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Code Enforcement

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1. How high must grass be to be considered a violation?

Grass and weeds that are above 12 inches are considered a violation on occupied lots. Vacant lots are required to be mowed at least 3 times per year.

2. Can you park a vehicle in your front yard?

It is not a violation to park a vehicle on the front yard of a property, so long as the vehicle is parked on the property with the consent of the owner and is not considered “junked”.

3. What qualifies as a "junked" or "nuisance" vehicle?

Junked vehicles are vehicles that do not display a current license plate and:

• Are partially dismantled or wrecked; or
• Cannot be self propelled or moved in the manner in which it was originally intended to move; or
• Is more than 5 years old and appears to be worth less than $100

Nuisance vehicles are vehicles that pose a health and safety hazard or public nuisance. This includes vehicles that are:

• A breeding ground for mosquitoes, rats, or other pests; or
• A point of heavy growth of weeds or grass over 12 inches in height; or
• A point of collection of pools or ponds of water; or
• A point of concentration of quantities of gas, oil, or other flammable materials; or
• Situated in such a way to be in danger of falling or turning over; or
• Is a point of collection of garbage, solid waste, or any other rotten/putrid matter; or
• Contain sharp or jagged edges of metal or glass

 

4. Are vehicles without plates or updated registration “junked”?

No, vehicles without plates or an updated registration that are not otherwise classified as “junked” (see above) are not in violation.

5. Are pools without a fence considered a violation?

Yes, per state regulation, both above and below ground pools must be entirely enclosed by a fence with a self-latching gate that is at least 4 ft. in height.

6. My neighbor's tree is growing over my property. What can the City do to fix this?

Unfortunately, this a private property dispute and the City cannot enforce disputes of this nature.

7. Is running a business from a home a violation?

Some types of businesses may be run out of a home. However, they must follow the regulations outlined under SR 4 of the City’s Zoning Ordinance.

8. Can a commercial tractor trailer be parked in a residential area?

No, commercial tractor trailers are prohibited within residential zoning districts.

9. Can my neighbor park on the street, in front of my home?

Parking is permitted on all public streets unless otherwise stated. In some situations, on-street parking may pose a safety hazard (e.g., restrict access by emergency service vehicles). If you are concerned that a vehicle may pose a safety hazard, please contact the Police Department’s non-emergency phone number (336-434-3134).

10. Are chickens or other livestock permitted within City limits?

Chickens and other livestock (e.g., goats, horses, etc.) are prohibited within City limits.

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Planning and Zoning

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1. Are There Any Requirements for Fences?

Fences do not require a Zoning or Building Permit. However, fences must still meet the following requirements:

• Must be kept within property (Planning Staff recommends about 1 ft. from the property line)
• Must be no taller than 4 ft. if in the front yard and 8 ft. if in the back yard
• Avoid constructing on easements
• Recommended to get a professional survey done to know where property lines are

2. Do I Need a Zoning Permit to Renovate My Building?

Zoning Permits are only required if the project expands the floor plan (e.g., adding external square footage) of the building. A Building Permit may be required for any internal modifications made to a building. Building Permits are granted to by the Randolph County Department of Building Inspections.

3. What Are the Requirements for Pools?

Both above-ground and in-ground must be completely enclosed by a fence that is 4 ft. tall or greater with a "self-latching" gate. This fence can either enclose just the pool or the yard in which the pool is located. Additionally, both types of pools are classified as "accessory structures" which must be set back at least 5 ft. from any property line and 10 ft. from the home.

In-ground pools require a Zoning Permit prior to their construction.

4. Do I Need a Zoning Permit for a Shed?

If a shed has at least one dimension that is 12 ft. or greater (ex. 10 x 12 ft.) then both a Zoning Permit and Building Permit are required. This requirement applies to sheds that are built on-site as well as pre-fabricated sheds that are deposited on-site

5. I've Found a Property I'm Interested in Building On. What Regulations Apply to This Property?

Regulations vary based on the "zoning district" that the property is in. For more information, please visit our Zoning* (include link) page or contact the Planning Department at _planning@archdale-nc.gov.

6. How Do I Apply for a Building/Electrical Permit?

Building Permits and Electrical Permits are granted by Randolph County’s Department of Building Inspections. In some cases, the applicant may need to acquire a Zoning Permit from Archdale prior to applying for a Building Permit (not applicable for Electrical Permits) Randolph County’s Department of Building Inspections is responsible for Building Permits for all of Archdale’s zoning jurisdiction, including parcels located within Guilford County.

Building inspections will also be scheduled through Randolph County once a building permit has been acquired.

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Police Department

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1. How do I retrieve my car, if it has been towed?

The registered owner must bring a current registration or title and picture identification to the police department at:
305 Balfour Drive
Archdale, NC 27263

You will receive a copy of the tow sheet and the location of the towing company where your vehicle is stored. The towing company’s fees must be paid directly to the company.

2. How do I get property back that was taken as evidence?

To retrieve evidence, a person must have a court order or written authorization from the case officer or detective investigating the case. Call police records at 336-434-3134 and schedule an appointment to pick the items up. Bring with you picture identification and the case number.

3. What is the process to have fingerprints taken for employment?

Call police records at 336-434-3134 and schedule an appointment. Fingerprints are taken only on Wednesday or Thursday between the hours of 1 to 3 pm. This service is offered to Archdale residents.

4. Where do I go to get a criminal background check on myself or someone else?

All criminal record checks on individuals must be obtained from the clerk of court. The police department does not perform criminal background checks for the public.

5. How do I find out who is a registered sex offender?

You may go to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation website to view the sex offender and public records registry. If you do not have a computer, you may access one at any public library. You may also contact the local Sheriff’s office in your county for assistance, as they maintain a list of all in their county.

6. When is animal control available?

The animal control officer is available Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 am to 5 pm at 336-434-3134. If there is a problem with an animal and the animal control officer is not on-duty or unavailable, the police department will dispatch an officer to handle the problem.

7. How do I find out about a court date?

You would need to contact the clerk of courts office in the appropriate county.  You may also search the North Carolina Judicial Branch website for your court date.

8. Where do I get a domestic violence protection order (50-B)?

During normal business hours, 50-B orders can be obtained from the Randolph County Clerk of Court or the Guilford County Magistrate. After normal business hours you can call a magistrate for more information. Archdale Magistrate’s Office can be reached at 336-819-3643 or Asheboro Magistrate’s Office can be reached by phone at 336-328-3011.

9. My child’s (father/mother) has failed to return the child as we had agreed upon.

Child custody issues are normally civil matters. Unless a parent has a court order with specific directions from the court on who has custody, then either parent may assume custody of the child, take a child wherever they wish and for any period of time. 

The fact that the parents of the child are not married does not matter as long as both are the legitimate parents of the child. Law enforcement may only assist in locating and returning the child to a parent when there is a valid Court Order and there is a clear violation of that order.

10. How do I get someone out of my house?

If the person has been staying there, you may have to formally evict him/her. That process can be handled by a magistrate. Archdale Magistrate’s Office can reached by phone at 336-819-3643, Asheboro Magistrate’s Office can be reached by phone at 336-328-3011, and High Point Magistrate’s Office can be reached by phone at 336-801-5333. If the person has not been staying there, you need to call the police department at 336-434-3134 so an officer can be dispatched to your location regarding a trespasser.

11. At what age is a person considered an adult?

A person is considered an adult at the age of 18. Parents/legal guardians are responsible for persons until they reach the age of 18. However, should a person at the age of 16 or 17 commit a crime, they are processed and handled in the court system as an adult.

12. What do I do about my teenager/juvenile that will not go to school and will not cooperate with me?

Contact the Randolph or Guilford County Juvenile Service office at 919-733-2126 for assistance.

13. What is the most current Child Safety Seat Law and what does it require?

Effective January 1, 2005 the North Carolina Child Passenger Safety law requires children to be in a child passenger restraint system until they reach 8 years of age or 80 pounds, whichever comes first. Most drivers will comply by using belt positioning booster seats, but other child restraints with harnesses rated for use over forty pounds will be legal to use as well. 

If you would like to have your child restraint system inspected for correct installation, you may contact the police department at 336-434-3134 and schedule an appointment with a child restraint technician. Appointments are available Wednesdays and Thursdays between 1 and 3 pm.

14. How long does a new resident of North Carolina have before they must change their driver’s license to North Carolina?

60 days.

15. Why was my vehicle seized when I was arrested for driving while impaired?

In North Carolina, if:

• A person is charged with an impaired driving offense
• At the time of the offense the person’s license is already revoked for a prior impaired driving offense, then the law enforcement officer must seize the vehicle even if the driver is not the owner of the vehicle

16. What will happen to my vehicle that was seized from a driving while impaired arrest?

Based on certain factors, the court will either:

• Return the vehicle to the owner (also known as releasing the vehicle)
• Transfer ownership of the vehicle to the local school board (also known as forfeiting the vehicle)

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Stormwater

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1. What does the acronym “ACE” stand for?

a.    In 2007, during the initial City Council work sessions and the development of the 30-year plan, the newly formed Stormwater Advisory Board liked the tagline of “Archdale’s Community Effort” which became the basis for the evolving program.

b.    By 2010, the tagline evolved to “Archdale’s Citizens Excel.” 

c.    Although both taglines are used today, the concept behind both definitions guide the annual changes made every year as the program continues to evolve.

2. How is the ACE Integrated Stormwater Management Program involved potential development?

The Stormwater Manager is typically involved early in the process.  Under the presumption that regulatory requirements will be met during the project, several basic requirements will be provided.

a.    The Stormwater Manager will typically provide general information during a typical pre-Technical Review Committee meeting.  This meeting is extremely important and defines expectations and processes through construction and final walk through and closeout of the project with the State of North Carolina.

b.    The Stormwater Manager indicates that his role is more substantial during construction and at the end of construction in which development phases are more clearly defined based on information being prepared by the developer and/or engineer.

c.    The Stormwater Manager encourages on-site meetings and site visits all through the phasing of the project.  However, a minimum of one project site visit is required before a yellow copy of the Certificate of Plan Approval is provided to begin construction.

3. During the initial stages, the developer will acknowledge and submit basic information for use in creating the project file.

a.    A general digital conceptual drawing in AutoCAD compatible format, the latest edition will be provided to the city.  When this file is reviewed, it will primarily establish that the scale and spatial coordinates are correct and compatible with the City of Archdale Mapping System.  In addition, an overlay of the site will be reviewed for impact to the environment.

b.    At the time of submission of the drawing, a file name will be established for future submissions.  Below is the typical naming convention:

i.     [911 Addressing of the Site]- [Project Name on Title Block]-[Acres]-[Submission]

ii.    Example – 222 South Main Street-City by the Stream-3A-MM-DD-YYYY

iii.    Only the date will change on future digital regardless of .dwg, .pdf, .xlsx, etc.

c.    Draft version of the Financial Responsibility/Ownership Form (REV 21 April 2022)

d.    Draft version of Stormwater Agreement

e.    Current Deed of Property to be developed.  During this phase, multiple deeds may be involved. During construction, a recombined deed will be required before the project construction starts.

f.    Typically, the Stormwater Manager will provide general feedback during an in-person office meeting or a telephone conversation which will typically include the following:

i.    The City of Archdale does not specify a specific nomenclature for attributes in AutoCAD. During the review of the file, the Prospector tab is assessed noting which features have been used by the design professional.

ii.    As a rule, the pipe network for stormwater conveyances located both on the site and in the right-of-way are absolutely required for export to a file geo-database which houses the City of Archdale Stormwater Inventory.  For example, a design professional decides to pipe a system along the right-of-way of a project converting an ephemeral roadside swale to a subsurface pipe system.  The pipe system is considered an encroachment of the project into the existing right-of-way.

iii.    General feedback concerning the interaction of pervious and impervious features on the site will be provided.  Landscaping on a site will typically meet zoning requirements but will also be integral as a component of the “Stormwater Control System” and the evolving “Stormwater Control Regulations” mandated by both the State of North Carolina and the Environmental Protection Agency.

4. How are the digital files provided by the developer/engineer used?

a.    As mentioned above, the digital file submitted starts the process of creating a file for future use.

i.    A copy of the original file contained in an e-mail to the Stormwater Manager is placed in an internal directory entitled “Connection of As-Built Drawings to Geo-database.”

ii.    This file is available for scale and spatial review relative to the Record Drawings and Stormwater Inventory Catalog.

iii.    A directory is also created in the Construction Drawings file which may be an abbreviated version of the file name designated “Construction Drawings [File Name].  This file will contain a chronological file of digital documents received over the course of the project.

iv.    Digital AutoCAD compatible drawing files received will not have any layers frozen or restricted and will not have a digital version of the design professional’s seal.  Digital files received are typically marked preliminary – not for construction.

v.    At the end of the project, a final digital drawing file will be submitted, and a hard copy sealed drawing will be submitted.  At this time, the previous As-Built drawings created by the contractor during the construction will have been reviewed by the design professional – the digital drawing updated – and submitted to the city, thus changing over to a digital “Record Drawing” which will be compared to the hard copy sealed drawing for final closeout.

vi.    Because the digital record drawing becomes part of the city-wide system – different components of the file will be exported to geo-database for other uses, this drawing is not sealed. Please note that the components will be checked against the sealed hard copy submitted to ensure that both are the same.  Pipe network systems will become part of the citywide pipe network system.  Impervious surface areas such as building footprints, curb and gutter conveyances, surface flow pavement areas, and landscaping areas become used for citywide impervious updates.

vii.    Finally, the review of the drawing will be field verified with a final meeting on-site with the developer, design professional, and city staff in preparation of final confirmation of punch list items and closeout of project.

5. Why is the name of the project so specific?

a.    The first part of the project name is the 911 addressing.  This part of the project name is crucial.  The City of Archdale will typically contact the county for a new address if necessary.  The City of Archdale uses See Click Fix for documentation of the project which relies on GPS information.  The contractors during construction can report information about the project by accessing an android device or an iOS device.  Contractors’ report information in the Site Construction Runoff category which documents erosion control installation, repairs, and maintenance while construction is active.  Contractors’ report information in the Post Construction Site Runoff category when they are constructing a stormwater control system subject to annual third-party reporting.  In addition, the State needs a reference point when State personnel decide to name a project other than our classification.

b.    The second part of the project name is a project descriptor name.  This is typically parenthetical to the naming and is usually consistent with the engineered drawing title block.

c.    The third part is the designation of the rounded-up number of acres without decimal points.

d.    The fourth part is the date of transmission of the digital document according to MM-DD-YYYY.

6. What are common errors in the preparation of the Financial Responsibility/Ownership Form?

a.    The project name in Part A does not match the first two components of the naming protocol described above.

b.    The physical address in Part A for highway and street is not the same as the addressing used in the project name.

c.    The reported longitude and latitude are not in decimal degrees, or it is not located approximately at the center of the construction entrance.

d.    The acreage on the financial responsibility form is different for the acreage on the drawing.

e.    Landowner of record does not match the name on the deed (s) provided.

f.    County of the notary does not match the seal of the notary.

7. What are common errors on the Stormwater Agreement?

Specific details transferred to the Stormwater Agreement are not in agreement with the information on the Financial Responsibility Form.

8. When do I get a yellow copy of the Certificate of Approval?

a.    Certificate of Approvals’ will only be issued when a complete package is received by the City and all documents matches including a COC from the State of North Carolina.  A not-for- construction white copy of the certificate of approval will be issued to meet the requirements of the Notice of Intent application with the State of North Carolina.

b.    Part of the process prior to the issuance of a yellow copy of the Certificate of Approval is a review of the installed perimeter erosion control features. Initial verification of the number of erosion control features, design professional and city staff site visit confirming modifications made by the contractor during installation of measures due to in-situ conditions have been appropriately documented.

c.    During this on-site review, design professional, contractor, and city staff emphasize the difference between “making an effort by the contractor to protect the environmental impact of construction” and “demonstrating the effectiveness of the measures used by the contractor to protect the environmental impact of construction.”

9. How often should See Click Fix be used for the project?

a.    It is recommended that the contractor use the See Click Fix category under construction site runoff on a daily basis.  A contractor is required to check the project site daily while work is proceeding.

b.    Currently, projects which provide documentation daily in which work is occurring have minimal problems with the effectiveness of measures.     

10. What is required for the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy provided by Randolph County?

The City of Archdale currently has agreements with Randolph County and Guilford County for the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.  This Certificate of Occupancy is subject to the following:

a.    Public Works personnel have received the closed-circuit television (CCTV) video documentation provided by the contractor for subsurface conveyances.

b.    Public Works has verified condition of subsurface conveyances and have provided feedback for repairs; Typically, this review is scheduled between two and four weeks prior to the application of the final inch of asphalt on road surfaces which have subsurface pipes below.

c.    A walk through the site with the developer, design, professional, and city staff has occurred, and the list of items have been uploaded to See Click Fix.  Completed items will be changed from open (orange indicator) to closed (blue indicator).

d.    Once all the above is completed, the county will be notified indicating that all construction requirements have been met and a request to the State has been made for a Notice of Termination.

11. What is the purpose of the asset tabular table on phase construction drawings?

The asset table identifies all infrastructure installed on the phase and the cost of the installation of assets during construction which will be transferred over to the City of Archdale for future maintenance.

a.    What are the linear feet of road constructed in the phase to be transferred to the City of Archdale, and how much did it cost to construct identified by street?

b.    What are the linear feet of storm drainage infrastructure and sanitary sewer infrastructure constructed in the phase to be transferred to the City of Archdale, and how much did it cost to construct identified by pipe size and structure size?

c.    What are the linear feet of water distribution infrastructure constructed in the phase to be transferred to the City of Archdale, and how much did it cost to construct identified by pipe size?

d.    Information provided on the plans will be used for the formal request made to the City Council of Archdale to accept the infrastructure for maintenance.

12. How are the permit Operation & Maintenance Plan(s) of the ACE Integrated Stormwater Management Plan affected by mandated revisions from NC State & the Environmental Protection Agency initiatives?

As the ACE Integrated Stormwater Management Program is a fully implemented program with an implantation date of January 2, 2008, revisions to day activities are reflected through modifications to processes during annual review of the program.  Concurrent review of the program meeting our Best Management Practices documented through our current online portal relate back to the volumes of documentation maintained over the years both in binders and digital directories.  Refinement to the program relates back to the schematic of the interaction of the program maintained on the Stormwater Management page of the website.

a.    A review of internal procedural items takes place during the final annual meeting of the Stormwater Advisory Board.  Currently, that meeting occurs during the last quarter of the year.

b.    The review assesses the three complexes currently owned and operated by the City of Archdale.  Namely, the Municipal Facilities Complex located on Balfour Drive, the Public Works Complex located on Old School Road, and the Parks and Recreation Complex located on Park Drive.

c.    The review also considers the connectivity of the interactive infrastructure associated with the road network and related associative infrastructure.

d.     To date, no major modifications have been required to the initial scope of the program.

e.    Only modifications to the program on a continuous basis has associated with converting from a Microsoft Outlook format to the resident and contractor driven online portal currently being used.

f.    Maintenance of such changes are reflected in the minutes of the meetings and added to the current website which meets the minimum requirement of annual updates.

g.    Since the program has exceeded the retention of documents standard, tracking review of the program is maintained and transparent associated with the current 27 Best Management Practices located on the Stormwater Management page of the official City of Archdale website under either Stormwater Management Plan Tab or Annual Report Tab as well as the Stormwater FAQs Tab Section J of the Annual Report associated with self audit.

13. How is the current edition of AutoCAD submissions used by the City of Archdale?

 Since inception of the ACE Integrated Stormwater Management Program, AutoCad drawings have been required as part of the project submission process based on the latest updates of the modular format of the program.  In recent years, the evolution of the program has included a better interface with ArcGIS.  This has allowed the City of Archdale to remain in compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit allowing us to meet the requirements of updating mapping by way of the project closeout process and the issuing of the State mandated Notice of Intent.

a.  The City of Archdale does not make any distinction between large projects or small projects.  If a project file includes an AutoCAD compatible file, features related to the stormwater pipe network will be utilized allowing for a transfer of information from AutoCAD to ArcGIS.

b. Due to the nature of the digital document, the digital record drawing is submitted as part of the close-package with the updated As-Built information provided by the contractor during construction.  Although a hard copy of the Record Drawing with the engineer’s seal is submitted at closeout, a unfrozen digital file is submitted without the engineer’s seal.  The City of Archdale does not specifically write a template for attributes of the AutoCad file due to the significant variances in engineer’s preferences.  However, due to the fluid nature of the evolution of programs and permits, the city has been able to refer to older projects and extract information for permitting.

c. The City of Archdale does not share any digital files and refers inquiries for such information to the Record Drawing design engineer.  When hard copy pdf files are provided as a result of such an inquiry, processing of the request may be subject to a fee based on current reimbursement practices.

14. Does the City of Archdale have a proprietary set of drawings for castings?

 No. The City of Archdale does allow for an or equal submittal from the manufacturer of castings.  See example of drawing approved below depicted on drawing plans submitted.

15. What typically happens when an unsealed AutoCad digital record drawing and AutoCad hard copy record drawing is submitted?

Of course, the simple answer is relatively easy.  Both drawings are checked for accuracy based on field observations in the field and comparing what is physically onsite.  If the digital, hard copy, and field observations do not match, the design professional will be contacted requesting that an additional quality control/quality assurance check be made before the next submission.  Below is an example of a request for a revision.

1. In the example below, the design professional submitted the revised drawing by electronic means indicating the boundary of the edge of pavement based on as-built information provided by the contractor on 12/5/22.
2. The notation on the drawing may be incorrect and require changing from “record” to “as-built” based on the context.  In addition, the sum of the polylines on the drawing are on the order of approximately 350 linear feet.
3. During the field investigation, the length of the line is significantly larger than the actual in-situ conditions on the order of approximately 40% along the linear length of the polyline.

Although a minor error and was able to be corrected quickly by the design professional,  this type of error was cause for a delay in both the closeout of the site and if not corrected, a delay in the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.

16. How can a contractor remove an erosion control fence during construction?

The simple answer is "once groundcover is established."  However, this may happen in stages during construction.  While placing perimeter sidewalk on a site is a good example of when this occurs. The boundary silt fence initially installed prior to sale of the lot can be subject to a considerable amount of abuse.  Because maintenance of the erosion control fence is a requirement, contractor's typically are instructed to removed the unsightly - unkept silt fence - seed and straw the perimeter between the road and the newly installed sidewalk.  As shown below, this is a case where the approach works very well.  The new sidewalk is above the site and any transport in sediment is directed towards an existing grading area on the single lot.

17. How does the "effectiveness of measure" relate to "making an effort?"

Some contractors often refer to making an effort based on the plans rather assessing the effective of the measures.  For example, placing a  curbside drop inlet protection of a newly constructed road which will be accepted on the surface would be considered making an effort.  However, there are challenges that occur which raise the question of effectiveness of the measures.  This challenge typically occurs at the initial grading adjacent to a sag in the newly installed road.  Below a contractor was required to clean up under two different conditions.  The photograph on the left depicts a heavy sediment load in sack and not on the bottom of the box.  The photograph on the right depicts a heavy sediment load in the sack and on the bottom of the box.  Both measures in the sag of the road met the criteria of "making an effort."  However, both measures in this particular situation required moving resources from production to clean up.

18. How do contractors' typically address sediment transport internal to a project site?

Contractors' in compliance with the guidance of the NCG01 suggestions address items regularly on an active construction site.  Again, sometimes modifications to approved plans are required based on the criteria of "making an effort" and "effectiveness of the measures installed."  Fortunately, contractors' who install measures internal to the site provide for a tiered set of protections before transport beyond the approved site becomes an issue.  In the example below, after a significant event above design criteria, a surgical maintenance repair was required.  The contractors' approved over the specified time following the event involved an initial removal of transported sediment to the sag in the road using flat head shovels and cleaning of catch basin sediment capture.  Following initial removal, residual was allowed to dry then second pass involved mechanical brushing.  Some contractors, in small areas, have accomplished this by using a "stiff bristle push broom" and a "leaf blower."  Larger areas have been addressed using mechanized equipment with "broom attachments."  Typically, the drying effect determines the number of passes required to remove "turbid water transport" in the surgical areas.  High turbid water transport is usually addressed by the contractor adding additional measures routing water before it reaches a rock outlet.

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Utilities

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1. What type of identification is accepted?

All applicants need to bring government issued identification, preferably a driver’s license, valid passport, or military ID.

2. What forms of payment are accepted?

Payments can be made by credit or debit cards, checks (one-party only), money orders or bank drafts.  Payments should not be made in the form of cash, since in-person payments are currently unavailable. 

3. Where do I pay my utility bill?

Information is provided on the back of the water bills. Customers may make payments online, by U.S. mail, by bank draft, or by automated phone system.  We also have a drive-through drop box located at City Hall (307 Balfour Drive) for your convenience.  Payments dropped off week days after 3 pm, on holidays, or on weekends will be credited on the next business day.

4. Do I need to provide my social security number?

The application for residential services asks for your social security number.  If you choose not to give your social security number, you will be required to pay a maximum deposit of $300.00.  Businesses will need to provide a tax identification number.  

5. What forms of payment are accepted?

Payments can be made using cash, credit or debit cards, checks (one-party only), money orders or bank drafts. Please do not mail cash.

6. How often will I receive a bill?

Bills are sent out monthly, usually around the first of each month. Meters are read for each customer once per month.

7. How are rates set?

Water, sewer, landfill, and recycling rates are set by the City Council and based on general recommendations of staff.

8. How do I obtain service for a new account?

Service may be obtained in person at City Hall. You will be required to complete an Application for Service and show legal responsibility for the service address. Legal responsibility can be shown with; an offer to purchase or a closing disclosure or a lease (whichever applies). 

Please bring your photo ID with you to City Hall. If you are married and you will both be living at the service address, your spouse will need to come into City Hall with you and bring their photo ID as well. A deposit may be required before service can be provided. Deposits are payable with cash, check, debit/credit cards, or money order.

Requests received prior to 3:30 pm can generally be connected the same day. There will be a $25 service fee that will be applied to your bill.

9. What if I move?

It is the customer’s responsibility to provide 24 hour advance written notice to our customer service department. The information must be in writing, email, or stopping by City Hall during regular business hours. Regular business hours are 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. 

Requests received prior to 3:30 pm can generally be disconnected the same day. Account holder must provide a forwarding address and is responsible for all metered usage up to the date the City disconnects and takes the final meter reading. Service is billed in arrears therefore, you may receive 1 or 2 more bills, deposits will be applied to the final bill.

10. When is my bill due?

Bills are due by 5 pm on the 20th of each month or a $10 late fee will be applied. If your bill is not paid by 5 pm on the 4th of the following month, service will be disconnected and an additional $50 non-payment fee will be applied. No second notices will be sent.

11. What if my water is turned off?

If your service is disconnected for nonpayment, the account balance plus the late fees must be paid in full before service can be restored. Please be advised that if the water is turned back on without the permission and knowledge of the City, you will be charged a tampering fee (See Utility Schedule of Fees) in addition to the past due bill amount and late fees. If payment is received before 4 pm, service will be restored the same day.

12. Will I be billed differently for my sprinkler meter account?

No, rates and bill dates for all meters throughout the City are the same.

13. What if I do not agree with the usage or have a high bill?

You may notify customer service by phone or by sending an email to our customer service division. If you choose to send an email, please make sure to include your account number with your question or concern. We will send a technician out to verify that the reading is correct and to check for possible leaks. You will be contacted either by telephone or email and advised of what we found. 

If your meter was over-read, you will only be billed for landfill, recycling, and stormwater until the reading on your meter reaches the reading we incorrectly obtained. If you locate a leak and have it repaired, you may complete a Leak Adjustment Request to possibly receive a reduction on your next bill. This request may be either mailed to our customer service department or placed in our dropbox.

14. When is my garbage day?

Please remember to place your blue trash cart at the curb the night before your scheduled collection date. Information regarding your garbage collection date is located at City Hall or you can view the map (PDF).

15. When is my recycling day?

Recyclables are picked up bi-weekly.  Interstate 85 is the dividing line which determines when recycling will be collected at your service address. Please remember to place your green recycling cart at the curb on the night before your scheduled pick-up date. View the recycling pick up calendar (PDF).

16. What can I recycle?

The recycling facility takes a wide range of materials for recycling. These items are listed on the top of your green recycling cart. Please note that plastic bags of any sort should not be placed in the recycling carts.

17. I don’t have very much garbage; do I have to use the carts?

Yes. The garbage carts are picked up by a truck with a mechanical arm. Only garbage properly placed inside your blue garbage cart will be collected.

18. Why is the recycle cart green?

Blue is the ’signature’ color of Republic Services and the blue garbage carts are used throughout their customer base. The green recycling carts were made specifically for the City of Archdale. 

Think Green! Use your green cart to Recycle Only!

19. What do I do with the carts if I move?

The garbage and recycling carts are property of Republic Services. Both carts should remain at the address where they were delivered. If the carts are removed, you could be charged a $75 replacement fee for each cart.

20. What do I do if my cart gets damaged?

Call our utility department and report the damage and the cart will either be repaired or replaced.

21. Will I receive a notice before my water is discontinued for non payment?

Please keep your email and phone number up-to-date with Customer Service. The City makes a courtesy notification to customers with unpaid accounts approximately one week prior to service discontinuation.

22. Do I need to pay a deposit to establish residential service?

A credit check will be processed with each application for residential service.  Deposit amounts are zero, $200 or $300, depending on results of the credit check.  The $300 deposit will  be collected from anyone who chooses not to provide a social security number.  Payment for deposits may be made by check, money order, debit card, or credit card before service is activated. 

A customer may request the deposit amount be credited to the utility account after demonstrating a good payment history for two years.  A good payment history is defined as 24 consecutive months with no more than one late fee and no service disconnections for nonpayment.  The final bill will be deducted from the deposit and any remaining deposit amount will be paid to the account holder at the forwarding address provided on the stop service notice.  

23. Do I need to pay a deposit to establish service for a commercial account?

There is a mandatory deposit for commercial accounts based on water meter size as follows:

• 3/4 inch: $0 to $300
• 1-inch & 1 1/2-inch: $600
• 2-inch: $1,000
• 3-inch: $1,500
• 4-inch: $2,000
• larger: to be determined

Payment of the deposit may be made by check, money order, debit card, or credit card before service is activated.

24. What services are included on my City utility statement?

The City includes water, sewer, trash pick-up, recycling pick-up and stormwater services on the monthly utility statement.  

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Utilities - Apply/Stop/Transfer Services

Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain service for a new account?

Service may be obtained in person at City Hall. You will be required to complete an Application for Service and show legal responsibility for the service address. Legal responsibility can be shown with; an offer to purchase or a closing disclosure or a lease (whichever applies). Please bring your photo ID with you to City Hall. 

If you are married and you will both be living at the service address, your spouse will need to come into City Hall with you and bring their photo ID as well. A deposit may be required before service can be provided. The deposit could be up to $300 for residential service, depending on a credit review. Requests received prior to 3:30 pm can generally be connected the same day. There will be a $25 service fee that will be applied to your bill.

• New Service Application - Commercial (PDF)
• New Service Application - Residential (PDF)

2. What if I move?

It is the customer’s responsibility to provide 24 hour advance written notice to our customer service department. The information must be in writing, email, or stopping by City Hall during regular business hours. Regular business hours are 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. 

Requests received prior to 3:30 pm can generally be disconnected the same day. The account holder must provide a forwarding address and is responsible for all metered usage up to the date the City disconnects and takes the final meter reading. Service is billed in arrears therefore, you may receive 1 or 2 more bills, deposits will be applied to the final bill.

3. What do I do with the carts if I move?

The garbage and recycling carts are property of Republic Services. Both carts should remain at the address where they were delivered. If the carts are removed, you could be charged a $75 replacement fee for each cart.