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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.