthouse. This amount is set by the Virginia General Assembly.

6. How long will I be in jury service?

Jurors serve for 1 term of court. Depending on where you live, your term may be up to 4 months. Your summons will indicate the length and exact dates of the term you will serve.

7. What if an unexpected emergency keeps me from coming to the courthouse while I'm on a jury?

It is very important all jurors report each day they are told to report and be on time. Your absence may delay a trial. If you have an emergency (such as a sudden illness or death in the family), call the court immediately.

8. How will I know what to expect and what to do during my jury service?

Most courts provide an orientation program for jurors to inform and educate them about jury service and the trial process. The orientation will inform you of the procedures for checking in on the days you must report to the courthouse, how you find out when to report, what the court's hours are, and what to do if you have an emergency during jury service. Additionally, you will learn about your role as a juror and what you should and should not do while in the courthouse or serving on a jury.

9. What hours will I serve?

You should report to the court at the date and time shown on your jury summons. At that time, you will be told the procedure for reporting to the court for the rest of the term and the court's normal business hours. On days you report for jury service, you can expect to be at the court during normal hours. If not selected for a jury, you may be able to leave early. Jurors will be given a lunch break and may be given other breaks during a trial. On occasion, a trial will continue beyond the court's normal working hours. If this happens, you may need to arrange your schedule to allow you to stay longer.

10. I have heard sometimes jurors are not allowed to go home until after the trial is over. Will this happen to me?

Usually, jurors go home at the end of the day and return the next morning. However, in extremely rare cases, a jury will be "sequestered" during the trial or during the jury's deliberations. Sequestered means instead of going home at the end of the day, jurors stay in hotels, where their access to other people and to radio and television news or newspapers is limited. This procedure is used to keep jurors from accidentally hearing something about the trial not mentioned in court or from being influenced by news reports. This is important because juries must reach their decisions based only on what they've heard during the trial. In almost all Virginia jury trials, however, the jury goes home at the end of each day and is simply told not to discuss the case with anyone nor to watch, read or listen to news reports about the case. It is essential you follow these instructions.

11. Is there anything I can do to make my jury service more comfortable, convenient and enjoyable?

Certainly! While efforts are made to reduce delay and avoid waiting time, you may have to wait a while at the courthouse before you find out whether you have been chosen to actually sit on a jury (the reasons why are explained in the next section). So bring a book, some needlework, or other quiet activity; solve a crossword puzzle; write a letter; sketch a picture; or get to know your fellow jurors. Remember, as a juror, you are a vital part of the court system. Part of the job of many court employees, such as the bailiffs and the clerks, is to help make your jury service comfortable and convenient. Don't be afraid to ask them for help.

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Jury Selection

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1. Is it possible that I might report for jury service but not sit on a jury?

Yes. The parties involved in a case generally seek to settle their differences and avoid the expense and time of a trial. Sometimes the case is settled just a few moments before the trial begins. So even though several trials are scheduled for a certain day, the court doesn't know until that morning how many will actually go to trial. But your time spent waiting is not wasted - your very presence in the court encourages settlement.

2. How are jurors chosen to sit on a jury in a civil case?

When a trial is ready to begin, the bailiff calls potential jurors into the courtroom. If damages of less than $10,000 are claimed in the case, 11 jurors will be called. If damages of more than $10,000 are claimed, 13 jurors will be called. The clerk or bailiff asks the potential jurors to stand, hold up their right hands, and swear or affirm they will truthfully answer the questions about to be asked of them. The judge will then tell you the names of the parties and their attorneys and briefly explain the nature of the case.

The judge will ask if you are related to anyone involved in the case, have any financial or other interest in the outcome of the case, have formed or expressed an opinion or have any personal bias or prejudice affecting how you might decide the case. If you don't think you can make a fair and impartial decision for any reason, you should tell the judge at this time.

The attorneys for each side might also ask you some questions. If the judge concludes you may not be able to make a fair decision, you will be asked to step down, and another prospective juror will be brought in to replace you. After the judge decides all potential jurors are qualified to fairly and impartially hear the case, the clerk will compile a list of jurors and give it to the attorneys. Each side will remove 3 names from the list. They do not have to give reasons for removing these names. If the amount claimed is under $10,000, the final jury will have 5 members. If it is more than $10,000, the jury will have 7 members. The remaining jurors then swear they will hear the case and give a verdict they believe to be true. The trial is ready to begin.

3. Why are some jurors removed from the list?

Allowing both sides to participate in selecting the jury gives the parties the opportunity to feel the jury will be fair and impartial when it decides the case. Being excused from a jury in no way reflects on your character or your competence as a juror, so you should not feel offended or embarrassed if your name is removed.

4. How are juries chosen in a criminal case?

The procedure for criminal cases is very similar to the procedure for civil cases. However, 20 prospective jurors are called for a felony trial, and the final jury will have 12 members. For a misdemeanor case, the final jury will have 7 members.

5. What are alternate jurors?

Sometimes, when the judge believes a case is likely to last for more than a day or 2, additional jurors will be chosen from those summoned for jury duty, questioned and challenged like other prospective jurors. The additional jurors are chosen to avoid having to retry the case should 1 or more jurors be excused from the jury during the trial for an emergency (such as illness), leaving too few jurors to decide the case. Throughout the trial, all jurors will sit together, paying careful attention to all the evidence. After closing argument, and before the jury retires to the jury room to decide the case, the judge will excuse from further jury duty enough jurors to reduce the number of jurors to the statutory number needed to decide the case.

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Jury Trials

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1. What are my responsibilities now that I'm part of a jury?

In any trial, 2 kinds of questions will have to be decided at various times. These are questions of law and questions of fact. The judge decides the questions of law. You decide the questions of fact. After you have decided the questions of fact, you will apply the law to the facts as directed by the judge at the end of the trial.

2. What is a "question of law?"

Questions of law involve the determination of what the law is. They may be about procedural matters (what information can be admitted as evidence, what kind of questions can be asked, which witnesses can appear, and what they can testify about). Or they may involve questions of substantive law, which create, define and regulate the rights of parties.

3. What is a "question of fact?"

Quite simply, it's deciding what really happened in a case. Don't be surprised if the evidence given by both sides is conflicting or if the testimony given by a witness contradicts another. After all, if everyone was in agreement about what happened and what should be done about it, the dispute probably wouldn't be in court, and a jury probably wouldn't be needed. Your job is to listen to all the testimony, consider all the evidence, and decide what you think really happened.

4. Who else will be in the courtroom? What will they be doing?

A number of people will be in the courtroom besides the judge, the jury and the attorneys. A list of court personnel can be found online.

5. What happens during a civil trial?

After the clerk or bailiff has sworn in the jury, the case is ready to begin. Both attorneys may make opening statements explaining their client's position and outlining the evidence they expect to present to support their claims. These statements are not evidence and should not be considered as such. The witnesses for the plaintiff are then called and questioned by the attorney for the plaintiff and cross-examined by the attorney for the defendant. After cross-examination, the plaintiff's attorney may reexamine some of the witnesses. After all the plaintiff's witnesses have been called and all the plaintiff's evidence has been presented, the attorney will tell the judge the plaintiff rests.

Witnesses for the defendant may then be called. This time, the defendant's attorney questions the witnesses and the plaintiff's attorney cross-examines them. When all the defendant's witnesses and evidence have been presented, the defense will rest. After the defendant has finished, the plaintiff has the right to offer testimony in reply.

The judge and the attorneys will then go to the judge's chambers to consider the instructions the judge will give the jurors about the law of the case (this is discussed below). After the judge has decided on the instructions, the judge and the attorneys return to the courtroom. The judge reads the jury instructions to the jury, then the attorneys make their closing arguments. The closing arguments let each attorney tell the jury what they think the evidence proves and why their client should win. These closing arguments may help jurors recall many details of the case, but they are not evidence. The plaintiff's attorney speaks first, followed by the defendant's attorney. Finally, the plaintiff's attorney speaks again and closes the case.

6. What are jury instructions?

Jury instructions tell the jury what the laws are governing a particular case. Each attorney gives the judge a set of proposed jury instructions. The judge considers each instruction and gives the ones properly stating the law that applies to the case. The jurors must accept and follow the law as instructed by the judge even though they may have a different idea about what the law is or ought to be.

7. Who awards damages in a civil case?

In a civil case, the jury not only decides on a verdict for one side or the other, but also awards damages. That is, if the jury determines an award of money should be made, the jury decides how much money should be paid.

8. How are criminal cases tried?

Criminal cases are very similar to civil cases, except instead of a plaintiff, there is a prosecuting attorney. The prosecuting attorney may represent either the Commonwealth (the state) or a city, county or town.

9. What are the 2 types of criminal cases?

There are 2 kinds of criminal offenses: felonies and misdemeanors. A felony offense is punished by death or by a prison sentence of a year or more. If the felony offense is possibly punished by death, it is called a capital offense. If the maximum punishment allowed by law is less than 1 year in confinement or only a fine, the offense is called a misdemeanor.

10. Who sets the punishment in criminal cases?

If the jury finds the defendant guilty in a criminal case, they set the punishment at the same time they decide their verdict. After a guilty verdict in capital cases, however, the jury hears evidence in a separate proceeding before deciding on the penalty.

11. Why do the attorneys object to certain statements or evidence?

An important part of an attorney's job is to protect the client's rights during a trial, making sure the only evidence presented during the trial is proper, relevant and allowed by law. So if evidence is submitted the attorney feels is improper, or if the attorney feels the other side is asking unlawful questions, the attorney will call out, "Objection!" By doing this, the attorney is asking the judge to rule on whether the law allows that particular piece of evidence or statement or question to be admitted. If the judge thinks it should be admitted, the judge will say, "Objection overruled." If the judge agrees the evidence in question is improper, the judge will say, "Objection sustained." How often an attorney raises objections during the trial shouldn't bias you against that attorney's case.

12. Why is the jury sometimes asked to leave the courtroom in the middle of a trial?

The judge may decide to send the jury from the courtroom in the middle of a trial. While the jury is gone, the attorneys and the judge will discuss points of law or whether certain evidence can be admitted. The purpose of these discussions is to make sure the jury hears only legally valid evidence before making its decision. You will be called back to the courtroom when the judge's decision is made.

13. What should I do when testimony is stricken from the record?

You must disregard that testimony. Sometimes the jury hears testimony the judge later decides they should not have heard. The judge will tell the jury to consider the case as if they had never heard it. You must follow the judge's instructions if the parties in the case are to receive a fair trial.

14. Can I talk to anyone about the trial while it's going on?

No. As long as the trial is still going on, do not discuss the trial with anyone. Do not even discuss the case with your fellow jurors until you begin your deliberations. When the trial is over, you can discuss it with anyone if you want, or you may keep silent if you prefer.

15. Can I watch news reports of the trial or read newspaper accounts of it?

No, not as long as the trial is still going on.

16. What if I accidentally hear something about the trial outside the courtroom, or if someone contacts me about the trial while it is still going on?

Ask the bailiff to tell the judge immediately what has happened. Tell no one about the incident, except the bailiff or the judge.

17. What if I realize during the trial I have some special information relating to the case?

Ask the bailiff to tell the judge immediately what has happened. Tell no one about the incident, except the bailiff or the judge.

18. What if I need a break during the trial?

Jurors are given lunch breaks and may be given other breaks during a trial. If it is absolutely necessary you take a break for some reason at any other time during the trial, tell the bailiff or the judge. But note these requests are highly unusual and should be made only if absolutely necessary.

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Jury Verdicts

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1. What happens after the closing arguments?

After the judge gives you your instructions and you hear the attorneys' closing arguments, you leave the courtroom and go to the jury room to begin your deliberations. "Deliberation" is the process the jury uses to reach its verdict. During deliberations, the jury will discuss evidence and review law and facts.

2. Will anyone be in the jury room besides the jury?

No. But if you have any questions or need any help, the bailiff will be nearby.

3. What's the first thing we do?

The first thing you should do is elect a member of the jury to preside over the deliberations, seeing everyone has an opportunity to participate and the discussions remain orderly. The person chosen to preside takes part in deliberations and votes on the verdict along with everyone else.

4. What if we don't understand the jury instructions?

You may take written copies of the jury instructions to the jury room with you. If you don't understand the instructions, you may ask the judge to explain them to you. It is usually best to put your questions in writing and ask the bailiff to give them to the judge, since the judge will discuss the questions with the attorneys before answering them.

5. How should we conduct our deliberations?

Each juror may have a different opinion at the start of deliberations. To reach a decision, some jurors may have to change their opinion. You should keep an open mind; listen carefully to other people's opinions and the reasons for their opinions. You should be prepared to tell the other jurors what you think and why you think it. Be fair and carefully consider what your fellow jurors are saying. Do not let yourself be intimidated into changing your opinion, and do not intimidate anyone else. Change your opinion only if you genuinely agree with what another juror is saying. After a full discussion of the issues, the jury should be able to reach a decision each juror can agree to with a clear conscience.

6. Do we all have to agree?

Yes. Every juror must agree on the verdict. This is known as a unanimous verdict.

7. What should we do after we've reached our verdict?

The person chosen to preside will write down the jury's verdict on a form prepared by the judge, sign it, and notify the bailiff a verdict has been reached. The bailiff will notify the judge, who will call everyone, including the jury, back to the courtroom. The clerk will ask for the jury's verdict and read it out loud.

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Name Changes

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1. Who may apply to have a name changed?

If you are an adult and regularly reside in a city or county, you may apply to the circuit court in the city or county in which you reside. If you are an adult and do not have a regular residence, you may apply to any circuit court in Virginia. If you are incarcerated in Virginia, you may apply to the circuit court in the city or county in which you are incarcerated.

If you are applying on behalf of your child, reasonable notice must be served to the other parent. If the other parent objects, a hearing must be held to determine if the name change is in the best interests of the child. In the event that a circuit court judge finds that notice to the other parent may endanger the child, the judge may waive the requirement for notice.

2. What is needed in the application for a name change?

Each application must be made under oath or affirmation, and will require the following information: address, date and place of birth, felony conviction, names (yours, parents), and whether you're presently incarcerated.

The fee to apply for adult name change and a child name change is $41, payable by cash, check or a Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card. Effective July 1, 2012, the following service fees apply if using a Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card. The service fee for charges $50 and under will be $2. The service fee for charges over $50 will be assessed at 4%.

Law Library.

3. What should I do if my request for a name change is granted?

If your request for a name change is granted, begin using the new name immediately. For more information, view the Changing Your Name section on the Marriage License page online. Marriage License

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New Website Questions

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1. Where do I go to make a payment?

To pay bills, click on the "Make a Payment" tab on the bar at the bottom of the homepage. You can also visit http://www.roanokeva.gov/payments

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Obtaining a Permit

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1. Who can apply for a permit?

Application for a permit shall be made by one of the following: owner or lessee of the relevant property, agent of either owner or lessee of the relevant property, the Registered Design Professional (RDP) associated with the work or any of their agents, the Licensed Contractor associated with the work or any of their agents. The full name and address of the owner, lessee, and applicant shall be provided in the application. If the owner or lessee is a corporate body, when and to the extent determined necessary by the building official, the full name and address of the responsible officers shall also be provided.

A permit application may be submitted by mail and such permit applications shall be processed by mail, unless the permit applicant voluntarily chooses otherwise. In no case shall an applicant be required to appear in person. This means that the application can be processed by mail only. The permit can only be issued in person and a signature on the permit is required. The applicant is also required to furnish satisfactory proof that the taxes or license fees required by the City of Roanoke have been paid when applying for the permit.

2. Who can obtain a permit?

Any person applying to the Building Inspections Division for the construction, removal, or improvement of any structure shall furnish prior to the issuance of a permit, either satisfactory proof to the building official that he is duly licensed as a contractor in the Commonwealth of Virginia or file an Owner/Builder Affidavit with the permit application indicating that he is exempt from the licensing requirement.

It shall be unlawful for the building inspector or other authority to issue or allow the issuance of such permits unless the applicant has furnished his license or certificate number issued pursuant to this chapter or evidence of being exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
Owner/Builder Affidavit (PDF)

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Organizing Your Neighborhood

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1. What is a Neighborhood Crime Watch?

Decades ago crime rates across the U.S. increased at an alarming pace. Citizens and law enforcement agencies focused on developing crime prevention programs to help reduce this growing trend. In 1972 the National Sheriff’s Association organized the National Neighborhood Watch Program. This pilot program was funded by the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration of the U.S. Department of Justice and was designed to enlist the participation of citizens with law enforcement to help reduce and prevent crime. Since then Neighborhood Crime Watch has become one of the most effective means of fighting crime in our neighborhoods because you and your neighbors are the ones who really know what is going on in your area, most likely to be the first to see a crime and call 911 for help.

Throughout our country, dramatic decreases in burglary and related offenses have been reported by law enforcement professionals in communities with active Neighborhood Crime Watch programs. Neighborhood Crime Watches are organized by the police department and participants are required to undergo a series of training sessions to learn how to recognize and report crimes, suspicious activities as well as how to protect yourself, your family, your property, and also that of your neighbors. Neighborhood Crime Watch is a crime prevention program of mutual assistance and cooperation between the police department and active participation of neighbors to reduce crime and illicit activity. Neighborhood Crime Watch also fights the isolation and fear that crime both creates and feeds upon. It forges bonds amongst neighbors, enhances community security through heightened awareness, educational training and open communication between police and neighbors.

Participating in a Neighborhood Crime Watch allows neighbors an opportunity to form positive relationships with one another and with city police department officers specifically assigned to their neighborhood to reduce and eliminate crime-related activities. The area covered by a Neighborhood Crime Watch normally ranges from several homes on a few streets to several blocks with homes on both sides of the streets. Neighborhood Crime Watch is not an invitation for vigilante groups to operate outside of the law.

2. What is a Neighborhood Association?

Neighborhood associations are larger independent, neighborhood-based organizations with their own structure, officers, and bylaws representing hundreds if not thousands of households within a neighborhood. Neighborhood organizations are organized by neighbor residents, neighborhood property investors, neighborhood businesses and others with a focus of working together to create change and improvement, not only in neighborhood safety but also on larger neighborhood issues such as beautification, zoning, neighborhood planning, economic development, housing, infrastructure, emergency management, fund-raising as well as social activities.

Neighborhood associations also partner with city administration to help reinforce the city’s ordinances regarding a neighborhood’s quality of life through education and sometimes peer pressure. Some neighborhood associations become recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a nonprofit organization which provides them an opportunity and ability to raise funds to undertake self-help neighborhood initiatives and projects. Sample Bylaws (PDF)

3. How do I successfully build a neighborhood organization?

Building and creating a successful Neighborhood Crime Watch or Neighborhood Association is about learning the best way to plan and work with your neighbors to get things done. You always accomplish more when you work together in a group. For example, when the Fleming Court neighborhood was having trouble with a property in their neighborhood where residents were selling drugs at all times of the day and night, they organized a Neighborhood Crime Watch and in partnership with Roanoke police were able to eliminate the activity taking place. When the Williamson Road residents were having trouble with flooding in their basements years ago, they got together, took a survey, and presented evidence of their problem to city administration and City Council. With proof of the problem in hand - how many people had flooded basements, how often, where, etc. - the city acted quickly to resolve the issue.

In both examples, had individual neighbors called the city - one then another – resolution of the issue may have taken longer as it may have appeared it only affected 1 or 2 individuals as opposed to affecting many. Being organized and documenting their complaints as a group made the difference.

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Parking Tickets

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1. Have you received the money for my parking ticket?

All payments for parking tickets are received by Park Roanoke. They can check the computer entry to determine if your payment has been received.
Park Roanoke Website

2. What is the telephone number to call when my parking ticket has gone to court and I have received a court summons?

Call the Traffic Division of General District Court at 540-853-2767.

3. Are the days mentioned on the parking ticket "working" days or "calendar" days?

The days referenced are calendar days.

4. If I just received the notice today, how can I pay it on time?

All on-street parking tickets are now payable at Park Roanoke. Their mailing address is:
P.O. Box 83
Roanoke, VA 24002

To pay in person, the address is:
117 Church Avenue, SW
Roanoke, VA

For more information, visit the Park Roanoke website.

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Personal Property Tax

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1. I'm new to the City, what is personal property tax?

Welcome to the City of Roanoke! The Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue thanks you for choosing to live in the "Star City." All vehicles must be registered with our office within 30 days of moving to the City of Roanoke. Registration may be completed by fax, mail, phone, online form, or in person at our downtown location. Please have your registration card(s) available. Remember to report all address/vehicle changes to the Commissioner of the Revenue's office within 30 days. Commissioner of the Revenue

2. I'm moving out of the City, what do I do if I am moving to a prorating locality?

We require a copy of your filing form, decal/license tax application, new assessment bill, or a paid receipt from the prorating locality to which you move. The paid receipt must include vehicle information and the beginning tax date. You can forward this information to our office via fax, mail, or phone. Your City of Roanoke account will be prorated once we receive this information. Prorating Localities Page

3. I'm moving out of the City, what do I do if I am not moving to a prorating locality?

If you move from the City of Roanoke to a nonprorating locality within Virginia, you are not eligible for a refund. Since a nonprorating locality will not tax you for a portion of the year, your taxes are due to the City of Roanoke for the full year.

4. What do I do if I am moving out of Virginia?

We will accept the vehicle registration in the state you moved to, showing the actual date of registration. You can forward this information to our office via fax, mail, phone, or online. Your city of Roanoke account will be prorated once we receive this information.

5. What do I need to do if I am buying or selling a vehicle?

Taxpayers are required by state law to report any vehicle purchases or acquisitions within 30 days to their local commissioners of the revenue. Timely notification will avoid a late filing penalty.

6. What do I do if I am leasing a vehicle.

You must report to our office any leased vehicles that are garaged or parked in the City. All vehicles from leasing companies, including company cars provided by your employer, are to be reported to us within 30 days. Regardless of the party responsible for the payment of the tax, the lessee is required to notify our office.

7. I am a college student, what do I need to know about personal property tax?

Personal property tax on automobiles used or owned by college students is paid to the locality in which the owner(s) of the vehicle(s) resides, regardless of where the vehicle is garaged or parked.

8. I am active duty, what do I need to know about personal property tax?

If you legally reside in Virginia but you are stationed in another state in compliance with military orders, you are not subject to personal property tax in another state. You are required to pay personal property taxes to the Virginia locality where you maintain your legal domicile or home of record although the physical location of your vehicle(s) is outside of Virginia during this period of military service. If your home of record is not in Virginia, your license tax is waived.

9. What do I do with my personal property tax if I am a disabled veteran or former prisoner of war?

The license tax is waived for owners of disabled veteran (DV) tags or former prisoner of war (POW) tags.

10. I am in the National Guard, what are my rates?

The license tax is reduced to $14 for owners of vehicles with National Guard tags.

11. What is my license tax for an antique or vintage vehicle?

In the 1st year of registration, the license tax is reduced to $5 for owners of vehicles with a permanent antique plate with expiration of 99/99/99. The license tax is waived in each year thereafter.

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Personal Property Tax Assessments

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1. Where can I get information regarding my personal property tax?

The assessment of personal property taxes is handled by the Commissioner of the Revenue. Call 540-853-2521 for more information.
Commissioner of the Revenue Webpage

2. How do I appeal my personal property tax assessment?

The Commissioner of the Revenue directs the assessments and can advise you of the steps to take for an appeal. Call 540-853-2521 for more information.
Commissioner of the Revenue Webpage

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Police Academy

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1. How old must I be to become a police officer?

All applicants to the Roanoke Police Academy are required to be 21 years of age upon graduation of the Police Academy.

2. What is on the written test for police officers?

The written test is composed mainly of reading comprehension, basic math and memorization skills.

3. Will I need to study for the written test?

For most applicants extra study is not required to pass the written test.

4. Can I reschedule the written test?

Yes, the written test is offered on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month.

5. How is the agility test graded?

The agility test is graded pass/fail.

6. Will a degree help me in the application process?

Yes, should other qualifications be equal or comparable, the applicant with a degree will be given preference.

7. Will I need a degree to become a police officer?

No. Although higher education is preferred. A high school diploma or the equivalent is required to become a police officer.

8. What is the agility test composed of?

The agility test is performance based. It is composed of a shuttle run, obstacle course and an unloaded or dry fire gun drill.

9. Is the police academy difficult?

The Police Academy is challenging academically and physically but not difficult for those willing to work hard and study.

10. Will I have to live at the Police Academy?

No, academy classes are held from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. at which time recruits are dismissed and return the next day. Recruits in the academy work a 5 day work week with Saturday, Sunday and holidays off.

11. What happens after I graduate from the Police Academy?

Immediately after completing the police academy police officers undergo field training with a Field Training Officer for 12 weeks.

12. What shifts do officers work?

Police Officers work 12 hour shifts. Shifts rotate from day to night at 6 week intervals.

13. Will I be required to live in the City of Roanoke?

No, officers must certainly used discretion as to how far away they live. However, there is no requirement to live in the City of Roanoke.

14. How long will it take to be considered for specialized duty such as Vice, SWAT or K-9?

Generally an officer must be assigned to patrol for a period of 3 years before being considered for permanent specialized duty. Temporary transfers are offered within the department so that new officers are permitted to work in specialized units to enhance their training.

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Purchasing

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1. What is the number for Purchasing?

The number is 853-2871.

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Real Estate Assessment Process

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1. Why have a property tax?

Properties are appraised and taxed to provide services such as schools, fire and police protection, public parks and other public benefits. Property owners thereby absorb their fair share of the cost in proportion to the amount of money their individual properties are worth.

The property tax is part of a well-balanced revenue system. It is a more stable source of money than sales and income taxes because it does not fluctuate as much during recessions. When the community spends tax dollars on better schools, parks, and so on, property values generally rise.

2. What authority does the City have to Conduct a Reassessment?

The Code of Virginia requires all property be assessed for taxation at 100% of market value. The law also requires all property be assessed on an annual basis (every year). The city of Roanoke notifies property owners each January of assessed values.

Annual assessments keep pace with changes in the market. During a reassessment, all property values are examined and adjustments are made where necessary. Guaranteeing assessment at market value assures taxes are distributed equitably and uniformly.

3. What is a market value?

Please see our Market Place page.

4. How is Property Appraised?

Please see our Property Appraisal Process page.

5. What cause property values to change?

A property's value can change for many reasons. The most obvious is the property changes. For example, a bedroom, garage, or swimming pool is added, or part of the property is destroyed by flood or fire.

The most frequent cause of a change in value is a change in the market. When market value changes, so does assessed value. People make value by their transactions in the marketplace. It is important to remember the assessor does not create this value. The assessor simply has the legal responsibility to study those transactions and appraise your property accordingly.

6. What is the role of the computers in the assessment process?

A property's value can change for many reasons. The most obvious is the property changes. For example, a bedroom, garage, or swimming pool is added, or part of the property is destroyed by flood or fire.

The most frequent cause of a change in value is a change in the market. When market value changes, so does assessed value. People make value by their transactions in the marketplace. It is important to remember the assessor does not create this value. The assessor simply has the legal responsibility to study those transactions and appraise your property accordingly.

7. Can the assessment on my property be changed even if the assessor has not been inside my property?

To make a proper assessment on a building, it is desirable for the assessor to see the inside and the outside of the property. The assessor keeps records on the physical characteristics of each property in the city of Roanoke. Even though the assessor may have been unable to go through your property, the assessment will still be reviewed, based on the existing records and the sales of similar properties.

8. Will I penalized if I don't let the assessor in when an inspection is requested?

No. However, when an interior inspection is not allowed, the assessor will attempt to update the records by looking at the property from the outside and using any other available information. To ensure an accurate assessment, it is to your advantage to allow the assessor inside your property when an inspection is requested.

9. Will my assessment go up if I repair my property?

Please see our Repairing / Maintaining Your Property page.

10. How can my assessment change when I haven't done anything to my property?

General economic conditions such as interest rates, inflation rates, supply and demand, and changes in tax laws, will influence the value of real estate. As property values change in the market place, those changes must be reflected on the assessment roll.

11. Do all assessments change at the same rate?

There are differences between individual properties and between neighborhoods. In one area, the sales may indicate a substantial increase in value in a given year. In another neighborhood, there may be no change in value, or even a decrease in property values.

Different types of properties within the same neighborhood may also show different value changes. For example, one-story houses may be more in demand than two-story houses, or vice-versa. Older homes in the same area may be rising in value more slowly than newer homes.

There are numerous factors to be considered with each property, which will cause the values to differ. Some of the factors affecting value are location, condition, size, quality, number of baths, basement finish and garages, among others.

12. Do all assessments change at the same rate?

There are differences between individual properties and between neighborhoods. In one area, the sales may indicate a substantial increase in value in a given year. In another neighborhood, there may be no change in value, or even a decrease in property values.

Different types of properties within the same neighborhood may also show different value changes. For example, one-story houses may be more in demand than two-story houses, or vice-versa. Older homes in the same area may be rising in value more slowly than newer homes.

There are numerous factors to be considered with each property, which will cause the values to differ. Some of the factors affecting value are location, condition, size, quality, number of baths, basement finish and garages, among others.

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Real Estate Taxes

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1. What is meant by fiscal year real estate collections? Also, why is the 1st installment of real estate taxes due in October?

The city collects real estate taxes on a fiscal year basis from July 1 to June 30, which corresponds with the city's accounting year. Since the fiscal year begins in July, the 1st installment is due on October 5 and the 2nd installment is due on April 5 of the following year.

Read further information at the City Treasurer's webpage.

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Real Estate Valuation

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1. What is the real estate tax rate?

The real estate tax rate is set each year by Roanoke City Council. The current tax rate is $1.22 per $100.00 of assessed value.

2. Where should real estate tax payments be made and how often are they due?

Tax payments should be mailed or paid in person in the Treasurer's Office:
215 Church Avenue
Room 254
Roanoke, Virginia 24011

Payments are due on October 5 and April 5 of each year.

3. How can I determine what the tax amount is on a property and if taxes have been paid?

Contact the Treasurer's Office:
215 Church Avenue
Room 254
Roanoke, Virginia 24011

You can also call 540-853-2561.

4. Where should I go to record or research a property deed or lien?

The deeds and other legal instruments related to real property are recorded and filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court:
Roanoke City Courthouse
315 Church Avenue
Room 357
Roanoke, Virginia 24011
You can also phone 540-853-6702.

5. How can I get a copy of a property survey?

Surveys are often filed with the deeds and maintained in the Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court: Roanoke City Courthouse
Room 357
315 Church Avenue
Roanoke, Virginia 24011

You can also phone 540-853-6702.

6. How can I get a copy of a city tax map or other map maintained by the city of Roanoke?

Tax maps, sewer maps, utilities maps, and miscellaneous maps are located in:
Office of the City Engineer
Room 350
215 Church Avenue
Roanoke, Virginia 24011

You can also phone 540-853-2731.

7. If the only information I have about a property is the legal description, how can I obtain additional information about the property?

Contact the Commissioner of the Revenue located at 215 Church Avenue or phone 540-853-2523.

8. Which department has information on and administers the tax freeze program?

Contact the Commissioner of the Revenue located at 215 Church Avenue or phone 540-853-2523.

9. Which department handles inquiries on zoning requirements and what uses are permitted for a particular parcel of land?

Contact the Zoning Office located in Room 167 of 215 Church Avenue or phone 540-853-2250.

10. Which department handles real property subdivisions?

Contact the Zoning Office located in Room 167 of 215 Church Avenue or phone 540-853-2250.

11. Which department handles the acquisition or disposition of city property?

Contact the Director of Economic Development.

12. Who should I call to complain about trash, outdoor storage, unsafe building conditions, or other similar problems on a property?

Please contact the Citizen Service Center on the main floor in the Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue or phone 540-853-2000.

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Recycle Right

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1. WHAT IS THE RECYCLE RIGHT PILOT PROGRAM?

It is a recycling education program to reduce contamination and improve the recycling system in our community. The program combines recycling education and recycling inspection at the curb to help improve peoples’ understanding of what to recycle and what causes contamination. We will inspect recycling carts in a targeted area and provide cart-tags that note what material should not be placed in the recycling cart. This program will focus on the Belmont-Fallon neighborhood and serve as a pilot in advance of a future city-wide effort.

2. WHY IS THE PROGRAM NEEDED?

Recycling can be confusing. The City of Roanoke wants to help educate people on how to recycle right so that we can help our residents, our city, and our environment. Many of the common items that people throw in their recycling carts are actually not recyclable and can contaminate entire carts and even truckloads of potential recycled material. When the recycling load gets contaminated, it also costs the city an extra fee—once to take the item for recycling and another time to take it to the landfill.

3. WHEN AND WHERE WILL IT TAKE PLACE?

The pilot project will focus on a section of the Belmont-Fallon neighborhood totaling 671 households.  The Solid Waste Management and Sustainability departments will be checking the recycling carts from October – December 2022 for four consecutive cycles on alternating Wednesdays.

4. HOW WILL NEIGHBORS BE NOTIFIED?

Households in the targeted area will receive a letter notifying them of the campaign details and a recycling information card that shows what can and can’t be placed in the recycling cart. These mailing materials will include the Spanish translation. A press release will be sent out in advance of the campaign, it will be promoted on social media, and program information can be found on the city’s website.

5. HOW WILL THE PROGRAM WORK?

During four consecutive recycling cycles starting in October and ending in December, staff from the city’s Solid Waste Division and Office of Sustainability will be checking the contents of blue recycling carts with the targeted area on their scheduled recycling day. Cart-tagging staff will be wearing bright orange safety vests for easy identification. Recycling carts containing any of the top five contaminants will be tagged with an ‘Oops Tag’ to identify the non-recyclable materials and will not be serviced. The non-recyclable materials must be removed from the cart in order to be serviced on the next scheduled recycling day.

6. WHAT IS CONTAMINATION?

Contamination occurs when garbage and non-recyclable materials are placed in the recycling carts with good recycling materials. Contamination increases the cost of processing recyclables, undermines the good habits of those who practice proper recycling, and limits the ability of the recyclables to be made into new products. Loads of recycled materials must be taken to the landfill if there are too many contaminants.

The top 5 contaminants in the City of Roanoke are: 

1. Plastic bags (this includes bagging your recyclables) 
2. Tanglers (things like cords and hoses)
3. Wet waste (things like food, diapers, and liquids)
4. Metal and electronics
5. Styrofoam

7. WHY DID MY CART GET TAGGED AND WHAT DO I DO NOW?

If your cart receives an ‘Oops Tag’ it is because we found material that cannot be recycled in your recycling cart. After your cart has been tagged, it will not be picked up that week. Once you remove the materials marked on the cart tag, your cart will be serviced on the next scheduled collection day. There will be no fines associated with this program.

8. WHAT ARE ACCEPTABLE ITEMS TO BE PUT IN MY RECYCLING CART?

Please always recycle: aluminum and steel cans, glass, paper products, and plastics #1 and #2. For a full list of what can and can’t be recycled, as well as resources for where to take items that can’t be put in your recycling cart, please visit www.roanokeva.gov/recycle. 

9. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF RECYCLING?

Some key benefits to recycling are: 

• reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills
• conserves water and other valuable resources
• prevents pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials
• saves and reduces energy
• supports American manufacturing through job creation and technology development

10. WHAT INFORMATION ARE YOU GATHERING DURING THE TAGGING PROCESS?

Information that identifies the most problematic contaminants will be collected in order to help direct future decisions on targeted recycling education efforts. Contamination rates will be measured before, during, and after the campaign to determine if the tagging process is improving recycling knowledge and behavior. No personal information will be gathered during the process or removed from the carts. 

11. SHOULD I BAG MY RECYCLABLES? ARE PLASTIC BAGS ABLE TO BE RECYCLED?

Please do not bag your recyclables. Plastic bags are often mistakenly placed in recycling carts because many bags show a recycling symbol. Unfortunately, plastic bags are not able to be recycled at our recycling facility and can actually harm people and recycling equipment when they get tangled in the machines. Also, when recyclable items are placed in plastic bags, they can get confused with trash and taken to the landfill. The best place for recycling plastic bags is often local retail stores. Visit www.plasticfilmrecycling.org to find a list by zip code of locally participating plastic film retail return locations. If you cannot take the plastic bags to a retailer, please use them for other purposes or put them in your trash cart. 

12. IF ONLY PLASTICS #1 AND #2 CAN BE RECYCLED, WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH PLASTICS #3-#7?

You can bring these plastic items to one of Sustainable Roanoke’s recycling events, which you can find more information here: https://www.sustainableroanoke.org/

13. WHERE CAN I TAKE THINGS LIKE BATTERIES, METAL, AND ELECTRONICS?

You can bring used batteries and other items to Roanoke Valley Resource Authority’s (RVRA) Household Hazardous Waste events. These free monthly collection events take place the third Saturday of each month, beginning at noon for residents of the Cities of Roanoke and Salem, Roanoke County and the Town of Vinton. Preregistration is required to bring items to these events, and you must register no later than 24 hours prior to the event. Cut off is at noon the Friday prior to the event. You can see more information and register online at https://rvra.net/110/Monthly-Collection-Events or call 540-857-5050. 

You can bring any metal you need to recycle to Gerdau Metal Recycling, located at 2580 Broadway Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24014. Depending on the type and quantity of metal, you may even be able to receive money for your items. Visit their website to learn more: Metal Recycling Made Easy - Gerdau

You can bring electronics and other household appliances to stores such as Best Buy and Staples, or if they are in working condition you can donate them to the Salvation Army or Goodwill. It is recommended to give them a call beforehand to make sure they accept the items you hope to recycle or donate, as things may differ from location to location.

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Recycling Collection

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1. How do I get started in the new recycling program?

If you do not have any recycling containers, you can request two free recycling containers by calling 540-853-2000 and pressing option 1 or use the

2. Where do I place my recycling container for collection?

Place your recycling container at the same place where you put your automated trash container (Big Blue). Please make sure that you place your recycling container at least 3 feet from your Big Blue trash container.

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Registering to Vote

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1. Can I register to vote in Virginia?

You can register to vote in Virginia if you are a U.S. citizen, your home is in Virginia, you will be age 18 or older by the next general election, your voting rights have been restored if you have been convicted of a felony, and you have received a court order restoring competency if you have been declared mentally incompetent by a circuit court

2. When can I register?

You can register anytime of the year. To vote in a general or primary election, you must register at least 21 days before the election. To vote in a special election, you must register at least 14 days before the election.

3. What is Absentee Voting or Vote by Mail?

Virginia now allows all registered voters to vote absentee in person or by mailed ballot without having to have an excuse or reason before Election Day.  Voters wishing to vote before Election Day should complete an application online to receive a ballot by mail.  The deadline to return a mailed ballot is Election Day at 7:00 pm.  Alternately, voters wishing to vote before Election Day can vote in person in the office Voter Registration and Elections located at 317 Kimball Avenue NE.  Acceptable identification is required.  

4. How much does registration cost?

Voter registration is free.

5. What information do I need to register?

You must provide the following information when you register:

- Your full legal name

- Your home address and how long you have lived there

- When and where you were born

- Your social security number

- Any place where you have been a registered voter in Virginia

6. Do I have to state my political party preference?

No. Virginia does not have voter registration by party.

7. How can I register if I am homebound?

If you cannot leave home because you are physically disabled or have a continuing illness, call or write your voter registrar. The registrar will send you a mail-in application for voter registration, which is also available at registrars' offices, DMV offices, public libraries, and other locations.

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Roanoke City Jail

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1. What items are prohibited in the Roanoke City Courthouse?

Any electronic devices (i.e., phones, cameras, laptops, tablets, MP3 players,smart watches, etc.) and anything that may be considered a weapon and/or considered a security risk (i.e., guns, knives, stun devices, handcuff keys, pepper spray, etc.).

2. What are the operating hours of the Roanoke City Courthouse?

The courthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 4:45 P.M.

3. Can you be asked to leave the Roanoke City Courthouse for inappropriate dress?

Yes. All person entering any courtroom must dress and act in a respectful and appropriate manner indicative of the dignity of court proceedings. Each court determines appropriate dress and action for that court. Find more information about the jail online.

4. What are the visiting hours for inmates housed at the Roanoke City Jail?

Adult visitors are admitted Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 7:30PM-11 PM. Children ages 13 and under are permitted on Saturdays from 8AM-11 AM. Approved visitors will be permitted to visit for approximately 20 minutes and visit only once during a 7 day period. Currently in person visits have been suspended due to COVID-19.

online.

5. How can I leave money on an inmate's account?

Cash, certified checks or money orders may be mailed to the individual in care of the Roanoke City Jail. Also, secure drop boxes are located in the visitation lobby at 324 Campbell Avenue, the Jail Annex lobby and also in the Roanoke City Jail Administrative Office lobby at 317 Church Avenue.

Certified checks and money orders must be made out to the order of the Roanoke City Jail Inmate Fund and put the inmate’s name in the memo section. There is also a kiosk in the main jail lobby that accepts cash ($5 or more) or credit/debit cards. Money posted to an inmate's account using the kiosk will be available for use immediately. There is a fee to use this service which is deducted at the time of the deposit. In order for someone to leave money on an inmate's account using this system, the person must have either the inmate's ID number or the inmate's NAME and DATE OF BIRTH. The person must also have a valid government issued ID with a 2D bar code or magnetic strip. Money may also be deposited via the internet. Persons may visit the following: govpaynow.com, mycropay.com or MoneyGram (Walmart) to make online deposits.

6. How can someone write to an inmate being held at the Roanoke City Jail?

The mailing address for inmates is:

Smart Communications - Roanoke City Jail 

Inmate Name - ID Number

3735 Franklin RD SW #275

Roanoke, Va 24016

The inmate's name and ID number must be clearly printed on the outside of the envelope or postcard to ensure the mail is posted correctly. Mail not containing the inmate ID Number and name will be "Return to Sender."

Cash is no longer accepted through postal mail. Please mail envelopes containing a money order and a blank cover page to the following address:

Roanoke City Jail

Attention: Inmate Accounts

324 Campbell Ave SW

Roanoke, VA 24016

Make Money orders payable to:

Roanoke City Jail Inmate Fund c/o "Inmate's Full Legal Name"

* In the memo line: Inmate ID Number

Please include your contact information if there is a discrepancy. 

7. Can I make a phone call to someone being held at the Roanoke City Jail?

No. Inmates are only permitted to make outgoing calls. They are not limited as to the number of calls made during normal operating hours, however, the phone system will only limit calls to approximately 30 minutes in length. There is a charge to the person receiving the collect call from the inmate.

If someone does not wish to receive calls from an inmate or inmates, they can contact Securus Technologies directly at 1-800-844-6541 or have a "block" placed on their phone number online.

8. I've heard that inmates at the Roanoke City Jail have to pay for their own medicine and medical care. Is that true?

Yes. The Roanoke City Jail operates a Medical Co-Payment Program under the authority of the Code of Virginia. Inmates pay a co-payment for various medical services such as dental visits, sick call, jail/other doctor visits and prescription handling fees.

However, medical care is never refused to an inmate because of inability to pay. These co-payments are utilized as a source to help off-set the rising costs of medical care.

9. What is the "dollar a day" program?

Inmates are charged $1 per day for each day they serve at the Roanoke City Jail to help offset the cost of their incarceration. Different rules apply for those inmates serving weekends, work release program participants, federal prisoners and those inmates who work as trustees.

10. I'm reporting to jail to serve weekends or a deferred sentence. What items am I allowed to bring with me?

Only cash and prescription medication in original packaging (subject to approval from the medical staff) are allowed. No other items will be permitted.

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Solid Waste Collection

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1. Do I take my Big Blue Container to the curb or to the alley?

To the curb. The only exceptions are in areas where front lawns are too steep, where streets are too congested, or where access to the home is in the rear. Note: These homes will now place their recyclables in the alleys along with their Big Blue container.

2. How do I know if I’m an exception to the curb rule?

Check to see if your alley, street, or block is listed by calling the Citizen Service Center at 540-853-2000, Option 1.

3. What if I am physically challenged and unable to get my container to the curb or alley?

Ask for assistance. Assistance to the physically challenged (door-side service) is available to anyone who needs it, as verified by your physician. To request help, call the Citizen Service Center at 853-2000 or use the

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Star City Alerts

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1. What is Star City Alerts?

Star City Alerts is the City of Roanoke’s official emergency alert and notification system. This system is used to send alerts to the public during emergencies. Star City Alerts is a free service that allows you to sign up online to receive customized alerts via text message, email, and voice message.

In addition to emergency alerts, you can also choose to receive customizable community notifications. These include notifications about severe weather, safety, health, utility disruptions, major traffic incidents, and more. This service is provided by the City of Roanoke at no cost to the public; however, message and data rates may apply.

2. Why should I sign-up for Star City Alerts?

When emergencies happen, be the first to know. The City of Roanoke uses Star City Alerts to send official, real-time alerts to the public with information about potentially life-saving actions they may need to take to keep themselves and their families safe. By signing up for Star City Alerts, you are taking a large step toward improving your personal safety.

3. How does it work?

When an emergency occurs that meets the criteria for sending out an alert to the public, the City of Roanoke’s emergency dispatchers will gather the necessary information and push out an alert to the affected area. Alerts can be sent out city-wide to everyone who has opted-in to the system, or to a specific area or neighborhood for more localized events.

4. How much does it cost?

This service is provided by the City of Roanoke at no cost to the public; however, message and data rates may apply depending on your provider and phone services.

5. Can you guarantee that I will receive notification if I register?

While Star City Alerts is an excellent system, we cannot guarantee that you will receive notification in all cases. Disasters and emergencies are chaotic and unpredictable, and notification is dependent on external providers such as your wireless carrier or email delivery service outside the City of Roanoke’s control. Star City Alerts will use several means of communications to try to ensure that should any one communications method, technology, or delivery option be unavailable to reach residents, other methods will be used to improve the likelihood that citizens will see the message.

6. How do I sign-up for Star City Alerts?

Signing up for Star City Alerts is easy! Go to https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=roanokeva and register your contact information. To update your existing Star City Alerts preferences, click here.
 

7. Who can sign-up for Star City Alerts?

Star City Alerts is available to anyone who lives, works, travels through, or visits the City of Roanoke. The address can be your home location, work location, or any other location you care about.

8. I don’t own a computer – who can help me sign-up for Star City Alerts?

You can visit your local library to sign up online for Star City Alerts. 

9. What types of alerts will I receive?

Emergency alerts are sent 24/7 when there is an immediate threat to life and/or property. In addition to emergency alerts, you can also choose to receive customizable community notifications. These include notifications about:             o Severe weather
                                                        o Safety risks
                                                        o Health risks
                                                        o Transportation disruption
                                                        o Special event information
                                                        o Test messages

10. Can I call the alert phone number back or reply back to the email?

You are not able to reply to texts or emails sent by Star City Alerts. Voice messages provide a dial-back number to replay an alert message.

11. When will I start receiving alerts?

Once you have signed up online at https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=roanokeva and confirmed your contact information within the system, you will begin receiving alerts.

12. How do I update or remove my notification preferences and contact information used by Star City Alerts?

Follow the below steps to change your Star City Alerts preferences (for example, to reduce the number of messages of a certain type, or to change the contacts used for each kind of message):

1. Go to Login page for Star City Alerts 

2. Login using your Star City Alerts username and password (If you’ve forgotten these, follow the instructions on the page under “Forgot Username or Password?”)

3. Once signed in, click the ‘Preferences’ tab at the top

4. Under ‘Notification Preferences’, you can make changes to both the phone numbers and email addresses on which you want to receive Star City Alerts messages by clicking or unclicking the checkboxes

5. You can also choose what alerts you want to receive and the method you wish to receive them by (text, voice, email)

a. For example, if you wish to turn off all messages regarding Transportation Disruptions, simply uncheck the box to the left of “Transportation Disruption”

b. If you wish instead only to receive emails for Transportation Disruption notifications, instead uncheck the “Text” and / or “Voice” choices, so that only “Email” remains checked

13. How often will I receive alerts?

The frequency for which you receive alerts depends on the addresses you provide and the types of alerts you select to receive as well as the frequency of actual emergencies. Emergency alerts will only be sent when there is an immediate threat to life and/or property. Community notifications will be sent when the criteria for sending an alert are met. This system is not intended to bombard you with information. The City of Roanoke will only send you alerts about the information you select to receive. To change your alert settings, login to Star City Alerts and edit your preferences.

14. How does the Star City Alerts system respond to busy signals or no-answer situations?

If a call completes and is sent to your answering machine or voice mail system, a message is left. If a phone call is not answered or busy, the system redials your number several times.

15. Will my information be disclosed or shared?

No, your information is private and will not be used or distributed in any manner. The information that you provide is exempt from public disclosure and will be used for emergency purposes only.

16. What precautions are taken to protect personal contact information stored in the Star City Alerts system?

Personal information provided to Star City Alerts is private and only used to notify you for official City of Roanoke communications and to support the City of Roanoke’s emergency services. Your information is not used for marketing purposes and will not be sold to telemarketers or data-mining organizations. A variety of “opt-in” mechanisms are available to ensure you are getting just the messages you want to receive, delivered via the devices and communications modes that you choose. Star City Alerts utilizes the highest standards in physical and computer security technologies and conducts regular audits to ensure all information is kept secure. Privacy policies are also outlined in the Terms and Conditions you review when you sign up to receive Star City Alerts notifications.

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Stormwater

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1. Why is there a stormwater fee?

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Stormwater Management Ordinance

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1. Why did the city develop the current stormwater ordinance?

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is required by the Virginia Stormwater Management Law and Virginia Stormwater Management Regulations (VSWML&R) to regulate land development activities to prevent water pollution, stream channel erosion, depletion of groundwater resources, and more frequent localized flooding to protect property values and natural resources. These regulations require localities (e.g., the City of Roanoke) to establish a local program to regulate the same in their jurisdiction.

The city implements its own program through the proposed Stormwater Management Ordinance and Stormwater Management Design Manual. The advantage of a local program for property owners and developers are as follows: review of the stormwater management practices performed by the same staff that is reviewing the overall development plan and offers a single point of contact for permitting of land disturbing activities.

2. How was the current ordinance developed?

The City of Roanoke, Roanoke County, and the City of Salem have worked together to develop stormwater ordinances with similar requirements to provide as much consistency as possible for property owners, developers and designers working in the area. The draft city ordinance was developed using a template from DEQ. This assures that the ordinances meet the minimum state requirements but the drafts have also been tailored to consider local conditions and needs.

3. What is the Stormwater Design Manual?

The Manual includes detailed provisions for the design and construction of stormwater management facilities and is incorporated by reference in the Stormwater Management Ordinance. The manual serves 2 primary purposes. First, it provides a detailed description of the process and requirements for the submittal, review and approval of stormwater management plans as well as requirements for the long-term maintenance of storm water management facilities. The manual includes plan review checklists and standard forms and language for the various agreements required by the ordinance. Secondly, it provides a compilation of design criteria and guidelines for common stormwater management facilities that are constructed or anticipated to be constructed in the city. These guidelines will be used by city staff to review and approve Stormwater Management Plans.

The Design Manual incorporates elements of the Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook published by DEQ in 1999 which serves as its primary guidance for SWM programs. Basing the manual on the DEQ Handbook and other recognized sources helps to assure consistency between the city’s local program and state requirements.

4. What activities are covered by the current ordinance?

Residential, commercial, industrial or institutional land development activities that involve land-clearing or soil movement are regulated, but there are exceptions. View the activities covered by the current ordinance for more information. Activities Covered by Current Ordinance

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Suspicious Mail

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1. What should I do if I receive a suspicious package in the mail?

If you receive a package or letter in the mail that you feel is suspicious you should immediately get away from the package or letter, wash your hands, and call 911.

2. What happens after I submit a complaint?

A Police Officer will be dispatched to your home to investigate your complaint, if he feels it necessary he may ask that a Hazardous Materials Team from the Fire Department be dispatched to handle the package.

3. What makes a package or piece of mail suspicious?

There are many different things that may make a package or letter seem suspicious to people, the overall rule is that if you think it is suspicious call 911, and be able to tell the dispatcher why you think it is suspicious.

4. What should I do if I get any type of powdery substance on me from the package or letter?

You should remove any clothing that the substance may have spilled on and place that article of clothing away from yourself and other people, also immediately wash your hands with soap and water, call 911 and be sure to tell the dispatcher that you came in contact with the substance and what you have done to minimize your risk.

5. Should I see a doctor if i come in contact with a suspicious substance from a letter or package?

Yes, you should go to a doctor or hospital emergency room as soon as possible, it may take several days for the substance to be positively identified as harmful or not, so see a physician for further guidance.

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Tax Sale

Show All Answers

1. When and where are tax auctions advertised?

View information on tax advertisement.

2. Are auctions advertised in the newspaper?

View information on newspaper auction advertisements.

3. When and where are the auctions held?

Tax auctions are usually conducted the Jefferson Center located in downtown Roanoke. However, auctions may be held at the courthouse or at other locations as announced on this website. The auction may be held indoors or outdoors. The exact date, time, and location of the auction can be determined from the Notice of Sale published in the local newspaper or on our website.

4. How often are auctions held?

Auctions are held as soon as enough properties are ready through the legal process for auction. Usually auctions are scheduled when the legal process for tax sale has been completed on 10-25 properties. Dates vary, so check this website for notice of upcoming auctions.

5. Where are the auctions held?

The auctions are usually held in Fitzpatrick Hall at:
Jefferson Center
541 Luck Avenue
Roanoke, Virginia 24016

Any change of location will be noted on the tax sale announcements.

6. How can I obtain a listing of properties?

Lists of tax sale properties to be auctioned are posted on this website. Lists are usually not available until 3 weeks prior to the auction. Lists are published in the legal section of The Roanoke Times for three weeks in advance of the auction date. As soon as the list of properties is finalized, it is published on this website. Lists, when available, are also provided by Billings and Collections in the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, Room 252.

The Roanoke Times

7. What qualifies a property for tax sale?

According to State and City code, proceedings may be instituted to sell a property when any taxes on the real estate are delinquent on December 31 following the 1st anniversary date on which such taxes have become due. See 58.1-3965 et. seq. of the Code of Virginia.

8. What types of properties are sold at auction?

All types of properties are sold at a tax sale. This includes vacant lots, vacant buildings, residential parcels, commercial parcels, and manufacturing parcels as well as occupied buildings. For zoning information, check out the city's Geographical Information System.

Geographical Information System.

9. How do I find more information about the properties being offered at an auction?

In most cases, the tax maps and assessment information can be obtained online using the GIS or Geographical Information System. The Real Estate Valuation department can provide information on the property’s assessment while the Code Enforcement, Building Inspections or Zoning Departments may provide additional information about the property. The information contained in the Notice of Sale is sufficient to conduct a search for information. All properties are sold “as is” and “where is.” It is assumed that all bidders at the auction have done their due diligence prior to bidding.

10. How can I keep my property from being sold?

Pay in full or enter into a Promissory Note payment plan agreement to avoid your property from being sold. An active Promissory Note agreement, where no default has been made, will halt tax sale proceedings.

11. If I pay the delinquent taxes on a property, do I have legal ownership of that property?

No, there is no such provision under Virginia law.

12. How can I get a list of all tax delinquent properties in the City of Roanoke?

A list of properties with delinquent real estate taxes may be requested through the City Treasurer. A fee will apply. Lists of properties subject to the tax sale are posted on this web site as soon as the information is available. In addition, lists of properties with delinquent real estate taxes are published in the local newspaper annually. View property lists on the City Treasurer's webpage.

13. Does the city sell real estate tax lien certificates?

No, Virginia law does not allow this. This process is used in many other states, but is not authorized in Virginia.

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Tax Sale - Making a Purchase

Show All Answers

1. Who can purchase property at a tax sale?

The auctions are held open to the public. Anyone can bid on a property. Bidders may include adjacent property owners, neighborhood organizations, Community Development Corporations, investors or other interested parties. Bidders are encouraged to have all real estate taxes, personal property taxes, business license fees, meals taxes, lodgings or admissions taxes, whether as an individual, company, corporation or partnership, paid in full. Bidders are also encouraged to have any outstanding environmental code, building code or zoning code Notices of Violation remedied prior to bidding. Please note: Any successful or highest bidder with weed abatements or demolition abatements, inoperable vehicle violations, vacant or derelict board up house violations, court citing violations and other code violations, unpaid assessments as well as delinquent taxes will be disqualified and the sale will be offered to the next highest bidder. For additional information, view our bidder qualification page.

2. If I purchase a property at a tax sale, will I receive title to the property?

The sale of each parcel of property is subject to city and court approval. It is possible that a purchase could be denied based on the bid price being substantially lower than the value of the property. Usually bidders receive title within 6 to 8 weeks after the tax sale.

3. If I purchase a property which is encumbered by a mortgage, taxes or weed abatement liens, am I responsible for these debts?

No. As part of the tax sale proceedings, all parties of interest are notified of pending litigation to sell the property for delinquent real estate taxes. Virginia law permits the property to be transferred free and clear of any such encumbrances to the purchaser upon the confirmation of the sale by the Court.

4. If I purchase a property at a tax sale, do I have to pay the back taxes?

No, the purchaser does not have to pay any back taxes or city assessments. The property is sold free and clear of taxes and nuisance abatement liens, and legal fees. The purchaser pays the bidder's premium, high bid price, and the cost of recording the deed in the city of Roanoke Circuit Court Clerk's Office.

5. If I purchase a property at a tax sale, can the owner come back later and reclaim the property?

No, property owners have until 5 p.m. of the day before the auction to redeem the property by paying delinquent taxes, legal fees, and assessments. Successful bidders at the auction obtain title to the property and the prior owner has no legal claim on the property.

The property is sold in gross and not by the acre and is sold free of all claims of any creditor, person, or entity, including those claims of beneficiaries under any deed of trust or mortgage, as provided by Virginia Code Ann. § 58.1-3967 (1950, as amended), but subject to all objections, rights, reservations, leases, covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, encroachments, overlaps, overhangs, deficiency in quantity, all questions of boundaries, location and acreage which a current and accurate survey would disclose, roadways, unrecorded easements, and any other matter, recorded or unrecorded, as may lawfully affect the property or which would be disclosed by an inspection and accurate survey of the premises. No warranty is made as to the insurability of title.

6. What is the minimum bid I should expect to pay?

All sales are required to be confirmed by the court. The Special Commissioner of sale will report on the overall bidding of the property, the appraised and/or assessed values of the property, the outstanding taxes due, and the bid amount received for the property at the auction. The bid should bear some relation to the value of the property. In the event the bid amount is unreasonable in relation to the approximate value of the property or substantially below the minimum bid, the Special Commissioner may recommend that the sale not be approved. Additionally, the Court may decide not to approve the sale on its own, or may determine that the property should be resold.

7. Does the City of Roanoke offer a financing program or discounts?

No. Purchasers or bidders are required to secure their own funding.

8. If I purchase property at an auction and later become dissatisfied with the property, can I cancel my bid and get a refund of the deposit or purchase price?

Once the sale is confirmed by the Court, you become the legal owner of the property and the funds paid are not refundable. If prior to confirmation of sale, you become dissatisfied with the property, you will not be entitled to a refund of your deposit. In most cases your refund will be forfeited. The 2nd highest bidder may be contacted and the property may be sold to that bidder or the property may be resold at a 2nd auction, subject to the Court’s discretion. In such an event, you may be responsible for any costs and fees incurred to sell the property for a second time and your initial deposit is subject to forfeit.

9. What type of deed do I receive following confirmation of the sale?

A Special Commissioner’s Deed, a type of special warranty deed, will be available at the local Circuit Court Clerk’s Office for recordation. You are responsible for any recordation fee.

10. Will I be able to get title insurance on a property I purchase at an auction?

The City of Roanoke cannot guarantee that title insurance will be available, since underwriting practices vary from one company to the next with regards to tax sale property. If the availability of title insurance is important to you, you are urged to explore the matter further with a title company prior to bidding.

11. Can a previous property owner reclaim property after I have purchased it at the auction?

Maybe. There is a redemption period to allow the previous owner to be heard by the court. We cannot provide any legal advice regarding this matter, except to advise you to seek your own legal counsel if you are unsure about the redemption period applicable to the property.

For questions call City Treasurer at 540-853-2561.

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Tax Sale - Sale Process

Show All Answers

1. How do I qualify as a bidder at the auction?

To qualify as a bidder at the auction, you may not owe delinquent taxes to the City of Roanoke or have outstanding code violations on any properties owned in the City of Roanoke. Additionally, you may not be a defendant in any delinquent tax suit filed by the local taxing jurisdiction. For more details, read about the Bidder Qualification Program.

2. What are the starting bid prices of properties?

There are no requirements for starting bids nor are there any set amounts for opening bids. The beginning bidding is determined by the auctioneer and is "not" based on any outstanding amount owed against the property such as taxes or liens. The starting bid generally reflects the assessed value of the property.

3. What is the bidding process?

The bidding begins with the minimum bid amount, which usually begins at the assessed or appraised value, and bidding increases according to the bids received, in incremental amounts. All sales are made to the highest bidder. The auctioneer also records the name of the 2nd highest bidder and in the event the highest bidder defaults, the property may be offered to the second highest bidder.

4. What happens to the properties that are not sold at the auction?

If the properties do not sell at the auction or if confirmation of the sale has been denied by the Court, the property may be advertised again and the sale process will be attempted for a 2nd time.

5. How do I find out the results of an auction, including which properties were sold to whom and for what amount?

The information is public record and can be found in the records of the local Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. The information is contained in the Decree of Confirmation.
Circuit Court Webpage

6. How long does the tax sale process take and when can I expect my property to be sold?

In general, the tax sale process takes approximately 1 year from referral of the account to removal from the Court’s docket. The length of time between referral of the account and sale of the property depends on many factors and cannot be determined in advance of the auction. All properties will be advertised at least 2 weeks prior to an auction. Owners have up until 5 p.m. on the date prior to the auction to redeem the property.

7. What are the general steps in the tax sale process?

Depending on many factors, the Tax Sale process may take several months up to a year or even 18 months. The owner of the property may redeem the property at any time during the process by paying all taxes, penalties, interest, and fees up until 5 p.m. on the date prior to the sale. The following steps are usually completed: Tax Sale Process Steps

8. When is a property eligible for the tax sale?

According to State and City Code, proceedings may be instituted to sell a property when any taxes on the real estate are delinquent on December 31 following the first anniversary date on which such taxes have become due. See 58.1-3965 et. seq. of the Code of Virginia.

9. Can someone obtain ownership of real estate by paying off the delinquent taxes and avoid the tax sale process?

The Code of Virginia does not provide for any process whereby someone could obtain a tax lien certificate or tax deed.

10. Does an advertisement in the newspaper entitled "Notice of Judicial Sale of Real Property" announce the sale of properties?

Not necessarily. The law requires an advertisement as the 1st step in the tax sale process and is not intended to advertise the date of an auction. The notice is intended to give legal notice to the owners of the listed properties of the city's intention to begin the tax sale proceedings and to encourage owners to redeem their properties. As required by law, advertisements will be placed in the newspaper 2 weeks prior to an actual tax sale auction.

11. Can I purchase a property as a fraction of its value?

This is also a common misconception. Although properties may be sold at bargain prices, the Circuit Court is required to ensure that the property is sold for a fair and reasonable price. The fair market value of the property is determined through the tax sale process based upon expert evidence as well as appraisals. The Court is required to reject any bid that falls substantially below this value. The city also reserves the right to reject any bid that does not cover all of the taxes and expenses of the sale.

12. What else should I know if I am interesting in purchasing property at a tax sale?

If you are interesting in purchasing property at a tax sale, please read and make sure you understand the Terms of Sale. There may be risks involved. Properties are offered for sale "as-is" with all faults and without any warranty, either express or implied. Prospective bidders are strongly encouraged to investigate and inspect a property prior to the sale. Any costs incurred by a bidder or purchaser to investigate or obtain a title search are at the expense of the purchaser and are non-refundable. Please note that neither employees of the City of Roanoke nor the attorneys representing the City of Roanoke have authority to grant access to the property for inspection. Please also be sure that you understand the minimum deposit guidelines.

For more information, please read our Terms of Sale.

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Treasurer's Office

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1. What collection responsibilities does the City Treasurer have?

The City Treasurer is responsible for collecting delinquent real estate taxes, delinquent personal property taxes, and delinquent business license taxes as well as some categories of bad checks. The City Treasurer also administers the Tax Sale program for the City of Roanoke. The City Treasurer is the department responsible for administering taxes and for collection of delinquent taxes owed to the city. Most often, questions about why you are getting a particular bill can best be answered by calling the City Treasurer at 540-853-2561.

2. Where is the Treasurer's Office located and how do I get there?

The City Treasurer is located in Room 254 on the 2nd floor of the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building at 215 Church Avenue in downtown Roanoke. The Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building is located between Lee Plaza on Church Avenue and the Roanoke Times Building on Campbell Avenue.

3. Where do I pay my bill?

The City Treasurer's Office handles all payments. View details on our City Treasurer's bill payments webpage.

4. What if my tax payment due date falls on a weekend or a city holiday?

If a tax payment due date falls on a weekend or a city holiday, the payment becomes due on the next city working day. For example, if the due date falls on a Saturday or Sunday or city holiday, the payment will be due on Monday or the next day the city offices are open for business.

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Treasurer's Office - Other Services

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1. What is the telephone number for the Virginia Department of Taxation?

Their telephone number is 804-367-8031. Virginia Department of Taxation Website

2. Where do I pay my sales and use tax and where can I obtain a sales tax exemption form?

Virginia sales and use tax payments, registrations, and exemptions are handled by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Taxation. All payments should be made to the Virginia Department of Taxation. For more information contact the Department of Taxation at 804-367-8031 Virginia Department of Taxation Website

3. Who do I contact to obtain a banquet license?

For information on licenses to serve or sell alcohol contact the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control

4. How can I get a list of properties that will be sold at a judicial and/or non-judicial tax sale?

Judicial and non-judicial tax sale properties are listed at: www.roanokeva.gov/taxsale . The tax sale properties are posted on the tax sale webpage as soon as all of the qualifications for the sale have been met. This is usually three weeks prior to an auction. The lists for judicial and non-judicial properties are also published in the Roanoke Times prior to auction. Tax Sale Website

5. Who can answer my questions about the state-wide communications tax?

The Department of Taxation administers the new state-wide communications tax. Information can be found at the Virginia Department of Taxation website.

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Voter Eligibility

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1. Do I have to register for each election?

No, if you have not moved between elections.

2. What should I do if I move to another city or county in Virginia after I register?

Call or write any voter registrar. Ask for a voter registration form. The registrar will send you the form and tell you how to complete it and where to mail it. You can also stop by any registration site and complete a new application for voter registration.

3. What should I do if I have changed my name or local address since the last election?

Tell your voter registrar in writing, or stop by any voter registration site and complete a new application for voter registration. You can also send in the address change portion of your voter registration card.

4. Can I transfer my registration from another state?

No, you must register in Virginia.

5. What should I do if I have been convicted of a felony or judged to be mentally incompetent?

Persons convicted of a felony, who want their voting right restored, must apply to the Governor. For information, write the Secretary of the Commonwealth:
P.O. Box 2454
Richmond, VA 23201-2454
Persons judged by a circuit court to be mentally incompetent, who want their voting rights restored, must obtain a court order restoring their competency.