Services Directory - The City of Asheville

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Activities, Tips, Quick Links and MoreSafety and emergency preparednessFireKeep safe with these fire and life safety helpful resources.Apply for a commercial film or photography permitCommercial property and permitsCommunity and Economic DevelopmentInformation about commercial filming and photography work involving city-owned property, sidewalks, streets, and parks.Apply for a commercial site development permitCommercial property and permitsDevelopment ServicesSubmit development plans for Level I, Level II, Level III, Major Subdivision, Conditional Zoning, or Conditional Use projects.Apply for a homestay permitResidential property and permitsDevelopment ServicesPlanning and Urban DesignApply for a new homestay permit or apply to renew your existing permit.Apply for a parking permitBikes, buses and carsParking ServicesObtain a permit to park downtown, in a residential area or in spaces reserved for people with disabilities.Apply for a special event or festival permitCommercial property and permitsCommunity and Economic DevelopmentInformation about hosting an event on city-owned property, sidewalks, streets and parks.Apply for a stormwater permitCommercial property and permitsStormwater Services and UtilityGet a Stormwater permit or visit the Permits and Applications home page.Apply for a trade permitCommercial property and permitsResidential property and permitsDevelopment ServicesApply for residential and commercial electrical, gas piping, plumbing, mechanical, re-roof, or multi-trade permits.Apply to be a law enforcement explorerChildren, family and petsSafety and emergency preparednessPoliceApply to get hands on experience from The Asheville Police Department Explorer Post (#57). This is designed for applicants age 14 to 20.AthleticsParks, recreation and greenwaysParks and RecreationInformation about athletics programs offered by the City of Asheville.Bring a bike on the busBicycle servicesTransitTransitTransportationLearn about how to safely bring your bicycle on the bus.Build a detached structure or deckResidential property and permitsDevelopment ServicesGuide and forms to build a deck, shed, solar array, retaining wall, swimming pool, or other accessory structure on a residential propertyBuild a new house, duplex, townhome or modular homeResidential property and permitsDevelopment ServicesLinks to all of the forms you may need to build a new houseBuild an addition or remodel a houseResidential property and permitsDevelopment ServicesForms and guides to remodel or build an addition to a residential propertyBusiness InclusionBusiness and self-employmentBusiness Inclusion servicesCapital ProjectsCommunity and Economic DevelopmentEquity and InclusionFinancePurchasingThe Business Inclusion Office for the City of Asheville actively seeks to identify minority and women-owned businesses for an opportunity to participate as providers of goods and services to the city.Catch a domestic nuisance animalAnimal servicesPoliceLearn how to borrow a trap from the City to catch a domestic nuisance animal.Check whether your address is within city limitsCommercial property and permitsOnline ServicesResidential property and permitsDevelopment ServicesPlanning and Urban DesignSearch to see if it is within the City of Asheville's permitting jurisdiction.Child passenger safety seat assistanceBikes, buses and carsChildren, family and petsSafety and emergency preparednessFireGet help from The Asheville Fire Department with child safety seat installation education and assistance. City job opportunities – Fire DepartmentApply for a jobFireHuman ResourcesLearn about job opportunities with the Asheville Fire Department, including hiring process and eligibility requirements to become a firefighter.City job opportunities – GeneralApply for a jobHuman ResourcesView open positions at the City of Asheville and how to apply.City job opportunities – Police DepartmentApply for a jobHuman ResourcesPoliceLearn about job opportunities with the Asheville Police Department, including the hiring process and eligibility requirements to become a police officer.Community eventsParks, recreation and greenwaysParks and RecreationFind upcoming camps, events, and programs and reserve a spot when space is limited.CompostingRecycling guidelinesSanitationSustainabilityFeed the landscape, not the landfill with fun and sustainable backyard composting.Contact a school resource officerChildren, family and petsCrime preventionSafety and emergency preparednessPoliceSchool resource officers help protect our schools and provide guidance to youth about the juvenile court system and programs available to them.Contact animal controlAnimal servicesSafety and emergency preparednessPoliceContact information for animals in and out of the city limits.DiscriminationEquity and InclusionInformation on the forms of discrimination that are illegal in Asheville.Dispose of bulky items or appliancesDispose of large, seasonal or unusual itemsSanitationLearn how to dispose of appliances, bulky items, large collections (moving in or out of a home), carpets, or small dead animals.Dispose of household hazardous wasteDispose of large, seasonal or unusual itemsSanitationSustainabilityRules and instructions for disposing of hazardous household waste safely.Dispose of leaves, brush, or Christmas treesDispose of large, seasonal or unusual itemsSanitationSustainabilityCollection schedules and information on how to prepare tree limbs, leaves, or shrub trimmings for pickup.Dispose of prescription medicationSafety and emergency preparednessPoliceSafely discard prescription medication by dropping it off at the Asheville Police Department drop-off box.Do business with the cityBusiness and self-employmentBusiness Inclusion servicesCapital ProjectsPurchasingLearn what is required to do business with the City, for projects large and small.Enjoy greenwaysBicycle servicesBikes, buses and carsParks, recreation and greenwaysParks and RecreationTransportationExplore an interactive map of the City's greenways and learn how to use them for your recreation and transportation enjoyment.Enroll in e-billingPay a fee, ticket or fineWater and utilitiesIT ServicesWaterGo green with E-Billing for your water utility services.Explore city dataOnline ServicesCommunication and Public EngagementIT ServicesLegalPlanning and Urban DesignPolicePublic datasets and maps are available on the open data portal at data.ashevillenc.gov.Facility SearchParks, recreation and greenwaysParks and RecreationFind parks and facilities near you. Search by location or amenity, or view a list of centers and parks. Find a recycling locationRecycling guidelinesSanitationSustainabilityView an interactive map of recycling locations where certain items may be taken in person for recycling.Find an incident or crash reportBikes, buses and carsOnline ServicesSafety and emergency preparednessPoliceMost crime incident reports and crash reports occurring after January 1, 2003 are available for search and instant download.Find cold weather emergency shelterSafety and emergency preparednessCommunity and Economic DevelopmentWhen extreme cold weather is expected, the Asheville Homeless Coalition issues a Code Purple Alert. Participating homeless shelters voluntarily add space beyond their normal capacity to keep as many people as possible out of the cold.Find financial support for your Asheville businessBusiness and self-employmentBusiness Inclusion servicesCommunity and Economic DevelopmentEquity and InclusionLearn about financial support that may be available for your business.Find information on snow removalOnline ServicesSafety and emergency preparednessTrash, recycling and city upkeepPublic WorksStreet ServicesSee the priority level for streets to receive snow removal treatment.Find location and zoning informationBusiness and self-employmentCommercial property and permitsResidential property and permitsDevelopment ServicesPlanning and Urban DesignFind the zoning information for your project.Find or register a minority, women or disabled-owned businessBusiness and self-employmentBusiness Inclusion servicesCommunity and Economic DevelopmentEquity and InclusionResources for finding or registering a minority, women or disabled-owned business.Find your trash or recycling scheduleTrash, recycling and city upkeepSanitationDetermine your trash and recycling collection schedules based on your address, view collection area maps, and print your schedule.General Bus Policies and TipsTransitTransitLearn about rules of behavior on the bus, and what items or animals you can bring on the bus.Geographic Information SystemsOnline ServicesIT ServicesThe City of Asheville creates and maintains GIS applications that allow users to view data in maps, download and analyze spatial information.Get a birth certificate, marriage license, or death certificateChildren, family and petsLearn how to get a birth certificate, marriage license, or a death certificate.Get a restraining orderReport a crime, concern or nuisanceSafety and emergency preparednessPoliceFind out who can file for a protection order, what it covers, and where to go if you need one.Get a security alarm permitCrime preventionPay a fee, ticket or finePoliceLearn how to apply for a security alarm permit and how to prevent false burglar alarms.Get a smoke alarm installedSafety and emergency preparednessFireHow to submit a request for a smoke alarm.Get an animal permitAnimal servicesPay a fee, ticket or finePoliceLearn how to acquire a required permit for keeping 7 or more animals (including bees, fowl, or livestock such as goats, horses, ponies, and exotic pets which require permits.)Get fingerprinted for employment or background checksApply for a jobBusiness and self-employmentPoliceTo obtain fingerprints for employment or local criminal history checks, you must visit the Buncombe County Bureau of Identification.Get help with domestic violencePoliceInformation and resources for people who are impacted by domestic violence.Get or renew a dog licenseAnimal servicesOnline ServicesPay a fee, ticket or finePoliceDogs must be licensed every year on January 1. Learn about the process and fees.Get or renew a precious metal permitBusiness and self-employmentPoliceAny person engaging in the business of purchasing precious metals must obtain a precious metal permit. Understand the law and how to obtain or renew your permit.Gun safetyChildren, family and petsCrime preventionCommunication and Public EngagementPoliceLearn how to prevent deadly gun accidents and teach your children what to do if they come across a firearm.Help fight litterTrash, recycling and city upkeepSanitationStreet ServicesJoin the Adopt-a-Street Program to help reduce litter in the City of Asheville.Higher than expected billsWater and utilitiesWaterWhat to do if you have received a bill that seems too high, which may be a sign of a water leak.Hire an off duty officerSafety and emergency preparednessPoliceInformation on hiring off duty police officers including rates and contact information.Holiday schedule updatesTrash, recycling and city upkeepSanitationView holiday collection schedules to see how holidays will impact your recycling, trash, or other collection services.If you are a victim of identity theftCrime preventionPoliceLearn what to do if you are the victim of identity theft.If you are a victim or witness of a crimeSafety and emergency preparednessPoliceLearn about services available to support those who are recovering from emotional or physical injuries that occurred as a result of a crime or traumatic incident.Keep bears out of your trashTrash, recycling and city upkeepSanitationUseful tips for keeping bears out of your trash and co-existing with these curious creatures.Learn about large-scale developmentCommercial property and permitsResidential property and permitsDevelopment ServicesIT ServicesPlanning and Urban DesignKeep up to date on current projects and applications.Learn more about our water, the environment and waste reductionWater and utilitiesWaterThe City of Asheville Water Resources Department has an education program. We offer tours of our water treatment plants, as well as lessons on the environment and water quality.Look up information about a permitCommercial property and permitsOnline ServicesResidential property and permitsDevelopment ServicesPlanning and Urban DesignUse online tools to look up information about permitsMake a home inventorySafety and emergency preparednessPoliceLearn how having a home inventory is essential to insurance claims or property recovery efforts in case of a disaster, fire, or a burglary.Missed trash or recycling collectionRecycling guidelinesSanitationSustainabilityLearn about why your recyclables may not have been collected, and how you can resolve the issue.MWSBE CertificationBusiness and self-employmentBusiness Inclusion servicesCapital ProjectsCommunity and Economic DevelopmentPurchasingFind information to register for certification as a Minority, Woman, and/or Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) with the City of Asheville.Obtain a Civil No Contact Order (50c)Report a crime, concern or nuisanceSafety and emergency preparednessPoliceDispute resolution is a term that refers to a number of processes that can be used to resolve a conflict, dispute, or claims.Park in a parking garage or parking lotBikes, buses and carsParking ServicesGarages are great for longer daily duration parking, as well as for monthly parking.Park on the streetBikes, buses and carsParking ServicesTransportationInformation about metered on-street parking and loading zones.Participate in National Night OutCrime preventionSafety and emergency preparednessPoliceJoin this annual community-building campaign to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, and neighborhood camaraderiePay or appeal a parking citationBikes, buses and carsPay a fee, ticket or fineParking ServicesLearn how to easily pay a citation, and details on how to appeal a citation.Pay stormwater utility billOnline ServicesPay a fee, ticket or fineWater and utilitiesStormwater Services and UtilityAnswers to Bill Pay and Questions on your Stormwater Utility Bill. Pay your water billOnline ServicesPay a fee, ticket or fineWater and utilitiesWaterHow to pay your water bill, with convenient online, automatic draft, mail or in person options.Picnic Shelter ReservationsParks, recreation and greenwaysDevelopment ServicesParks and RecreationView parks and recreation shelters that can be reserved and make a reservation.Plan your tripTransitTransitFind your best route and learn how to get real-time bus information like when your next bus will arrive.Pools & SplashevilleParks, recreation and greenwaysParks and RecreationHours and information about pools and Splashville, Asheville's interactive splash play fountain.Prepare for an emergencySafety and emergency preparednessFireResources and information to help you prepare for an emergency.Protect your personal propertyCrime preventionPoliceTips for protecting your home, neighborhood, and car from theft and crime.Rates and FeesWater and utilitiesWaterView a list of water consumption charges for various types of activities, as well as information on other water fees.Recognize scams and con artistsCrime preventionPoliceLearn the warning signs that you might be encountering a scam or a con artist.Recover a towed vehiclePay a fee, ticket or finePoliceHow to locate and recover a towed vehicle.Register a commercial development neighborhood meeting noticeCommercial property and permitsResidential property and permitsDevelopment ServicesRegister a notice for a commercial development neighborhood meeting.Register for adult and senior programsChildren, family and petsRegister for programmingParks and RecreationLearn about adult and senior programs and how to enroll.Register for teen programsChildren, family and petsRegister for programmingCity Manager's OfficeParks and RecreationLearn about and enroll in teen programs like afterschool care, teacher work day programs, camps, and athletics.Register for therapeutic programsChildren, family and petsRegister for programmingParks and RecreationLearn about and enroll in therapeutic programs like adaptive bowling, inclusive football, or cooking.Register for toddler programsChildren, family and petsRegister for programmingParks and RecreationLearn about and enroll in enriching toddler programs such as arts, music, and sign-language.Register for youth programsChildren, family and petsRegister for programmingDevelopment ServicesParks and RecreationLearn about the City's youth programs, including afterschool, camps, teacher workday programs, athletics, art and music, and more!Report a broken or clogged storm drain, flooding issues or request street sweepingSafety and emergency preparednessTrash, recycling and city upkeepWater and utilitiesStormwater Services and UtilityStreet ServicesHelp keep the city streets free from excess debris and prevent property damage from rainwater runoff.Report a crimeReport a crime, concern or nuisancePoliceHow to report a crime, including how to remain anonymous and be eligible in some cases for a cash reward.Report a lost animalAnimal servicesPoliceLearn how to report a missing dog, cat, or other animal.Report a missed pickup, a pothole, hydrant leaks, and sidewalk safety issuesReport a crime, concern or nuisanceTrash, recycling and city upkeepPublic WorksStreet ServicesReport issues with city upkeep such as missed trash or recycling pickups, potholes, sidewalk issues, street light outages, vandalized street signs, and more.Report a Noise ComplaintReport a crime, concern or nuisancePoliceNoisy neighbors? Learn the steps to take before making a complaint, and how to report noise ordinance violations.Report a stormwater violationTrash, recycling and city upkeepWater and utilitiesStormwater Services and UtilityReport if a storm drain is carrying anything other than rain water.Report a transit complaint or concernTransitEquity and InclusionTransitLet the City know about incidents or issues you have experienced with the bus system.Report crime using TIP2APDReport a crime, concern or nuisanceSafety and emergency preparednessPoliceThis new tool, TIP2APD, enables the public to share anonymous tips with police officers and lets officers respond back to create an anonymous two-way conversation. Report damaged signs and street light outagesReport a crime, concern or nuisanceSafety and emergency preparednessTrash, recycling and city upkeepTransportationYou may use The Asheville App to report or view the status of damaged street signs and street light outages. Report graffitiReport a crime, concern or nuisanceTrash, recycling and city upkeepCity Manager's OfficePolicePublic WorksStreet ServicesHow to report graffiti to get it removed.Report traffic concernsReport a crime, concern or nuisancePoliceLearn how to report traffic concerns in your neighborhood to help decrease crashes.Report wrongdoing in City governmentPoliceHow to report possible unethical or illegal activities within City government.Request a temporary downtown parking space closureBikes, buses and carsParking ServicesLearn how to temporarily close a metered parking space for non-routine business such as construction, moving, or cleaning.Request public recordsOnline ServicesCity ClerkFind a list of records already available online, records not held by the City, and records that are not public record. Submit a request for public records.Request to view body worn camera footageSafety and emergency preparednessPoliceLearn about the specific instances under NC law under which you may request to view body worn camera footage.Reserve a bear resistant trash cartTrash, recycling and city upkeepSanitationThe City of Asheville is implementing a pilot program to provide bear-resistant trash carts to residents. There are a limited number of carts available for the pilot program - you can sign up to be put on a waiting list for the next available carts.Retrieve property from policeSafety and emergency preparednessPoliceHow to retrieve found property that is in possession of the police.Right of Way MaintenanceTrash, recycling and city upkeepStreet Services To request mowing or tree trimming in the city streets’ rights-of-way, use the Asheville App or call 828-259-5852. Schedule a mandatory Technical Review Committee pre-application meetingCommercial property and permitsDevelopment ServicesPlanning and Urban DesignSchedule your required pre-application meeting for Level II, Level III, Conditional Zoning and Major Subdivision reviews.Schedule an optional early assistance meetingCommercial property and permitsDevelopment Services Receive expert technical advice from staff during the preliminary phase of a project, for prospective business owners, developers, and designersSecure your bike while you shop, work, or sleepBicycle servicesBikes, buses and carsParking ServicesTransportationBike lockers provide security for your bike while you shop, work, or sleepSewer servicesWater and utilitiesWaterFind out about sewerage services provided by Metropolitan Sewerage District (MSD), and how to ask questions and find additional information.Sidewalk RepairsTrash, recycling and city upkeepStreet Services Damaged or uneven sidewalks are unsightly and can be a hazard. To report a sidewalk in need of repair, use the Asheville App or call 828-259-5852. Sign up for AVL AlertOnline ServicesSafety and emergency preparednessFirePoliceKeep updated through the City of Asheville on emergency and non-emergency subscriptions.Sign up for city e-newsletterOnline ServicesCommunication and Public Engagement Receive City News in your inbox! Sign up for Community ConnectChildren, family and petsOnline ServicesSafety and emergency preparednessFireSign up your household residence with Community Connect to aid first responders and emergency personnel.Sign up for the Citizen’s Police AcademySafety and emergency preparednessPoliceApply for the Citizens Police Academy to learn about the police department and law enforcement.Spay and neuter lawAnimal servicesPoliceAll dogs and cats six months of age or older must be spayed or neutered, or the owner must posses an Unaltered Pet Permit.Start a neighborhood watchCrime preventionPoliceGuidelines for starting a neighborhood watch to protect your neighborhood.Start or stop water serviceWater and utilitiesWaterInstructions for starting or stopping water service.Streets, sidewalks, lanes, and greenways closures mapBikes, buses and carsOnline ServicesIT ServicesPublic WorksStreet ServicesTransitTransportationThis map details active filings for street closures submitted to the City of AshevilleSubmit a complaint about the policeReport a crime, concern or nuisanceEquity and InclusionPoliceHow to submit a complaint about treatment by a police department employee or other concerns about the handling of an incident.Submit a tip to the policeCrime preventionSafety and emergency preparednessPoliceInstructions on how to submit an anonymous tip to the police via text, phone, email, or using an online form.Submit a Trespass Letter to the PoliceReport a crime, concern or nuisancePoliceThis online form makes it easy for residents of the city of Asheville to eSign a trespass letter to be held on file at the Asheville Police Department.Terrorism awareness informationSafety and emergency preparednessPoliceSee Something, Say Something... Report tips and crime to your local law enforcement.Thank a police department employeeSafety and emergency preparednessPoliceLearn how to let the police department know if you receive service that you feel is worthy of a commendation.Tips for preventing school violenceChildren, family and petsCrime preventionPoliceHow to handle and prevent violence at school.Transit Fares and PassesTransitTransitInformation about fares for riding the bus, as well as ticket booklets, monthly passes, and annual passes.Transit Maps and SchedulesTransitTransitBus route information, maps and schedules.Transit Service AlertsTransitTransitAlerts such as route delays, closures, and out-of-service stops.View crimes near meSafety and emergency preparednessPoliceThe City provides multiple tools to explore crime statistics in your area, such as by neighborhood or within a certain distance from a specific address.Watch a live stream of the City channelOnline ServicesCity ClerkCity Manager's OfficeCommunication and Public EngagementView live televised Asheville City Council meetings, at 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.Water quality and advisoriesSafety and emergency preparednessWater and utilitiesWaterView the yearly water quality report, current advisories and outages, as well as register to be notified of advisories in your area.What can I recycle?Recycling guidelinesSanitationSustainabilityLearn about what items can be recycled in the City of Asheville, and how to prepare them for pickup.Wheelchairs, service animals and the ADATransitEquity and InclusionTransitLearn about using a wheelchair on the bus, service animal information, and reasonable accommodations for riders with a disability.Wildlife reports or complaintsAnimal servicesPoliceInformation on how to report a concern involving wildlife or bears.