Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions

• Most Requested Questions * 16-
  • Most Requested Questions *Mark L. Bellamy, Jr., County Administrator $285,000.00Brian P. Fuller, Deputy County Administrator $206,056.00Richard E. Hill, Jr., County Attorney $205,200.00Susan M. Goodwin, Assistant County Administrator $195,000.00D. Terry Hall, Director of Emergency Communications $181,522.00Timothy D. Wyatt, Director of Information Technology $177,634.00Rose M. McKinney, Director of Human Resources $170,000.00Robert L. Krieger, III, Director of Public Works $166,235.00Allen W. Baldwin, Fire Chief $166,000.00Theresa S. Owens, Director of Finance $165,525.00

• • Most Requested Questions *View York County live streaming media or archives of our Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission meetings. Board of Supervisor Meetings are live, Tuesday at 6 pm and rebroadcast Wednesday - Friday at 11 am, 7 pm, and 11 pm and on Saturday and Sunday at 3 pm.
• • Most Requested Questions *For most county citizens, the answer is VDOT - the Virginia Department of Transportation. In fact, VDOT is responsible for maintenance of all public streets, roads, and highways in the county (in contrast to cities, where the city governments are responsible for maintenance). The exceptions to this general rule are the various private streets, for example in townhouse or condominium developments, where property owners' associations have maintenance responsibility. VDOT maintains the following for citizens to report road problems or concerns: You can reach the local VDOT Residency Administrator's office by phone at 253-5138; the Williamsburg Area Maintenance Headquarters at 253-5138; or, the Seaford Area Maintenance Headquarters at 898-5151. You can also submit a service request by calling the central service center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623). Other helpful links are below. VDOT Customer Service Center
• • Most Requested Questions *The Planning Division and the Office of Development Services puts together a monthly Development Activity Report. That report and more can be found in the county's Development Dashboard located on the Development Services webpage here.
• • Most Requested Questions *- 2025 - $0.7800

• 2024 - $0.7400

• 2023 - $0.7700

• 2022 - $0.7800

• 2021 - $0.7950

• 2020 - $0.7950

• 2019 - $0.7950

• 2018 - $0.7950

• 2017 - $0.7950

• 2016 - $0.7515

• 2015 - $0.7515

• 2014 - $0.7515

• 2013 - $0.7515

• 2012 - $0.7415

• 2011 - $0.6575

• 2010 - $0.6575

• 2009 - $0.6575

• 2008 - $0.6575

• 2007 - $0.6975

• 2006 - $0.6975

• 2005 - $0.8175

• • Most Requested Questions *Yes. Each week, the Board of Supervisors is provided with a package of memos, letters, reports, etc. from the County Administrator, regional bodies, and staff members. This package is posted online on the Board’s website for citizens to review. This initiative is in keeping with the Board’s strategic priority of Effective and Outstanding Communications and Civic Engagement.
• • Most Requested Questions *You can reach the local VDOT Residency Administrator's office by phone at 253-5138; the Williamsburg Area Maintenance Headquarters at 253-5138; or, the Seaford Area Maintenance Headquarters at 898-5151. You can also submit a service request online at http://www.virginiadot.org by clicking on "Report a Road Problem" in the upper right-hand corner, or call the central service center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).
• • Most Requested Questions *Any dead animal that is found on private property becomes the responsibility of the property owner. Any dead animal that is found on a private road becomes the responsibility of the property owner or their Homeowners Association. If a dead animal is found to be on a roadway that is maintained by VDOT, it will be responsibility of VDOT to remove it. If a dead animal is found on a public roadway that is maintained by VDOT, contact the York County Emergency Dispatch Center at their non-emergency number (757) 890-3621.
• • Most Requested Questions *Yes. The county and schools share many services. Some of these are: - Banking

• Network Services

• Payroll

• Accounts Payable

• Purchasing

• Regional Radio System

• Video Services

• Shared Facility Use

• Virtual High School

• Legal Services

• Fueling Stations

• Sign Shop

• Grounds Maintenance

• DARE program

• Schools Resource Officers

• Drills - intruder, tornado, earthquake

• • Most Requested Questions *York County does not require a permit for yard sales. The Code requires that anyone having a yard sale not have more than two (2) a year, and that they last no more than three (3) days each event. Animal Control 8- Animal ControlLicenses can be purchased from the Treasurers Office by visiting the website at https://www.yorkcounty.gov/346/Dog-Tags . You may purchase your license online by selecting "Renew a License" if you receive a notice from the Treasurer. Individual lifetime dog licenses are issued for $10.00.

• Animal ControlNo, you are not required to acquire a license for cats, and cats are allowed to roam free without being tethered. However, they do need to be vaccinated for rabies. All dogs and cats are required by state law to be vaccinated for rabies at 4 months of age.

• Animal ControlReport loss pet to Animal Services at 757-890-3601. Search your immediate neighborhood. Call your local animal shelter to see if your pet was picked-up and to report the loss if your pet should happen to be brought in on a later date. You can call the Heritage Humane Society at 757-221-0150 (typically animals picked up in the Northern End of York County) and the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter at 757-933-8900 (typically animals picked up in the Southern End of York County). Pets without identification can look alike so, visit the animal shelter and look at the animals not only in the impound area but, also the animals in the injured, sick, and quarantine areas. If you find your pet, please advise the local shelter and Animal Services, so the lost pet can be cleared off their list of lost animals.

• Animal ControlOur Animal Control Officers do not respond to calls to remove crawling critters such as spiders, mice, lizards, or flying bugs like wasps, hornets, bees, or any other buzzing insects from your property. Please contact a local exterminating company for help with these animals. There are many wonderful and helpful options in our area.

• Animal Control- Any dead animal that is found on private property becomes the responsibility of the property owner.

• Any dead animal that is found on a private road becomes the responsibility of the property owner or their Homeowners Association.

• If a dead animal is found to be on a roadway that is maintained by VDOT, it will be responsibility of VDOT to remove it. Contact the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) click on the link for reporting a road problem online or calling 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623).

• If a dead animal is found on a public roadway that is maintained by VDOT, contact the York County Emergency Communications Center at their non-emergency number (757) 890-3621.

• Animal ControlAnimal Services will not trap nuisance wildlife that is on your property or that is simply passing through your yard. They will only respond to wildlife that is an immediate threat to personal safety, because it is in the main living space of your home. A nuisance animal is an animal that habitually destroys property. Some animals are exempt from being declared a nuisance, such as all birds of prey (ospreys, eagles, falcons, hawks, etc.), deer, and any animal or reptile protected by the state and/or federal government. Should you have a reoccurring problem with nuisance wildlife, you may contact the Wildlife Conflict Hotline at 1-855-571-9003 in regards to deterring the species of animal that is concerning you. You may also want to check out the link below from VDWR (Va. Department of Wildlife Resources). It lists many different types of animals and suggests ways to try to keep those animals from continuing to visit your yard. You may also contact a local wildlife removal company to trap the species at a cost to you. A quick search on the internet will give you a list of companies to choose from. It is important to note that Animal Services also does not collect newborn or orphaned wildlife. You may contact Tidewater Wildlife Rescue for emergencies at 757-255-8710 or the Wildlife Response Hotline at 757-543-7000.

• Animal ControlAccording to the VDWR, more often than not, handling injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife can do more harm than good. Although our intentions are well-meaning, human interaction with wildlife should always be kept to a minimum. Humans often misinterpret normal wildlife behavior as abnormal and may unnecessarily disturb and stress wild animals by attempting to catch them. Often, particularly in spring, concerned people pick up animals that they think are orphaned. More than 75 percent of such orphans “rescued” every spring should have been left alone. Most wild animals are dedicated parents and will not abandon their young, but they do leave them alone for long periods of time while looking for food. Additionally, many behaviors that people may view as abnormal actually are not in wildlife, and people may do much more harm than good by attempting to catch them for rehabilitation. Do not attempt to rescue skunks or bats. These are high-risk animals that are potentially harmful to your health. Never attempt to capture an adult sick or injured mammal. If they are frightened and/or in pain and see you as a threat, they can be quite dangerous and can cause a severe bite. There is much more information on the VDWR website. If a wild animal has been injured or truly orphaned, please locate a licensed wildlife rehabilitator by calling the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at their toll-free wildlife conflict hotline at 1-855-571-9003, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, or visit the licensed wildlife rehabilitator section of their website.

• Animal Control"Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It kills almost any mammal or human that gets sick from it." (Virginia Department of Health) The Rabies virus lives in the saliva and is spread when the infected saliva gets into a wound. Only mammals get rabies. Rabies can be prevented by getting the proper vaccinations from you local veterinarian on a regular basis. Keep records of your pet’s vaccinations for future reference. Only mammals get rabies: bird, fish, reptiles, and amphibians do not. Skunks, bats, foxes, raccoons, dogs, cats and some farm animals are most likely to get rabies. Rabbits, squirrels, rats and mice, and pets like gerbils and hamsters seldom get it. Rabies can be prevented in cats, dogs, and some livestock with a rabies vaccination. For most wild and exotic animals, there are no rabies vaccines available that have been shown to protect them. A vaccine is available for ferrets, but because not enough is know about how rabies affects them, even vaccinated ferrets may still have to be killed and tested if they bite someone or get exposed to a rabid animal. Because of improved rabies vaccination programs for pets and better treatment for people who are bitten, rabies cases among humans in this country are rare. The best way to prevent the spread of rabies to humans is by keeping pets properly vaccinated. What to DoIf your pet is bitten, contact the local health or animal control authorities. To limit the possibility of exposure, keep your pets on your property. Do not leave garbage out that may attract wild infected animals to your property. A rabid animal sometimes acts tame. Do not keep wild animals as pets. If you see an animal acting strangely, report it to your local animal control. Do not go near it yourself! If your pet has bitten someone, tell the person who was bitten to see a doctor immediately. Domestic animals will be confined for a period of 10 days for observation/quarantine. Report the bite to the Animal Control Services at 757-890-3601 and to the local health department as well. In Williamsburg, this number is 757-603-4277. The number for all other areas on the Virginia lower Peninsula is 757-594-7340. If you have been bitten, do not panic but do not ignore it. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and plenty of water. Get medical attention as soon as you can. If you can, identify the animal before it runs away, then call the local animal control. If it is a wild animal that must be killed, do not damage the head. The brain is used to test for the rabies virus. Board of Supervisors 12

• Board of SupervisorsThe Board of Supervisors' do not have an office at the County Administration Building. The best way to contact them is by phone or email, view complete contact information for all members of the Board of Supervisors' page

• Board of SupervisorsNo, the first meeting of the month is only for a work session. The Board of Supervisors does not entertain citizen comments at this time. During the second regular meeting of the month, a citizens comment period as well as a time to speak on public hearing items that are scheduled for that meeting is provided..

• Closed meetings are held only for those purposes specifically provided by law, which includes, but is not limited to, discussion of specific personnel matters, acquisition and disposition of publicly-owned property, investment of public funds, and consultation with legal counsel. No action is taken in a closed meeting.Board of Supervisors

• Citizens' Comment Period is an opportunity for citizens to address the Board. At the second regular meeting of the month, the floor is open to York County citizens, property owners, and business owners who may wish to speak on any matter of concern. The Board limits speaking on the same topic to 3 times within a 12-month period. Speakers are limited to a 3-minute presentation.Board of Supervisors

• Public hearings are required by the Virginia Code to be scheduled on certain proposed changes to the York County Code and for zoning changes, use permits, and certain other issues to hear citizens' views. Public Hearings are advertised in the local newspaper.Board of Supervisors

• Adjourned meetings are meetings continued from earlier Regular meetings. They may be also referred to as work sessions.Board of Supervisors

• An ordinance is a formal enactment of a law. Taxes and regulations are usually established by ordinance. Intention to consider an ordinance is advertised in the local newspaper.Board of Supervisors

• A resolution is a less formal action than an ordinance. Resolutions are used for administrative issues, such as authorizing the County Administrator to take certain actions, making appointments, authorizing budget appropriations, and setting policies.Board of Supervisors

• A proclamation is a ceremonial act signed by the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, usually to proclaim an event recognized in York County.Board of Supervisors Building Safety 6- Building SafetyThe Division of Building Safety office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

• Building SafetyThe Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC), established criteria for building permits. In addition to permits for new construction, permits are needed for renovation, demolition, plumbing, gas, mechanical, electrical, fire protection and asbestos removal. Section 108 of the VUSBC specifies when a application and building permits are required. VUSBC Section 110.5 states, "A permit shall be considered authority to proceed with construction in accordance with this Code, the approved construction documents, the permit application and any approved amendments or modifications. The permit shall not be construed to otherwise authorize the omission or amendment of any provision of this Code.

• Building SafetyBuilding permits are required for most construction activity. VUSBC Section 108 requires a permit to be issued by the building code official when: - Above and in-ground swimming pools.

• Changing the use of a building either within the same use group or to a different use group when the new use requires greater degrees of structural strength, fire protection, exit facilities or sanitary provisions. Constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, or demolishing a building or structure. Fences associated with swimming pools.

• Installing or altering any equipment which is regulated by this code.

• Removing any asbestos containing material. When erecting a tent greater than 900 square feet in size and intended to be used by fifty or more persons.

• When installing or extending any plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems.

• When moving a lot line that increases the hazard to or decreases the level of safety of an existing structure in comparison to the building code under which the structure was built.

• Building SafetyAll building plans are reviewed by the Division of Building Safety subsequent to Planning & Development Services and Stormwater reviewing and approving their respective requirements. A building permit can be issued when all the reviews have been completed, approved and all applicable fees been paid. Many projects will also require reviews by Public Works Utilities Operations and the Department of Fire and Life Safety. The reviews ensure that the project can be built within the code requirements and will reduce field inspection delays. The Department of Fire and Life Safety reviews plans with the Division of Building Safety for fire alarms, commercial kitchen range hoods and sprinkler systems. Although building plans are jointly reviewed, the Department of Fire and Life Safety does not issue building permits. All construction plans should be submitted to the Division of Building Safety who in turn will forward them to Fire and Life Safety for review. Fire and Life Safety can be at (757) 890-3600. In many cases, the above reviews may not be required or may be completed in a shorter time frame. The larger the projects the greater the impact and more reviews and approvals are required. It is always best to plan ahead for any size projects. Commercial projects require an approved site plan before building permits can be issued. Building plans can be submitted for review before site plan approval and it is recommended that they are submitted simultaneously. The plan review also includes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Before a permit is issued all local and Hampton Roads utility connection fees must be paid. Standard fees may be obtained and can be paid through either the Division of Utility Billing in our Finance Department or the Utilities Operations Division of Public Works.

• Building SafetyYou do not need a permit for ordinary repairs and specific exceptions to the code. Ordinary repairs and Exceptions are: - Installation of cabinets in all occupancies.

• Installation or replacement or floor finishes in all occupancies. Light fixtures and ceiling fans, within the dwelling unit in occupancies of Use Group R-2 and in occupancies of Use Groups R-3, R-4 and R-5.

• Painting any portion of a structure, repair of plaster, interior tile and other wall coverings in all occupancies.

• Replacement of 100 square foot or less of roof decking in Use Group R-3, R-4 or R-5 unless the decking to be replaced was required at time of original construction to be fire-retardant-treated or protected in some other way to form a fire-rated wall termination.

• Replacement of mechanical appliances provided such equipment is not fueled by gas or oil, within the dwelling unit in occupancies of Use Group R-2 where serving a single family dwelling and in Use Groups R-3, R-4 and R-5.

• Replacement of plumbing equipment without alteration of the water supply and distribution system, sanitary drainage systems or ve