Animal Control: City ordinance specifically forbids dogs from running at large. This "leash law" requires dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash or on their own property at all times. Violations may be reported to the Police Department at 972-1390 or 972-1414.
Animal Permit: Keeping of animals and fowl is regulated by permits obtainable from the Police Department, Animal Control. For information on permit requirements call 972-1390 or 972-1414.
Auto Registration: To register your vehicle in North Carolina:
- License Tags
Cross Roads Plaza Shopping Center
1862 Stone Rose Drive
(252) 443-7900
- Department of Motor Vehicles
2617 North Wesleyan Blvd. (301 N), 27804
(252) 442-8905
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday-Friday
Braswell Library. Located at 727 North Grace Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Telephone: (252) 442-1951. Regular hours of operation:
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9 am - 9 pm
Wednesday 10 am - 9 pm
Friday - Saturday 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday - Closed
Please call for bad weather closings.
Boating: The City of Rocky Mount maintains two boat ramps on the Tar River Reservoir, located southeast of Rocky Mount. The primary ramp is located on Bend of the River Road and the Sapony Creek ramp is located on S. Old Carriage Road. For reservoir information, contact the Police Department at 972-1414 or Reservoir Warden Office at 442-6933.
The City maintains two boat ramps for access to the Tar River above and below the Rocky Mount Mills Dam, the ramps are located at Sunset Park and Battle Park respectively. Paddlers can enjoy over fifty miles of the Tar River Paddle Trail which consists of 12 improved access sites and two camping platforms http://www.rockymountnc.gov/parks/trails.html For more information contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 972-1151.
Building Permits: Building permits are required for new construction, alterations to existing structures, and any change in the use of buildings. They may be obtained from Inspections Services on the 2nd floor of the Administrative Complex.
C.I.T.Y. TV-19 (Connecting Information To You): The City of Rocky Mount offers a government access channel - C.I.T.Y. TV-19 on Suddenlink Communications, providing the community with a host of information on City activities, programs, services and events.
Collection of Bulky Items: Discarded furniture, box springs, mattresses, appliances, and other white goods are eligible for collection at the curb on the regular scheduled garbage collection day for your neighborhood. To schedule service, call Solid Waste Services at 972-1300.
Collection of Garbage: Household garbage and refuse is collected once each week, either on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday based upon the regular scheduled collection day for your neighborhood. Curbside roll-out containers, provided by the City, are required for collection of household garbage and refuse and must be placed to the curbside by 7:00 a.m. on your collection day. An additional approved rollout cart may be purchased from the City. Call Solid Waste Services at 972-1300 for information.
Holiday weeks will affect the collection schedules. Holiday changes are placed in the local newspaper, the local government access channel TV19, and/or radio stations or you may call Solid Waste Services at 972-1300.
Collection of Other Trash and Debris: All other trash and debris such as cardboard boxes, clothes, toys, etc. should be placed at the curb with your regular rollout cart garbage on the pickup day for your neighborhood. Items must be containerized for collection. An additional approved rollout cart may be purchased from the City for these collections. For additional information call Solid Waste Services at 972-1300.
Collection of Yard Waste: Yard trash collection is provided on the regular scheduled rollout cart pickup day for your neighborhood for grass clippings, leaves, branches, and garden and hedge trimmings. All yard waste must be in clear or transparent bags, boxed or canned in loads not exceeding 50 lbs. or placed in a special yard waste rollout cart, purchased from the City. The only exception is during announced loose leaf collection times in the fall and spring. These dates are normally from November through December and the first and last weeks of March. For additional information call Solid Waste Services at 972-1300.
Drivers License: New residents of North Carolina must apply for a driver's license immediately upon establishing a residence here. For further information call 442-8905 or go to the drivers license office on North Wesleyan Boulevard (North 301 Bypass).
Driveway Permit: To connect a commercial driveway a permit must be obtained from the Traffic Engineer's office located on the 2nd floor of the Administrative Complex. Residential driveway permits can be obtained from the Building inspector, also located on the 2nd floor of the Administrative Complex. The Engineering Department will establish drain pipe requirements on streets without curb and gutter.
Employment: The City hires and promotes personnel on the basis of qualifications for the job and not on the basis of race ' national origin, sex, disability or political party affiliation. Anyone interested in working for the City should contact the Human Resources Department on the lst floor of the Administrative Complex. Watch CITY TV19 or visit the Employment Opportunities section of our Web site for a list of current job openings. The City employs over 800 people on a permanent full-time basis.
Fire Alarm Equipment: The Fire Department encourages all citizens to install and maintain approved smoke detection devices on each floor of their residence. Project A.R.M. (Alarm Rocky Mount) is a program designed to install smoke detection devices in the residences of senior citizens, handicapped citizens, or persons living on fixed incomes. The majority of fire deaths that occur in residences are caused by smoke inhalation, so it is important that citizens have the early warning a smoke detector can provide. if you qualify or know of someone who meets the requirements for a smoke detector, please contact the Fire Prevention and Training Center at 972-1376.
Fire Prevention Inspection Service: The Fire Department offers free home inspections to citizens to educate the public on fire hazards that can be found in the home. Homeowners are encouraged to have their chimneys and wood stoves inspected each fall before they are used. It is recommended that chimneys be cleaned annually by a professional chimney sweep to eliminate the build-up of creosote. If you would like a free chimney or home inspection, please contact the Rocky Mount Fire Prevention and Training Center at 972-1376.
Fire Puppet Show: The Rocky Mount Fire Department provides many public fire education programs throughout the year. The puppet show, known as Puppet Company #1, is designed for children in preschool and primary grades and has proven to be the most popular fire education program the department offers. The Fire Department believes that focusing attention on young people in the community and instilling in them the fundamentals of fire safety can reduce the many tragic and needless casualties caused by fire. if your group or organization would like more information on puppet show scheduling, contact Fire Prevention and Training Center, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 972-1376.
Fishing: Fishing opportunities abound within Rocky Mount. City Lake, Sunset Park, Battle Park, BBQ Park, and Stith-Talbert Park all have fishing piers. Fisherman may also fish from any of the Tar River Paddle Trail access platforms, but are asked to make way for paddlers. The Sports Complex and the Historic Tree Park have ponds which are available for fishing as well. For more information contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 972-1151. All NC fishing regulations apply (NC Wildlife Commission 1-888-2HUNTFISH).
Landfill: The City does not own or operate a landfill facility. It does own a permitted Solid Waste Transfer Station facility located on Thorpe Road near the old Rocky Mount Airport where garbage and trash is loaded for transfer to an approved solid waste landfill. For disposal requirements you may call the Transfer Station at 972-1388 or 972-1303.
Loan-A-Trailer: Solid Waste Services has 16-cubic yard trailers for large cleanup projects that residents may reserve on a first-call basis by calling 972-1300 or 972-1301.
Loose Leaf Collection: Loose leaf collection normally occurs from November through December and the first and last week of March. Please place loose leaves and straw behind the curb line or edge-of-pavement separate from limbs and other debris that may damage vacuum equipment. For collection schedules, contact the Streets Division at 972-1296.
Parks and Recreation: There are seven programming divisions within the Department: the Arts Center and Theater, the Children's Museum, the Athletics Division, South Rocky Mount Community Center, Booker T. Washington Community Center, the Special Events Division, and the Special Programs Division. Each of these divisions offers a variety of leisure activities including: playground programs, day camps, instructional classes, athletic leagues, after-school programs, festivals, community theater, holiday events and trips.
There are over 40 parks and recreational areas in the city (see back cover) which provide tennis courts, ball fields, playground equipment, tot lots for preschool age children, picnic shelters, lighted outdoor basketball courts, exercise trails, 2 swimming pools and 2 wading pools. Battle Park, a 54 acre park next to the Tar River off Falls Road, is the largest. A combination of passive recreation areas, outdoor amenities and indoor facilities offer citizens a well-balanced leisure services program. For more information about programs and activities, please call the department at 972-1151.
Plumbing or Electrical Permit: Plumbing and electrical permits are required for all new installations as well as alterations or additions to existing plumbing and electrical systems. Permits may be obtained from Inspections Services, second floor of the Administrative Complex.
Police Permits: Police permits are required for the shooting of pests, parade/demonstration, amplified sound, taxi operation, burglar alarms, dances, and soliciting. Please call the Police Department for more information, 972-1471.
Police Services: In addition to providing 24-hour protection to the citizens of Rocky Mount, the Police Department offers the following special services upon request:
- Vacation house watches
- Residential/commercial security inspections
- Police community relations programs
- Special information and educational programs
- Engraver loan program
- Bicycle registration program
- Victim assistance program
- Crime watch
Recreation: There are over 40 parks and recreational areas in the city which provide tennis courts, ball fields, playground equipment, tot lots for preschool age children, picnic shelters, lighted outdoor basketball courts, exercise trails, two swimming pools and 2 wading pools. The city also offers a Children's Museum, Arts Center, Playhouse, Recreational Centers and other recreational facilities.
Recycling: The City provides a recycling container for each single-family resident to be placed at the curb once-a-week. The collection day is planned to coincide with the regular scheduled garbage collection day for your neighborhood. Recycling bins should be placed at the curbside by 7:00 a.m. for collection. Newspaper, aluminum and steel food cans, glass, plastic and used motor oil are collected at the curb into recycling trucks and taken to a recycler. The City has four multi-family collection sites for recyclables: Golden East Mall (Behind Sears), Westridge Village Shopping Center (beside Harris Teeter), Oakwood Shopping Center (beside Pizza Inn), and at River's Edge Shopping Center. For additional information call Solid Waste Services at 972-1300.
Sewer Stoppage: The City is responsible for the maintenance of sewer lines between the sewer main in the street and the property line only. The City is not responsible for stoppages which occur in the sewer line between the dwelling and the sewer main in the street. Such repairs must be performed at the expense of the owner or occupant.
Swimming: The City operates the eponymous Denton Street Pool. The pool opens on Memorial Day and closes on Labor Day each season. For information concerning public swim sessions, swimming lessons and private group rentals, please contact the pool at 977-6231.
- Filling a swimming pool with a fire hydrant meter: In order to fill a swimming pool with a fire hydrant, you will need to contact the Engineering Department at 972-1126 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to arrange for a hydrant meter to be installed on the hydrant. If a resident would like to fill a pool on the weekend or holiday, they will need to arrange for the hydrant meter in advance. A $25.00 non-refundable meter set fee will be charged. The hydrant must be located on the same side of the street as the pool, as damage to the fire lines can occur if a vehicle runs over it. If you need to use fire hose to fill the pool, it is available for loan in 50' sections. The hose will be delivered when the meter is set and must be rolled back up before it is picked up.
Tar River Transit: Local bus service is provided by Rocky Mount Transit which operates buses from 6:45 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. on Saturdays. One way fares are 75 cents for adults and 35 cents for registered seniors and disabled citizens. Children under 42 inches in height ride free.
Traffic Light/Sign Damage: The Traffic Services Division in the Engineering Department provides 24 hour maintenance service on traffic signs within the City limits. Call 972-1121 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and 972-1414 at all other times to report damages.
Utilities Bill and Payment: Utilities are billed monthly and residential bills are payable within 28 days of the billing date. (Businesses are on a different payment schedule.) if not paid after 28 days, a late payment fee will be charged and your next month's bill will show the total past due amount including the fee. if this past due balance is not then paid within 7 days, services will be terminated. To restore service, a reconnection fee must be paid in addition to the amount owed. Utility bill payments may be mailed to the Collector of Revenue, Post Office Drawer 1180, Rocky Mount, North Carolina, 27802.
Payments may also be made in the collections office on the first floor of the Administrative Complex or at the drive-through window on Nash Street. If there appears to be an error in your utility bill, call the Utility Billing Division at 972-1250 and explain the problem.
Utilities Connection: Application for utility service may be made at the Utility Billing Division on the first floor of the Administrative Complex. Deposits may be required.
V.I.P Program: "Volunteers in Partnership" encourages citizens to volunteer their time and talents with the City. These volunteers greet and assist citizens with information and directions when they visit City Hall. Interested volunteers should contact the Human Relations Department at 972-1180.
Voter Registration: New citizens may register to vote as soon as they become residents. However, you must be registered thirty days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. If you move from one county to another within the City you must register again in your new county of residence. If you move within thirty days before an election, however, you may vote if you return to the place where you would have voted if you had not moved.
Although Rocky Mount is not a county seat, a Voter Registration Office is provided for citizens' convenience on the first floor of the City Administrative Complex. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday between the hours of 12:00 noon and 5:00 p.m. Nash County residents may also register at any time during normal working hours in Nashville at the Nash County Board of Elections; and Edgecombe County residents may register at the Edgecombe County Board of Elections in Tarboro. For further information, call the respective County Boards of Elections: Nash (459-7708); Edgecombe (641-7852).
Voting Locations: For all elections, including City of Rocky Mount elections, each voter is assigned to a voting precinct. Call the Nash County Board of Elections or the Edgecombe County Board of Elections for specific locations. General City election information is available in the City Clerk's office (972-1319).
W.A.R.M. - Winter Assistance for Rocky Mount. This program is provided through donations from City of Rocky Mount utility customers. It is designed to help the elderly, disabled and handicapped, and those laid off from their jobs in the last 90 days pay bills for heating costs. All funds are distributed by the Salvation Army directly to the fuel source provider. There are no administrative fees. You can contribute by adding $1 to your utility bill each month or making a lump sum donation. All contributions are tax deductible. You can contact Gloria Hunter at the City of Rocky Mount by calling (919) 972-1533 for more information on contributing.
Water and Sewer Service Inquiries: All questions concerning obtaining water and sewer service or main extensions should be directed to the Engineering Department located on the 2nd floor of City Hall.
Water Quality and Inquiries: All questions concerning water quality should initially be directed to the Water and Sewer Services at 972-1316. Questions or problems regarding broken pipes, sewer services, or water flow may also be directed to this number. At night or on weekends call 972-1414.
