Home - FAQs
1.When do I need a zoning permit?
A zoning permit is required when any building or structure is erected, reconstructed, or structurally altered, enlarged.
2.Where do I get a Town building permit?
Building permits are obtained from the Orange County Building Department. You must first obtain a zoning permit from the Town of Gordonsville. Once you have an approved zoning permit, you will then take that to the Orange County Building Department to obtain your building permit.
Planning Commission FAQs
1.How do I get on Planning Commission’s meeting agenda?
You may appear before the Planning Commission during their meetings without being on the agenda. However, if you would like to be added to the meeting agenda contact the Town Manager/Zoning Administrator, Sabrina Martyn.
Copies of meeting agendas are available by contacting the Town Clerk.
Police FAQs
1.Who and where do we call for police service?
Call the Orange County Sheriff Office Dispatch at 540-672-1200 and they will dispatch an officer.
2.How do I make an anonymous report?
Call 540-832-2272. We do not have caller ID. If no one answers leave a message on ext. 246.
If the situation is in progress call the Orange County Sheriff Office Dispatch at 540-672-1200 and they will dispatch an officer. Request to remain anonymous.
3.What do I do if no one is at the Police Department?
Walk-ins may stop at the reception window at Town Hall and an officer will be contacted. You may also call the Orange County Sheriff Office Dispatch at 540-672-1200, and they will dispatch an officer.
If Town Hall is not open there is a call box outside next to the Police Department entrance. Open the box and lift the phone. It will call the Orange County 9-1-1 Center and they will direct your call.
Public Works FAQs
1.Whom do I call before I dig?
Please call MISS Utility of Virginia at 800-552-7001 or 8-1-1 before you dig or excavate. This will prevent vital and costly utilities from being damaged as a result of not knowing where utility lines are located.
2.What do I do if I suspect a water leak?
From 8:00 am - 5:00 pm call Town Hall at 540-832-2233. After hours, please call the Orange County Sheriff's Department at 540-672-1200.
3.Will the Town pick up furniture, appliances, etc., with regular trash?
Generally, no. Regular pick-up only includes trash in a standard
container. Anything over and above this amount would be considered an extra pick-up and may incur charges.
The Town picks up large items twice a year (spring and fall) at no extra
costs. You may also take the items to the County landfill.
4.Whom do I call if I have a question or concern regarding the sewer system?
The Rapidan Service Authority is responsible for the sewer collection system. Please contact them directly about questions or concerns regarding the sewer system at 800-468-1049.
5.How do I report a road problem?
Most of the roads within the Town of Gordonsville are maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). If the road has a state route number, road problems should be reported to VDOT at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623). If the roadway is a Town street or if you are uncertain you may contact Town Hall at 832-2233.
Town Council FAQs
1.How do I get on Town Council’s meeting agenda?
You may appear before Town Council during their meetings without being on the agenda. However, if you would like to be added to the meeting agenda contact the Town Clerk. Copies of meeting agendas are also available by contacting the Town Clerk.
2.What do I need to do to run for Mayor or Council?
Town Council elections are held in November of every even year. The Mayor and Council terms are for four years. Information for election candidates is available on the Virginia State Board of Elections web site.
Town Treasurer FAQs
1.How do I receive water/sewer service from the Town if I am a tenant?
Tenants need to complete and sign an application for water/sewer service and have it signed by the landowner. A $200.00 deposit and a $30.00 service fee are due when the application is filed with the Town. Once the application is filled out and signed by all parties and all fees are paid, water/sewer service will then be put in the Tenant’s name.
2.How do I receive water/sewer service from the Town if I am a landowner?
Landowners need to complete an application for water/sewer service and show their settlement paperwork when the application is submitted. A $30.00 service fee must also be paid with the application.
Please note that the Town of Gordonsville owns the water lines, but the Rapidan Service Authority owns the sewer system--the Town is a billing agent for them. If you have problems with or questions related to your sewer service, please contact the Rapidan Service Authority at 1-800-468-1049.
3.When is my water bill due?
Water bills are due the 15th of each month for the previous month's water usage.
4.When is water cut-off day?
Meters are generally read on the 15th of every month or the next business day. Bills are typically mailed out by the 23rd of every month. Bills are due on the 15th of the following month. Water service will be disconnected if water/sewer payments are not paid in full by the 15th and will receive a penalty of $5.00 or 1.5%, whichever is greater. Water cut-off is on the 1st Friday of every month. Once the water is cut-off (disconnected), it will not be resumed until all water bills (past due and current) plus the delinquent fee of $50.00 is paid in full, per Town Code section 23-53.
5.Does the Town charge a disconnection fee for water service?
No, however, the Town does charge a delinquent fee of $50.00 if payments are not made and water is cut-off (disconnected).
6.What do I need to do if my water service is disconnected?
The entire account balance needs to be paid to zero. That means that your past due balance, a $50.00 delinquent fee and your current balance will need to be paid in full in order for your water service to be restored.
Please note: Water service will be restored once the account has been paid in full. However, before Town Crew will turn water back on, an occupant of the property where water service is being restored needs to be present to ensure that all water fixtures are off to avoid flooding or water damage that may occur from water flowing through a fixture than has been left on.
7.When are tax bills due?
Real estate taxes are billed two times a year. The first half is due June 5. The second half is due December 5.
Personal property taxes are assessed each year by the Orange County Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue for all tangible personal property garaged within the Town of Gordonsville as of January 1st. Personal property taxes are due December 5th of each year.
8.Does the Treasurer’s Office have an after-hours deposit drop box?
Yes. The box (white) is located outside behind Town Hall at 112 South Main Street.
9.What are the available methods of payment?
The Town accepts cash, check or money order either by mail, bring to the Town Hall or use the (white) drop box in the back of the Town Hall. The Town also accepts Credit/Debit Card (3% convenience fee charged (min. of $1.00)) - Online @paygov.us or thru mobile app or in person at the Town Hall. The Town Treasurer Department can not process credit/debit card payments via phone call to the Town Hall
10.Do I owe Town and County property taxes if I live in Town?
Yes. If you live in the Town, you are required to pay Town and County property taxes.
11.Why do I have to pay Town and County taxes if I am a Town resident?
Town taxes help pay for streets, sidewalks, wtaer lines, water meters, and the Town's Police Department.
Taxes paid to the County help pay for the library, fire and EMS, schools and education. The taxes you pay to the County help to supplement Gordon Barbour Elementary School.
12.If I don't pay my taxes by the due date, what will happen?
If taxes are unpaid by March 1 of each year, the Town considers these accounts in collection status. If taxes are not paid 30 days after the due date, then the Town can place a DMV stops on your vehicle registrations and your driver's license. The town can also send your name to the state set-off debt program, which means that if you are receiving a refund for your income taxes from the Commonwealth of Virginia, then the Town will receive the money first to pay your delinquent tax bill. The Town can also put a freeze on your bank account and place a lien on your wages. These are just a few examples of collections in which the Town Treasurer participates. Collection procedures are not limited to these procedures. Please note that the County of Orange and the Town of Gordonsville can both place a DMV stops on your vehicle registration and driver’s license at the same time for unpaid personal property taxes.
13.How can I pay my local taxes and water bill?
You may pay your taxes and water bill by mail (to P.O. Box 276, Gordonsville, VA 22942), in person, or by placing your payment in the overnight drop-box behind Town Hall located at 112 South Main Street. The Town accepts cash, check or money order either by mail, bring to the Town Hall or use the (white) drop box in the back of the Town Hall. The Town also accepts Credit/Debit Card (3% convenience fee charged (min. of $1.00)) - Online @paygov.us or thru mobile app or in person at the Town Hall. The Town Treasurer Department can not process credit/debit card payments via phone call to the Town Hall