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Animal Control

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1. How do I reclaim my animal from the custody of Animal Care & Control?

To reclaim an animal from our custody, you will be required to present your driver’s license or photo identification. You will also be required to produce records that show the animal has a current rabies vaccination and city license. If you do not currently have one or both, you will be required to get a rabies shot within 24 hours and purchase a city license from the City Treasurer’s Office. Summonses may be issued for non-compliance with City Code and you may be charged for allowing your animal to run at large.

You will be required to pay the board fee of $12.00 per day for every day your animal was held at the pound. If your animal was seized for a violation of animal welfare code, the General District Court Judge will determine if the animal will be returned to your custody and/or if the issue that constituted the violation must be corrected to the satisfaction of the Animal Control Officer prior to the animal’s release or shortly thereafter. Seizure of an animal may also include additional summonses being served such as animal cruelty code violations.

You will be responsible for repaying any veterinary costs incurred on behalf of the animal while in the care of Animal Care & Control.

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City Treasurer

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1. Who do I call if I feel that I have been billed incorrectly on my personal property, real estate, or water / sewer or wastewater bill?

If you have been assessed or billed incorrectly on your personal property bill, please contact the Commissioner of Revenue’s Office at 804-733-2315.

If you have been assessed or billed incorrectly on your real estate bill, please contact the Commissioner of Revenue’s Office at 804-733-2333.

If you have been assessed or billed incorrectly on your water / sewer or wastewater bill, please contact the Utility Billing Department at 804-733-2349.

You should contact the treasurer’s office, if you believe that a payment has not been applied correctly on one of your accounts.

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Code Compliance

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1. What building code has been adopted by Petersburg?

Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code 2012 Edition (Effective July 14, 2014) adopts the 2012 International Code Council's volume of codes. The Frost Line depth is 18 inches. Wind Speed is 90 mpg (3sec.gust). The City uses a snow load of 20 PSF.

2. When is a Building Permit Required?

Within the City of Petersburg, permits are required for all work except ordinary repairs. The Building Official's Office recommends that before any work is started that you review any permit requirements that may apply to the description of work.

Click the following link for more information:
Permit Requirements

3. What permit applications are available online?

The following permit applications are available online: Building, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing. If you need further assistance, please contact Code Enforcement at (804) 733-2409.
Online Permits

4. Displaying Street Address

Building and premises are to be identified with numbers visible from the street.  Numbers shall be affixed to the building/premises.  Numbers shall be at least four inches high and half inch wide; their color shall contrast with the background.  It shall be unlawful for any person to remove/destroy any such number, except to repair or replace.  Mail boxes do not count as property I.D.

5. Question regarding boarding up of property?

General Requirements  Each opening is to secured in the following manner: 1. Using CD exterior grade plywood 3/8 inch thick cover the opening from inside frame to inside frame.  The plywood covering shall be affixed to the inside frame of the opening,10 inches apart, using #8 or #10 nails of not less than 2 1/2 inches in length.  The plywood shall be secured in such a manner that 250 pound force applied perpendicular to the plane of the opening will not remove the plywood cover from the opening.   2. In the event that storm windows or other hindrances exist, a perimeter application of 2x4 lumber shall be fixed in place.  The exterior dimensions of the 2x4 lumber framing shall be fixed in place.  The exterior dimensions of the 2x4 lumber framing shall not exceed the exterior dimensions of the opening to be covered.  The 2x4 frame shall be affixed in such a manner that the framing will resist a  250-pound force applied perpendicular to the surface.  A 3/8 inch thick plywood covering of CD exterior grade plywood shall be applied to the framing.  The covering shall not overhang either the exterior dimensions of the opening or the lumber framing.   The plywood covering shall be affixed either to the 2x4 framing or to the inside frame of the opening using screws of not less than 2 1/2 inches in length.   3. The exterior exposed facing of the plywood and the 2x4 framing shall be painted using a primer and two coats of a black exterior latex paint.

6. Question regarding overgrown weeds and grass?

Grass and weeds in excess of (12) inches my be violation Petersburg City Code 50-63.  If you believe there is a violation of this section, please report a concern.  You may find more information at City Code section 50-63.

7. Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas?

The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) requires a permit for all swimming pools, hot tubs or spas that meet ANY of these condition: 1.  Greater than 150 square feet (approximately 7' in diameter). 2.  With more than 5000 gallons of water. 3.  Deeper than 24"   The International Residential Code (IRC) does not distingquish between in-ground or abouveground, indoor or outdoor swimming pools.  The code required spas and hot tubs to conform to the same requirements as swimming pools.  Pools for (fish or flora) landscaping are exempt from this section regardless of the size.

8. Property maintenance question?

The exterior of a shall be maintained in good repair and structurally sound. Included but not limited to doors, windows, frames, porches, balconies, trim and decks, gutters, downspouts, flaking and peeling paint, structural members, roots, stairway, rails, rotting, and decaying wood.

9. What is a Site Plan

A site plan is a drawing that shows an interested party what the development plans are for the land. Site plans are required for a property if the following situations apply:  
New Structure on vacant lot
Addition to existing structure
Accessory Structure

Submit your site plan to the department's Inspection division by downloading the Site Plan form. Online Site Plan Form

10. Trash and Debris

Lumber, trash, junk, and debris on private property may be a violation of Petersburg City Code 50-62.  If you believe that there is a violation of this section, you may visit City Code section 50-62 for more information or contact Code Compliance at (804)733-2409.

11. Unsafe Structures

The City uses the following lines to deem an existing structure unsafe: determined by the code official to be dangerous to the health, safety and welfare of the occupants of the structure or the public that contains unsafe equipment that is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, structurally unsafe or such faulty construction of unstable foundation that partial or complete collapse is likely a vacant existing structure unsecured or open be deemed to be an unsafe structure

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Commissioner of Revenue

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1. Is it necessary to file an individual personal property filing form each year?

No. The City of Petersburg has adopted the file by exception procedure beginning January 2014. Taxpayers will no longer be required to file a personal property filing form with the Commissioner of Revenue Office if there have not been any changes.

The owner of the vehicle must file an initial form upon acquiring a vehicle or moving into the city. Thereafter, the taxpayer only needs to notify the Commissioner of Revenue if he or she disposes of the vehicle or moves out of the city.

2. If I sell, trade, junk, or donate my vehicle during the year, can the personal property taxes be refunded.

Yes, the City of Petersburg prorates personal property taxes. The refund is based upon the length of time that the automobile was not owned. You must first notify the DMV and contact the Commissioner of Revenue at 804-733-2315.

3. If I am active military and not a Virginia resident am I required to pay personal property taxes to the city of Petersburg for my vehicle?

No. You must provide your January Leave and Earning Statement for the tax you are being billed. If your vehicle is jointly owned with your spouse, they are required to compete a Spouse Affidavit stating that they are not a resident of the state of Virginia.

4. If I moved from another locality in Virginia will my taxes be prorated?

If you moved from a prorating locality, yes. You should notify the locality you moved from that you no longer live there and also notify DMV of your change of address.If you moved from a locality that does not prorate Petersburg will bill you as of January 1 of the following year.

5. Is there a cost for a yard sale?

Yes. The business license fee is $5.00 per day. You are limited to four yard sales per year.

6. I would like to start a business from my home, do I need a business license?

Yes. You must apply for a home occupation permit from the Department of Planning and obtain a business license from the Commissioner of Revenue.

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Community & Educator Resources

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1. How soon should I make reservations for a school group?

Ideally, 45 days in advance.

2. How many chaperones are required per group?

One chaperone for every 10 students is preferred.

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Community Corrections

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1. What is the purpose of Pretrial Services?

The purpose of Pretrial Services is to assist Judicial Officers in discharging their duties and in making bail release decisions or in reviewing and amending the conditions of release on bail at subsequent hearings. Pretrial Officers conduct interviews and investigations to provide better information for use by Judicial Officers. The information helps in determining the risk to public safety and the assurance of appearance in Court of persons age 18 or over, or persons under the age of 18 who have been transferred for trial as adults held in custody and charged with an offense, other than an offense punishable by death, who are pending trial or hearing. In addition, Pretrial Services provide supervision of defendants placed in the custody of the program and assure compliance with the conditions of release imposed by Judicial Officers.

2. What are the program objectives of Pretrial Services?

To expedite defendant release and improve judicial decision making through the provision of defendant background information and recommendations for use by Judicial Officers in determining or reconsidering the risk to public safety and appearance in court, pending trial.

To reduce failure to appears in court and improve public safety by providing custody and supervision to pretrial defendants.

To alleviate jail overcrowding, thereby reducing jail operating costs and future capacity needs of local jails, caused by unnecessary detention of certain pretrial defendants.

To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of local criminal justice systems.

3. How are clients placed on local probation supervision and referred to PCC?

Individuals are placed on local probation supervision and referred to PCC by Judges in the Juvenile, General District and Circuit Courts in Petersburg and Dinwiddie as a sentencing option, and an alternative to incarceration.

4. What services are available through PCC?

Available services to the court are: probation supervision, alcohol and drug testing, alcohol and drug screening and assessments, referrals for alcohol and drug education and treatment, anger management classes, shoplifting prevention classes, Thinking for Change (T4C) classes, restitution collection and monitoring and community service placement and monitoring.

5. Who is eligible for placement with PCC?

Eligibility is in accordance with Virginia Code 19.2-303.3 and includes: Offenders 18 years old, or considered an adult at the time of conviction, of a misdemeanor or a non-violent felony for which the court may impose a jail sentence.

6. How long is an individual on probation supervision?

A client who has a return to court date established must be supervised until the return to court date, or three months if the client has completed all court ordered requirements, whichever comes first. A client without an established return to court date, the general guideline is three months minimum for misdemeanants and six months minimum for felons. Generally, a substance abuse tested client must remain on supervision until his return to court date or six months, whichever comes first. Individuals remain on probation supervision until the Court has approved their release.

7. What are the responsibilities of the client while under Local Probation Supervision?

The main conditions are as follows:
• Keep the peace, be of good behavior, and not violate any municipal, county, state, or federal laws and ordinances,
• Follow PCC Officer’s instructions and be truthful and cooperative,
• Do not illegally use, possess, or distribute narcotics, dangerous drugs, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia,
• Meet with their Local Probation Officer as instructed, and
• Comply with all court ordered requirements.

8. Does an individual pay a fee for participation in the Local Probation Supervision Program?

Yes, all individuals under local probation supervision will be charged a one-time supervision/intervention fee of $150.00, unless transferred to PCC from another agency, or the fee is reduced or waived for good cause.

9. What if I can’t make my scheduled appointment because of school or work?

It is your responsibility to contact your Probation Officer to reschedule your appointment.

10. Can I choose my community service site?

No, your assigned probation officer will assign you to an appropriate community service site and will make every effort to assign you to a site conducive to your employment/school/childcare schedule(s).

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Dogwood Trace Golf Course

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1. Hours of Opertations

Monday - Friday 8:00 - 5:00
Saturday - Sunday 7:30 - 5:00

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Engineering

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1. Who do I contact for standing water?

Please call our Street Operations Division at 804-733-2415 to report standing water or storm drain issues. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Facility Management

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1. I need something fixed in my office. It is not an emergency. How do I request service?

During normal business hours, contact your Facility Coordinator for your department to report the issue. If you do not know who your Facility Coordinator is or if your department does not have a Facility Coordinator, call the FMD Administrative Office at 733-2411 or email us at fmd@petersburg-va.org to put in a service request. The Facility Management Division (FMD) will review the service request and prioritized work orders will be assigned to FMD personnel who will respond to the requests.

2. I need something fixed immediately - it's an emergency. What should I do?

Between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., please contact the Facility Management Division’s(FMD) Administrative Office at 733-2411. For emergencies after work hours, please contact 732-4222.

3. What constitutes on emergency?

Emergencies are issues like roof leaks, flooding, plumbing failures, structural damage, loss of power or other issues that affect your safety or those around you.

4. What is a Facility Coordinator and why does my Department need one?

To improve efficiency, the Facility Management Division (FMD) requests that each Department identify one person as their Facility Coordinator to place service requests for all facility or building issues , e.g. building maintenance, HVAC repairs, plumbing issues and painting, etc. In addition, the Facility Coordinator is the liaison for all facility issues to include sending requests for consideration for upcoming budget projections. To confirm or update your Department’s Facility Coordinator information or to appoint someone to be your Department’s Facility Coordinator, please contact the FMD Administrative Office at 733-2411 or email us at FMD@petersburg-va.org.

5. Who do I contact to report tall grass?

This is not a building or facility maintenance issue and is not handled by the Facility Management Division. If it is an issue with a City property, contact Street Operations at 733-2415. For private property, contact Code Compliance at 733-2410.

6. Who do I contact for debris pickup?

The city has contracted Central Virginia Waste Management Authority to handle all debris removal requests. They can be reached at 804-425-0500. Central Virginia Waste Management

7. How do I report vandalism of a City building?

During normal business hours, contact your Facility Coordinator for your building to report the issue. If you do not know who your Facility Coordinator is or if your building does not have a Facility Coordinator, call the Facility Management Division (FMD) Administrative Office at 733-2411 or email us at fmd@petersburg-va.org to put in a service request.

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Fire

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1. What should I do after a fire in my home?

A fire in your home can change your life completely. Knowing where to begin and who can help you is important. The U.S. Fire Administration has published a booklet that can help you get through this rough time. This publication will provide you with some valuable information on what you should do after experiencing a fire in your home.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_46.pdf

2. Can I burn leaves in my yard?

No, city ordinance prohibits outside burning leaves within the city limits.

3. Does the Fire Department fill fire extinguishers?

Petersburg Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services is not equipped to fill fire extinguishers at this time. However, you can find local fire extinguisher businesses in the yellow pages to refill them.

4. How may I get a tour of a Fire Station?

We recommend contact us to schedule a tour. Remember, even when tours are scheduled the tour may be cut short or cancelled due to the station receiving an alarm and having to leave. To schedule a tour, please contact the Public Educator, Shalonda Venable at (804) 733-2412.

5. How do I check my smoke alarm?

Every smoke alarm has a test button, usually in the center of the alarm. Press the test button and hold it for a few seconds. If it is working correctly, the alarm will sound and will automatically stop when you release the button. Remember to test your smoke alarm monthly and change the batteries twice a year.

6. How often should I change the batteries in my smoke alarms?

We recommend you change the batteries in your smoke alarms every 6 months, an easy way to remember is to change batteries when you reset your clock for daylight savings time.

7. My smoke alarm is chirping, what does that mean?

Most modern smoke alarm will chirp to alert you the batteries are low, you should replace the batteries and test your smoke alarm. Smoke alarms can be purchased at any hardware or large commercial department store.

8. Do I need to put a smoke alarm in every room? How many do I need?

Smoke alarms should be placed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On floors without bedrooms, alarms should be installed in or near living areas such as dens, living rooms, or family rooms. Remember to test the alarms regularly!

9. What kind of fire extinguisher should I buy for my home?

Homeowners should buy an extinguisher that can handle Class A-B-C fires. This type of extinguisher is designed to extinguish fires that usually occur in homes including wood, paper, flammable liquids, and electrical fires.

10. How do I create an escape plan for my home or business?

The four basic steps in creating an escape plan for your home includes: drawing a floor-plan of your home; agreeing on a meeting place; practicing your escape plan; and making sure your exit drill is realistic.

11. How should I plan for a disabled family member during a fire?

Assure that you have a well-defined escape plan. Make sure that people who are confined to a wheelchair have immediate access to their wheelchair when an emergency occurs.

12. What should I do if I smell an odor of natural gas?

Leave the area immediately and dial 911 from a safe location!

13. Why am I not supposed to drive over a fire hose?

Firefighters are very concerned about running over fire hoses because the hose can be damaged and any firefighter at the end of a nozzle will have the water interrupted and possibly cause injuries or death. Any hose that is driven over without protection has to be taken out of service and tested.

14. What should I do if I see a downed or arcing electrical wire?

Call 911 immediately. Downed and arcing power lines are a very dangerous situation! Do not approach any area with downed power lines.

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Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

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1. What is the Virginia Freedom of Information Act?

Under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), citizens of the Commonwealth and representatives of the media have the right to examine public records.

2. Where do I find more information on FOIA?

You can find more information here:
FOIA Information

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Human Resources

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1. What jobs does the city have available?

You can view information about available jobs by viewing our Employment Opportunities.

2. What if I don’t have computer or internet access, how can I apply to the City of Petersburg?

Applicants can come to the Department of Human Resources to use computers (no printing or flash drive capabilities) in the lobby of the City Hall Annex or visit any City library and someone can assist you.

3. How often are new job openings released?

New job openings are released on-line every Sunday. However, the city reserves the right to release job openings as needed.

4. Can I still apply for a job if I missed the deadline?

Once a closing date has passed, no additional applications will be accepted.

5. How will I know if I’ve been selected for an interview?

You will be contacted by a department representative to schedule the date and time.

6. How can I determine if I meet the requirements for the position?

The job requirements such as education levels and years of experience are listed in each posting. In order for an applicant to be considered for employment, they should meet or exceed the general job requirements. You should include not only paid work experience, but all other experience which may apply to the job (i.e., volunteer experience, licenses, professional affiliation, classes you have taken, training you have received and any other special qualifications.) Failure to include information requested could result in the rejection of your application. With accurate and complete information, we will determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for the job.

7. Can I update my application after it has been submitted?

Once an application has been submitted, you cannot go back and change any information for the position applied. However, if you need to update your contact information, you can do so by logging back into your account and clicking on the ‘Account Settings’ link under your username. The updates will appear in your profile.

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Juvenile Community Crime Control Program

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1. What is the target population?

Juveniles and their families before intake, adjudicated delinquent, Children In Need of Services (CHINS) or Children In Need of Supervision (CHINSup) through non-secure programs and services. Traffic offenders may only be served through VJCCCA funds if their offense rises to the level of a misdemeanor or felony.

2. What are the office hours?

Monday - Friday (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)

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Office on Youth

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1. What is the Office on Youth?

Office on Youth focuses on Character and Leadership Development; Education and Careers; Health and Life Skills; and Youth Development.

2. Where is the Office on Youth located?

114 North Union Street
FAX 862-6417
Petersburg, Virginia 23803

3. I want to sign my child up for a summer job?

Our program is a year round program that focus on leadership, work readiness training, education, and employment. Participants must be enrolled in the program and complete leadership and work readiness training before they are allowed to participate in our summer employment program. We accept applications in September and January.

4. How old does a youth have to be to enroll in the program?

If you are in high school, you must be between the ages of 16 - 18 who is in the 11th or 12th grade. If you are out of school, you must be between the ages of 18 - 21.

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Parks & Leisure Services

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1. What time can I expect the tennis courts lights to come on?

The tennis courts lights are scheduled to come at each day- 6:00PM to 11:00PM

2. Where is the Petersburg Sports Complex?

The Petersburg Sports Complex is located at 100 Ballpark Road, Petersburg, Virginia 23805.

3. Can my organization rent a park for a gathering?

Yes, your organization can rent a park. Please call the Parks and Leisure Services Office at 804-733-2394 for additional information.

4. When can I apply for a summer job?

Please sign up for the Notify Me Program on the city website (Recreation Alerts). Once you register - you will begin receiving Recreation Alerts. As soon as the City announce summer job opportunities you will receive a text or email with an Alert concerning Summer Jobs.

5. Is the Appomattox River Park located in the City of Petersburg?

The Appomattox River Park is located in the Count of Dinwiddie, Virginia but the park is owned and operated by the City of Petersburg. Virginia Power donated the land to the City of Petersburg. The park is opened from April 1st until October 31st.

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Petersburg Area Transit

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1. Who can I contact for route information to include fare, times, and track numbers?

Please call 804-733-2450 for answers to your questions.

2. Who can I contact for details on how to transfer routes?

Please call 804-733-2460 for information about transferring routes.

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PIO

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1. How do I receive the City's weekly newsletter or press releases?

You can sign up to receive the newsletter and/or press releases by emailing petersburgpio@petersburg-va.org your email information and/or signing up for Notify Me on the city's homepage. Notify Me

2. What is the city's public access channel?

The city's public access channel is Channel 15 for Comcast subscribers.

3. Does the City have social media?

Yes, the City has Facebook (CityofPetersburgVA), Twitter (@PetersburgV), Instagram (@Petersburg_VA) and Youtube (CityofPetersburgVA). We encourage you to follow us on all of our social media accounts!

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Public Utilities

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1. Why has my water bill increased?

The city has new rates that were approved by council to meet necessary changes and upgrades for the utility infrastructure.

2. When my sewer line is clogged or backed up, who do I contact?

You should start by calling Public Utilities at 804-733-2407 so that it can be determined if the problem is the responsibility of Public Utilities or the resident / private citizen.

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Purchasing

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1. What is the City's bidding process?

The City of Petersburg's purchasing process is a combination of centralized & decentralized systems, with set thresholds that determines which solicitation method will be used.

2. How do I get my company on the City's bidder's list?

Complete the vendor application. The application can be found on the City's website under "Bidder's List Application"

3. Who originates the requirement for an Invitation to Bid or Request for Proposal?

Normally the using department submits a requisition to the Purchasing Office for a specific requirement.

4. How does the City advertise goods and services?

Formal bids and proposals are posted on the Bid Board in the Purchasing Office and are always posted on the Purchasing Office's website "Bids and Proposals". All Requests for Proposals (RFP)'s are required to be advertised in a local paper of general circulation.

5. Does the Purchasing Office buy goods and services for all City offices?

The Purchasing Office has the responsibility to purchase or lease all supplies, materials, equipment, and contractual services for the use of the City and its Agencies, as needed.

6. Who originates the requirement for an Invitation to Bid or Request for Proposal?

Normally the using department submits a requisition to the Purchasing Office for a specific requirement.

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Real Estate Assessor

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1. What is the real estate tax rate?

The real estate tax rate is set each year by the City Council. The current tax rate is $1.35 per $100 of assessed value.

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

Contact the Treasurer's office, First Floor of City Hall, 135 N Union St., Petersburg, VA 23803, or telephone (804) 733-2385 or 86.

3. 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, First Floor of City Hall, 135 N Union St., Petersburg, VA 23803. Payments are due quarterly in the months of September, December, March and June of each year.

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

The deeds and other legal documents related to real property are recorded and filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court, 7 Courthouse Ave., Petersburg, VA 23803, or telephone 804-733-2367.

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

Surveys are often recorded with the deeds and maintained in the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court, 7 Courthouse Ave., Petersburg, VA 23803, or telephone 804-733-2367.

6. Does the City of Petersburg have GIS shape files and/or layers?

The City's GIS in not available at this time.

7. How can I get a copy of a city tax map or other map maintained by the City of Petersburg?

Tax maps, sewer maps, utilities maps and miscellaneous maps are located in the office of the City Engineer, City Hall Annex basement, 103 Tabb St., Petersburg, VA 23803, or telephone 804-733-2356.

8. Which department handles the Elderly Tax Relief and Veterans Tax Relief programs?

Contact the Commissioner of the Revenue, First Floor of City Hall, 135 N Union St., Petersburg, VA 23803, or call 804-733-2317.

9. Which department handles the Partial Exemption of Rehabilitated Property program?

Contact the Real Estate Assessor's office at (804) 733-2333. For properties in the Enterprise Zone, an additional program can be applied for through the Economic Development office, For more information concerning the boundaries and registering for the Enterprise Zone program, contact the Department of Economic Development at (804) 733-2352.

10. Where do I apply for tax exemption for my property?

You can find the Tax Exempt Application under Forms on this site or you may pick up the application from the Real Estate Assessor's office or the City Attorney's office. Completed applications should be returned to the Assessor's office or the City Attorney's office. Both are located in City Hall, 135 N Union St., Petersburg, VA 23803, or call 804-733-2333.

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

Contact the Zoning Administrator, Room 304, City Hall, 135 N Union St., Petersburg, VA 23803, or call 804-733-2309.

12. Which department handles real property subdivisions?

Contact the Planning Department, Room 304, City Hall, 135 N Union St., Petersburg, VA 23803, or call 804-733-2308.

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Risk Management

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1. What do I need to do if I am injured on City property or my property is damaged by the City?

Please call the Risk Management Office at (804)733-2347. You will be asked a series of questions such as: name, date and time of incident, location of incident, description of incident, and injuries/damage sustained. An investigation will be conducted and a claim will be submitted to the City’s Insurer.

2. Question: I would like to have an event (meeting, party, wedding, block party, etc.) on City property. What is the process?

The City Special Event Policy and Application is on the City’s website under the “Forms” section. Please read the Policy thoroughly, complete the Application and submit as directed.

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Street Operations

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1. Who do I contact if my trash was not picked up or I want to schedule a bulk pickup?

The city has contracted Central Virginia Waste Management Authority to handle all trash, bulk, and debris removal. Please call the hotline at 804-425-0500.

2. Who I contact to report high grass?

If it is city property, please call our main number here at the Street Operations Division at 804-733-2415. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If it is private property, please call Code Compliance at 804-733-2410. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Voter Registration

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1. Can I use a PO Box to register to vote?

Only as a mailing address and only if it is within the City limits with a zip code of 23803, 23804 or 23805. You must provide a physical street address as the City votes by a Ward system and your physical street residence address places you into the Ward where you will vote. There are exceptions that may legally qualify to non-publish yet requires that you meet certain statutory requirements for Law Enforcement, court ordered protective orders, or registered with Attorney General's address confidentiality program.

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Zika Virus Top 10 Questions (CDC)

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1. Q: What is Zika?

A: Zika virus disease is caused by the Zika virus, which is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting up to a week, and many people do not have symptoms or will have only mild symptoms. However, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly and other severe brain defects.

2. Q: How do people get infected with Zika?

A: Zika is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). A pregnant woman can pass Zika to her fetus during pregnancy or around the time of birth. Also, a man with Zika can pass it to sex partners. We encourage people who have traveled to or live in places with Zika to protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites and sexual transmission of Zika.

3. Q: What health problems can result from getting Zika?

A: Many people infected with Zika will have no symptoms or mild symptoms that last several days to a week. However, Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects. Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), an uncommon sickness of the nervous system, is also very likely triggered by Zika in a small number of cases.

Once someone has been infected with Zika, it’s very likely they’ll be protected from future infections. There is no evidence that past Zika infection poses an increased risk of birth defects in future pregnancies.

4. Q: Should pregnant women travel to areas where Zika has been confirmed?

A: No. Pregnant women should not travel to any area with Zika. Travelers who go to places with outbreaks of Zika can be infected with Zika, and Zika infection during pregnancy can cause microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects.

5. Q: If I am traveling to an area with Zika, should I be concerned about Zika?

A: Travelers who go to places with Zika can be infected with Zika, and CDC has issued travel notices for people traveling to those areas. Many people will have mild or no symptoms. However, Zika can cause microcephaly and other severe birth defects. For this reason, pregnant women should not travel to any area with Zika, and women trying to get pregnant should talk to their doctors before traveling or before their male partners travel. It is especially important that women who wish to delay or avoid pregnancy consistently use the most effective method of birth control that they are able to use. Those traveling to areas with Zika should take steps during and after they travel to prevent mosquito bites and sexual transmission of Zika.

6. Q: What can people do to prevent Zika?

A: The best way to prevent Zika is to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites:
•Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents
•Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
•Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors.

Zika can be spread by men to their sex partners. People whose male sex partners have traveled to or live in an area with Zika can prevent Zika by using condoms condoms correctly every time they have sex or by not having sex.

7. Q: What are the symptoms of Zika virus disease?

A: The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. Other symptoms include muscle pain and headache. Many people infected with Zika won’t have symptoms or will have mild symptoms, which can last for several days to a week.

8. Q: How is Zika diagnosed?

A: To diagnose Zika, your doctor will ask you about recent travel and symptoms you may have, and collect blood or urine to test for Zika or similar viruses.

9. Q: Can someone who returned from an area with Zika get tested for the virus?

A: Zika virus testing is performed at CDC and some state and territorial health departments. See your doctor if you have Zika symptoms and have recently visited an area with Zika. Your doctor may order tests to look for Zika or similar viruses like dengue and chikungunya.

10. Q: What should pregnant women who have recently traveled to an area with Zika do?

A: Pregnant women who have recently traveled to an area with Zika should talk to their doctor about their travel, even if they don’t feel sick. Pregnant women should see a doctor if they have any Zika symptoms during their trip or within 2 weeks after traveling. All pregnant women can protect themselves by avoiding travel to an area with Zika, preventing mosquito bites, and following recommended precautions against getting Zika through sex.