FAQs • York County, SC • CivicEngage

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Adopt-A-Stream

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1. Who can Adopt-A-Stream?: - Any civic or community group
- Local businesses
- Civic organizations
- Churches
- Academic associations
- Homeowner associations
- Scout troops

Each group must include a participating adult 18 years or older. Individuals under the age of 18 may participate under the supervision of an adult.

2. Why Adopt-A-Stream?: - Litter free waterways
- Recognition of your group on an Adopt-A-Stream sign
- Certificate of appreciation
- Community pride in the local streams and waterways
- Scout badge earning possibilities

3. How do we sign-up?: - Pick an area of stream or cove that you wish to adopt and pick a coordinator from your group.
- Call the Environmental Compliance Outreach Coordinator at 803-818-5145 complete the online application.
- Receive approval from York County and then your coordinator will attend a brief informal training session.
- Complete 2 clean-up events per year.

The work will be performed under and in accordance with the York County Environmental Compliance Division's Adopt-A-Stream General Program Conditions and Safety Guidelines found here and incorporated herein by reference. Applicants to whom Adopt-A-Stream Program Designation and Agreement are issued shall at all times indemnify and save harmless York County Government and all of its employees, agents and officers, from responsibility, damage or liability arising from the exercise of the privileges granted under designated programs. The program Designation and Agreement may be terminated by York County Government at any time. York County reserves the right to deny an adoption request or to cancel the Local Program Designation Agreement of any group. To sign up complete the Adopt-A-Stream Application.

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Animal Control

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1. Does Animal Services spay/neuter pets?: York County Animal Services does not provide spay and neuter services for the public. All animals that are adopted from the shelter are spayed and neutered before they leave the shelter.
View Animals Available for Adoption.

2. Will Animal Services remove wild animals from my house/property/vehicles such as snakes, bats, racoons, etc?: Animal Services will not remove wildlife. In South Carolina, control of wildlife is the responsibility of the individual property owner. Please reference South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Control with a list of licensed Wildlife Removal Services.

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Assessor

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1. What can I do if I don't agree with the value of my property?: Complete the following Objection to Value Form. Submit it to the Assessor Office by email [email protected] , by mail, or at our office on the second floor of The Government Center in York.
Objection To Value Form

2. Owner-Occupied(4%) Property transferred into Trusts

The 4% Special Assessment ratio will be removed from properties transferred into a trust. However, state law provides that if residential real property is held in a trust and the income beneficiary of the trust occupies the property as their primary residence, the property may qualify for the 4% special assessment ratio. A new application is required in order to be reconsidered for the 4% Special Assessment ratio. ADDITIONALLY, all
applicant(s) must show proof they are the income beneficiaries to the trust by
submitting the trust for review.

3. How can I have my mailing address corrected on my tax notice?: You can change your address by filling out a Change Of Address Request. This request can be submitted via email [email protected] , by mail, or in the Assessor Office on the second floor of the Government Center in York.
Change of Address Form

4. How are taxes calculated?: Appraised Value x Assessment Ratio = Assessed Value x Millage Rate ( Tax Levy ) = Property Tax: Property Tax - State Property Tax Relief = Net tax Due . How to Estimate Real Estate Taxes

5. My mortgage company pays my taxes. Why did I receive the tax notice?

A courtesy tax notice is sent to each property owner. This allows the owner to review the tax notice and notify our office of any questions they may have about the value of their property.

The mortgage company also receives the tax information upon their request. Most mortgage company’s receive a copy of the tax records electronically and pay taxes based on this file. You can contact the mortgage company to confirm if a notice was received or if a payment will be made.

6. My lender went up on my mortgage payment because of the increase in taxes. Can this be right?

Mortgage companies base the escrow on an estimate of property taxes at the time of the closing. Property taxes normally increase each year due to the increase in the millage rate. If you experienced a large increase it could be due to the mortgage company estimation your taxes as owner occupied and you have not applied for the owner occupied rate.

If this is your legal residence please complete the Legal Residence Application. Submit this application with all information required by email [email protected] , by mail, or in the Assessor Office located on the second floor of the Government Center in York.

Legal Residency Application

7. How can I or my mortgage company estimate what the taxes will be on my home?: The Assessor’s Office is responsible for placing values on the property. County taxes are calculated by the Auditor’s Office.
How to Estimate Real Estate Taxes

8. How is my property appraised and often does the county reappraise property?: Follow link for explanation Reassessment Program

9. My name is misspelled on my tax notice. How can I get it corrected?: You first need to check the recorded deed. If your name is spelled incorrectly on the deed contact an attorney to record a corrective deed. If your name is spelled correctly on the deed please contact our office [email protected].

10. I received a tax notice in the wrong name of for property that I don't own. What should I do with it?: The tax notice is in the owner’s name as it was listed on our records as of December 31st of the previous year. Any deeds recorded after December 31st will show in the new owner name for the following year. If you have sold the property please forward the notice to the new owner. if you have recently purchased the property (after December 31st of the previous year) the notice should be in the previous owner’s name in care of you. If you have owned the property since before December 31st of the previous year please contact our office [email protected]

11. I am recently divorced. How do I get my former spouse's name from the tax notice?

The Assessor’s office can not add or remove names from a property tax notice with out a recorded deed or permit. You can obtain the proper paper work in the following ways.

For real property: Get an attorney to prepare a new deed and have it recorded at the York County Register of Deeds Office.

For mobile home: Contact the York County Building and Codes Department to find out what is needed to purchase a change of ownership permit.

12. I want to move my mobile home out of York County. What do I need to do?: Make sure that all taxes are current on the mobile home and obtain moving permit. Contact York County Building and Codes for information on what is needed for a permit to move the mobile home out of the county.
York County Building and Codes

13. I purchased a mobile home/ land package deal. The attorney handled my paperwork . Why is the mobile home still in the prior owner's name and how do i change it?: Attorneys record deeds for real property only. The mobile home owner must file title, bill of sale or Form 400 with the Department of Motor Vehicles and obtain a change of ownership permit for the mobile home from York County. For more information please contact York County Building and Codes

14. Why do I have to get a mobile home permit?: State law states that in order to remove a mobile home from the tax roll, and avoid future tax bills, you have to purchase a moving permit. For more information on mobile home permits please contact York County Building and Codes

15. I purchased a mobile home from a dealer / individual. I have not received a tax notice. What should I do?: You will need to contact York County Building and Codes for information on how to register the mobile home and obtain a mobile home sticker.
York County Building and Codes

16. I no longer own a mobile home. How do I get the tax notice out of my name?

If the mobile home burned, furnish a copy of the fire report to the Assessor Office.

If the mobile home was repossessed please contact the Assessor Office

If the mobile home was sold, the new owner needs to purchase a change of ownership permit through the York County Building & Codes

17. I received a rollback tax notice(s). What is this for?: Any property that is classified and taxed as agricultural real property and whose use changes to something other than bona fide agricultural is subject to additional tax.
Rollback Tax Explanation

18. What is Point of Sale / Assessable Transfer of Interest?: Section 12-37-3510 (A) The South Carolina Real Property Valuation Reform Act of 2006 provides that any increase in the fair market value of real property attributable to the periodic countywide reassessment program is limited to fifteen percent of the prior year's fair market value. However, this limit does not apply to the fair market value of real property when as assessable transfer of interest (ATI) occurred in the year that the transfer value is first subject to taxes. For example all properties sold in 2007 determined to be an ATI will be reassessed for 2008 tax year. Please contact the York County Assessor Office with any questions.

19. I paid my taxes at closing. Why am I getting a tax notice?: Normally at closing, the seller pays their portion of the taxes to the buyer. If this is the case, the new owner would be responsible for paying the tax notice for the full year. You will need to contact your closing attorney to make sure how it was handled.

20. How can I verify property ownership?: By visiting GIS Online Mapping and Property Search or contacting our office. GIS Online Mapping

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Auditor

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1. How do I figure out how much my taxes will be on a new vehicle I am purchasing?: We have a manual provided to us by the Department of Revenue that shows the value of all vehicles. We can give you an estimate from our manual by phone, fax, or email. If you want to figure an estimated amount yourself, take the market value (before any rebates, allowances, or trade ins) and multiply that by 6% if the vehicle will be in your personal name or by 10.50% if the vehicle will be in a business name.

After you have done that, you will multiply your answer by the tax rate of the district you live in. We can give you the tax rate if you tell us what your address is or you can find it on any of your tax bills for the current year. If you need an exact amount, you will need to fax, email, or come in and bring a title or bill of sale. For more information contact the Auditor's Office.

2. How do I know if my vehicle qualifies for a high mileage discount?: We have a chart provided to us by the Department of Revenue for mileage adjustments. The Auditor's Office can find out if you are eligible by looking at your mileage and year of your vehicle, to learn more and for any inquiries contact the Auditor's Office.

3. What do I need to bring with me to register a vehicle for the first time?: If you are moving from out of state, we will need to see your title or current registration. If you just purchased a vehicle, we need a title, bill of sale or purchase order agreement.

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Auditor - Homestead Exemptions

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1. How do I qualify for the Homestead Exemptions?: You may qualify if you:
- Hold a complete fee simple title or life estate to your primary residence.
- As of December 31, preceding the tax year of the exemption you were a legal resident of South Carolina for 1 year.
- As of December 31, preceding the tax year of the exemption you were 65 years of age, or declared totally and permanently disabled by a state or federal agency having the authority to make such a declaration, or were legally blind as certified by a licensed ophthalmologist.

If these statements are true, you are qualified to receive the Homestead Exemption. If you are the surviving spouse of a person who was qualified, you may also be qualified to receive the benefit. For further information please contact the Auditor's Office.

2. Where do I apply for Homestead Exemptions?: You may apply for the Homestead Exemption at the County Auditor's Office. If you are unable to come in, you may authorize someone to come and apply for you. For locations and more contact the Auditor's Office.

3. What documents do I need?: You must provide the following documentation to prove eligibility: - If you are eligible by age, we need a driver’s license, birth certificate, Medicaid card, or Medicare card and social security number. If there is more than 1 person on the deed, we need the date of birth and social security number of the other homeowner. If deed is in a trust, we need the trust documents showing that you are the trust income beneficiary. - If you are eligible by disability, we need your disability Award Letter from Social Security. If you were declared disabled by any other state or federal agency, you will need to supply documentation from that agency. - If you are eligible because you are blind, we need a letter from the Commission for the Blind or from a licensed ophthalmologist.

4. Do I need to re-apply annually?: The only time you would need to reapply would be upon the death of the eligible owner or if you moved to a new home. Any changes that may affect your eligibility must be reported to the Auditor's Office immediately. Those changes would be:
- Change in disability status.
- Any change of ownership.
- Rental of your home.
- Remarriage of the surviving spouse.

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Building Maintenance

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1. Does Building Maintenance handle Custodial issues?: Yes, the Custodial department is a portion of Building Maintenance.

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Clerk of Court - MJC Juror Information

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1. When and where do I report for jury duty?: You will report to Moss Justice Center for General Sessions jury service. Please arrive prior to the time to report on your summons. We like to start our instructions as close to the report time as possible.

2. Can I bring a cell phone, pager or any other communication device (laptop, reader, etc.)?: NO! Please leave any communication devices at home, work or in your vehicle. A South Carolina Supreme Court order prohibits communication devices in the courtroom.

3. When will my service end?: You are summonsed for one week of jury service unless otherwise indicated on your summons. Please make plans to be away from home, work and other activities for the entire week. The normal court hours are 9am - 5pm, but may start earlier or run later.

4. How did you choose me?: Each year we receive an electronic list from Court Administration that includes all York County registered voters, licensed drivers and pictured ID holders issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. These names are cross-referenced and loaded into our system enabling us to randomly select a pool of potential jurors for predetermined court terms.

5. If I have a question prior to service, who can I contact?: Please contact our General Sessions Juror Coordinator, Lindsey, at 803-628-3041. She will be glad to assist you and provide you with additional information.

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Coroner

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1. What is your phone number, fax number and mailing address?: Phone Number:
(803) 909-8400
Fax Number:
(803) 324-9595
Mailing Address:
933 Heckle Boulevard
Suite 103
Rock Hill, SC 29732

2. Who can get copies of a decedent's reports and how?: One copy is issued to the immediate next-of-kin at no cost. The next-of-kin can get a copy of their loved one's reports by mailing or faxing a written request. This request should include the decedent's name and date of death. Please include a return mailing address. Insurance companies can also obtain a copy of the Coroner's report by faxing a request on their company letterhead.

3. How can personal property be reclaimed?: The immediate next-of-kin should call the office 803-684-8576 and schedule an appointment to pick up property.

4. Where can I get a copy of a Death Certificate?: The Funeral Home will provide this for you. The funeral home will ask the family how many copies will be needed when the arrangements are made. If additional copies are needed at a later time you can get them from the vital records in the Department of Health and Environmental Control. The building is located at:
York County Complex
1070 Heckle Boulevard
Rock Hill, SC 29732
(803) 909-7300

5. Who decides when an autopsy is needed and who pays for it?: The coroner/deputy coroner will decide whether or not an autopsy will be necessary on a case by case bases. If the coroner/deputy coroner make the decision to conduct an autopsy the county will be responsible for the cost. If the legal next-of-kin feels they would like a private autopsy, it will be up to that individual to make arrangements with the Pathologist of their choice and they will be responsible for the cost.

6. Should the Coroner have a medical license?: South Carolina statute does not require the coroner to have a medical license.

7. Should the Coroner be a funeral director?: No, the Coroner's office has no responsibilities regarding the preparation of a body for burial.

8. Why is the Coroner involved?: State law requires the Coroner to inquire into and determine the circumstances, manner, and cause of all unexpected, violent or unusual deaths. Certain natural deaths must be investigated as well. Law enforcement and emergency medical services may also respond.

9. Where will my relative/friend be taken?: They will be taken to Piedmont Medical Hospital. York County has facilities to receive and safeguard the deceased at this location.

10. How will my relative/friend be transported to this facility?: York County has a contract with a private transport company who is highly professional and experienced in the field of securely transporting the deceased. Transportation is done under the direct supervision of the Coroner or deputy on scene.

11. Is it necessary for me to come to the Coroner's office to identify the body?: No. In a majority of cases, visual identification is not necessary to positively identify the deceased.

12. What are the office hours?: The Coroner's Office is open, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, there is always at least 1 investigator and 1 administrative staff member on call 24 hours a days. If you are looking to pick up property or get copies of any records, it is always best that you call ahead of time to ensure these items are available.

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County Attorney - Risk Management

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1. What should I do if I see a safety hazard involving a York County employee?: Report it to their supervisor or call the Risk Management Department at 803-684-8595.

2. How should employees report accidents or injuries occurring on county property and involving the public?: Contact the department supervisor, who should call the Risk Management Department at 803-684-8595.

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County Council

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1. How can I address Council members at a Council meeting?: Please contact the Clerk to Council at 803-628-3954 at least one week prior to the County Council meeting that you would like to speak at to be added to a County Council agenda.

2. How do I apply for a board or commission?: Please click on the link to apply for a board or commission. Boards and Commissions Website

3. What County Council District do I live in?: Please click on the link to determine which Council district you live in. York County GIS Website

4. How do I contact my Council member?: Please click on the link to locate the contact information for your Council member. County Council Members

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County Manager

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1. I have a complaint regarding a County department or employee. What should I do?: The County Manager's Office responds to complaints regarding services provided by County departments and will help resolve the problem by working with the appropriate department. Please call 803-684-8511 for assistance.

2. What department or agency should I call to provide a particular service that I need?: The Manager’s Office serves as a referral source for citizens, businesses, organizations and other governmental agencies. This office directs individuals to the proper county department. Please call 803-684-8511 for assistance.

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Ebenezer Park

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1. Does Ebenezer Park allow long-term camping?: Ebenezer Park is not a long-term campground. Campers may stay a maximum of 14 nights on a campsite, if space is available. Please review the Extended Stay Camping Policy for additional details. Click here

2. Is Ebenezer Park open year-round?: Yes, the park is open 365 days/year.

3. What is your cancellation policy for camping or picnic shelters?: Please review the Reservation and Cancellation Policies. Click here to review our policy.

4. How do I reserve a picnic shelter?: Please review the Shelter Information Tab. If you would like to make a picnic shelter reservation, please call the park office at 803-366-6620. Please keep in mind that alcohol, inflatables (such as bouncy houses), confetti, and water balloons, are not permitted.

5. Can I purchase live bait, firewood, ice, and other supplies at the park?: Yes, the Ranger Station store is stocked with these items and more.

6. Does the park offer boat rentals?: No, Ebenezer Park does not offer boat, kayak, or paddleboard rentals.

7. Can campers have mail or packages delivered to the park?: No, incoming mail or packages will not be accepted.

8. Where can guests get propane?: For propane cylinders, please check with Carolina Fresh Farms, Tractor Supply or the Flying J Travel Center. For propane tank refills, please check with the Flying J Travel Center.

9. Are fishing licenses required to fish at the park?: Yes, a SC fishing license is required for fishing at Ebenezer Park. Persons under the age of 16 are not required to have a fishing license to fish. SC fishing licenses can be purchased in the Ranger Station Monday – Friday (8:00 am – 5:00 pm).

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Emergency Management - Catawba Nuclear Station

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1. What do I do when I hear an outdoor warning siren?: The siren activation warns residents there is an emergency situation in the county. Residents should immediately tune to local television and radio for further instruction. Emergency messages will be broadcast with local media and all social media platforms. Remember that the sirens are also tested quarterly. To find out additional information on siren test dates go here https://www.duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/nuclear-safety/catawba .

2. Should I be worried about radiation?

We are surrounded by radiation all the time. Radiation is released from the ground, as well, cosmic (or space) radiation is constantly hitting Earth. Humans are exposed to radiation all of the time. We have even found medical uses for radiation; X-rays use radiation to see bone structure and other forms of radiation may be used to treat certain disease states.

Radiation becomes harmful to humans when it is in absorbed in high levels and not controlled. Radiation in the medical field is highly controlled and medical professionals put a great amount of effort in limiting the amount of radiation their patients are exposed to during procedures. The effects of radiation on the human body vary drastically depending on the type of radiation they are exposed to and the amount of radiation. The parts of the body that are most effected by high levels of radiation are the organs that consistently reproduce cells. These organs may be blood forming organs, intestinal tract, and an embryo or fetus developing in its mother.

3. Should I be worried about the Nuclear Power Plant?: Catawba Nuclear Power Station has a multitude of safety measures in place that drastically decrease the chances of an incident occurring. If an incident were to occur, CNS and York County Emergency Management would work closely together to minimize the impact to the community. Due to all of the safety measures in place, the public would be aware of what to do to limit exposure long before exposure would be of concern.

4. What if something happens at the Nuclear Power Plant?

If something happens at the power station, York County Emergency Management will be notified immediately. What actions that need to be taken will be dependent on the Emergency Classification Level that CNS declares (https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/emerg-preparedness/about-emerg-preparedness/emerg-classification.html ). In the event that a public response is needed, the outdoor warning sirens will be set off. The sirens are tested on a quarterly basis. In the event the sirens are activated outside of routine testing, the public is encouraged to seek further information through local news media outlets. If you are in your car, tune to the local radio station; if you are at home, turn the television to a local channel. NOAA Weather/All Hazards Alert radios will be activated as well. You may be asked to do one of five things:

Continue to Monitor: You will be told that the public is not at risk, but please continue to monitor local news media outlets
Go Inside, Stay Inside: When this order is given, there is a security threat at the nuclear power station. Residents will be told to lock all their doors and windows, go towards the center of the residence and monitor news media.
Shelter in Place: If evacuation is considered to be too dangerous or cannot be done in a timely fashion, then residents will be told to close all of their doors and windows, turn off the ventilation to their residence, go towards the center of the residence, and monitor local news media.
Evacuation: If there is a possibly risk of radiation exposure, then the public will be asked to evacuate the area. When this occurs residents will be evacuated by zone. To find your zone, please visit https://www.duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/nuclear-safety/catawba, scroll down to "Emergency Planning Zones", and enter your full home address including city and state. Shelters will be set up for residents to go to. An exclusionary zone will be set up around the power station, where in which residents will only be allowed to leave until the area is deemed safe to return.
Take Potassium Iodide (KI): Potassium iodide, also known as KI, is a nonprescription drug that may prevent the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine. KI is one protective action that might be recommended during a nuclear emergency. KI is available to Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) residents at no cost through county health departments. It should be taken only at the direction of public health officials. For more information on KI, contact your county health department.

5. What if I cannot evacuate?

If you are unable to evacuate due to certain circumstances (lack of transportation, physically incapable, or you require further assistance) then you are encouraged to fill out the “Request for Special Assistance” form prior to an incident occurring. Please visit https://www.yorkcountygov.com/FormCenter/Emergency-Management-4/Request-for-Special-Assistance-90 to fill out this form electronically.

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Emergency Management - Recovery

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1. How do I apply for assistance after a disaster?: York County Office of Emergency Management will coordinate with FEMA to provide guidance in applying for individual assistance. Disaster Recovery Centers will be opened with representatives to assist citizens in the application process.

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Emergency Management - Thunderstorms

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1. What is a thunderstorm?: A thunderstorm is a rain shower during which you hear thunder. Since thunder comes from lightning, all thunderstorms have lightning. Why do I sometimes hear meteorologists use the word “convection” when talking about thunderstorms? Usually created by surface heating, convection is upward atmospheric motion that transports whatever is in the air along with it—especially any moisture available in the air. A thunderstorm is the result of convection.

2. What is a severe thunderstorm?: A thunderstorm is classified as “severe” when it contains one or more of the following: hail one inch or greater, winds gusting in excess of 50 knots (57.5 mph), tornado.

3. What is a severe thunderstorm watch?: A severe thunderstorm watch is issued by the NOAA Storm Prediction Center meteorologists who are watching the weather 24/7 across the entire U.S. for weather conditions that are favorable for severe thunderstorms. A watch can cover parts of a state or several states. Watch and prepare for severe weather and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio to know when warnings are issued.

4. What is a severe thunderstorm warning?: A severe thunderstorm warning is issued by your local NOAA National Weather Service Forecast Office meteorologists who watch a designated area 24/7 for severe weather that has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings mean there is a serious threat to life and property to those in the path of the storm. Act now to find safe shelter! A warning can cover parts of counties or several counties in the path of danger.

5. What kinds of damage can thunderstorms cause?: Many hazardous weather events are associated with thunderstorms. Under the right conditions, rainfall from thunderstorms causes flash flooding, killing more people each year than hurricanes, tornadoes or lightning. Lightning is responsible for many fires around the world each year, and cause fatalities. Hail up to the size of softballs damages cars and windows, and kills wildlife caught out in the open. Strong (up to more than 120 mph) straight-line winds associated with thunderstorms knock down trees, power lines and mobile homes. Tornadoes (with winds up to about 300 mph) can destroy all but the best-built man-made structures.

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Emergency Management - Tornados

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1. What is a tornado?: A tornado is a narrow, violently rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground. Because wind is invisible, it is hard to see a tornado unless it forms a condensation funnel made up of water droplets, dust and debris. Tornadoes are the most violent of all atmospheric storms.

2. When are tornadoes most likely?: Tornado season usually refers to the time of year the U.S. sees the most tornadoes. The peak "tornado season" for the Southern Plains is during May into early June. On the Gulf Coast, it is earlier during the spring. In the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, tornado season is in June or July. But, remember, tornadoes can happen at any time of the year. Tornadoes can also happen at any time of day or night, but most tornadoes occur between 4-9 p.m.

3. Where do tornadoes occur?: Tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, including Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. Even New Zealand reports about 20 tornadoes each yer. Two of the highest concentration of tornadoes outside of the U.S. are Argentina and Bangladesh.

4. How do tornadoes form?: The truth is that National Weather Service don't fully understand. The most destructive and deadly tornadoes occur from super cells, which are rotating thunderstorms with a well-defined radar circulation called a mesocyclone. (Supercells can also produce damaging hail, severe non-tornadic winds, unusually frequent lighting, and flash floods.) Tornado formation is believed to be dictated mainly by things which happen on th storm scale, in and around the mesocyclone. Recent theories and results from the VORTEX2 program suggest that once a mesocyclone is underway, tornado development is related to the temperature difference across the edge of downdraft air wrapping around the mesocyclone. Mathematical modeling studies of tornado formation also indicated that it can happen without such temperature patterns; and in fact, very little temperature variation was observed near some of the most destructive tornadoes in the history on May 3, 1999.

5. What is straight-line wind?: Straight-line wind is a term used to define any thunderstorm wind that is not associated with rotation, and is used mainly to differentiate from tornadic winds.

6. What is a downburst?: A downburst is a result of a strong downdraft. A downburst is a strong downdraft with horizontal dimensions larger than 4 km (2.5 mi) resulting in an outward burst or damaging winds on or near the ground. (Imagine the way water comes out of a faucet and hits the bottom of the sink.) Downburst winds may begin as a microburst and spread out over a wider area, sometimes producing damage similar to a strong tornado. Although usually associated with thunderstorms, downbursts can occur with showers too weak to produce thunder.

7. How many tornadoes occur in the U.S. each year?: About 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S. yearly. Since official tornado records only date back to 1950, we do not know the actual average number of tornadoes that occur each year. Plus, tornado spotting and reporting methods have changed a lot over the last several decades.

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Emergency Notification Registration

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1. What is CodeRED and why is it important to me?: CodeRED is an emergency notification service that allows emergency officials to notify residents and businesses by telephone, cell phone, text message, email and social media regarding time-sensitive general and emergency notifications. Only authorized officials have access to the CodeRED system.

2. When will CodeRED be used?: Any message regarding the safety, property or welfare of the community will be disseminated using the CodeRED system. These may include AMBER alerts, notifications of hazardous traffic or road conditions, boil water advisories or evacuation notices.

3. Does the CodeRED system replace other systems that have been used to provide time-sensitive information to residents?: This system is an enhancement to existing means of communication and is meant to supplement current or past systems used for mass notification.

4. How will I recognize a CodeRED message?: A CodeRED Emergency message will have a caller ID of 866-419-5000. A CodeRED General message will have a caller ID 855-969-4636. We suggest you program both numbers in your cell phone as a “new contact” and use “CodeRED Emergency” and “CodeRED General” as the contact name. If you need to replay the emergency notification message again, simply dial the number and you will be able to hear the message again.

5. What should I do if I receive a CodeRED message?: Listen carefully to the entire message. You will have the option to repeat the message by pressing any key. Do not call 911 for further information unless directed to do so or if you need immediate aid from the police or fire department.

6. I have a cordless phone, and it does not work when the power goes out. How will the system be able to contact me?: Make sure you have at least one working corded telephone - and be sure to turn the ringer on. The CodeRED sign-up form allows you to indicate both a primary and alternate phone number. Cell phone and/or work phone numbers can be entered as alternate phone numbers. Both primary and alternate phone numbers will be contacted when a notification is sent.

7. I have a business located in York County. Can I arrange to have CodeRED contact my business?: Yes. Fill out the CodeRED registration form but be sure to select the “This address is business” option. Please note that emergency calls can only be delivered to a direct dial number. Automated attendants will disrupt the process and the calls will not be delivered. Businesses should register their main number and establish a procedure for distributing the CodeRED message to their workforce. CODE RED Registration

8. What if I want to register additional numbers for my address?: After you submit the initial registration form, you may start the registration process again and submit more numbers for the same address. CODE RED Registration

9. Is my personal information protected?: CodeRED is a service of Emergency Communications Network which takes security and privacy concerns very seriously. They will not sell, trade, lease or loan any data citizen supplied data to third parties.

10. Will the CodeRED system leave a message on an answering machine?: Yes, the CodeRED system will leave a message on a machine or on voicemail. The CodeRED system will leave the entire message in one pass.

11. What happens if the line is busy?: If the line is busy, CodeRED will try two more times to connect.

12. Does the CodeRED system already have my telephone number, or do I need to sign up to receive CodeRED notifications?: The CodeRED database contains information received from public databases, including regional phone books. However, no resident should assume that their information is in the system. This page has a link to the CodeRED Community Notification Enrollment page where you can register online. If you can not register online, you can call 803-329-0911 and speak with one of our communications specialists to complete your registration over the telephone.

13. What circumstances might prevent a message from being delivered to me?: - If your contact information has changed and you have not registered your new information.
- If you have only cordless phones in your residence, the power is out and you did not register an alternate phone number.
- If your line is busy for an extended time and your calls do not forward to voicemail or an answering machine.
- If you have a privacy manager on your main phone and you did not register an alternate phone number.

York County will receive a report of undelivered calls and can instruct the CodeRED system to begin another round of calls to busy numbers. It is best to have an alternate phone number in the calling database for these situations.

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Engineering

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1. Where do I submit proposed development plans for review?: York County Planning - Development Coordinating Center (DCC)
18 W. Liberty St, York
803-909-7200
Development Services

2. Who do I contact for Environmental Compliance questions? (storm water, erosion control, or flood plain management).: York County Planning and Development Department 803-909-7200
Environmental Compliance

3. How do I get my fire hydrant tested?: Apply here:
Hydrant Flow Test Application

4. How much will I have to pay for tap fees?: York County Public Works
803-628-3200 York County Public Works

5. Who do I contact to have my soil tested?: Clemson University Extension Office
120 North Congress Street
York SC 29745
803-684-9919
Clemson Extension

6. Who do I contact for a well or septic permit?: SCDHEC 803-909-7300
SCDHEC

7. Where can I get a plat of my land?

York County Register of Deeds

6 S.Congress Street, York

803-684-8505

Land Record Search

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Engineering - Utilities

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1. Does York County serve my property with water and sewer utilities?

Seven different utility providers serve York County’s residents. Each serves a defined area of the county.

If your property is located in the dark blue area of the map (click the thumbnail to view the map at full size), please click here to submit a Water/Sewer Availability Inquiry to the York County Engineering Department.

If the property is located anywhere else - please refer to the contact list below for that utility provider’s contact information.

Name of Provider	Point of Contact	Position	Phone	Email
Clover	Mark Geouge	Public Works Director	(803) 222-7700	[email protected]
Fort Mill	Greg Rushing	Utilities Director	(803) 547-2034	[email protected]
Riverview	Sam Leslie	Director	(803) 547-2458	none
Rock Hill	Brian Long	Engineering	(803) 325-2694	[email protected]
Tega Cay	Phillip Jolley	Utilities Director	(803) 548-3514	[email protected]
York (city)	Ben Wright	Engineering	(803) 684-2341	[email protected]

2. How can I get a fire hydrant flow test done for my project?: Apply here: Hydrant Flow Test Application

3. Where can I find the water and sewer rates for York County?: Please click here for the current schedule of York County's water / sewer rates.

4. Are there any plans to extending water and sewer service to my area?: Extensions are made through either the York County Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) or developer funded projects. For more information, contact the Engineering Department at 803-684-8571.

5. Whom do I speak with about obtaining a septic permit?: Contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Onsite Wastewater Management Section at 803-896-0640.

6. Who do I contact regarding my septic system?: Contact South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) at 803-909-7300.

7. How can I get my water tested?: Contact South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) at 803-909-7300.

8. Once I connect to York County's public water system, can I continue to use my private well?: Yes, but the public system must be separate from the private system due to South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) regulations. For more information, contact the Engineering Department at 803-684-8571.

9. Can I connect to York County's sewer facilities without connecting to the County's water facilities?: No. The York County Ordinance states that no connection can be made to the County's sewer system unless the applicant obtains all of its water from the County's water system.

10. How can I get on York County's bidder's list for water and sewer facility projects?: Please call the York County Purchasing Department at 803-684-8520, or visit the department's webpage, for more information.

11. Can I build something within a York County water or sewer easement?: Yes, as long as it is not a permanent structure (building, house, garage, etc.). Fences erected within the water or sewer easement shall have gates in order for County vehicles and equipment to access the easement. Contact the York County Planning Department at 803-909-7200 (or visit the department's webpage) prior to building within the easement.

12. Where can I get drawings showing the location of York County water and sewer facilities?: Contact the York County Engineering Department at 803-684-8571.

13. How can I get my utilities located?: Contact Palmetto Utility Protection Services (PUPS) at 811 or toll free at 888-721-7877.

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Engineering -Transportation

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1. Who do I call to report a clogged storm drain?: If the storm drain is located on private property, you will need to speak to Environmental Compliance at 803-909-7250. If it is located on County property, please call York County Public Works Water & Sewer at 803-628-3211. If the storm drain is on a state road, please call SCDOT at 803-327-6186.

2. Who do I contact if I have a pothole on my road that needs to be repaired?

To report a pothole on a county-maintained road, please fill out the Request for Road Service form at the Public Works webpage. You can also

contact York County Public Works Road Maintenance at 803-628-3200. However, if it is on a state-maintained road, call SCDOT at 803-327-6186.

3. Does the County have plans to widen my road?: Through four separate Capital Sales and Use Tax Referenda in 1997, 2003, 2011 and 2017, York County has improved and widened a number of roadways, with more projects planned. For more information, please contact our office at 803-818-5763 or visit our program website at http://www.penniesforprogress.net .

4. Will the County install sidewalk along my road?: York County requires developers to construct sidewalks in new residential and commercial developments. York County does not have a program for the installation of sidewalks along existing county maintained roadways.

5. How do I get my County-maintained road closed or taken out of the County's maintenance system?: There are two options to begin the process to have a road closed or taken out of the county’s maintenance system.
1. Any individual may obtain their own Attorney to process the closure request. York County would be notified and would attend the closing hearing but the decision to close or remove a road from the York County maintenance system would be that of the master in equity judge.
2. The other option is to send a request in writing to the County Engineer. On your request, please include your name, address, and a day-time telephone number where you can be reached to discuss details of the process. There are several steps in the overall process including mailings, advertisements in the newspaper and a public hearing that would need to be completed. This process normally takes anywhere from 12 to 18 months and does not guarantee the closure or removal of a road from the maintenance system.

6. Why does the County need a right-of-way for gravel road improvements?: Most of the existing County roads are not wide enough to accommodate paving. The final paved road must be at least 18 to 20 feet wide with a three to four foot flat shoulder and proper ditches to handle storm water. For more information, contact the Engineering department at 803-818-5764.

7. Will construction take place on both sides of the existing gravel roadway during improvements?: The construction of the new paved surface may take place on one or both sides of the existing roadway depending on limiting obstructions (trees, fences, etc).

8. What can be done to help slow down traffic on my County maintained subdivision / roadway?: York County representatives look at several criteria in setting speed limits for its roadways, including roadway alignment, sight distance, the weighted average speed, crash history, and proposed development. Speed limits must be reasonable and ultimately enforced by local law enforcement. The County has also established a speed table (bump) program.

9. How do I request a traffic signal?: Traffic signal requests should be made to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) District Office at 803-377-4155. SCDOT representatives will study the intersection for proper signalization and base the need for a signal by studying traffic volumes, reviewing the crash history and conducting a field investigation to determine if a signal will create a safer driving environment. In addition, SCDOT field technicians repair malfunctioning or damaged signals.

10. Who do I call to have my County gravel road scraped or new gravel applied?: Contact the York County Public Works Department at 803-628-3200

11. How do I get my road paved (or resurfaced)?: York County receives paving and resurfacing requests, and utilizes an evaluation system which considers the condition of the road, the length of the road, the amount of traffic using the road, and the amount of maintenance required throughout the previous years, and other factors. To submit a paving or resurfacing request, please utilize our Paving Request Form.

12. Does the County pave subdivision streets for new developments?: No. Individual developers are required to put in all proposed infrastructure needs to support their subdivision.

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Equipment Maintenance

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1. Who handles the purchasing of vehicles for your department?: The Purchasing Department handles the acquisition of all County vehicles. Equipment Maintenance writes the bid specifications and answers questions regarding bid specifications.

2. Do you have any job openings?: For updated information on job openings please contact the Human Resources Department.

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Field Day Park at Lake Wylie

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1. How Can I stay Up-To-Date on the park?: Please continue to visit the Field Day Park at Lake Wylie website page.

2. What is the minimum setback from residential property lines for a recreation park?: There is a 25’ undisturbed buffer between the Park and Paddlers Cove to the north, and a 50’ undisturbed buffer between the park and Tullamore to the South. The east and west park property boundaries have protected streams and sewer easements that will provide approximately 150’ west and 75’east buffers. For the fields adjacent to Paddlers Cove properties, the county is planning to erect a net to prevent errant balls from leaving the fields and entering into private properties.

3. Will all the lighting be down lighting?: Currently, the county is working with some lighting vendors for design & placement. With the design, light is provided for the activity while also minimizing the glare (measured in foot candles) on the adjoining properties.

4. How far offset will the “perimeter” walking trail be from residential properties and how will the path be created?

The walking trail final path location has not been determined yet. Tentatively, it will follow the sewer easement on the east and west, and not enter the undisturbed buffers to the north and south. Once the clearing takes place, the best path location will be determined along the perimeter.

The plan is to chip the trees that are removed during the construction to provide the mulch material for the paths. The intent is not to remove trees or add fill material to create the path.

5. What will the opening and closing hours of the park be?: The operating hours have not been determined yet; however, they will comply with the York County lighting and noise ordinance. Noise Ordinance: http://library.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/South%20Carolina/yorkco/yorkcountysouthcarolinacodeofordinances?f=templates$fn=default.htm$3.0$vid=amlegal:yorkco_sc

6. Would movies in the park or concert events take place outside of operating hours?: No, only when the park is open.

7. What is the plan for overflow parking for tournaments?: The proposed parking lot will have 406 spaces, and the park entrance road will have 59 parallel spaces. Thus, a total of 465 spaces. In most circumstances this amount of available parking will be sufficient. However, the county and parks committee are prepared (if needed) to coordinate with Crowder’s Creek Elementary School for overflow parking.

8. Is Paddlers Cove (Field Day Drive) the only entrance to the park?: Yes, Field Day Drive is the only vehicular entrance to the park.

9. Will the intersection at Crowder’s Creek Elementary School and Charlotte Highway be improved to provide park access as well?: Crescent and Crowders Creek Elementary School are responsible for the intersection improvement and the connection to Paddlers Cove Drive. Construction will commence summer 2019.

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Fire Safety

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1. What is the ISO rating for my fire district?: For extensive details view the 2023 ISO Fire Ratings

2. Where can I find information about outdoor burning?: For details on burning outdoor in York County view the Outdoor Burning Information page.

3. What is the phone number for outdoor burning notification?: State law requires you to notify the South Carolina Forestry Commission prior to conducting outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of York County.
The number for yard debris burning is 1-800-517-9644.
The number for large burns is 1-800-777-3473.

4. Where can I obtain a copy of a fire report for a specific incident?: Please contact the fire department that responded to the fire.
Fire Department Contact Information

5. How do I order a Knox Box?: Go to knoxbox.com
Select York Co Dept of Fire Safety

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Forever Commission

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1. I am interested in conserving my property. How do I initiate the process with York County Forever?: York County Forever invites you to help us with saving our green spaces and preserving our quality of life. Please complete a Landowner Conservation Statement of Interest form to begin the conservation process.

2. Who do I contact if I am interested in serving on the York County Forever Commission?: York County Forever welcomes citizens dedicated to conserving the County’s unique resources to serve on the Commission. In order to apply to serve on the Commission, please contact the Clerk to Council at the County Manager’s office at 803-628-3954.

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General

Show All Answers

1. Who maintains my road?: Find out who is responsible for maintaining a certain road in York County by using this link: https://maps2.yorkcountygov.com/ez/Search_RoadName.aspx
Precinct and Polling Locations page.

2. What is CodeRED and why is it important?: CodeRED is an emergency notification service that allows emergency officials to notify residents and businesses by telephone, cell phone, text message, email and social media regarding time-sensitive general and emergency notifications. Only authorized officials have access to the CodeRED system. Sign-up now!

3. How do I apply for a marriage license?: Application for marriage licenses may be made between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The license may be used for ceremonies performed in South Carolina, and the fee is $50. To find additional information, please visit Probate Court.

4. Does Animal Control spay/neuter pets?: York County Animal Control provides spay and neuter services for all animals that are adopted from the shelter.

5. Where can I dispose of yard debris?

The Collection and Recycling Centers do not accept yard debris for disposal.

Debris is accepted at:

York County Landfill

289 Public Works Road (Off Highway 5 near the Moss Justice Center)

York, SC 29745

The Landfill phone number is 803-628-3186, and the hours are: Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday 7 a.m. - noon

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Geographic Information Systems

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1. How do I obtain digital files of GIS data layers?: Digital geographic data of York County can be downloaded, for free, by visiting our GIS Data Download page.

2. How do I get a printed map?: Pre-printed maps can be purchased from the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce. For contact information, please visit their website: http://www.yorkcountychamber.com .

3. What improvements / alterations can I make to my property?: For specific questions regarding the zoning for your property, you will need to contact the appropriate zoning department. For those living within city limits, please contact your local municipal zoning department. For those living in the county, please contact the
York County Zoning Department.

4. How do I find ownership information?: We have several ways to find ownership information. You can search by address, Tax Map ID, or subdivision within One Map

5. Where can I find a plat of my property?: Available plats can viewed online. There is a link to the Register of Deeds site on the One Map reports. Also, you can use their search or directly contact the
Register of Deeds Office.

6. Is my property in a flood zone?: You can lookup FEMA floodplain as it relates to your address by using One Map

7. My property looks different than what is presented when using the One Map website. Why is that?: Always check the officially recorded document for the legal description of the property. The digital drawing of the property boundaries is an approximation of the legal documents. For the plat or legal description of the property in question, please contact
the Register of Deeds.

8. My property is not drawn correctly (e.g., the boundary is drawn on top of my house). What should I do?: If you find a discrepancy in your address or parcel information, use the Report Parcel and Address Errors Form to inform County staff about the issue. A representative from the appropriate department will review your inquiry and let you know what actions are taken, if necessary. Report Parcel and Address Errors Form

9. How do I view/download historic aerial imagery?: We have aerial imagery available from 1970 to present. To download aerial imagery, please visit the Open Data Portal. To view imagery, visit One Map.

10. How do I obtain elevation data?: Topography and other LiDAR derived products are available for download by visiting our GIS Data Download page.

11. How do I report an error with an online mapping application?: If you are experiencing a technical issue with one of our applications, please email us at [email protected].

12. Why is the "deeded acres" area on some parcels blank?: The "Deeded Acres" section is maintained by the Tax Assessor's Office. Sometimes the tax assessors value parcels as a lot instead of using the “deeded acreage”. In order for you to find the deeded acreage of a parcel, we would recommend viewing the recorded plat. Plats can viewed online (link to Register of Deeds site on the One Map site), or directly contact the
Register of Deeds Office.

13. In One Map, how do I review CAMA Data (e.g., square footage, year built, etc.) for a property?: As of 2020, York County maintains parcel data attributes known as ’CAMA Data’ (such as square footage, rooms, year built) in table form. Access these property details through One Map as a report to review one parcel at a time.

14. How can I get more specific parcel/property information?: For questions regarding most parcel and property information (such as CAMA Data, property measurements, etc.), please contact the York County Assessor's Office.

15. How can I download LiDAR data?: The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) makes LiDAR and related products available for download from their site. For a complete list of what is available and how to download it, please visit the SCDNR Website.

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Human Resources

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1. How do I apply for employment vacancies and where are they listed?: Information on vacancies can be found on the York County web site at www.yorkcountygov.com or contact the Job Line at 803-684-8564. Computer access is provided for applicants on level 2 Suite 2015C HR/Kiosk/Vending area of the new Government Center located at 6 South Congress Street, York, SC. Interested applicants may also sign up for the "notify me" function of the applicant tracking database in order to receive notifications via e-mail when career opportunities become available.
York County Employment Opportunities

2. Who determines how much sick leave, vacation leave or compensatory time employees may accrue and how it is accrued?: Leave time policies are set by the County Personnel Ordinance. Overtime rules are governed by Federal Law.

3. When may employees make changes to their insurance plans?: During annual enrollment employees may make changes to their insurance plans. This occurs each October with an effective date of January the following year. Employees may add or delete dependents only during Open Enrollment which happens every other year (even numbered years) in October with effective dates of January the following year. Adding or deleting dependents may also occur within 31 days of a family change such as a new baby, marriage, divorce, or spouse losing coverage.

4. What is the address and phone number for the HR Department: New York County Government Center 6 South Congress St. York, SC 29745 803-684-8512

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Magistrate

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1. How to pay traffic tickets: Online Payments, mail money order or cashiers check

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Master in Equity

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1. Do you handle TAX SALES?: NO. We do not handle sales of real property for delinquent taxes. Those are handled by the delinquent tax collector. You may contact that office by calling 803-909-7272.

2. Where do I file pleadings, motions, petitions or other documents?: All records are maintained by the Clerk of Court. Please contact the Clerk of Court at (803) 684-8507 for questions regarding the filing of pleadings, motions, petitions, or other documents.

3. How do I view court records online?: Click HERE to be directed to the South Carolina Public Index Search Page. Enter the case number, name of a party, or tax map number and click the search tab. Click on a case number. Locate the tabs in the middle of the page. Select the tab labeled Actions. Click on a page icon to view a record. If you do not see the page icons on the right, select the Associated Cases tab, and click on the case number. Select the tab labeled Actions. You should now see the icons to select and view documents.

4. How do I access a SALES Roster?: Click HERE to be directed to the Civil Court Rosters Page. Find and select a roster described SALES. The sale rosters will have case numbers on the left and property descriptions on the right. You may access the case file from the roster by clicking on the case number. Locate the tabs in the middle of the page. Select the tab labeled Associated Cases. Click on the case number. Find and select the tab labeled Actions. Click on the page icon to view a record. If you clicked on the Actions tab and see no documents, find and select the Associated Cases tab and proceed as instructed above.

5. Where and when are foreclosure sales held?: All sales are held at Equity Court located at 2 South Congress Street, York, South Carolina, 29745, Courtroom 2 on the second floor. Please check the SALES ROSTER and Notice of Sale for the date and time. You may view the Notice of Sale online by following the instructions in FAQ No. 3 and selecting the document.

6. Do I have to register to attend the sale?: Yes, please contact Terra Rose by email at [email protected], or by phone at (803) 628-3930 to inquire about registration.

7. What is the bidding process?: The Judge will read the case number, the name of the case, the tax map number of the property, the street address of the property, and the terms of the sale. Plaintiff’s bid begins the process, and the bidding continues until there are no more bids. If Plaintiff fails to appear at the sale, the sale will be cancelled. Unless otherwise stated by the Court at the sale, bids are made in $1000.00 increments, except you may round up to the nearest dollar over Plaintiff’s bid. You are deemed by the Court with knowledge of all records contained in the case file, so please review the case file prior to making a bid at sale. See FAQs 8-13 for more details about the terms of sale.

8. May I inspect the property prior to foreclosure sale?

Without permission from the owner or occupant, you have no legal right to enter the property for inspection. It is your responsibility to be aware of the condition of the property, or the structures thereon, prior to making a bid. There are no guarantees made regarding the condition of the property, or any structure, including any mobile home.

9. How does a request for a deficiency judgment affect the bidding process?: If the Plaintiff seeks a deficiency, the only bid taken at the sale will be the Plaintiff’s bid. The property will then be auctioned again 30 days from the original sale date. Only bids higher than the Plaintiff’s bid (“upset bids”) will be taken, and the sale will be final on that date.

10. How and when do I make payments if I am the highest bidder?: Unless otherwise stated by the Court at the sale, the following rules apply to all payments: (1) at least 5% of your bid must be paid by 4:00 p.m. on the date of the sale; (2) the remaining balance of the bid must be paid within 20 days from the date of sale; (3) all payments must be made by certified check; and (4) all checks must be made payable to the “Master in Equity” and delivered to the Court. By placing a bid, you are deemed by the Court with having the read the Notice of Sale and all other documents contained within the case file. See FAQ No. 3 for instructions on how to view the case file online.

11. If I do not make payment(s) by the required time, what happens?: If you fail to make the required 5% deposit on time, you will forfeit your bid and lose your right to purchase the property. If, after making your deposit, you fail to pay the balance of the purchase price when due, you will lose your right to purchase the property. You will also lose your deposit, which shall be forfeited, without a hearing, and paid to the costs of the sale and to Plaintiff. In either scenario, you may also be held in contempt of court, which may result in a fine or an order prohibiting you from participating in future sales.

12. Will I receive title to the property free and clear of all other liens?: There is no guarantee regarding the status of title, or existence of other liens, which may be superior, or remain, after foreclosure sale. Real property tax liens are not extinguished by a foreclosure sale and will remain as a lien on the property. It is your responsibility to determine the status of all liens or claims by a proper examination of the title by you or your attorney.

13. If I am the highest bidder, when may I take possession of the property?: You may only take possession of the property when you have been issued a deed by the Court. If the property is still occupied, you must go through the legal process of evicting the occupant(s). Equity Court does not prepare or file documents to assist in the eviction process. Please consult an attorney for further details on how to proceed with an eviction.

14. How do I contact Plaintiff’s counsel?: You may access contact information for Plaintiff’s counsel by reviewing documents within the case file online. Please refer to FAQ No. 3 for instructions on how to view documents online.

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National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program

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1. What is NPDES?: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

2. What does that mean?: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requiring York County and other small municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) to implement a storm water management program that will address issues of storm water pollution.

3. Why is it needed?: Polluted storm water enters York County’s local waterways without treatment and contributes to water quality degradation.

4. Why is it needed?: Polluted storm water enters York County’s local waterways without treatment and contributes to water quality degradation.

5. How will this help?: It will protect water quality by reducing the discharge of storm water pollutants into local streams to the "maximum extent practicable" (MEP), and it will fulfill the water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act (CWA).

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Planning & Development Administration

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1. Does York County require a business license?

No, York County does not require business licensing. However, some jurisdictions within the County may require a business license. Be sure you contact the appropriate city jurisdiction regarding their business license requirements.

If you are operating a business out of your home, York County does require a home occupation permit be obtained. Please contact our Zoning Division at 803-909-7235 with any questions.

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Planning & Development - Building and Codes

Show All Answers

1. Does York County require a business license?

If you are operating a business out of your home, York County does require a home occupation permit be obtained. Please contact our Zoning Division at 803-909-7235 with any questions.

2. Who do I contact for septic or waste disposal systems?

York County does not issue or approve private septic tank permits for private dwellings. For septic tank permits, please contact SCDHEC at 803-909-7096 or visit https://scdhec.gov/environment/your-home/septic-tanks/permits-licenses-reports.

York County does not issue or approve private well permits for private dwellings. For residential well permits and information, please contact SCDHEC at 803-898-3232 or visit https://scdhec.gov/bureau-water/residential-wells.

3. How do I get information on water meters?: Information regarding water meters can be obtained through the Water & Sewer Department. Their phone number is 803-327-8639.

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Planning & Development - Development Services

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1. Once my site plans are approved, when can I obtain my grading permit?: Once the county approves a site plan, the necessary information is sent to South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issuance. SCDHEC has 7 business days from the date they receive the information to issue the permit, deny the permit, or request additional information. Land Disturbance is not allowed until SCDHEC grants NPDES permit coverage and a pre-construction meeting is held on-site.

2. How do I obtain a business license?: York County does not require a business license.

3. How does one become a Licensed Contractor?

Contractor licenses can be obtained through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (SC LLR). You can visit their website at https://llr.sc.gov/ for more information on the different types of licensing available.

SC Contractor's Licensing Board (Commercial)
Phone: 803-896-4686
Email: [email protected]

SC Residential Builders Commission
Phone: 803-896-4696
Email: [email protected]

SC Building Codes Council
Phone: 803-896-4688
Email: [email protected]

SC Manufactured Housing Board
Phone: 803-896-4682
Email: [email protected]

4. As a homeowner, can I get the required permit(s) to work on my house without using a contractor?

Yes, as long as you meet the criteria set forth by the SC Code of Laws referenced below:

SECTION 40-59-260. Exception for projects by property owner for personal use; exemption disclosure statement; notice filed with register of deeds.

(A) This chapter does not apply to an owner of residential property who improves the property or who builds or improves structures or appurtenances on the property if:

(1) the owner does the work himself, with his own employees, or with licensed contractors or registered entities or individuals;
(2) the structure, group of structures, or appurtenances, including the improvements, are intended for the owner's sole occupancy for occupancy by the owner's family and are not intended for sale or rent; and
(3) the general public does not have access to this structure.

(B) In an action brought under this chapter, proof of the sale or rent or the offering for sale or rent of the structure by the owner-builder within two years after completion or issuance of a certificate or occupancy is prima facie evidence that the project was undertaken for the purpose of sale or rent, unless otherwise approved by the commission, and is subject to the penalties provided in this chapter. As used in this section, "sale" or "rent" includes an arrangement by which an owner receives compensation in money, provisions, chattel, or labor from the occupancy, or the transfer of the property or the structures on the property. This section does not exempt a person who is employed by the owner and who acts in the capacity of a builder or a specialty contractor of any kind.

(C) To qualify for exemption under this section, an owner must personally appear and sign the building permit application. The local permitting agency shall provide the person with a disclosure statement, provided by the department, in substantially the following form: "Disclosure Statement State law requires residential construction to be done by licensed residential builders and specialty contractors. You have applied for a permit under an exemption to that law. The exemption allows you, as the owner of your property, to act as your own builder even though you do not have a license. You must supervise the construction yourself. You may build or improve a one-family or two-family residence. The building must be for your own use and occupancy. It may not be built for sale or rent. If you sell or rent a building you have built yourself within two years after the construction is complete, the law will presume that you built it for sale or rent, which is a violation of this exemption. You may not hire an unlicensed person as your residential builder or specialty contractor. It is your responsibility to make sure that people employed by you have licenses required by state law and by county or municipal licensing ordinances. Your construction must comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, building codes, and zoning regulations."

(D) At the time an owner personally appears and signs the building permit application as required by subsection (C) of this section, the local permitting agency shall provide the owner with all forms necessary to comply with subsection (E) of this section.

(E) If a residential building or structure has been constructed by an owner under the exemption provided for in this section, the owner of the residential building or structure must promptly file as a matter of public record a notice with the register of deeds, indexed under the owner's name in the grantor's index, stating that the residential building or structure was constructed by the owner as an unlicensed builder. Failure to do so revokes the statutory exemption.

(F) Nothing in this chapter may be construed to authorize an owner of a residential building or structure to hire a person or entity that is not licensed or registered in accordance with this chapter.

South Carolina Code of Laws Title 40 Chapter 59

5. Whom can I employ to perform construction work on my property?

If you have any questions regarding the requirements for contractor licensing, please call Permit Services at 803-909-7200 or email [email protected].

Residential
All residential construction must be performed by a properly licensed contractor. Contractors must be licensed through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (SC LLR). A homeowner may be exempt from needing a licensed contractor if they are going to be performing all of the work themselves and meet the requirements of the SC Code of Laws Section 40-59-260.

Commercial
When the total cost of construction for a project exceeds $5,000, all contractors must be properly licensed through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (SC LLR).

Modular Home
A properly licensed South Carolina contractor is required to perform work on or set up a modular home. The homeowner/property owner is not allowed to do their own work on a modular home.

Manufactured Home (Mobile Home)
A properly licensed South Carolina contractor is required to perform work on or set up a manufactured home. The homeowner/property owner is not allowed to do their own work on a manufactured home.

6. Do I need a permit if my project is under $500?

Per the York County Code of Ordinances, all construction requires a permit.

§ 150.14 PERMITS REQUIRED.
Any owner or owner’s authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace and electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be per formed, shall first make application to the Building and Codes Division and obtain the required permit.

Email Permit Services

7. How do I schedule an inspection?

Inspections can be scheduled online using our online permitting website at www.yorkcountygov.com/permitting or calling our 24-hour line at 803-909-7200, option 2. Inspections are performed between the hours of 8:00AM and 5:00PM, Monday through Friday. Inspections must be scheduled by 3:00PM the business day before. When calling in an inspection, please leave the following information:

Permit Number
Address
Contact Name and Phone Number
Type of Inspection
Date Inspection is Needed

If we are unable to schedule your inspection for the following business day, a permit technician will notify you of the next available date.

At the time of the first inspection, you should have the following in place:

The address and permit posted and visible from the road or street.
Plans stamped “Approved” and any comment sheets from plan review or permitting on site.

8. I have a North Carolina License, may I perform work in South Carolina?: You will be required to have a South Carolina contractors license in order to perform work in South Carolina. You may contact the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (SC LLR) to verify if your North Carolina license can reciprocate to South Carolina. Please contact SC LLR for additional information.
SC LLR Website

9. Does each trade have to pull a separate permit for their trade on a commercial project?: No, all trades will be included on the building permit issued to the general contractor. However, each trade shall be properly licensed in the state of South Carolina, and listed on the general contractor's permit application indicating the state license numbers and subcontractors' contract amounts.
Commercial Building Permit Application

10. I have a complaint with the Contractor who built my house. How do I address this problem?: All complaints must go through the Residential Builders Commission in Columbia, South Carolina, and then be referred back to our office for further action. For more information call 803-896-4621.

11. How do I get a 9-1-1 address for my property?: You can reach the Addressing Department at 803-909-7482 or 803-909-7483.

12. How do I go about taking over a Building / Structure that has been foreclosed upon?

It is the responsibility of the property owner to verify if any existing permits or code violations exist on a property, and will assume all responsibility upon purchase of the property. If a person purchases a property that has a building or structure on it that was never permitted, or the permit was never completed, a new permit will need to be obtained.

Once a permit has been applied for, prior to issuance, we will schedule a "field inspection" and one of our inspectors will visit the property to determine the scope of work that has been done (which the previous builder would be responsible for) and what will be needed to finish the project (which the new contractor of record would assume responsibility for). The new owner/contractor will have to assume all responsibility for structures or buildings constructed without a proper permit.

Residential Permit Information (link)

13. Does York County require a business license?

If you are operating a business out of your home, York County does require a home occupation permit be obtained. Please contact our Zoning Division at 803-909-7235 with any questions.

14. When do I need to hire an architect for my project?

South Carolina Board of Architectural Examiners requires the following:

SECTION 40-3-290. Exceptions from coverage of chapter.

(A) Nothing in this chapter prohibits a general contractor or a home builder from the preparation and use of details and shop drawings, assembly or erection drawings, or graphic descriptions used to detail or illustrate a portion of the work required to construct the project in accordance with the plans and specifications prepared or to be prepared under the requirements of this chapter.

(B) Nothing in this chapter prevents or affects the practice of any other legally recognized profession.

(C) If the drawings and specifications are signed by the authors with the true title of their occupations, this chapter does not apply to the preparations of plans and specifications for:

(1) a building which is to be used for farm purposes only;
(2) a building less than three stories high and containing fewer than five thousand square feet of total floor area except buildings of assembly, institutional, educational, and hazardous occupancies as defined by the Standard Building Code, regardless of area;
(3) a detached single-family or two-family dwelling, as defined in Group R3 of the Standard Building Code, regardless of size, with each unit having a grade level exit and sheds, storage buildings, and garages incidental to the dwelling;
(4) alterations to a building to which this chapter does not apply, if the alterations do not increase the areas and capacities beyond the limits of this chapter or affect the structural safety of the building.

SECTION 40-3-320. Issuance of building permits. The building official or other authority charged with the responsibility of issuing building or other similar permits of any county, municipality, or other subdivision, before issuing the permit, must be in possession of a sealed set of plans and specifications for which the seal of a registered architect is required and to verify that the architect who sealed the architectural plans and specifications is an architect registered in South Carolina.

15. Do I need a permit for a storage building I purchased at Home Depot / Lowes etc.?

Storage buildings that are 200 square feet or less in size do not require a building permit, but do require zoning compliance.

Storage buildings greater than 200 square feet require a building permit.

You can find more information regarding permit requirements at our website: www.yorkcountygov.com/ResidentialPermits.

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Planning & Development - Environmental Compliance

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1. Who do I contact regarding a clogged storm drain?: Contact York County Environmental Compliance at 803-909-7200; to determine who maintains the storm drain.

2. Do I need a grading permit for a timbering operation?: No, as long as the timbering is not being conducted for a new commercial or residential development. If a development is planned, contact the Environmental Compliance Division at 803-909-7146. The South Carolina Forestry Commission regulates timbering within the state and can be reached at 803-896-8800.

3. What do I do and who do I contact to report something being dumped down the storm drain or into a creek or pond?: Record information such as the date and time that the violation was found, take a picture if possible and notify the York County Environmental Compliance Division at 803-909-7157 during normal business hours or call the York County Stormwater Hotline at 803-909-7250 after hours. You may also submit an email to Tammy.

4. Who is the inspector for my site?: Call Julie Faile at 803-909-7115.

5. How do I file for a Notice of Termination?: Fill out the N.O.T. form then call your York County inspector to sign off on your site. The N.O.T. requires York County approval before you can submit to SCDHEC.

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Planning & Development - Flood Plain Management

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1. Will FEMA pay for damage to my property due to flooding?: Most floods don't qualify for federal disaster aid, but flood insurance will cover all flood-related damages.

2. If I am not located in a flood hazard area, will I be impacted by flooding?: 25% of flood insurance claims come from areas not shown in a FEMA floodplain.

3. How do I protect myself in a flood?: Should you be near rising waters, seek higher ground. Most flood deaths happen in vehicles so avoid driving through flooded areas.

4. How much damage does flooding cause?: Flood damage in the U.S. totals $3 billion annually.

5. What are the chances that my home will be impacted from a flood?: A home located within an Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) has a 26% chance of suffering flood damage during the term of a 30-year mortgage.

6. When can I purchase flood insurance?: Flood insurance can be purchased at any time. However, there is a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy can become effective.

7. What is a floodplain?: A floodplain is the part of the land where water collects, pools, and flows during the course of natural events. Such areas are classified as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA), and are located in a 100-year flood zone. The term "100-year flood" is a little confusing. It is the flood elevation that has a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded each year; it is not the flood that will occur once every 100 years. The likelihood of a flood occurring within a 100-year stretch of time is very, very high, but there’s no way to predict when the next flood will occur - or the one after that.

8. Do I need flood insurance if I live along Lake Wylie?: Lake Wylie has a designated flood stage of 570 feet above mean sea level. This level is controlled by the Lake Wylie dam in Rock Hill. Even though this is true, your mortgage company may require you to carry flood insurance.

9. How do I buy flood insurance?: It's a good idea to have your flood insurance through the company that provides your homeowners' or your business' private insurance. If your agent does not write flood insurance or you do not have an agent, contact the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at 888-379-9531 or visit the NFIP website.

10. What is a Flood Hazard Map?: Flood hazard maps, also called “Flood Insurance Rate Maps” or “FIRMs” are used to determine the flood risk to your home or business. The low - and moderate-risk zones are represented on the maps by the letter “X” or an “X” that is shaded. The high-risk zones will be labeled with designations such as “AE”.

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Planning & Development - Illicit Discharges

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1. Why are finding, fixing, and preventing illicit discharges and illegal connections important?: Illicit discharges enter our streams, creek, rivers and Lake Wylie contributing to high levels of pollutants (e.g., heavy metals, toxins, solvents, nutrients, and bacteria) that have been shown to significantly degrade water quality and threaten aquatic wildlife and human health.

2. How do I spot an Illicit Discharge or Illegal Connection?: For a list of things to look for to spot illicit discharge or illegal connection please view our Keep an Eye Out page.

3. What is allowed in York County?: For a list of discharges that are permitted in York County please visit the Permittable Discharge page.

4. What is not allowed in York County (Illicit Discharges)?: For a list of discharges that are not allowed in York County please visit our Discharges Not Allowed page.

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Planning & Development - Rain Barrels

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1. Can I use the water in my vegetable garden?: Yes, but only in the same way that other non-potable water is used. Avoid using overhead irrigation. It is best to use this water for drip or trickle irrigation. This prevents contamination of edible above the ground plant parts that are hard to clean, especially leafy greens.

However, the vegetable is not safe to eat unless it is thoroughly washed using "drinkable" water first. Rain barrel water should not be used close to harvest time to water the vegetable garden and should never be used to wash fruits or vegetables from the garden or orchard prior to consumption.

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Planning & Development - Residential

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1. What is my new address?: Please contact the Department of Public Safety Communications at 803-909-7482 or [email protected]

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Planning & Development - Rezoning & Planned Developments

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1. Can I withdraw my Application?: Applications may be amended during the review process, and may also be withdrawn by the petitioner at any time up to the submittal date for the legal advertisement for the petition. After that time, the petitioner may file a request to withdraw the petition with the Planning and Development Services Director and no portion of the filing fee will be refunded. If a petitioner withdraws a petition prior to the submittal date for the legal advertisement, up to one-half (1/2) of the filing fee may be refunded.

2. How does the Planned Development approval process differ from a rezoning?: The approval process of the Planned Development (PD) generally follows the standard Rezoning process established in our traditional zoning districts with one noted exception: No action can take place until the concept PD Plan is in compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances. Once the plan conforms to all applicable standards, the rezoning application may be formally submitted.

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Planning & Development - Stormwater

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1. What is stormwater?: Stormwater is water from rain, snow, sleet or hail that flows across the ground and pavement. Typically, soil, vegetation, trees, and undisturbed areas can absorb a portion of stormwater. However, areas with impervious surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt, and brick, prevent water from infiltrating into the soil. This results in water flowing across these impervious surfaces. Roads, parking lots, sidewalks, etc. are all examples of surfaces that contribute to stormwater runoff.

2. What is the storm drain system?: Stormwater that does not seep into the ground will flow into the storm drainage system. The storm drainage system consists of the drains that you see at street corners, inlet structures within yards or open spaces and ditches within a development. These connected drains and ditches may travel for miles before directly entering creeks, streams, and our very own Lake Wylie. The storm drain system, unlike the sanitary sewer system (water from our showers and toilets), does not have a mechanism for treating the water before it is discharged directly into our local water ways. In other words, whatever goes into the storm drainage system, goes into our streams, creeks, rivers and lakes!

3. How does stormwater become polluted?: As the stormwater flows across the ground, it can become contaminated with debris, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants. Once these pollutants are picked up, they are transported to a storm drain or ditch. These storm drains discharge directly into our creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes. Since our waterways are interconnected, that means that stormwater pollution up stream can potentially contaminate waterways many, many miles downstream.

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Planning & Development - Zoning

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1. What is permitted in each zoning district?: This information can be obtained by visiting the Code of Ordinances or by calling the zoning division 803-909-7235.

2. Does York County require a Business License?: No, York County does not require a business license, but if the business is in the county then a site plan approval/zoning approval may be necessary.

3. I received a letter notifying me of a Board of Zoning Appeals meeting?: The purpose of the letter is to notify adjacent property owners of a request on neighboring property. If you would like information regarding that specific request you should call the Zoning Division at 803-909-7235.

4. How do I obtain the zoning classification for my property?: The zoning classification is one of the layers provided through York County's GIS system. This link can be found on the zoning homepage under planning viewer. York County GIS Online

5. Where can I get a copy of my plat?: The plat (Survey) of the property can be obtained from the property owner or the Clerk of Court- Register of Deeds office.

6. What is the procedure for rezoning property?

To better facilitate the process, we ask that applicants contact the Planning Division staff before submitting a rezoning application in order to discuss application requirements and consistency of the request with the Comprehensive Plan and the surrounding area. For further information, contact the a Panning Division office at (803) 909-7223.

7. Does my manufactured home (mobile home) need underpinning? If so, what kind?: All single-family double-wide residential structures, except manufactured homes located in grandfathered manufactured home parks, must be underpinned with permanent brick, block, stucco, stone z-brick or the equivalent. Mobile homes located in an Agricultural Conservation District (AGC), or Rural Development District (RUD) zoning district will be allowed to use manufactured home vinyl underpinning kits. Single-wide mobile homes located anywhere in York County may be underpinned with permanent brick, block, stucco, stone, Z-brick, vinyl underpinning kits or the equivalent. Underpinning must be vented in accordance with York County Building Code. If underpinning is to be stucco, Z-brick or equivalent, then the underpinning must be installed by the manufacturer's specifications. Vinyl manufactured home kits must be installed.

8. If I am only altering the interior of a building do I need a site plan?: Since each case is unique, you would need to contact the zoning division to verify if a site plan is required.

9. What is the review time for commercial review and revisions?: 21 days is the review time for submittals and revisions.

10. What are the procedures for filing a variance request?: Obtain a York County Board of Zoning Appeals Variance Application from the Zoning Department or download it from the Development Services page. The application must be completely filled out and signed by the landowner; a survey of the property, existing property conditions, and any supporting documents should also be attached. A fee of $400 for residential and $550 for nonresidential is due at the time of submittal.

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Planning & Development- Storm Drain Marking Program

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1. What are storm drains?: Storm drains are the drains that you see at the street corners or low points in the street or parking lot.

2. What are storm drains for?: They are for transporting stormwater.

3. What is stormwater?: Stormwater is water from rain, snow, sleet, or hail that flows across the ground or pavement when it rains. Stormwater either seeps into the ground or it flows into the drains. These drains are connected to an series of underground pipes that discharge directly into streams and creeks.

4. Why is stormwater a concern?: As stormwater travels across the ground it can pick up pollutants and carries them directly to the nearest creek or stream. This water is not treated before entering our creeks and streams.

5. Why mark storm drains?: Storm drain marking informs others about the street-to-river connection. Help reduce pollutants entering the streams, rivers and lakes. Storm drain marking is a great way to earn conservation badges and for neighborhoods to mingle with protecting water quality.

6. Who can participate in the storm marking?: For a list of organizations that can participate in the storm marking program please visit the Participants page.

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Potassium Iodide Information

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1. What is potassium iodide (KI)?: Potassium iodide is a salt, similar to table salt. Its chemical symbol is KI. It is routinely added to table salt to make it "iodized." Potassium iodide, if taken in time and at the appropriate dosage, blocks the thyroid gland's uptake of radioactive iodine and thus could reduce the risk of thyroid cancers and other diseases that might otherwise be caused by exposure to radioactive iodine that could be dispersed in a severe nuclear accident. It only protects the thyroid!!

2. What is the role of potassium iodide in radiological emergency preparedness?: The purpose of radiological emergency preparedness is to protect people from the effects of radiation exposure after an accident at a nuclear power plant. Evacuation is the most effective protective measure in the event of a radiological emergency because it protects the whole body (including the thyroid gland and other organs) from all radionuclides and all exposure pathways. However, in situations when evacuation is not feasible and in-place sheltering is substituted as an effective protective action, administering potassium iodide is a reasonable, prudent, and inexpensive supplement to evacuation and sheltering.

Potassium iodide is a special kind of protective measure in that it offers very specialized protection. Potassium iodide protects the thyroid gland against internal uptake of radioiodines that may be released in the unlikely event of a nuclear reactor accident.

3. What is the benefit of taking potassium iodide during a radiological accident?: When potassium iodide is ingested, it is taken up by the thyroid gland. In the proper dosage, and taken at the appropriate time, it will effectively saturate the thyroid gland in such a way that inhaled or ingested radioactive iodines will not be accumulated in the thyroid gland. The risk of thyroid effects is reduced. Such thyroid effects resulting from radioiodine uptakes due to inhalation or ingestion, or both, could result in acute, chronic, and delayed effects. Acute effects from high doses include thyroiditis, while chronic and delayed effects include hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer.

4. Does this rule imply that America's nuclear reactors are less safe?: The rule does not imply that the present generation of nuclear power plants are less safe than previously thought. On the contrary, present indications are that nuclear power plant safety has significantly improved since the existing current emergency preparedness requirements became effective after the Three Mile Island-2 accident in 1979.

5. Why does the rule require States to consider the use of potassium iodide instead of mandating its use?: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will not require use of potassium iodide by the general public because the NRC believes that current emergency planning and protective measures--evacuation and sheltering--are adequate and protective of public health and safety. However, the NRC recognizes the supplemental value of potassium iodide and the prerogative of the States to decide the appropriateness of the use of potassium iodide by its citizens.

The NRC believes the final rule together with the decision to provide funding for the purchase of a States's supply of potassium iodide strikes a proper balance between encouraging (but not requiring) State authorities to take advantage of the benefits of potassium iodide.

By requiring consideration of the use of potassium iodide, the Commission recognizes the important role of States and local governments in matters of emergency planning.

This rule applies to States and Tribal governments that have a nuclear power plant within their borders and populations within the 10-mile emergency planning zone and to local governments designated by States to request funding for potassium iodide.

6. What does it mean for a State to consider the use of potassium iodide?: A State considering the use of potassium iodide would at least review the regulation (66 FR 5427 ; January 19, 2001 ), the Federal Policy on the Use of Potassium Iodide , the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines "Potassium Iodide as a Thyroid Blocking Agent in Radiation Emergencies." , the FEMA guidelines, and the NRC disclaimer, and would briefly deliberate the State's position on the use of potassium iodide by the general public in the unlikely event of a severe nuclear reactor accident.

In the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) experience, States periodically review their emergency preparedness plans to ensure that the plans are up-to-date and account for the possibility of changed circumstances in any locality. The NRC expects that States that routinely schedule periodic reviews of their emergency preparedness plans would consider use of potassium iodide during their first scheduled review. NRC expects that States that do not routinely conduct such reviews would consider the use of potassium iodide whenever they schedule periodic emergency preparedness exercises.

7. What kinds of things should States consider in deciding whether to incorporate the use of potassium iodide in their emergency planning?: A list of the topics to be evaluated by the State and local authorities in deciding whether to institute a program for the use of potassium iodide by the general public can be found on the Decision to Incorporate Potassium Iodide page.

8. What are the recommended dosages of potassium iodide?: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the Federal agency responsible for decisions about appropriate thresholds and dosages for use of potassium iodide. The FDA published their final guidelines on the use of potassium iodide and included revised dosages and intervention levels, "Potassium Iodide as a Thyroid Blocking Agent in Radiation Emergencies."

9. Can individual members of the public obtain potassium iodide?: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved potassium iodide as an over-the-counter medication. As with any medication, individuals should check with their doctor or pharmacist before using it. York County citizens can go to the York County Health Department located at 116 North Congress Street, York South Carolina or at 1070 Heckle Boulevard Rock Hill South Carolina.

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Prison

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1. Where can I go to see if an individual is incarcerated at your facility?: You can view incarcerated inmates here.

2. What are the visiting hours at the York County Prison?

Visitation for inmates vary depending on their status. The following are our current visitation hours. You can call the Prison at 803-818-5789 to confirm which day an inmate will have visitation.

-Monday 6:15 p.m. until 8:15 p.m. (Male state inmates, male Family Court inmates, and male county inmates serving more than 90 days)

-Tuesday, 6:15 p.m. until 8:15 p.m. (Male county inmates serving less than 90 days)

-Wednesday, 6:15 p.m. until 8:15 p.m. (Male work release inmates)

-Thursday, 6:15 p.m. until 8:15 p.m. (All female inmates)

3. How do I put money on an inmate's commissary account?: You can visit our facility and use the kiosk machine in the front lobby to add funds. The kiosk machine accepts cash and credit cards. You may also add funds online at McDaniel Supply Company.

4. How would I mail an inmate housed at the York County Prison?: Mail items should be addressed as follows:
Attn: (Name of Inmate)
York County Prison
778 Justice Boulevard
York, South Carolina, 29745

5. Who may visit inmates at the Prison?: Visitors must be listed on the inmates approved visitor list. The visitor must present a picture identification prior to being allowed in the visitation area.

6. What does Zero Tolerance Mean?: Zero Tolerance is the term that means that no sexual act, contact or harassment will be tolerated between any inmate with another inmate and/or facility staff as stated in South Carolina Code of Laws 44-23-1150. contact the York County Prison.

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Probate Court

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1. What to Expect When You Open an Estate: Instructions for administering an estate

2. How do I prepare an Estate Inventory: How to prepare an inventory

3. What is required to apply for a marriage license?: All applicants must apply in person and a $50 fee is required at the time of application (cash or check). Additional requirements include:
- For ages 19 and older: Driver's license or state issued ID number or passport, and a social security number or resident alien ID number.
- For age 18: Certified birth certificate, driver's license or state issued ID or passport, and social security number or resident alien ID number.
- For ages 16 and 17: Certified birth certificate, driver's license or state issued ID or passport, and social security number or resident alien ID number and custodial parent's consent.

Find out what is required if applicant does not have a SSN or resident alien ID number.

4. What if an applicant does not have a social security or resident alien number?: In lieu of a social security number or resident alien card, the court will accept other documentation including a visa, passport, picture ID and other documentation appropriate to the visa status.

For further information, please contact the Probate Court.

5. What is the waiting period for a marriage license?: There is a 24 hour waiting period before the license can be issued.

6. After the 24 hour waiting period has expired, do both applicants need to be present to pick up the marriage license?: If both applicants were present at the time of application, only one will be required to pick up the marriage license.

7. Can the license be mailed after the 24 hour waiting period?: If both applicants were present at the time of application and completed the mailing request form, the license can be mailed for a fee of $1.

8. Can I view marriage license or estate records for York County online?

The records are not yet available online, but may be viewed using the Court's software program, ICON. To see and print these records, you may go to the public computers located in the Register of Deeds office in the Government Center (6 S. Congress St., York) and on the 2nd floor of the Historical Courthouse in the office of the Clerk of Court (2 S. Congress St., York). There will soon be a form available on the Probate Court web page for requesting copies.

Marriage licenses are available online and either plain or certified copies may be ordered by going to www.southcarolinaprobate.net.

through the South Carolina Probate search.

9. Can someone else pick up my marriage license for me?: Yes - at the time of application, both applicants must be present and complete a form to designate a person to pick up the marriage license.

10. Will the marriage license expire?: No, it will not expire but is valid for marriage only in South Carolina.

11. How do I obtain a certified copy of my marriage license?: You may come by our office, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $5 per copy. If you wish to send a request by mail, please send both applicants' names, date of marriage, $5 fee (check or money order) and a self addressed stamped envelope.
**Please note: due to our courier's schedule, requests for priority or express mail delivery must be made by 11 a.m. for same day pickup from the Probate Court.
You may also submit an online request here online request through the Probate Court search.

12. I had a death in my family, do I need to probate the estate and will I need an appointment?: Yes, an appointment is necessary. Due to COVID restrictions and the high volume of estates under administration, please contact the Court at 803-684-8513 to schedule the appointment with an estate paralegal. We will ask you a few questions before advising whether you will need to open an estate, but in most situations the probate process will be needed and will be of benefit to your family. After you make the appointment, you'll receive a Court Information Sheet via mail or email. Please complete the form and bring it with you to the appointment.

13. Can I use a South Carolina marriage license in another state?: No. You must use the license in South Carolina.

14. How do I qualify to receive a $50 state income tax credit when applying for a marriage license?: If a couple has completed a qualifying premarital preparation counseling course prior to applying for the license, and presents a certificate of completion at the time of application, they may be eligible for a $50 non-refundable state income tax credit.
See S.C. Code 20-1-230 for further information. Premarital Certification of Completion (PDF).

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Public Defender

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1. What is a Public Defender?: A public defender is a licensed attorney that represents indigent defendants.

2. Do I qualify for a Public Defender?: The Clerk of Court uses guidelines set forth by the S.C. Court Administration to determine eligibility. Additionally, there is a $40.00 non-refundable application fee.

3. How do I apply for a Public Defender?: Typically, defendants are screened for a Public Defender after arrest. However, applications can be made at the York County Clerk of Court office or at the Municipal / Magistrate Court of jurisdiction.

4. What are the Court Dates I was given?: Every client receives two court dates upon release from jail. The first is an Initial Appearance date. It is usually about 6 weeks from your arrest date. This is the first time you will meet your public defender. By this time your public defender will usually have discovery on your case and be able to meaningfully discuss the case with you. You will also decide at this meeting whether to have a preliminary hearing. This is not a court date and you will not see a judge on this date. However it is very important to show up so that you can meet your public defender, they can learn about you and about your case, and they can talk to you about preliminary hearing. Although you generally would not be bench warranted for missing this first meeting (some exceptions do exist), you can waive important rights if you don’t appear.
The second date is about 6 weeks after the initial appearance date. This is a bond returnable date. This meeting takes place during a court week, but you will not necessarily see a judge. If you miss this court date you can and likely will be bench warranted. So it is very important to be present, to provide a documented excuse if you absolutely cannot appear for any reason (extended hospital stay, severe illness, incarceration, etc.), and to reschedule your appearance as soon as possible if you miss this court date. This date exists to ensure that clients who are out on bond are still showing up to court as required. It is also an opportunity for your attorney to provide you with any updates or offers they might have for you at this time. If your case is ready to go in front of a judge you could do so that day, but generally you will not see a judge at the bond returnable day.

5. What is discovery?: At the beginning of each case, your public defender will automatically request discovery on your behalf. Discovery generally consists of any information that the solicitor is required to turn over and could include incident reports, general sessions summaries, drug reports, videos, audio recordings, photos, or other things. We have a goal of receiving discovery by the initial appearance date so that we may discuss the discovery with you. If it is not in hand at that time, we may discuss discovery at a later meeting. Some discovery may be received after initial discovery (i.e. drug reports take a while to be completed and are not usually finished within 6 weeks, so we don’t normally receive those by initial appearance). Discovery is an ongoing process.

6. What is a preliminary hearing?: Preliminary hearing is a hearing to determine probable cause. At the preliminary hearing an officer will read out the incident or summary report in your case. Your attorney will have the opportunity to ask questions of the officer. However, the officer will likely not be an officer involved in your case, he simply reads the report and generally cannot answer any questions that are not answered in the report. You won’t testify. This is generally not an opportunity to present defenses or new evidence not contained within the report. After the report is read and any questions are answered, a magistrate judge will make a determination of whether or not there was probable cause to arrest you. If he finds probable cause, your case will continue. If he finds no probable cause the case will be dismissed, but may still be brought back by the solicitor if he or she decides to direct indict.
Many cases do not require a preliminary hearing because the standards are different from trial. Your public defender will help you make this determination. A request for preliminary hearing must be made on your initial appearance date or it is waived.

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Public Safety Communications

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1. I've accidently dialed 9-1-1. What should I do?: If you accidentally dial 9-1-1 and do not have any emergency it is important to stay on the line and explain to the call taker that answers your call that you dialed 9-1-1 by mistake. Hanging up before speaking with the 9-1-1 call taker will result in the call taker calling you back and law enforcement could be dispatched to your location.

2. Who do I call for non-emergencies?: For non-emergencies, such as noise complaints, animal complaints and police related incidents where there is not a crime in progress, contact our non-emergency line at 803-329-1110 or 803-628-3056. Please keep in mind, 9-1-1 does not provide legal advice.

3. Why was I put on hold, after advising 9-1-1 that I needed to talk to law enforcement?: When a caller requests a law enforcement agency other than the York County Sheriff's Office or Tega Cay Police Department, the 9-1-1 call taker will get the local municipal police department on the line with you. This process may take approximately 2-3 seconds by a one-button transfer. The 9-1-1 call taker will remain on the line until both parties are heard talking to each other, then we will disconnect.

4. Why do you ask so many questions when I call 9-1-1?: The 9-1-1 call taker needs to ask questions to determine what is happening and where it is happening. While the questions may seem unnecessary, the information helps them get the right responders to your location as quickly as possible. Answering these questions is not slowing down the response to your emergency. On all emergency situations another Telecommunicator is dispatching the emergency responders while the 9-1-1 call taker continues to gather your information.

5. Does the 9-1-1 call taker know my location?: Always assume the 9-1-1 call talker does not know your location. Even if your cell phone is able to provide location information, you will need to provide the 9-1-1 call taker with additional location information. Remember, the approximate location the 9-1-1 center receives could be as large as 3 football fields or more. Be prepared to give specific directions to your location if possible.

6. When I'm standing inside York County and using a cell phone to dial 9-1-1, why can my call go to another county?: Cell phones "look" to the closest available cell phone tower to process any phone call. If that tower is busy, without you knowing it is doing so, your call will bounce to the next available tower which may be in another county. If that's the case, the call will go to the local 9-1-1 center in that county and that center must then transfer your call to the York County 9-1-1 center. With transferring the call from one county to another county technology limitations will not allow certain information to be displayed to the final answering point, so always be prepared to give detailed location and contact information to the call taker.

7. I’ve locked myself out of my vehicle / residence. Can you assist me?: Law Enforcement, Fire Departments, and Rescue Squads within York County refrain from doing this due to liability reasons. However if there is a child or animal locked in the vehicle, this could be a life threatening situation. So, If there is a child or a pet locked in the vehicle, please call 9-1-1 so we can get assistance to you immediately.

8. I’ve accidently set off my alarm. What should I do?: You should contact your alarm monitoring service and advise them of the situation and they will notify us to cancel. You will need your proper pass-code when you contact your alarm company to cancel.

9. Is there someone that can visit my classroom to talk about 9-1-1?: Yes, our Public Education Coordinator will be glad to visit your classroom or you may tour our facility if you like.

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Public Safety Communications - Addressing

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1. Am I in York County?: You may check this via the GIS Online utility website or by calling us at 803-329-0911.

2. Am I in the city limits or the county?: You may check this via the GIS Online utility website or by calling us at 803-329-0911.

3. How do I get an address?: Addresses are issued upon application for permits.

4. How do I name my private drive?: A private drive can be named when it is used to access three or more residences. To name a private drive a majority of the property owners (adjacent to the drive to be named) have to agree on a name. There is a $150 fee to name a private drive. Please contact Tina Harmer at 803-909-7483 to start the process or for additional information. You will need the tax map reference number for the parcel in question to get owner information. This is a ten digit number.

5. How should I post my address?: Residential addresses should be posted with numbering at least 3 inches in height, posted in an obvious place (on your home or mailbox. Commercial addresses should be posted with numbering at least 4 inches in height, posted in an obvious place in the event of a police, fire, or medical emergency.

6. How do I find owner information for a parcel?: You may check this via the GIS Online utility website or by calling the Tax Assessor at 803-684-8526.

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Public Safety Communications - Tech Services & Radio Communications

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1. What is PSC Tech Services contact number?: (803) 909-7504

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Purchasing

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1. How can my company receive notification of the County's bid opportunities?

Vendors can register by accessing the Procurement Department's homepage and then accessing the "New Vendor Bid list Registration" icon. From there simply follow the prompts. Upon registration completion, the vendor will be placed on various vendor lists and categorized by commodity.

When a solicitation is prepared pertaining to the vendor's selected commodity listing, the vendor will automatically receive a bid invitation via email from the Procurement Department. It is important that vendors update email address changes in order to receive notification of current bid opportunities.

2. When is the County going to bid a particular item?: The Procurement Department bids items on an as need basis. Active bids are listed on the Procurement Department's homepage where vendors can view and print bid information. However, some items, such as vehicles and heavy equipment, are routinely bid in the fall. Vendors are welcome to contact the Procurement Department at (803) 684-8520 to ask about potential bids.

3. When will my company know who was awarded the bid?: After bids are opened, vendors will receive via email, a tabulation sheet and the anticipated approval date by the County Council. After the Council awards the bid, all vendors will receive an email notification regarding the County Council's actions. Vendors can also access the County's Council agenda found on York County's homepage to view bid recommendations and other topics of discussion on their agenda.

4. Do I have a right to view your files, and/or bid documents?: Vendors can review bid documents and related files in the Procurement Department; however, RFP and RFQ documents contain privileged information and due to confidentiality are not subject to review nor releasable by request under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, prior to award.

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Records Management

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1. How do I get a copy of what my taxes were?: Taxes paid from year 2000 and after can be obtained in the Tax Collector's Office in York or Rock Hill. Any taxes paid before 2000 can be obtained in microfilm from the Records Management Office at the York County Courthouse in York.

2. Where can I obtain a copy of a marriage license?: The Probate Judge keeps copies of all marriage licenses in the County.

3. Where can I obtain a copy of a birth or death certificate?: The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) 803-898-3432 can provide copies of birth and death certificates.

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Register of Deeds

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1. Is there a cut off time for recording documents?: E-recording received after 4:00pm will be reviewed, recorded and indexed the following business day. Walk in documents received after 4:30pm will be reviewed, recorded and indexed the following business day.

2. Where can I go to receive legal advice?: We always suggest that you speak with an attorney concerning legal questions. The South Carolina Bar Association offers a variety of legal resources and education events for the public. In addition, they provide a free online question service for qualified individuals. Visit the South Carolina Bar Association website for more information.

3. What if there is a problem on my credit report?: The ROD office does not report information to the credit bureaus. If there is a problem on your credit report you will need to contact the credit bureaus to resolve the issue:
Equifax - 1-888-202-4025
Experian - 1-888-397-3742
Transunion - 1-855-681-3196

4. Can I mail in my document for recording?: Yes, we accept documents by mail. Include a cover letter with your name and phone number in case we need to contact you, a self-addressed stamped envelope so we can return the document to you, and a check made payable to York County Register of Deeds for recording fees. If you have question about the amount to put on the check see our recording requirements and fee schedule located on the Recording Information page.

5. Can I get blank forms at the ROD?: To view the forms we have available, visit our Forms page. We are unable to help complete forms or offer legal advice. We suggest that you contact an attorney for any legal needs.

6. What if I find an error in the records?: We appreciate your help in finding errors in our public records and making us aware of them. Some errors we are able to correct and some may require documents to be re-recorded to correct. We have done our best to prevent errors but occasionally one slips by. Please email us and we fix the problem as soon as possible.

7. Will I get my original document back?: Yes, we no longer keep a paper copy of the documents. We will scan your document after recording and return the original to you the next business day. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope so we can return the documents to you.

8. Can I record a certified copy of a document?: We accept certified copies of Powers of Attorney filed in another office, Articles of Incorporation, and Death Certificates. All other documents must be original documents with original signatures.

9. Can I look up documents online?: Yes, all documents recorded after July 1982 are available online. To look up documents online, click on Land Record Search link on the Register of Deeds Home Page.

10. What documents can I look up at the ROD?: The Register of Deeds records deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney, plats, easements, mechanics liens, state and federal tax liens, mortgage satisfactions and other documents pertaining to real estate.

11. What form of payment is accepted and what are the recording fees for documents?: We accept cash, check or money order. Checks and money orders should be made out to the York County Register of Deeds. Please see fee schedule located in Recording Information for exact fee information.

12. Where can I get a marriage license or copy of marriage certificate?: Contact the Probate Court Office 803-684-8513
Located in the York County Courthouse
2 South Congress Street
York, SC 29745

13. Where can I get a copy of a birth or death certificate?: Contact the SC Department of Health & Environmental Services (DHEC) 803-909-7300
York County Complex
1070 Heckle Blvd.
Rock Hill, SC 29730

14. Who do I contact regarding criminal charges on my record?: Clerk of Court General Sessions Division (803)628-3036
Moss Justice Center
1675 York Highway
York, SC 29745

15. Who do I contact regarding a civil case, judgement, or lis pendens?: Clerk of Court Common Pleas Division (803)684-8507
York County Courthouse
2 South Congress Street
York, SC 29745

16. Who do I contact regarding child support, adoptions, or divorce?: Clerk of Court Family Court Division (803)909-7100
York County Complex
1070 Heckle Blvd
Rock Hill, SC 29730

17. Who do I contact regarding a traffic ticket?: If your ticket was written by a Highway Patrol or Sheriff's officer contact the Magistrate Office. If your ticket was written by a city (municipal) police officer, contact that municipalities' city court.

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Risk Management

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1. What are your hours of operation?: We are open from 8:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday

2. What is your mailing address?: York County Government
PO box 85
York, SC 29745
Attn: Risk Management

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Road Maintenance

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1. How can I determine who maintains a road?: Enter your road name to view the owner information on our Road Search.

2. Who do I call to find out when my road will be resurfaced or paved?: Contact the York County Engineering Department at 803-684-8571.

3. How do I place a work order for roadwork to be done on a road?: Call the Public Works Department at 803-628-3200 and provide the following:
- Your name
- Your telephone number
- The name of the road for which the problem is being reported
- Detailed information concerning the problem
- Detailed directions to the problem area (subdivision name, road name, address or lot number, which side of the road, which main road or highway is it located off of, etc.

4. How does our gravel road qualify for calcium chloride for dust control?: Roads are treated for dust control with calcium chloride based on number of residents, connector status, and industrial or commercial use. Calcium chloride application typically occurs in late spring with each qualifying road receiving one treatment per year.

To determine if your road qualifies, please contact the Public Works Department at 803=-628-3200 and request an evaluation of your road.

5. Who do I call to report a missing stop sign?: You may call our office at 803-628-3200 and we will replace the sign.

6. Who do I call if there is a traffic light out?

In York County, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), 803-737-2314, maintains traffic signals.

Within the municipal limits of Rock Hill, the City, 803-329-5500, is responsible for traffic signals. York County does not maintain any traffic signals.

7. How do I obtain an encroachment permit to perform work on the road or in the road right-of-way?: A completed Application for Encroachment Permit is required. Please complete the application and forward to the Road Maintenance Office for consideration. You will be contacted by a staff member if they have any questions. A completed encroachment permit will be returned to you by mail.

Visit our office for an application, or download the Application for Encroachment Permit (PDF).

8. What needs to be done before a driveway pipe (culvert) can be installed?: Our Road Maintenance staff requests that the property owner install two stakes marking the requested location of the culvert. The stakes should be 20 feet apart and should be flagged or painted.

If you have questions or concerns, our staff will be glad to meet with you on-site. Please call us at 803-628-3200.

9. Who do I contact about state historical markers?: Contact the Heritage Cultural Center (McCelvey Center) located at 212 East Jefferson Street, York, SC by calling 803-684-3948 or 803-896-6100.

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Solid Waste Collection & Recycling

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1. Do you provide residential garbage collection?: York County Solid Waste Collection & Recycling does not provide door-to-door garbage collection services.

2. Can you provide contact information for private garbage collection companies in the area?: Look online or in the phone book yellow pages under "garbage" or "trash". If you notice that a neighbor has garbage/recycling collection ask them to share company information. Many homeowners associations also maintain a list of service providers.

3. Can you help with roadside litter?: If the litter is posing a danger to traffic call 911. For information on how to have roadside litter or illegal dumping picked up or information on how to volunteer to assist with a cleanup, contact Solid Waste Collection & Recycling at 803-628-3181. Contact Solid Waste Collection & Recycling.

4. Do you rent dumpsters?: York County Solid Waste Collection & Recycling does not rent dumpsters. Look online or in the phone book yellow pages for a private garbage company to rent a dumpster or call the local government where you live to ask if they rent dumpsters.

5. Where can I dispose of yard debris?

The Collection & Recycling Centers do not accept yard debris for disposal.

Debris is accepted at:
York County Landfill
289 Public Works Road
(Off Highway 5 near the Moss Justice Center)
York, SC 29745

Phone: 803-628-3186

Hours:
Monday - Friday 7 am - 4 pm
Saturday 7 am - 12 noon

6. May I have permission to take something from a Collection & Recycling Center?: The county ordinance does not allow anything to be taken by the public from a Collection & Recycling Center.

7. Which Collection & Recycling Center is closest to my house?: Please see the link to addresses to the 16 Collection & Recycling Centers. If you need assistance locating a site call York County Solid Waste Collection & Recycling at 803-628-3181.

8. What are the hours of Collection & Recycling Centers?: The 16 Collection & Recycling Centers hours are:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday
7 am - 7 pm
(Closed Wednesday, Sunday and holidays)
Holiday closings are posted at each center. Notifications are sent to all local media and posted on the York County Government website. Visit the Collection & Recycling Centers page.

9. How can I get involved with the Adopt-A-County Road program?: Individuals or groups may adopt a 1 or 2 mile stretch of a county road. The office provides bags, vests, safety training and collection of bags.
For available roadways, please visit https://maps2.yorkcountygov.com/ez/ visit the Adopt a County Road search.

10. Can I drop off a major appliance or large furniture item at the Collection & Recycling Centers? Will someone unload it for me?: The Collection & Recycling Centers accept appliances in the scrap metal box and large bulky furniture items in the miscellaneous box. Please bring someone with you to assist you in unloading the items when you deliver them to the Collection & Recycling Centers for disposal.

For locations, visit the Collection Recycling Centers page.

11. How can I dispose of paint?: Latex paint is accepted on a daily basis at the Collection & Recycling Centers and citizens may bring up to 10 gallons per visit. Oil based paint and stains are accepted at the Household Hazardous Material Collection events on the first Saturday of March and October from 8 am - 12 noon at the York County Public Works facility at 220 Public Works Road, York, SC.
Call the Collection & Recycling Office at 628-3181 for more details.

12. Where can I dispose of antifreeze?: Antifreeze is accepted at the Collection & Recycling Centers for recycling or bring it to the York County Household Hazardous Material Collection Event the first Saturday of March or October from 8 am - 12 noon at the York County Public Works facility at 220 Public Works Road, York, SC.

Call the Collection & Recycling Office at 803-628-3181 for more details.

13. Why are the Collection & Recycling Centers closed on Wednesday?: The York County Solid Waste Collection & Recycling Department performs maintenance and upkeep of the sites on Wednesdays.

If you have garbage or recycling to dispose of on a Wednesday there is a dumpster and a recycling container at:
York County Landfill
289 Public Works Road (Off Highway 5 near the Moss Justice Center)
York, SC 29745
Phone: 803-628-3186
Hours
Monday - Friday
7 am - 4 pm
Saturday
7 am - 12 noon

14. Why can I only take small amounts of garbage to the Collection & Recycling Centers?: Space is limited at the centers and designed disposal of waste generated by households. If you arrive with a large load, you may be asked to take the waste to the landfill.

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Solid Waste Disposal

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1. Can you waive my tipping fees?: Fees cannot be waived without the approval of the County Manager's Office and County Council.

2. What are the current tipping fees?: Currently the tipping fee for municipal solid waste is $46.00 per ton. Yard waste and land clearing debris is $36.00 per ton. The disposal fee for construction, demolition, concrete, and asphalt is $40.00 per ton. York County Council establishes fees by County Ordinance.

3. Are mobile homes accepted at the landfill?: York County accepts mobile homes at its landfill. The metals are removed for recycling purposes and the remainder is processed in the construction, demolition, and land clearing debris landfill. York County charges $50 per ton for mobile home disposal.

4. Does York County have mulch available to the public and what is the charge for the product?: Mulch is not available to the public. The permit requires the mulching contractor to remove mulch from the site within thirty days of mulching. The mulched material belongs to the mulching contractor.

5. Can I dispose of hazardous waste at the York County landfill?: Only permitted hazardous materials disposal company can dispose of hazardous waste. York County does conduct Household Hazardous Materials Collection events where hazardous materials are received from the public. The York County Collection and Recycling Division contracts with an approved company for disposal. There is no charge for this service.

To find out the date of the next event, please call our offices at 803-628-3200. York County Collection and Recycling

6. Do you provide residential curbside garbage collection?: York County does not provide residential curbside garbage collection. The county does operate sixteen collection and recycling centers located strategically across the county for residential waste disposal. Facilities are also available at the landfill for disposal of household garbage.

7. Where does my garbage go?: York County accepts and processes municipal solid waste at its transfer station. Waste is placed in a transfer trailer where it is hauled to an approved Class 3 landfill located in Richland County.

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Stormwater Utility District

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1. Question 1. What is a stormwater utility?: Answer 1: A stormwater utility is a legal entity which can provide stormwater management activities including administrative functions, planning, engineering, regulation, permitting, maintenance operations, and capital improvements. The stormwater utility, similar to water, sewer, electric, and gas utilities, provides a method of generating revenue for these activities through user fees. Rates are most commonly based on impervious surface area measurements.

2. Question 2. Why do we need a Stormwater Utility?

Answer 2. The primary purpose is to make sure all residents and businesses of York County have a safe and healthy environment. Our goal is to make sure the county’s rivers and streams are clean and healthy and during rain events, properties do not flood. To achieve this goal, the County has to proactively inspect, repair, and replace stormwater pipes, culverts, drainage swales, and ditches. If the County waits until something fails, the damage is much more severe and the cost to fix the failure is much higher.

A stormwater utility furthers the goal by:

Enabling the County to comply with NPDES/MS4 permitting requirements,
Generating immediate capital improvements due to bonding authority,
Allowing for long-term solutions to stormwater issues with a designated revenue source.
The formation of a stormwater utility requires time and resources, but the benefits of an established utility will outweigh required efforts.

3. Question 3. What is the concern about stormwater quality?: Answer 3. A major storm water quality concern is "non-point source pollution." As the name implies, non-point source pollution comes from numerous locations all across the county and is carried through runoff. The types of pollutants include toxins, metals, oils, nutrients (fertilizers and pesticides), and fecal coliform bacteria from leaking sanitary sewers, farm animals and pet waste. These directly impact our water quality and now represent the #1 pollution sources to our waterways. Activities such as street sweeping, elimination of leaking sanitary sewers, increased cleaning of storm drains, and public education and outreach can help control or reduce these pollutants.

4. Question 4. How is stormwater affected by increased pollutants?: Answer 4. Impervious surfaces tend to collect a variety of pollutants including cleaning products; paint; oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from automobiles; road salts; pesticides and fertilizers from lawn maintenance, gardening, and farming; pet waste; litter; and eroded sediments. Increased amounts of pollutants can harm fish and wildlife, kill native plants, contaminate drinking water supplies, and make recreational areas unsafe.

5. Question 5. What is an impervious surface?: Answer 5. Impervious surfaces are hard surfaces (such as rooftops, streets, parking lots, driveways, patios, asphalt, concrete, compacted gravel, and other paved areas). These surfaces prevent or limit the natural entry of stormwater into the ground. When stormwater hits an impervious surface, it runs off and does not soak into the ground. Runoff can generate high volumes of water and it flows more quickly than water flowing over a vegetated surface. Runoff and stormwater flowing quickly can cause flooding. It can also cause erosion in ditches and streams when the bare soil becomes exposed.

6. Question 6. What are some examples of drainage problems?

Answer 6. Drainage problems may include roadway or structural flooding, clogged or failing underground pipes and culverts, stream bank erosion and stormwater pollution affecting streams, ponds, and lakes.

7. Question 7. Why do we need to spend more for stormwater?: Answer 7. Historically, the allocation of funds has not been sufficient to address all of York County's storm water service needs. The County is currently reactive to addressing problems. Being reactive instead of proactive results in greater environmental damage as well as being more costly to cleanup or repair. Similar to failing to properly maintain your car, if we do not properly maintain stormwater infrastructure, a failure can be catastrophic. State and federal laws also require that municipalities address the environmental impacts of stormwater pollution, but do not provide the funds to do it. Consequently, we must investigate alternative means for raising revenue.

8. Question 8. How is stormwater affected by increased runoff?: Answer 8. With the County’s increased amounts of impervious surface, more runoff is produced and consequently travels at higher speeds through our drainage system. This runoff picks up and carries pollutants to the stormwater collection system and eventually leads to receiving waters such as lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. Large volumes of quickly flowing runoff will also erode soil, damage plants, and cause waters to become clouded and murky with sediments. This sediment from erosion can be deposited in slower moving waters. Eventually the deposited soils can fill in streams, ponds, and lake coves increasing the possibility of future flooding over time.

9. Question 9. Doesn't stormwater runoff go into the sanitary sewer?: Answer 9. No. Only sewage is collected and transported to the County’s wastewater treatment plant by the sanitary sewer system. Stormwater flows through the storm drain system of culverts, ditches, stream channels, and flood plains. It empties unfiltered into our streams, ponds, and lakes. It would be too expensive to size the sanitary sewers to convey and treat stormwater in the same manner as sanitary sewage. The volume of sewage generated by our homes and businesses each day is insignificant compared to the fluctuating volume of stormwater runoff generated during a rainstorm. The more cost effective solution is to prevent the entry of pollutants into the stormwater system in the first place.

10. Question 10. How do we establish the user fees?

Answer 10. Currently any storm water expenditure is paid for through the County’s general fund property taxes. In place of this we will be implementing a user fee. This will be collected as an annual fee from all residences, businesses, and organizations in York County. These will include residential, commercial and industrial properties, non-profit organizations, federal, state and county owned properties, and schools. Since we all benefit from a storm water system and all properties create stormwater runoff, a user fee is an equitable solution for everyone. User fees are established by calculating the impervious area of each property. Impervious surface area measurements are converted to an ERU and then assessed an annual fee per ERU. For York County, one ERU equals 3,200 square feet of impervious coverage, which is what an average home (building footprint, driveway, garages, etc.) has for impervious coverage.

Below is an example of the annual revenue you could receive from your stormwater utility fees. The current goal is to charge a lower amount the 1^st year so it will not impact your budget too much but still provide enough to start funding some critical initial projects. Amounts will increase over the next 3 years until the approved fee schedule is obtained.

	Residence ERU	Businesses, Organizations ERU
Year 1	$60	$250
Year 2	$60	25% of I.S. *
Year 3	$60	50% of I.S. *
Year 4	$60	100% of the I.S. *

*I. S. equals Impervious Surface

11. Question 11. What is an ERU?: Answer 11. An “Equivalent Residential Unit”, or ERU, is a common billing unit for stormwater utility fees. An ERU is a measure of the average amount of impervious surface area for a single-family residential property located in the county and can be used to assess stormwater user fees. Much like a “kilowatt” serves as the basis for electrical utility, the ERU is the base unit for a stormwater utility. Many communities have established stormwater utilities based on the ERU.

12. Question 12. Do tax exempt properties have to contribute?: Answer 12. Yes, because it is a user fee, just like water and sewer fees which are based upon the cost of services provided. Property taxes are based on the assessed value of the property. The Stormwater Utility Fee is based on the amount of impervious surface area on each property that contributes to stormwater runoff. Because this is not a tax, it is collected from all customers who receive service. Tax exempt properties contribute a significant amount of runoff to the County because of their size and amount of hard surface. They will be treated like all other customers under the rate structure.

13. Question 13. Are there any properties that are excluded from this fee?: Answer 13. Yes, these include: undeveloped properties, agricultural/forestlands as identified by the County Assessor, and public roadways.

14. Question 14. My property is not connected to the County's drainage system. Why should I have to pay?: Answer 14. Your property may not be physically connected to the drainage system in the same manner as water or sewer but you are still provided service. How? Our stormwater program improves and maintains drainage facilities throughout the County. It establishes design criteria and regulates development that helps control off site stormwater problems. This program is taking steps to reduce stormwater pollutants that degrade our water quality and the environment of the County. Also, as part of the maintenance of state and county roads, the County and State ensure runoff from the roads is not causing flooding by mowing drainage ditches, repairing culverts and pipes, and cleaning out catch basins. Every property owner in the county, therefore, is served by these activities.

15. Question 15. Why do I have to pay when I do not have any drainage problems?: Answer 15. Everyone in the County benefits from the Stormwater Management Program. The fees collected through the stormwater utility are dedicated solely to managing our stormwater program. This program brings us into compliance with State and Federal regulations and safeguards our community through improved drainage and protection of our local waterways. The funds help us enforce minimum standards for stormwater and flood management so a property owner does not cause damage to another property owner from flooding by not properly designing and addressing stormwater runoff. While you may not have drainage problems on your property, people using state and county roads expect the roads will not flood and more importantly, do not cause flooding to property owners.

16. Question 16. Do I have to pay for any unoccupied developed properties that I own?: Answer 16. Yes, as long as that property contains impervious area.

17. Question 17. I am a renter; do I pay the fee or does my landlord?: Answer 17. Under most conditions, the bill will go to whoever pays the tax bill for the property.

18. Question 18. What services are funded by money collected from the Stormwater Utility fee?

Answer 18. The stormwater utility will provide the funds necessary to provide for the administration, maintenance, and improvement of the County’s stormwater systems. Some of the services tied to the stormwater program include:

State and Federal regulatory compliance
Watershed planning
Water quality monitoring of local waterways
Capital improvement projects
Public education and outreach
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
Construction inspection
System routine inspection and maintenance within the county owned right-of-way

19. Question 19. Will the stormwater user fee be offset by a reduction in the tax collected for the general fund?: Answer 19: The current amount of money taken from general fund taxes that pay for the county’s stormwater projects is minimal. As such, our existing system is aging, unable to address increasing federal mandates, and cannot keep up with increased demand as we grow as a county. The county cannot definitively state at this point what changes may occur in taxation until we can more accurately gauge current maintenance and future projects across York County.

20. Question 20. How are stormwater and runoff “managed”?

Answer 20. “Best management practices” or BMPs is a term used to describe different ways to keep pollutants out of runoff and to slow down high volumes of runoff. Preventing pollution from entering water is much more affordable than cleaning polluted water. Educating residents about how to prevent pollution from entering waterways is one of many best management practices. Regulations that require people and businesses involved in earth disturbing activities, like construction and agriculture, to take steps to prevent erosion are another way to prevent stormwater pollution. There are also laws about litter, cleaning up after pets and dumping oil or other substances into storm drains. Education, laws, and construction codes are just a few best management practice examples.

In many instances, BMPs are physically constructed to protect specific areas. BMPS can be designed to slow down stormwater in order to reduce erosion, while others help reduce the pollutants already in it. There are also BMPs that do both. Good examples of constructed BMPs would be stormwater basins you see in neighborhoods, shopping centers, and industrial sites. Detention ponds fill up quickly after a rainstorm and allow solids like sediment and litter to settle at the pond bottom. Then, they slowly release water which is now less polluted into our streams, ponds, and rivers. These ponds are one example of a constructed BMP. Stream buffers, storm drain grates, filter strips, sediment fences, underground detention systems, and permeable paving are other examples. Here are some pictures of recent constructed BMPs:

These are before and after pictures of an erosion control BMP recently constructed at Guilford Road.

These are before and after pictures of a recently constructed stream restoration BMP.

21. Question 21. Can I deduct the storm water fee on my taxes?: Answer 21. For commercial property owners, the IRS, depending on your specific tax situation may consider the charge a cost of doing business. Residential property owners will likely not be able to deduct the storm water fee on their taxes.

22. Question 22. How do I report a stormwater problem (drainage, flooding, pollution, etc.) or to ask questions about the Stormwater Utility?: Answer 22. Please call 803.909.7250and provide your name, address, phone number and a brief description of the drainage problem so that the County can further investigate the problem, or refer your question to the most appropriate County staff member.

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Summer Feeding Program

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1. How does it work?: The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDOE) administers the program at the state level and acts as a bridge between York County and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). York County serves as a sponsor and coordinates with schools, local government agencies, camps, faith-based and other non-profit community organizations to host meal service sites. Meal service sites are places in the community where children receive meals in a safe and supervised environment. Sites may be located in a variety of settings, including schools, parks, community centers, churches, and migrant centers.

2. Who does the program serve?: The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) serves children and teens age 18 and younger.

3. Why is the program important?: Children need healthy food all year long. During the school year, many children receive free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch through the School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs. When school lets out many of these children are at risk of hunger. Hunger is one of the most severe roadblocks to the learning process. Lack of nutrition during the summer months may set up a cycle for poor performance once school begins again and make children more prone to illness and other health issues. The Summer Feeding Program (SFP) is designed to fill that nutrition gap and make sure children get the nutritious meals they need.

4. Where is my closest Summer Food Service Program site?: Visit the SC Office of Health and Nutrition website. Additional resources for food assistance are the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE.

5. How can I help?: Learn more about the program or contact our office to find ways to volunteer at a meal service site to get involved in your community and help us end hunger in York County. In addition visit the USDA Summer Food Service Program website.

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Tax Collection & Finance

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1. What should I do if I paid my taxes, but I did not receive a renewal decal for my license tag?: Some of the reasons you may not have received a decal may include having any change made to your tax bill before paying, such as high mileage discount; having a first-time bill made for your vehicle; not completing the insurance information section when required; paying your taxes late. If you do not receive your decal, you should contact the Tax Collection office at 803-684-8527 or 803-909-7272.

2. Is there a late fee for late payment of vehicle taxes?: There is no county late fee for late payment of vehicle taxes. However, when you have a Department of Vehicles (DMV) tag fee due and the taxes are paid late, you will need to go to any South Carolina DMV to pay the late fee and obtain your decal and registration.

3. My taxes were supposed to be paid at closing, and then my mortgage company is supposed to pay them after that. Why did I get a tax bill?: While real estate taxes are usually pro-rated between the buyer and seller at a real estate closing, York County issues one tax notice to the owner of record as of January 1 of each calendar year. Taxes become due and payable on September 30 of each year. Taxpayers should contact their closing attorney to find out how they should handle the tax notices for a year in which the property was transferred. York County will send tax notices to mortgage companies upon written request from the mortgage company.

4. I did not receive a tax bill for my real estate, can I have the penalties removed?: The only time we can request that the Auditor abate a penalty is when there is direct evidence that there has been an error on the part of the County. This may occur in the event of an ownership transfer, in which case you should contact the Tax Collector’s Office regarding a request for abatement.

5. There are several owners of our property, can I pay my share and the other owners pay their share?: York County cannot accept partial payments at this time. There will be one tax notice mailed to the person listed as the contact person, and it is up to the discretion of the various owners as to how to pay the notice. Addresses for where tax notices are sent are handled through the Tax Assessor's Office, 803-684-8526. Partial payments are not currently authorized by State law.

6. I bought my property this year, but the tax bill has the name of the person I bought the property from instead of my name? What should I do?: Tax notices are mailed according to the owner of record as of January 1 of each year. The tax notice will be in the new owner's name the following year.

7. My mortgage company paid my taxes on my residence at the 6% assessment when it should have been 4%. How do I get a refund?: Please contact the Tax Assessor's office by phone at 803-684-8526 to be sure that you have completed your 4% application with their office. After the 4% application has been accepted, the Auditor’s Office will issue a new tax notice at the 4% assessment, the original 6% notice will be deleted. Should your mortgage company send a check for the 6% amount, the difference will be refunded to the mortgage company who made the payment. It may take several weeks to process this refund.

8. How can I find out which properties will be sold at the delinquent tax sale?: Properties classified as delinquent will be advertised in The Herald for three consecutive Mondays prior to the tax sale each year. The tax sale is held in October or November each year. The date of the Tax Sale will be listed on the website well in advance of the sale date.

9. When are my vehicle taxes due? When are my property taxes due?: Vehicle taxes are due on the day your license tag expires. Real estate taxes are payable beginning on September 30 of each year, and are payable through January 15 of the following year without a penalty.

10. My real estate taxes are too high. Why, and how can I get them reduced?: All residential and commercial property in York County is assessed at 6%, except an owner-occupied legal residence. If the property is your residence, it may qualify for the 4% assessment instead of the 6% assessment. Tax amounts are based also on the appraised value of the property. If you have questions about your assessment ratio or your property value, contact the Tax Assessor’s Office at 803-684-8526.

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Technical Services & Radio Communications

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1. Where can I get frequencies to program my scanner?: For options on programming your scanner please take a moment to look at our Program Sanncer page.

2. How do I get my two way radio repaired?: Call the radio shop at 803-909-7504 or email John Carter and set up an appointment. Contact John Carter

3. Can you put my cell-phone or pager on the County's paging system?: Currently, only County-owned pagers are supported by the paging system.

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Treasurer & Finance

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1. Where can I get a copy of the County budget and audit reports?: Copies of the County budget and audit reports are available at all branches of the York County Library and in the archives of the York County site.

2. Where do I get a business license?: The County does not require a business license in the unincorporated areas of York County, therefore does not issue business licenses. If your business is located within city limits, you should contact the city to see if a city license is required.

3. Can I pay my taxes online?: You may pay your taxes online by going to the York County Online Taxes page.

4. Why have I not received my tax notice for my vehicle?: The York County Auditor's Office can determine the status of your vehicle tax notice. York Office phone number is 803-684-8501 and the Rock Hill office phone is 803-909-7171.

5. I have a question about the assessed value for my home, who should I contact?: The York County Tax Assessor's Office can explain the assessed value of your home, call the York Office at 803-684-8526.

6. How can I get a high mileage adjustment on my vehicle?: The York County Auditor's Office can determine if your vehicle meets the requirements for a high mileage adjustment, for more information call 803-684-8526.

7. How can I get the homestead exemption on my home?: The York County Auditor's Office can provide you the information you need to apply for the homestead exemption.

8. How can I get a tax bill deleted for a boat that I no longer own?: You will need to contact the York County Auditor's Office to have the current year tax bill deleted. In order to prevent billing in future year's, you will need to contact the Department of Natural Resources. Contact the York Office phone at 803-684-8501 or Rock Hill office phone at 803-909-7171.

9. Does the County have a local accommodations tax ordinance?: Yes, the County does have a local accommodations tax ordinance. All hotels located in the unincorporated areas of York County are to collect 3% for the local accommodations tax and those collections should be submitted to the County by the 20th of the following month. The State also requires collection of accommodations tax. That amount is 2% and is submitted directly to the Department of Revenue by using the state tax form ST 388. The York County Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee meets annually in April and May to review applications and submit their recommendation to County Council. To apply for Accommodations Tax funding, please call the office at 803-684-8528.

10. Does the County have a local hospitality tax?: Yes, the County does have a local hospitality tax ordinance. All restaurants and bars located in the unincorporated area are to collect 2% on their gross proceeds from sales of food and beverage. Restaurants and bars located in Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon and Smyrna must collect 1%. The collections are to be submitted on a monthly basis to the York County Finance Department by the 20th of the following month. Uses of these funds are based on state law and recommendations are submitted to County Council by the Hospitality Tax Advisory Committee. See York County Hospitality Tax Page

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Veterans Affairs

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1. What are the operating hours for the Veterans Affairs Office?: The operating hours for the York County Veterans Affairs is 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. The offices are closed on Federal Holidays. There are two (2) offices - one located on 529 Cherry Road, Rock Hill, SC and one in York, SC on 6 South Congress Street.

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Voter Registration & Elections - Voting

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1. Am I a registered voter?: You may check your voter registration status by calling the York County Registration and Elections Office at 803-684-1242 or by visiting the South Carolina Election Commission website.

2. What time are the polls open?: The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for all elections. As long as you are in line by 7 p.m., you are eligible to vote.

3. How can I register to vote?: You may register in person at the York County Registration and Elections Office or. Additionally, you may pick up a mail-in registration form at any public library in York County, complete the information and mail it to your county of residence in South Carolina. You may also register at the Department of Motor Vehicles when you renew or get a new drivers license. Other service agencies where you can register include:
Commission for the Blind
Department of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services
Department of Disabilities and Special Needs
Department of Mental Health
Department of Social Services
Military Recruitment Offices
Protection and Advocacy for the Handicapped

You may also download a mail-in application online at the South Carolina Election Commission's website.

4. How do I vote absentee?: Discover extensive details on how to vote absentee by viewing the Vote Absentee page.

5. Who are my elected representatives?: Your representatives are based upon where you live in the county. Most elected officials represent voters in a particular area or voting district; therefore, please be sure your address is always current. You may find your voting districts by viewing your voter registration online status. After you secure your voting district codes, you may find your particular representatives by viewing the Elected Representatives page.

6. Where do I go to vote?: If you know your voting precinct, you can find voting locations. To find a complete listing of precincts and street addresses, and to check your voting precinct by location visit the Precinct and Polling Locations page.

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Water & Sewer

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1. Does York County accept payments by phone or online?: Yes. You may pay by automated phone system at 866-541-4098 or through the county website, www.yorkcountygov.com. Utilities Online site.

2. Does York County accept credit/debit cards?: Yes, you may now pay online or in our office with cash, check, debit or credit cards. Our office does not accept payment at the counter by American Express.

3. Does York County operate a county-wide water and sewer system?: No. Other water and sewer systems are operated by the municipalities located in York County and by private water service providers.

4. Does York County have information on other water and sewer service providers in the county?: Information is available through the municipalities or private utility providers.
City of Rock Hill---803-329-5600
City of Tega Cay---803-548-3512
City of York----803-648-7172
Town of Clover----803-222-9495
Town of Fort Mill----803-547-7158
Carolina Water Service / Utilities Inc.----800-367-4314

5. Who do I contact about locating my underground utilities?: You may contact Palmetto Utility Protection Services (PUPS) at 888-721-7877.

6. How do I report a leak or other service problem?: Your request will be reviewed within 1 business day. Please give complete information on the Maintenance Request Form

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Watershed foam and scum FAQ

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1. Let me ask about the foam first. What causes foam to appear on lakes, rivers, and streams?: As with most liquids, water molecules are normally attracted to each other. This attraction creates tension at the surface of the water, often referred to as a thin "skin," which allows some insects to glide across it. When leaves, twigs or other organic substances fall into water and begin decaying, they release compounds known as surfactants. This interaction breaks the surface tension, which in turn allows air to more easily mix with water and creates bubbles. These bubbles congregate as natural foam. However, not all foam is natural. Certain man-made products, including detergents, can cause foam that is similar in appearance, but may be harmful to fish and other aquatic life.

2. OK, good info. When am I most likely to see natural foam on a waterbody?

Great question. Foam can form on our water bodies a number of different ways:

On a windy day, because foam occurs when a breeze agitates the water to form bubbles.
During the fall when trees drop their leaves and aquatic plants begin to die back and decompose.
Throughout the spring as plants lose their buds.
When the outdoor temperature rises, because heat accelerates plant decay, which releases the organic substances that contribute to foam.
During soil erosion events or from human activities, such as gravel washing.

3. Well, that makes sense. But is foam harmful?: Foam is usually harmless. In fact, only 1 percent of the foam you see on a waterbody is the actual foaming agent; the rest is air and water. However, excess foam is sometimes the result of too much phosphorus in the water. Although phosphorus is an important plant nutrient, it is not found abundantly in nature and too much of it is indicative of pollution from human activities. Excessive phosphorous can result in nuisance algae blooms, fish kills due to low dissolved oxygen from decomposition processes, and irregularities with the water's taste and odor.

4. Natural and unnatural foam: got it. How can I tell what kind of foam it is?

Although it's difficult to know for sure, foam from various sources can have different characteristics.

Natural foam usually:

appears as light tan or brown in color, but may be white;
smells earthy, fishy or has fresh cut grass odor;
can occur over large areas and accumulate in large amounts, especially on windward shores, in coves and eddies; and
dissipates fairly quickly, except when agitated (as in high wind conditions).

Unnatural foam from human activity usually:

appears white in color;
gives off a fragrant, perfumed or soapy odor; and

usually occurs over small area, localized near a source of discharge.

5. What should I do if I suspect a waterbody's foam is the result of a chemical release or spill?: If you suspect foam to be from unnatural causes, call York County’s Environmental Compliance Department. The telephone number is 803.909.7250. The sooner you call: the better. If an illegal discharge is the cause, we need to know as much information as possible so we can get to it fast to minimize the danger to people and the environment.

6. Wow… I’m learning a lot! Now that I know about foam, what causes surface scum on a lake?: Scum, an oily film, or yellow-green dust on the surface of a lake makes it look contaminated but, in general, nothing is wrong. In fact, something natural is probably occurring. An oily film in midsummer is most likely caused by insect cases that become concentrated along the shore by wind after a hatch. Insects can hatch any time from early spring into September. As the cases decompose, they sometimes give off an oily film. Yellow-green dust floating on the surface in late spring and early summer is pollen from nearby pine trees. In contrast, an algal bloom is green to blue-green, might look soupy, and can form thick, slimy looking surface scum.

7. But why does the water quality of our lake seem to get worse throughout the summer?: First of all, it’s never just one reason. Many factors, including human activity in the watershed, interact to affect the water quality of a lake. Just as fertilizing a lawn promotes growth, nutrients seeping into a lake increase aquatic plant growth rates. Agriculture and communities in the watershed may inadvertently add nutrients to the lake through stormwater runoff and over spraying. Normally lawn and agricultural fertilizers are not innately harmful. However, excess fertilizer can cause algae to "bloom" which, in turn, decreases light for other plants and animals. Water quality may worsen at the peak of the growing season when sunlight and nutrients are plentiful. Other sources which cause water quality degradation come from erosion and sediment washing in from disturbed shorelines or construction sites. The transported sediment contributes additional nutrients to the water. All that washed in sediment is what causes muddy water. Development on a lake shore usually means changes in the shoreline plant community (i.e., cultivated grass replaces bulrush). Nutrients and sediments wash into the water more readily without the natural filtering system.

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