CURB/GUTTER REPAIRS • The Street Maintenance Division of the Department of Public Works replaces damaged curbs and gutters on public streets in the City right-of-way. Requests are maintained on a list until a job crew can be scheduled. For information, call 269-2800 or visit www.nngov.com/public-works.

HIGHWAYS/ROADS • For information on state highways and roads, call the Virginia Department of Transportation’s help line, 24 hours a day, at 1-800-367-7623 or visit www.vdot.virginia.gov.

PARKING, OFF-STREET • The Newport News Parking Authority oversees public off-street parking, primarily in the downtown area. For information about rates and availability, call the Department of Development at 926-8428.

POTHOLES • To report potholes on City roads, call the Street Maintenance Division of the Department of Public Works at 269-2800.

SCHOOL ZONE FLASHERS/TRAFFIC SIGNALS • For information on intersection signalization plans and programs and traffic signal timing, visit the Department of Engineering located on the 8th floor of City Hall or call 926-8611. To report a malfunctioning traffic signal, call the Traffic Operations Division at 269-2450.

SIDEWALK INSTALLATION/REPAIRS • The Street Maintenance Division of the Department of Public Works replaces damaged and uneven sidewalks within the City right-of-way. Requests are maintained on a backlog list until a job crew can be scheduled. To report sidewalks in need of repair or for more information, call 269-2800.

SIGNS, COMMERCIAL • Commercial signs are not allowed on City right-of-way. For information about signs in the rights-of-way, visit the Department of Engineering located on the 8th floor of City Hall or call 926-8611. For information about real estate signs, free standing and portable signs on private property, visit the Department of Codes Compliance located on the 3rd floor of City Hall or call 926-8861.

SIGNS, ELECTION • Election signs are not allowed on City right-of-way. For more information visit the Department of Engineering located on the 8th floor of City Hall or call 926-8611.

SNOW REMOVAL • The Street Maintenance Division of the Department of Public Works is responsible for removal of snow and break-up of ice from City streets. The Virginia Department of Transportation is responsible for removal of snow and ice from the interstates. Citizens are responsible for removal of snow and ice from private driveways and entrances, including snow accumulation from City plowing of public streets. For information, call 269-2800 or visit www.nngov.com/public-works.

STREET LIGHT OUTAGES • The City has a renewable municipal contract with Dominion Virginia Power which provides power and maintenance to street lights throughout the City. Citizens may report street light outages directly to Dominion Virginia Power at 1‑888‑667‑3000.

STREET RESURFACING • Each year, the Street Maintenance Division of the Department of Public Works reconstructs and resurfaces a number of City streets. Scheduling decisions are based on the condition of the roadway, priority needs and available funding. For information, call 269‑2800 or visit www.nngov.com/public-works.

STREET CRACK SEALING/SHOULDER REPAIRS • The Street Maintenance Division of the Department of Public Works is responsible for street repairs. The Division seals surface cracks and joints in asphalt and concrete roadways to prevent water from seeping under the surface and causing potholes or base failure. The Division also replaces stone on the shoulder of public roads in the City. Maintenance and repair of driveways and private entrances are the responsibility of the property owner. For information or to report that a street or road shoulder is in need of repair, call the Public Works Customer Service Center at 269-2700.

STREET SIGN/PAVEMENT MARKING • For street signs, pavement marking and information, visit the Department of Engineering’s Traffic Operations Division located at 513 Oyster Point Road or call 269-2450.

STREET SWEEPING • The Street Maintenance Division of the Department of Public Works sweeps public streets in the City. Temporary signs are placed in areas scheduled to be swept, indicating the day sweeping will occur. Cars should not be parked on the streets during this time to ensure sweeper access to the curb line. Street sweeping activity is not conducted during the annual loose leaf collection, November through January. For information, call the Public Works Customer Service Center at 269-2700 or visit www.nngov.com/public-works.

ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES • The Department of Social Services provides protection of adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation. For more information, call 926-6329 or visit www.nngov.com/human-services.

BATTERED WOMEN/SPOUSE ABUSE • In emergency cases, call 911 or the Virginia Peninsula Council on Domestic Violence hotline at 723-7774.

CHILD CUSTODY/CHILD SUPPORT • Citizens requiring assistance in obtaining an administrative or court order and enforcement, may contact a private attorney or the Division of Child Support Enforcement at 1-800-462-8386. If all parties are located in Virginia, assistance may be obtained from the Court Services Unit located at 2600 Washington Avenue, 5th floor or call 926-8781. Low income citizens may also obtain assistance from Legal Services of Eastern Virginia at 1-866-534-5243. For information on existing court orders, visit the Newport News Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court located at 2501 Huntington Avenue or call 926-3603.

DIVORCE/NAME CHANGES • Divorce suits and name changes are filed with the Clerk of the Newport News Circuit Court. Citizens should contact a private attorney. For a list of attorneys, see the phone book or contact the Virginia Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-552-7977 or online at www.vsb.org. Low income citizens may obtain assistance from Legal Services of Eastern Virginia at 1-866-534-5243. To obtain a copy of a divorce decree, visit the Circuit Court, 2500 Washington Avenue, or call 926-8561.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE • In emergency cases involving domestic violence, call 911. After the phone call is made, go to a safe place. If you are hurt, go to the emergency room and save any evidence, such as torn clothing, color photographs of any wounds, and medical and dental reports. Once you are out of immediate danger, call the hotline at 723-7774, and assistance or shelter will be provided by the Transitions Family Violence Services. This organization also provides legal assistance, counseling and an outreach program. For volunteer and other information, call Transitions at 722-2261. If you want to press charges or want a protective order, call the Magistrate’s Office at 926-8476.

FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES • Information, counseling, education and treatment are available. Family Planning services are confidential and available regardless of age. For information, call the Family Services Clinic at 594-7326 or 247-2170.

HEALTHY FAMILY CENTERS • Healthy Family Centers in each Newport News public library offer a variety of information available about parenting and children. Topics include child psychology, memory, learning, education, sexual development, childhood diseases, toys, technology and helping children cope with parents’ divorce, adoption or disabilities. For more information, call 926-6480.

SPOUSAL SUPPORT • For information on spousal support, contact a private attorney, or for a fee, where both persons reside in Virginia, assistance may be obtained through the Court Services Unit located at 2600 Washington Avenue, 5th floor or call 926‑8781. Low income citizens may also obtain assistance from Legal Services of Eastern Virginia at 1-866-534-5243. For enforcement of a spousal support order, call the court that issued the order. For information on enforcement of spousal support associated with a child support order, call the Division of Child Support Enforcement at 1-800-462-8386.

COMMERCIAL REHABILITATION
REAL ESTATE PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT • A five year property tax assessment reduction may be available when an older commercial structure has been extensively renovated. For more information, visit the Department of Development, 3rd floor, City Hall or call 926-8428.

PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX • The Commissioner of the Revenue assesses a personal property tax for registered vehicles such as mobile homes, cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, motor homes, trailers, boats, boat motors and aircraft with the exception of those exempted by law. A property return must be filed with the Commissioner of the Revenue, 2400 Washington Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607 or at the Commissioner of the Revenue Satellite Office, 12912 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607 on or before February 15 of each year or within 30 days of the transfer of title or move into Newport News. Vehicles not registered with the Virginia State Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the Newport News Commissioner of the Revenue are also subject to the tax if the property is normally garaged, docked or parked in Newport News. For information call the Commissioner of the Revenue at 926-8657 or visit www.nngov.com/commissioner-of-the-revenue.

REAL ESTATE ASSESSMENT • Each parcel of real estate in the City is assessed annually and is effective as of July 1. The City Council determines the tax rate which is multiplied by the assessed value to determine the real estate tax. At the time of printing the real estate tax rate is $1.10 per $100.00. The Treasurer’s Office handles the distribution of tax bills and collection of taxes. For information, visit the Real Estate Assessor’s Office located at 700 Town Center Drive, Suite 220 online at www.nngov.com/assessor or call 926-1926.

REAL ESTATE ASSESSMENT APPEALS • Citizens may request that the assessed value of their property be reevaluated by the Board of Review of Real Estate Assessments. The Board of Review is appointed annually by the judges of the Newport News Circuit Court to hear and give consideration to appeals from property owners in regard to the equalization of real estate assessments. Applications for a hearing are available by contacting the Assistant Secretary of the Board of Review in the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office at 926-8653.

REAL ESTATE TAX • Real estate values are assessed by the Real Estate Assessor’s Office. For information, call 926-1926 or visit www.nngov.com/assessor. At the time of printing the real estate tax rate is $1.10 per $100.00. The Treasurer’s Office handles the distribution of tax bills and collection of taxes. Real estate taxes are paid in two installments due on June 5 and December 5. For information, call 926-8731 or visit www.nngov.com/treasurer.

REAL ESTATE TAX RELIEF • Age, disability, annual income and the net worth of the homeowner and spouse are factors that determine whether homeowners are eligible. For more information, call the Commissioner of the Revenue at 926-3535 or visit www.nngov.com/cor.

RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION
REAL ESTATE PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT • A five year property tax assessment reduction may be available when an older residential structure has been extensively renovated, demolished or replaced. For more information, visit the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue at 2400 Washington Avenue, email commish@nngov.com,  or call (757) 926-8752.

STATE INCOME TAX • State income tax returns are due May 1. Tax forms are located in the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office located in the City Hall Annex and at the Commissioner of Revenue satellite office at 12912 Jefferson Avenue. Staff members at both locations are available to assist and prepare tax returns for individuals. For information, call 926-8653 or visit www.nngov.com/commissioner-of-the-revenue.

ABANDONED/JUNKED VEHICLES • Vehicles which are mechanically inoperable or which display an invalid license plate, or an invalid state inspection decal, or an invalid city decal must be kept within a fully enclosed structure. To report inoperable vehicles on private property, visit the Department of Codes Compliance located on the 3rd floor of City Hall, online at www.nngov.com/codes-compliance or call 926-8861. For inoperative vehicles on streets or public property, call the Police Department at 247-2500.

DRIVER’S LICENSE
— ADULTS • A Virginia driver’s license is required within six months from the date of residency. New out-of-state drivers may turn in their valid out-of-state driver’s license and take a vision test at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) located at 12730 Patrick Henry Drive. New drivers are required to take a written test, vision check and driving ability test. For information, call DMV at 1-866-368- 5463 or visit www.dmv.virginia.gov.

— JUVENILES • Learners permits are granted beginning at age 15 and 6 months (15 1/2). For more information, call DMV at 1-866-368-5463 or visit www.dmv.virginia.gov.

INSPECTION STICKER • Vehicles owned and operated in Virginia must be inspected once a year. For information, call the Virginia State Police at 925-2432, or visit www.vsp.virginia.gov. or contact your local inspection station.

— MILITARY • In order for properties to be tax exempt, they must be titled to a person enlisted in the military. Property under lease or co-owned with a non-military person is not, by federal law, exempt. NATO members and foreign military students are required to file a tax exemption letter from the appropriate agency each year. In order to obtain City decals and tax exemption in the City of Newport News, you must file a copy of your most current leave and earnings statement showing your name, social security number, state of residence, and ETS or separation date. For information, visit the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office located at 2400 Washington Avenue in the City Hall Annex or call 926-8657.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION/TITLE/LICENSE PLATES/INSURANCE • Vehicles owned and operated in Virginia must be registered, titled, have Virginia license plates on the front and rear of the vehicle and have insurance. New residents must register their vehicle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days from date of residence. For information, call DMV at 1-866-368-5463 or visit www.dmv.virginia.gov.

VEHICLES SOLD/MOVED OUT OF NEWPORT NEWS • If you sell or move a vehicle from Newport News, you must write to the Commissioner of the Revenue, 2400 Washington Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607, to notify the office of the date you sold or moved the vehicle so that you are no longer assessed for personal property tax on that vehicle. For information, call the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office at 926-8657.

VISITOR CENTER • Stop by the Newport News Visitor Center (I 64, Exit 250B) in Newport News Park for maps, coupons and events and attraction information in the local and state area:

Newport News Visitor Center
13560 Jefferson Avenue
Newport News, Virginia 23603
886-7777 or 1-888-4WE-R-FUN (493-7386) (toll free)
Email: tourism@nngov.com Website: www.newport-news.org

Voter and election information can also be found online at www.nngov.com/registrar.

ABSENTEE VOTING • Registered voters who will be away from Newport News on Election Day, or who are unable to appear in person because of a disability or illness may apply for an absentee ballot by contacting the Registrar’s Office 926-8683 or visiting www.nngov.com/registrar.

ELECTIONS • Newport News has one general election for state and federal offices held in November of every year on the first Tuesday following the first Monday. Local elections are held in even years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May. City Council members have four-year terms. The City’s constitutional officers (Treasurer, Commissioner of the Revenue, Sheriff, and the Commonwealth’s Attorney) have four-year terms, and the Clerk of Court has an eight-year term.

ELECTORAL BOARD • The City of Newport News Electoral Board is comprised of three members appointed by the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court. The Electoral Board appoints the Registrar.

LOCATIONS • To learn to which location you should go to vote, please call the Voter Registrar’s Office at 926-8683 or visit www.nngov.com/registrar.

MOVING • Voting registration laws are uniform throughout the state. When a person moves outside of the City, he or she should contact their new local Registrar to obtain information on how to transfer their voter registration.

REGISTRATION LOCATIONS:

• City Hall Building
  Voter Registrar’s Office
  2400 Washington Avenue, 6th Floor
  Mondays-Fridays, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
• Satellite Office
  Division of Motor Vehicles
  12730 Patrick Henry Drive
  Mondays-Fridays, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
  Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
• Satellite Office
  Fountain Plaza Two
  700 Town Center Drive, 2nd Floor
  Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES • You may register to vote up to 28 days before a general or primary election and up to six days before a special election. The Commonwealth of Virginia does not require a citizen to declare a party when registering to vote. You must notify the Registrar in writing of any change of address. Citizens may obtain a voter registration application by calling the Registrar’s Office at 926-8683 or by visiting any of the above locations. Citizens may also pick up applications at U.S. Post Offices in Newport News and at all Newport News public libraries.

SPECIAL SERVICES • A person ill or disabled for over 30 days may request the Registrar to come to his or her home or place of confinement and take their application for registration. For more information call 926-8683.

WHO MAY REGISTER:

—Must be a citizen of the United States
—Must be 18 years of age
—Must be a resident of Virginia
—Must not have been convicted of felony or judged to be mentally incapacitated (if convicted in Virginia, your voting rights are removed until you apply for restoration)

DRAINAGE INFORMATION/PROBLEMS • For ditch and storm sewer maintenance or mosquito concerns, call the Wastewater Division of the Department of Public Works at 269-2750. Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30, so it is wise to be prepared. Prior to forecasted storms, make a visual inspection of the drainage systems on or around your property. For blockages, structural damage or other maintenance concerns, call 269-2700 and a crew will be dispatched to investigate.

FLOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM • The City adopted a Flood Assistance Program (FAP) to assist residents who live in floodplains. Residents whose homes are in floodplains and have a finished floor below the 100-year flood level can apply to the Department of Engineering for public acquisition of their property. For more information call 926-8611 or visit www.nngov.com/engineering.

FLOOD ZONE • To determine what areas of the City are in a flood zone, visit the Department of Engineering on the 8th floor of City Hall or call 926-8611.

H2O • This is a program designed to provide one time per year financial relief to those who can’t pay their public utility bills and may lose water service. The program provides temporary assistance when a personal crisis such as death of a spouse, disability, or sudden loss of income prevents payment of water and sewer bills. Citizens who would like to contribute can use H2O envelopes provided in their HRSD bills or can mail donations to: H2O Program, Hampton Roads Sanitation District, Post Office Box 5917, Virginia Beach, VA 23471- 0917. Visit the H2O web page at www.hrsd.com or contact Newport News Department of Human Services at 926-6423.

SANITARY SEWER CONNECTION FEE DEFERRAL • These fees are not waived, however, after meeting certain eligibility requirements for age, annual income and net worth, senior citizens may be approved for deferral of payments until a later time. For more information, visit the Department of Engineering located on the 8th floor of City Hall or call 926-8611.

SANITARY SEWER CONNECTION • The Department of Engineering processes applications for connections to the public sewage collection systems. For information on these connections, visit the Department of Engineering located on the 8th floor of City Hall or call 926-8611.

SANITATION BILLS • Wastewater and sewage that leaves your home is treated and disposed of by the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD). Sanitation bills may be paid at the HRSD Customer Service Office at 2600 Washington Avenue, 1st floor, or at 700 Town Center Drive, 1st floor. For more information, call 877-2019 or visit www.hrsd.com.

SEWER STOPPAGES • For information on sewer stoppages and other maintenance concerns, call the Department of Public Works Customer Service Center at 269-2750.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM • The Department of Engineering’s Stormwater Management Division handles drainage complaints, street flooding and ditch flooding. The City Stormwater Management Program includes programs and policies that are designed to preserve and enhance the quality of stormwater runoff, control the quantity of stormwater runoff, reduce erosion and prevent flooding. For information, visit the Department of Engineering located on the 8th floor of City Hall or call 926-8611 or visit www.nngov.com/engineering.

WATER SERVICE • For information about turn on and turn off, rates and charges, water quality, conservation and other water service issues, visit the Department of Public Utilities (Newport News Waterworks) Customer Service Office located at 2600 Washington Avenue, 1st floor or at the branch office located at 700 Town Center Drive, 1st floor, online at www.nngov.com/waterworks or call 926-1000, Mondays-Fridays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. TDD, dial 873-0899. Emergencies on nights, holidays and weekends, dial 234-4800.

For information concerning zoning, violations, and variances visit the Department of Codes Compliance located on the 3rd floor of City Hall, online at www.nngov.com/codes-compliance or call 926-8861. For applications for change of zoning, conditional use permits and special exceptions contact the Department of Planning on the 2nd floor of City Hall at 926-8761 or online at www.nngov.com/planning.