Show All Answers

1. Why have reassessments?

Reassessments are required by law to insure that each property is valued fairly.

2. What should I expect from reassessment?

A reassessment will result in a new value being established for your property. This new value will replace the value currently on your property and will be the basis used for taxing property. Please remember that an increase or decrease in property value does not automatically mean an increase or decrease in your property taxes.

3. What is the reassessment process?

After the reassessment is complete property owners will be notified. Property owners who disagree with the reassessment results will be given an opportunity to appeal to the assessor and then to the Board of Equalization.

4. How will I know if someone has visited my property?

Field workers and supervisors have a Radford City Identification and their cars are marked "Assessor". When property owners are not home at the time of the visit by the field worker; a notice may be left on the door stating the property has been inspected.

5. What is "Fair Market Value"?

Fair Market Value is defined as the amount a typical, well-informed purchaser would be willing to pay for a property, under the following conditions:
- The seller and buyer must be unrelated.
- The seller must be willing, but not under undue pressure to sell and the buyer must be willing, but not under any obligation to buy.
- The property must be on the market for a reasonable length of time.
- The payment must be in cash or its equivalent, and the financing, if required, must be typical for that type of property.
- If all these conditions are present, this is considered a market value, or "arm's length," sale.

6. How will the reassessment affect my taxes?

An increase or decrease in your assessed value does not automatically mean the same increase or decrease in your taxes.Tax rates are set yearly by the City Council.

7. Why do I have to pay property taxes?

Schools, Sheriff's Office, fire and rescue protection, libraries and other services are only a few of the amenities property taxes make possible.

8. When will the results from the current assessment be available?

Reassessment notices will be mailed to property owners prior to January 1st.

9. How can I tell if my reassessed value is fair and accurate?

Compare the property's value with other comparable properties. Look at properties of similar age, lot and building size, construction, improvements, location, proximity to shopping, schools and other amenities.

10. What do I do if I disagree with the assessed value?

A property owner has the right to appeal their property tax assessment. The burden of proof, however, will be on the taxpayer to prove why their assessment should change. Just saying: "My taxes are too high" is not sufficient. You may appeal by either submitting a written appeal or by scheduling a face-to-face hearing.

The following may happen on appeal:
- The assessed value may be raised;
- It may be lowered
- It may remain the same

Any appeals that are not resolved by the Reassessment Office may be reviewed by the Board of Equalization.

The final appeal after the Board of Equalization would be to petition the City of Radford Circuit Court for judicial review. The Code of Virginia provides all property owners the opportunity to appeal an unfair reassessment through the Circuit Court system.

Show All Answers

1. Who sets the personal property tax rate?

Radford City Council sets the personal property rate for the City.

2. How is the assessment determined on my vehicle?

Radford City uses N.A.D.A. trade-in value as their assessment basis. All vehicles are assessed on the January 1st value listed by N.A.D.A.

3. What if I sell or trade my vehicle or move from Radford during the year?

Radford City is not a pro-rating locality. All assessments are based on January 1st and are assessed for the entire year. If you move to a pro-rating locality they must adjust any assessment they make based on a full year assessment by Radford City.

4. When is personal property tax due?

Personal property tax is due on December 5th.

5. Who must file business personal property?

All businesses located in the City of Radford must file a business personal property form each year by May 1st. The form must list all furniture, fixtures, equipment and machinery and tools used in the business and owned on January 1st. A detail summary that lists the cost and date of purchase of the business furniture, fixtures, equipment and machinery and tools must accompany the form.

Radford City does not assess merchants capital. Companies that are not located in the City of Radford but who lease furniture, fixtures, equipment and machinery and tools to Radford businesses are also required to file a form on those leases by May 1st.

6. Who sets the real estate rate for the City of Radford?

Radford City Council sets the real estate tax rate for the City.

7. When are real estate taxes due?

Real estate taxes are due in 2 installments. The 1st installment is due on June 5th and the 2nd installment is due on December 5th.

8. How often does the City of Radford have a reassessment?

The City of Radford has a reassessment every 4 years. All properties are assessed at 100% fair market value in the reassessment year. The City hires an independent firm to do the reassessment.

Show All Answers

1. What is Freegal?

Freegal is a digital music service that allows you to search a large collection of music and download songs permanently at no charge. It provides access to hundreds of thousands of major label songs by new and legendary artists from Sony, RCA, Columbia, and Epic, among others. These DRM-free mp3 files are permanently saved onto your PC or Mac computers, and can be transferred to your smart phones and other devices.

2. How do I access Freegal?

You can access Freegal through the library’s website with your Radford Public Library Card and PIN or password. If you do not have a PIN, please stop in at the Library and a staff member will be happy to set one up for you.

3. How does Freegal Music work?

We offer 3 songs per week for every library cardholder as part of our agreement with Freegal. You are welcome to visit the Freegal page every week and download 3 songs absolutely free and legally.

Once you log in, a download usage counter in the upper right corner displays your weekly allotment of 3 songs. For instance, 1/3 means that you have a weekly limit of 3 downloads, and you have used 1 of those downloads. Each Monday your download usage is reset to 0. Visit the Freegal page to start downloading.

4. How do I search Freegal?

Browse by Genre, Featured Artist, or Newly Added, click on the Top Ten lists, use the A to Z list, or do a search at the top of the home page by artist name or song title. Use the Advanced Search to look for things like composer. If your computer or device supports Flash, you can click the small arrow next to each song title to play a short sample of the song.

5. How do I download a song?

Music tracks are downloaded as mp3 files and can be permanently saved on your computer or portable device. We recommend that you download a song first to your computer by clicking Download Now next to selected song and saving it to a location of your choice, then moving it to your portable device. There is no need to install any software on your computer.

6. Can a song be played on portable devices?

Yes. After downloading a song to your computer, sync the portable device with your computer.

7. Does Freegal have an app?

Yes. Freegal has an app for iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch devices available in the App Store and an app for Android devices through the Google Play store (formerly Android Market). Music downloaded through the apps will be available to play within the apps. To find our library within the app, search for Radford rather than entering your postal code.

8. Why won’t my iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch store Freegal music downloads in iTunes?

When you access the Freegal website (as opposed to the app) from a mobile device and hit the Download Now button, the song streams and will probably play once. However, the rules Apple has in place will not allow it to be stored on your device unless you download the song using the Freegal app. Music files need to be loaded into iTunes on a computer and then synced with the mobile device.

9. How can I transfer my songs to iTunes?

If you have tried to download a song through the Freegal website using your mobile device, or if you want to move songs from the Freegal app to iTunes, you will need to log onto your Freegal account from your computer and visit the “Recent Downloads” page. Your Freegal downloads are stored there for up to 2 weeks.

You can download these files to your iTunes account at no cost to your download cache during this period of time and then transfer them to your iPod/iPad/iPod Touch. Once you have saved the songs to your computer you will be able to move them to your iPod/iPad/iPod Touch.

You can download the files to your desktop or your music folder and import the song into iTunes by either dragging the song into the window or importing it from the menu. The next time you sync up, you will see that song in your music library on your iPod/iPad/iPod Touch and it will stay there as long as the song remains in iTunes on your computer. Please note: you only have a 2-week window in which to re-download the songs in your Recent Downloads.

10. Why does the counter say I’ve downloaded 3 songs when I’m sure I haven’t?

Anytime you click on the Download Now link it counts towards your weekly allotment and it cannot be reversed. You may have started a download then changed your mind and cancelled it. It’s also possible that you inadvertently clicked on the Download Now link to a third song and not realized it. It will count towards your download limit even if you cancel the download before it is complete. We cannot credit a download.

11. I’ve downloaded a song, but can’t find it on my computer. What happened?

The downloaded songs may be automatically stored in different places, depending on the operating system you are using, the type of browser you are using, and the way your computer is configured to handle mp3 files.

12. Nothing happens when I click on the play arrow to listen to the song sample?

If you’re having difficulties playing song samples, please check that your browser’s Flash Player is version 10 or higher. Please note as well that Freegal Music is only fully supported on Internet Explorer 7, 8, or 9, Firefox, Safari, and Google Chrome; it is not supported on iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, but you can save songs on your computer and then transfer them to your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch. See the section on iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch for more information.

13. Why am I getting an error message?

First, make sure your library account with Radford Public Library is in good standing and that you know your correct PIN or password. Second, make sure you are visiting the Freegal site from the Radford Public Library web page. Do not bookmark the Freegal music web site and attempt to log in from a bookmark on your browser.

14. I log in to Freegal, accept the terms and conditions, and then I’m taken to the About Us page or given a notice that I’m not authorized to view the site. What happened?

There may be a setting on your computer that is preventing you from logging in to Freegal Music. There are a few things you could try that may enable you to get through.

Try clearing your browser history and deleting your browser cookies. How to clear the browser cookies and history varies from browser to browser, but typically, you can do it by opening the browser, and clicking on the Tools menu (Wrench menu in Google Chrome). From there it might be under a “Delete browsing history” option (if you are using Internet Explorer), Clear Recent History (if you’re using Firefox), or History (if you’re using Chrome). From there, you should see options specific to browser history and cookies. If you are using Internet Explorer, you may also try putting your security settings back to default.

For more general information on clearing your computer’s cache- find help online, it is updated frequently and has step-by-step information for a variety of browsers and versions for PC and Mac, updates and help are available online.

15. My song partially downloaded or only the first few seconds of my song plays, what can I do?

Once in a while, your Internet connection may be interrupted or time out and you might experience an incomplete or problem download. Freegal Music allows you to download previously downloaded songs again, without using up one of your weekly downloads. Songs you’ve had trouble downloading during the current week or previous week can be downloaded again.

To re-download a song, log into Freegal, and click on the Recent Downloads link located at the top of the page. Then, click the “Download Now” link for the song you had trouble downloading to save it again. You have 2 download attempts for each song in the Recent Downloads page. If you re-download a song twice, the “Download Now” link will change to say “Limit Exceeded” and the song will be removed from your Recent Downloads page.

Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain a parking permit?

To obtain a parking permit, you will need to complete the parking permit application located on the Parking Enforcement page and present the application, vehicle registration, your identification and a copy of your lease agreement at the Police Department. Parking Enforcement

2. When can I have my fingerprints taken?

Fingerprints are only done on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

3. Where can I find information on sanitation, recycling, and the the solid waste collection center?

All information for solid waste collection, recycling and the drop center can be obtained by contacting Public Works at 540-731-3603. Sanitation and Recycling

4. How do I set up Electric Utilities?

To establish new service, terminate an existing service, or for assistance please contact Utility Billing at 540-731-3602. All customers must complete an application for service and present a picture ID for proof of identification. Utility Billing Site

5. How do I apply to ride-a-long with police officers?

Complete the Ride-a-long Application and present it to the Police Department, located at 20 Robertson Street, along with your identification. Your application will be reviewed and when approved, you will be contacted to schedule your ride-a-long. Ride-a-long Application (PDF)

6. When is a building permit required?

A building permit is a document showing that all zoning, architectural and health requirements have been met in order for construction to begin. Permits are required for all signs and any construction project which will exceed $500. online.

Show All Answers

1. How do I report a crime?

Crimes committed in Radford can be reported by calling the Radford Police Communications Office at 540-731-3624, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. All emergencies should be reported by dialing 911 immediately.

2. How do I file a complaint or a compliment on a police officer?

To file a complaint against or to express a compliment for an officer, please follow the directions on Complaint/Compliment Form. Complaint/Compliment Form (PDF)

3. Can a citizen or student ride-a-long with police officers?

Yes, complete the Ride-a-long Application and present it to the Police Department, located at 20 Robertson Street, along with your identification. Your application will be reviewed and when approved, you will be contacted to schedule your ride-a-long. Ride-a-long Application (PDF)

4. I will be out of town for a period of time, will the police officers check on my residence?

The police department will do routine checks of your property while you are out of town. Complete the Security/House Check form and turn in to the Police Department, located at 20 Robertson Street, prior to your departure. Security/House Check (PDF)

5. How do I obtain a parking permit?

To obtain a parking permit, you will need to complete the parking permit application located on the Parking Enforcement page and present the application, vehicle registration, your identification and a copy of your lease agreement at the Police Department. Parking Enforcement

6. I have a weekend visitor, where can they park without getting a ticket?

Temporary parking permits are available for residents who have a city issued parking permit. Complete the permit application request found on the Parking Enforcement page and obtain the permit for your visitor at the Police Department. Parking Enforcement

7. What is the cost for the parking permit and how long is it valid?

There is no charge for the permit, it is provided for certain areas with timed parking for the residents who live on the designated streets. The permit is valid from June 1 through May 31 and must be renewed annually.

8. How do obtain a copy of my police report?

To obtain a copy of your police report, complete a FOIA Records Request form and present it along with your identification Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. FOIA Records Request (PDF)

9. How long does it take to obtain a copy of my police report?

Personnel may be able to fulfill the request at the time it is presented; however, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows 5 days to fulfill the request.

10. How do I obtain a copy of my accident report?

Individuals and insurance companies can retrieve accident reports via the internet at Crashdocs. You will need the accident report number, date of accident, and last name of driver. The cost of the report is $9. Reports should be available within 5 business days after the accident. Crashdocs

11. When can I have my fingerprints taken?

Fingerprints are only done on Tuesday and Thursday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

12. How can I obtain a copy of my criminal history?

Only local (Radford City) police records are available through our records unit. To obtain a copy, complete the Criminal History Request and present at the police department with your identification. National Criminal History Requests can be made through the court system at 619 2nd Street in Radford. Criminal History Request (PDF)

13. How do I obtain a Concealed Weapons Permit?

Applications to obtain concealed weapons permits may be picked up at the Radford Municipal Building, Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court at 619 2nd Street, Monday – Friday from 9 a.m – 5 p.m.

14. How do I apply for a police officer / communications officer position?

The department will advertise any opening in the Roanoke Times, on the Radford City cable channel as well as on the Radford City website. City Employment Applications are accepted only during the specified time frame. City Employment Application (PDF)

Show All Answers

1. What is rbDigital?

rbDigital is the world’s largest online newsstand that offers thousands of online magazines. The Library of Virginia has purchased a subscription to rbDigital to give you free access to over 50 popular digital magazines such as Newsweek, National Geographic, Woman’s Day, and Car and Driver.

2. How can I read these magazines?

Go to the rbDigital website. New users will be prompted to create an account. Once you are logged in, you will see the titles that we subscribe to. Magazines can be read and downloaded on your PC, Mac, iPad/iPhone and Android device. For more detailed instructions, use

this guide.

3. Can I be charged for reading a magazine in rbDigital?

As long as you log into the rbDigital Magazines page from our website, you will not be charged to read the magazines to which we subscribe. However, you do have the option of purchasing a subscription to magazines the library does not subscribe to via the rbDigital Magazines site.

4. Why do I have to log in twice?

rbDigital Magazines is a commercial site that has developed a partnership with libraries through Recorded Books to enable patrons to have free access to a limited number of titles in their collection. As a commercial entity, they want you to establish an account with them so that they know who is accessing their product and perhaps persuade you to purchase your own subscriptions to titles that are not offered to libraries. Your library login ensures that you are able to obtain free content that we provide. We recommend that you use the same login/password for both.

5. How long can I keep a magazine?

Forever, if you’d like. There is no loan period, but you do have the option of deleting them from your account.

6. Will I continue to get new issues of the magazines I’ve selected?

No, you will have to return to your library account and add it to your personal rbDigital Magazines account. In your rbDigital Magazines account settings, you can choose to receive emails when issues are available or opt out of email notification.

7. What if I already have a Zinio account? Can I use it for my library account?

Yes, you can use your library account.

8. Can I email articles to my friends?

Yes, from a computer you can share articles (not the entire magazine) via email and even Facebook! Some magazines will allow you to print as well. These features are not available with the mobile app.

9. Why can’t I view my magazine on my iPhone?

Some publishers do not allow certain magazine titles to be viewed with an iPhone.

Show All Answers

1. Why do I need a building permit?

Its purpose is to protect you, your family and neighbors from the effects of repairs or additions which violate building codes and could cause fire or other hazards to life and property. Building permits are obtained from the Building Official’s office. online.

2. When is a site plan required?

A site plan is required prior to the issuance of a building permit in the event of construction of a new building, enlargement of or moving an existing building or modification of the parking or vehicular circulation system on a site. At least 5 copies of a site plan are required and submitted to the Community Development Director’s office. More information is available online.

3. What are my setbacks?

Setbacks (or yard regulations) are areas not occupied by any structure. They vary from each zoning district and by use. A complete list of setbacks by zoning district can be found online.

4. What is Erosion and Sediment Control permit and when is it required?

An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan is a document containing materials and management information for the conservation of soil and water resources. A plan and permit are required when the land disturbed is more than 5,000 square feet. Permits are obtained from the City Engineer’s office or online.

5. How long does it take to get a site plan approved?

Usually, 4 weeks, unless a subdivision is involved, then 90 days is required. Erosion and Sediments Control permits usually take a week. Single-family homes, duplexes and additions usually take 2 or 3 days.

6. How do I know if a building site has utilities?

Utility availability may be obtained through the Electric Department and Water/Sewer Departments. Gas and telephone utilities are not regulated by the City. You can check availability online.

7. What are the regulations for accessory structures?

The setbacks for an accessory structure are 5 feet from both the side and rear property lines. Accessory structures include tool sheds and garages. Fences are allowed on the property line provided they are no more than 6.5 feet tall in rear yards and 4 feet in front yards.

8. When is a building permit required?

A building permit is a document showing that all zoning, architectural and health requirements have been met in order for construction to begin. Permits are required for all signs and any construction project which will exceed $500. online.