Frequently Asked Questions

Permits are required before starting work that is not exempt from the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). Work including, but not limited to the following items requires a building permit:

• Changing the designed use of a building, installation
• Construction or demolition of a building or structure
• Installations or alterations that involve any wall or structural component
• Removal or disturbing any materials containing asbestos during construction, additions, or demolition (exemptions exist for Single Family Dwellings)
• Replacement of any system or component within a building or structure not exempted by the USBC

Examples

A permit is required for the following work:

• Building additions to existing structures
• Constructing/replacing a deck
• Construction of new buildings/structures
• Construction of retaining walls supporting 36 inches or more of unbalanced fill
• Finishing a basement
• Installation of new fuel tanks
• Installation of swimming pools (above and in-ground) Swimming Pools that have a surface area greater than 150 square feet, over 5,000 gallons and are more than 24 inches deep.
• Installing new systems (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas)
• Replacement of gas or oil equipment (gas or oil furnaces, gas water heaters, etc)
• Storage/Utility buildings (with or without electrical) that exceed 256 square feet

Common exemptions that do not require a permit are as follows:

• Detached accessory structures (under 256 square feet) used for storage/utility purposes, not classified as group F1 or H occupancy. (However, an electrical permit is required if electrical wiring is installed)
• Electrical equipment that operates at less than 50 volts (except for smoke/fire systems)
• Fences and privacy walls that are not part of a building, structure, or swimming pool barrier. Exempt walls must be under six feet in height.
• Replacement of existing above ground LP - Gas containers of the same capacity in the same location and associated regulators when installed by the servicing gas supplier.
• Retaining walls supporting less than three feet of unbalanced fill (soil)
• Swimming Pools that have a surface area less than 150 square feet, under 5,000 gallons and are less than 24 inches deep.
• Tents under 900 square feet with occupant loads under 50 people
• When ordinary repairs are made such as:
  • Installation or replacement of floor finishings, cabinetry, paint, or wall paper
  • Replacement of electrical switches, dimmers, 15 or 20 amp 125 volt receptacles, lighting outlets, and ceiling (paddle) fans in Single Family Dwellings
  • Replacement of mechanical appliances that are not fueled by gas or oil
  • Replacement of plumbing fixtures without alterations or relocation
  • Replacement of roof coverings or siding in Single Family Dwellings
  • Replacement of windows and doors (same size) in Single Family Dwellings

Contact

If you require clarification if concerning work requiring a building permit, please contact the Franklin County Building Inspections Department between 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday at 540-483-3047.

If it is determined that work requiring a permit is being made without valid permits, the permit fee will be doubled up to an amount of $2,500 per Section 5-27 (u) of the Franklin County Code. Additionally, engineering may be required to verify work made prior/without inspections complies with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VAUSBC).

The three main classifications of permits are Residential, Non- Residential, and Miscellaneous Permits. Permit applications are available for each of the listed categories. These applications have either a cover page or other comments on the application to assist the applicant with permit requirements.

Requirements for permits will vary based upon the intended scope of work (i.e. a Construction Permit from the Health Department is required when a dwelling is to be constructed or when bedrooms are added, but not required for additions such as a sunroom or alterations such as finishing a basement). View the following requirements:

• A completed Building permit application corresponding to the type of work will be required in addition to approvals/permits from other related departments (Health Department, Planning and Zoning Department, etc.)
• Proof of Land Ownership or a signed and dated letter from the land owner authorizing the permit is required for all permits
• Residential and Non Residential plans are required to be quarter inch/foot scaled plans, including a Foundation Plan, Wall Bracing Plan, Through Section (Footing to Roof) Plan, and Elevation Plans are required to accompany the permit application. A Braced Wall and Floor Plan are required for every level of the building. Foundation details are required to include:
  • Basement and crawlspace foundations may also require a rebar schedule (include dimensions and cut sections)
  • Footing dimensions
  • Foundation wall types
  • Heights
  • Thicknesses
• Where additions or new buildings are to be constructed, Zoning approvals must be received from the Franklin County Planning and Zoning Department, the Town of Rocky Mount, or the Town of Boones Mill. Note: The Franklin County Planning and Zoning Department requires a Land Use permit for new buildings, structures, or additions on parcels located in the County, but outside of Town limits.

Residential & Non-Residential

Residential & Non-Residential Building Permits require plans to be submitted, reviewed, and approved by the Building Department prior to the issuance of the permit. The Residential review typically requires 5 business days. The Non-Residential review process may require additional time up to four weeks. Some Non-Residential permits may require sealed plans by a Virginia licensed Registered Design Professional (Architect/Engineer).

According to the Codes which are adopted by the State of Virginia in the Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), here are some of the requirements for Franklin County:

• Frost Line - The frost line for Franklin County is 18 inches deep
• Radon - Franklin County is located in the intermediate zone for radon. Radon mitigation methods are not required
• Seismic Zone - Franklin County is located in a seismic zone “B”
• Snow Load - The ground snow load for Franklin County is 25 pounds per square foot
• Soil Policy - Franklin County does not have extensive amounts of “shrink/swell” soil. However, if expansive/collapsing soils are encountered, then a soil evaluation is required
• Wind Load - Franklin County is located in a 90 miles per hour wind zone

Landowners, contractors, or agents may apply for the Building Permit. If someone other than the landowner applies for a “Demolitions or New Structure” permit (other than accessory/secondary buildings), a notarized affidavit (included with the permit applications) must be completed by the landowner(s) to authorize the work. The notary public is not required to be registered in Virginia for landowners who live out of the state.

The Building Inspections Office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm excluding State Holidays and other times approved by the Board of Supervisors. Application submissions are received and permits are issued between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm.

Cash, Checks, Visa, Mastercard and Discover are acceptable means of payment. Checks should be made payable to “Franklin County Treasurer.”

Inspection requests received up until 3:30 pm (on the IVR system) are normally scheduled for the next working day if so requested. Requests made after 3:30 are scheduled for the next working day. Future enhancements within the software's inspection request system may require the cut-off time for inspections to be modified.

Inspections Completed Before Work Begins

Inspections may not completed on the day requested if the inspection volume is excessive. Rescheduled inspections are prioritized by inspectors on the following work day. In the event that the inspector does not complete an inspection on the requested day, that does not authorize the owner or contractor to proceed without receiving department approval. Individuals who violate this policy are subject to Notices of Violation, referral to the Virginia Board for Contractors, and other legal action as determined necessary by the Building Inspections Department. Also engineering may be required at the owner's/contractor's expense to certify that work not inspected by the Franklin County Building Inspection's Department is acceptable to the requirements of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC).

Inspection Times

Inspectors are unable to provide specific times for inspections due to variables such as:

• Distance between inspections
• Documentation (correction lists or notices)
• Limited Cellular Phone Service
• Number of inspections per location
• Types of inspections

Inspection Location Available

Please make inspection locations available throughout the day. If additional security is desired please provide key location information with the inspection request. Locked/inaccessible locations are subject to a $45 reinspection fee. This fee is to be paid before a reinspection or another type of inspection is scheduled. Please have unattended pets contained so that animals will not interfere with the inspection.

View the fee schedule and descriptions currently listed on the Building Inspections website page. Briefly, new construction and additions are based on a flat fee per square foot, while alterations are based on the estimated cost of the work.

Alterations Permits

For alterations permits only. When providing the estimated value/cost you may deduct the cost of the following items from the alterations total (Some residential buildings may be eligible for additional exclusions for roofing, siding, or device/equipment replacement. Inquiries are suggested):

• Application of paint or wallpaper
• Installation of repair cabinetry or trim
• Installation or replacement of Floor Finishes
• Replacement of many ceiling and wall finishes in non-fire rated locations
• Replacement of Plumbing Fixtures

No, the structure needs to be accessible for the inspection only. If there are minors present in the home (and the inspector is required to enter the home), an adult is required to be present for the inspector to complete the inspection. All incomplete inspections and following re-inspections are the responsibility of the contractor and/or the Landowner.

Inspector's office hours are in the afternoon between the hours of 3 pm until 4:30 pm. Before this time they are in the field and unable to take calls. Please leave a detailed message or call the following business day during the time specified above.

You will need the building permit number which is located on the placard or receipt provided at the time of permit issuance. For temporary or permanent electrical power inspections, the nine digit AEP work order number will be required in addition to the permit number before the inspection can be scheduled.

When the building permit is issued a list of common inspections associated with your permit type may be located on the customer copy of the building permit. As a rule of thumb, inspections must be made prior to the Placement of Concrete, Concealment, or Occupancy.

The Franklin County Library has the 2012 International Residential Code Book available in their reference section to provide code access to citizens. Our department does not have code books available for sale. Code books can be purchased from the International Code Council at 1-888-ICC-SAFE.

On September 4, 2018 Virginia adopted the following codes in addition to State amendments located in the 2015 edition of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code:

• 2014 National Electrical Code
• 2015 Fuel Gas Code
• 2015 International Building Code
• 2015 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2015 International Mechanical Code
• 2015 International Plumbing Code
• 2015 International Residential Code

Virginia Amendments

For the 2015 series, Virginia Amendments have been incorporated into International codes creating ICC publications tailored specifically to the State of Virginia (does not include the National Electric Code). These editions of the code are recommended over International versions because they include Virginia specific amendments. Examples are:

• 2015 Virginia Building Code  
• 2015 Virginia Fuel Gas Code
• 2015 Virginia Mechanical Code
• 2015 Virginia Plumbing Code
• 2015 Virginia Residential Code

Manufactured Homes are commonly referred to as mobile homes. They are often constructed as a single, double, or triple wide. Manufactured Homes are not constructed to the requirements of the Building Code, instead they are constructed in accordance with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations.

HUD Requirements

The HUD Code is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, using independent third party inspection agencies for enforcement. Every HUD Code manufactured home is built in the factory. It has a label affixed to the exterior of the home which indicated that the home has been designed, constructed, tested, and inspected to comply with federal standards.

Systems Included During Construction

These systems may require additional work during the set-up process, but systems included during the construction of the Manufactured Home include:

• Air Conditioning
• Electrical
• Framing
• Heating
• Plumbing
• Ventilation

Manufacturer's Installation

All work made on site not covered by the Manufacturer’s Installation Manual must comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Manufactured Homes are designed to be set up as specified in the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Any deviations from the requirements established in the Installation Manual require accompanying engineering from a Virginia licensed Registered Design Professional (RDP). Foundations/supports for Manufactured Homes normally consist of interior piers that receive the weight of the home above via steel I-beams that run the length of the home. The presence of the metal frame does not always constitute a Manufactured Home; On-Frame Modulars (which are constructed to the requirements of the State’s Building Code) can also be designed to be supported on a metal chassis.

Additions

Any decks, additions, or other attachments to any home on a metal chassis must be self supporting.

The following steps are involved in obtaining a permit:

1. Approvals from the appropriate Planning and Zoning Departments must be received prior to the issuance of the Building Permit. This will be a Land Use Permit for parcels located in the County that are outside of the Towns of Rocky Mount or Boones Mill. For the Towns of Rocky Mount or Boones Mill, approvals from the respective Zoning Departments is required.
2. If the Manufactured Home is placed over a basement, signed and sealed plans from a Virginia licensed architect or engineer are required prior to the issuance of the permit.
3. Complete the applicable portions of a “Residential Permit Application”

The Franklin County Building Inspections Department recommends that:

1. All work should be made by contractors licensed in the State of Virginia. The specification on the license must match the work that is being contracted. (i.e. A Building Contractor, BLD is not licensed to do Electrical Contracting; An ELE specification would be required.)
2. The contractor’s license should be verified through DPOR’s contractor data base.
3. Job references should be required of contractors and inquiries to those references should be made, prior to hiring a contractor.
4. Plans should be provided, reviewed, and distributed among the owners, contractors, sub-contractors, and other workers so that the project is constructed as designed.
5. All change orders should be signed, dated, and documented in accordance with Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation requirements. Find the Board for Contractors Regulations that can be downloaded.

A child may be eligible for CSA funded services if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Have serious behavioral or emotional concerns
• Is under the supervision of the Court or Department of Juvenile Justice
• Receives foster care services
• Receives services to prevent foster care placement
• Requires services in an alternative education setting determined by an IEP
• Is at risk of or needs a more restrictive out of home placement

The Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) consists of DSS, Court Services, School, Piedmont Community Services, a parent representative, and a private provider. The team meets with the case manager and family to assess the strengths and needs of the youth and family. During this meeting they work together to develop a plan to best meet the identified needs.

The Community Policy Management Team (CPMT) is a group consisting of the agency head or their designee from Piedmont Community Services, DSS, Franklin County Health Department, Court Services, and the Schools, a parent representative, a private provider representative, at least one elected official or designee, and other agency members including, but not limited to, local law enforcement officials and local government officials. CPMT develops local policies and procedures for the CSA program, manages the funds requested for approved services, and monitors for needed services and resources for families served. The Franklin County CPMT meets the last Wednesday of each month at 9:00 AM, at the Franklin County Government Center located at 1255 Franklin St, Rocky Mount, VA 24151. For agendas or minutes please reach out the CSA Program Manager.

Contact your neighbors to see if they know the ownership of the animal. If no success, contact us at 540-483-7440, and we will come pick up the stray animal.

There is no leash law in Franklin County, however, the animal owner is responsible to contain their animal on their property to prevent it from running at large. You can contact the Magistrate's Office at 540-483-3076 and acquire a nuisance warrant.

Emergency calls include:

• Aggressive animals
• Animal bite cases
• Loose livestock
• Sick or injured animal hit by a vehicle

We do not capture or pick up cats at this time. We do have loaner traps for residents to use in a timely manner. The shelter will accept cats from County residents during our operating hours of:
Tuesday through Friday
Noon to 4 pm

Saturday
10 am to Noon

No. If you have questions or encounter a wild animal, use precaution and contact the Virginia Game Warden at 540-483-3077.

No. We are a municipal pound, so we can only take in animals that are being relinquished or strays from Franklin County.

Franklin County Animal Services (FCAS) is a municipal animal shelter. Although we do our best to find every healthy, adoptable pet a good home, we are not a No-Kill facility. Through a variety of programs, we make every effort to place all adoptable animals in our care. Some of these animals are euthanized due to lack of space and homes. FCAS works with many rescue groups in the County to help place the adoptable pets in our care.

A Knox Box is a secure key vault that is installed on the exterior of a building near the main entrance. This box contains building keys to provide access for the Fire Department in emergency situations. The Fire Department maintains master keys for the Knox boxes in secure locations.

For new commercial structures and on existing commercial buildings, a Knox Box is not required to be installed in Franklin County, Virginia. However, commercial buildings where access is restricted can cause delays for the Fire Department to gain access either by forcible entry tactics or by waiting for a key holder. Many businesses in the area have had Knox Boxes installed on their buildings.

Knox Box devices may be purchased through the Knox Box website. At the Knox box online store, the department name will be entered as Franklin County Department of Public Safety. If you have any questions, please contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 540-483-3091.

When installing a Knox Box, consider the following:

• Knox Boxes shall be mounted as near as possible to the primary entry door and shall not be visually obstructed. This normally will be the main entrance door to the business.
• The box should not be located further than six feet laterally from the door.
• The Knox Box should be installed no higher than five feet or no lower than two feet above the ground or walk area.
• The Knox Box for a gate shall be located on the gate or on a fence or wall within six feet of the gate.

Keys to exterior doors, interior doors, and electrical and mechanical rooms, as well as elevator keys, are normally kept on one ring inside the Knox Box. After the Knox Box is installed, the owner or their designee must contact the Franklin County Fire Marshal's Office at 540-483-3091 to schedule an appointment to secure the keys and lock the Knox box.

911 should be called for any emergency which is threatening to life or property. This includes:

• Crimes in progress
• Fire emergencies
• Medical emergencies
• Suspicious persons or activities

Residential smoke detectors are early warning devices to alert persons to a potential fire. Smoke detectors should be placed in living areas of the home including each bedroom and in the hallway leading to the bedrooms. Contact the Public Safety Department at 540-483-3091 if you have any further questions.

Having a fire extinguisher in the home is a great idea. If you have an extinguisher, it should be placed where it is easily accessible. The kitchen and garage are good sites for an extinguisher. However, do not place an extinguisher over the stove or buried in storage in the garage. Hang it on the wall between 4 feet and 5 feet from the ground.

Call the Franklin County Perinatal Education Center at 540-489-1800.

By Virginia Law, you are required to pull to the nearest edge of the roadway and stop, thereby yielding the right-of-way to the emergency vehicle.

You cannot conduct any open burning before 9 am, and you cannot add fuel to the fire after 9 pm. The fire must be totally out by midnight. In addition, someone must remain with the fire at all times, and there must be a water source present. Refer to State Laws and Franklin County Code.

Yes, Franklin County does operate an emergency medical services revenue recovery program. Your insurance company will be billed, and you may receive a bill for the co-pay. Under no circumstances will ability to pay impact service. Please contact Franklin County Public Safety at 540-483-3091 for additional information.

The money is reinvested into the Public Safety system to continue to improve service to our citizens.

No. Due to limited resources and liability, department standard operating guidelines require that you be transported to the nearest hospital that can handle your emergency.

The landfill is located five miles south of Rocky Mount. There is a small sign located on the southbound lane (left side of highway) that says county landfill next left. This will be a cross over; the landfill entrance will be the second entrance after making U-turn.

Regular Hours

• Monday through Friday: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
• Saturday: 7:00 am to 12 Noon
• Sunday: Closed

Holiday Hours

Open all county holidays except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
7:30 am to 3:00 pm

Tipping fees are $50 per ton.

We do not accept debit or credit cards for payment. Cash or check only.

We will accept waste oil from homeowners only. We have a waste oil tank at the landfill to put waste oil in. We will accept old gas tanks if they are cut in half.

The county does not rent roll-off’s or large containers to individuals. Below is contact information to obtain containers:

• Bays Trash Removal: 540-297-6397
• Bin There Dump That: 540-698-3935
• Firefighter Dumpsters: 540-238-6881bays
• First Piedmont: 800-476-6780
• Franklin Container Services: 540-489-34s27
• Republic Services: 540-982-5710
• SML Garbage Collection: 540-721-7654
• Tidy Services: 540-345-0168
• Waste Management: 800-342-9532

At this time there is no market for recycled glass and plastic. As the market becomes available, we will put the recycle boxes for glass and plastic back out.

No. We transport all Recycling to the Recycling location by our Franklin County trash truck

Enroll in 4-H Programs by calling us at 540-483-5161 or stopping by our office:
90 E Court Street
Rocky Mount, VA 24151

Your child must be age 5 to 19 to participate in 4-H.

You can sign your child up for 4-H camp starting on March 1st of each year.

Contact the Franklin County Extension Office at 540-483-5161. To learn more about volunteering, visit our Volunteer at 4-H page.

No, 4-H is open to all youth ages 5 to 19.

Call Carol Haynes at Virginia Cooperative Extension's Franklin County Office at 540-483-5161.

Yes, Virginia Cooperative Extension's Franklin County office co-sponsors the Senior Citizens Nutrition Outreach Project with classes being held at the Senior Center in Rocky Mount, Virginia.

Contact Virginia Cooperative Extension's Franklin County Office at 540-483-5161.

Learn more about food safety by contacting Carol Haynes, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, at the Franklin County Extension Office. Call 540-483-5161.

Learn more about money management programs by contacting Carol Haynes, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, at the Franklin County Extension Office. Call 540-483-5161.

For information regarding home water quality, contact Virginia Cooperative Extension's Franklin County Extension Office at 540-483-5161.

For most situations, Fescue is a suitable choice. In some situations, such as for pregnant mares, Fescue may not be the best choice and other grasses such as Orchard grass may be a better choice. For help choosing the right grasses for your hay or pasture, contact Virginia Cooperative Extension's Franklin County Office at 540-483-5161.

Generally, the varieties of corn seed made available for sale in this area are suitable to the growing conditions of Franklin County. There can be variation in performance from farm to farm. For help in choosing the right varieties for your farm, contact Virginia Cooperative Extension's Franklin County Office at 540-483-5161.

Proper soil sampling procedure is critical to getting the correct fertilizer and lime recommendations. Instructions, boxes, and the form for submitting a soil sample are available at Virginia Cooperative Extension's Franklin County Office, located at:
90 E Court Street
Rocky Mount, VA 24151

The most common tobacco production problems in Franklin County include soil fungal diseases such as Black Shank, Rhizoctonia, and Pythium. These diseases, although not severe, cost county producers approximately $30,000 per year in lost tobacco sales.

The main tobacco grown in Franklin County is flue-cured. Flue-cured tobacco is used primarily for smoking purposes in cigarettes. Several farms in the county also produce Virginia dark-fired tobacco that is sold on the export market for snuff, chewing tobacco, and cigars.

Tobacco producers are free to sell their tobacco at any operating tobacco market in Virginia or upper North Carolina. Due to traveling distance limitations, most of Franklin County tobacco is marketed in the Danville area. Producers have the option of selling at auction or directly to tobacco companies or leaf dealers. The general trend over the past three years has been away from the traditional auction to the direct sale arrangements.

All tobacco producers are being faced with a declining demand product. Recent governmental and consumer litigation against the tobacco industry has led to a drastic reduction in the amount of tobacco an individual farmer can produce. Franklin county producers can only plant 56% of the tobacco they planted in 1997. This tremendous reduction in income has placed much hardship on county tobacco producers.

Learn more about environmental regulations by contacting:

• Natural Resource Conservation Service
  Phone: 540-483-5341
• Virginia County Extension
  Franklin County Office
  Phone: 540-483-5161

If you think you have a stray voltage problem, you can contact:

• Appalachian Power Company
  Phone: 800-956-4237
• Virginia Cooperative Extension
  Franklin County Office
  Phone: 540-483-5161

Virginia Cooperative Extension's Franklin County Office can give you an evaluation. Contact us at 540-4383-5161.

If you think you have problems with mycotoxins in your feed, contact Virginia Cooperative Extension's Franklin County Office at 540-483-5161, or your local feed company.

March 19, 2020

Restaurants limited to ten (10) patrons at one time – Since Governor Northam’s announcement on March 17 concerning the limiting of ten patrons at a time in Virginia restaurants, restaurants in Franklin County and its two Towns have rapidly adjusted by closing or vastly reducing use of their dining rooms and moving to carryout and delivery service. There have been some questions locally regarding the implementation of this order as it pertains to specific local situations. Many local restaurants have multiple spaces that are separated from each other, such as an indoor dining room and an outdoor patio with tables and food service. Some have asked if the ten-person limit is for each space or for the business as a whole. The Virginia Department of Health has received numerous inquiries regarding this question from around the Commonwealth and their Office of Environmental Health in Richmond has reached out to the Governor’s office for further guidance. At this time, the state’s view is that the limit on patrons is ten at any one time no matter the configuration of the restaurant. We do note that the guidance is that the ten-patron limit is specific to patrons (customers) and the limit does not include restaurant staff, delivery drivers, etc. If any further guidance, changes, or clarification to the Governor’s order is provided to the VDH, they will communicate that to their permittees as quickly as possible. Changes to the guidance will also be posted here: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/environmental-health-services/guidance-on-food-establishments-and-social-distancing/. For additional information, see the Governor’s Order.

The 2020 Census helps ensure that our community receives its fair share of government funding. Census data directly affect how much money is allocated for infrastructure: such as neighborhood improvements, emergency preparedness and disaster recovery, public health, education, transportation, senior services and much more.

2020 materials will be mailed to your residence beginning in March 2020. You’ll have the option of responding online, by phone, or by mail.

You will be asked four general questions about the household:

• If the housing unit is owned or rented
• Telephone number
• How many people live in the residence
• If any additional people who lived at the residence on April 1, 2020, were not included

• Name
• Sex
• Age/date of birth
• Relationship to the person who owns or rents this residence
• Hispanic origin
• Race
• Does this person sometimes live or stay somewhere else

Yes. You can respond online in English and in 12 additional languages: Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Tagalog, Polish, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Japanese.  The online questionnaire conforms with the latest web accessibility guidelines. There will also be a video in American Sign Language to guide you through responding online.  You can respond by phone in English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Tagalog, Polish, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese and Japanese.  The paper form can be completed in English or Spanish.

When answering "What is this person’s race?", you are asked to select one or more boxes and enter detailed origins in the fields below each checkbox.  If you check a box, but leave the origin fields blank, a message will appear at the top of the screen and the blank field will be highlighted in red. If you do not know this person’s origin, click next again to continue completing your response.

No, your answers cannot be used to impact your eligibility for any government benefits, including any potential stimulus package. The Census Bureau is bound by Title 13 of the U.S. Code to keep your information confidential, and the answers you provide are used only to produce statistics.

Franklin County Building Inspector’s Office issues permits. Franklin County Building Inspection Office Website

These permits are applied for through Franklin County Public Safety, Fire Marshal’s Office. Franklin County Public Safety Website

Franklin County Commissioner of Revenue issue licenses. Commissioner of Revenue Website

A person, 21 years of age or older may apply at the Franklin County Clerk of Circuit Court Office. Virginia does require training and proof of competency. Fee is $15 (as of 2025). Once application is made, the clerk will forward application to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for a complete background check. It is then returned to the clerk’s office for completion. Call 540-483-3065

This website shows current Franklin County Government jobs available and a tab on the right to Apply Online. Franklin County, VA Website

This is handled through the Franklin County Jail. Due to staffing, fingerprinting is only done on certain days. Contact 540-483-3020 for details.

Franklin County Clerk of Circuit Court issues marriage licenses. Clerk of Court Information (web page)

Call County of Franklin, 540-483-3030 for more information about these type permits. Note: Fireworks Applications are handled through Franklin County Public Safety, contact them 540-483-3091.

Fill out application and return to Franklin County Clerk of Circuit Court. Passport Application and Description of Necessary Documentation

Police Reports normally fall under two categories: Victim or Accident

VICTIM: If your are the victim of an incident (non-traffic related), contact our Records Clerk at 540-483-3009. You would need to give your name and the date of the offence. You do have the right to ask your insurance carrier to contact us, also.

ACCIDENT: You need to know who investigated the accident. Depending on where, it could have been handled by one of several law enforcement agencies.  If it was Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, try crashdoc.org first to see if you can access the report from that site. You may call our Records Clerk at 540-483-3009.

*NOTE* Fees apply based on certain requests

Katrina Hancock is our Victim/Witness Coordinator. Contact Katrina 540-483-3000 Ext. 2407.

The Virginia Victims Fund (VVF) is a state program created to help victims of violent crime with out of pocket expenses.  Virginia Victims Fund Website

Citizen’s Academy is a 10-week, one night a week, class that informs students about the “behind the scenes” of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Accepted applicants will get a view of all the job duties associated with the Office of the Sheriff. Classes are set up each year and multiple classes occur if demand is strong. Contact Sgt. Darryl King, 540-483-6850 for more information.

Any graduate of Citizen’s Academy may apply for our COPS Program. A member must be able to volunteer a minimum of 8 hours a month. Contact Sgt. Megan Patterson, 540-482-6691.

To volunteer for one of our fire departments or rescue squads, call Franklin County Public Safety, 540-483-3091.

• Franklin County Circuit Court, P. O. Box 567, 275 South Main Street, Suite 212, Rocky Mount, VA 24151. Call 540-483-3065
• Franklin County General District Court, 275 South Main Street, Suite 101, Rocky Mount, VA 24151. Call 540-483-3060
• Franklin County Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court, 275 South Main Street, Suite 3, Rocky Mount, VA 24151. Call 540-483-3055

Information about dog tags can be found on the Franklin County Department of Public Safety Website

Franklin County taxes are collected through the Treasurer’s Office. For more information visit the Franklin County Treasurer Web Page

Traffic Tickets are paid to the General District Court Clerk’s Office from the Virginia Judicial System Website.

Boones Mill Town Police Department Website

Franklin County Courthouse Information (webpage)

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Website

Franklin County Jail Web Page

Franklin County Westlake Office

Ferrum College Police Department Website

Rocky Mount Police Department Website

Drug Disposal: Drug Take Back Location Finder Website

Virginia Conservation Police Website (Game Wardens)

Virginia State Police Website (Troopers)

Information coming soon. We will be adding content.

Generally, your first payment will be due June 5^th and your second payment on December 5^th.   These due dates will vary a day or two when the 5^th falls on a weekend or a holiday.

Franklin County will mail you a tax bill at least 30 days prior to each due date.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes, BUT you will be charged a late payment penalty and interest on the amount of tax that was due in June.

Yes, you may make a payment or series of prepayments anytime and for any amount during the year to reduce the amount you will owe in June and December.  Just put your account number in the memo section of your check and indicate that it is a prepayment.

Personal property taxes will continue to be billed only once a year and be due on December 5^th unless the 5^th falls on a weekend or holiday.

Acceptable methods of payment will not change.  You may continue to use the following payment methods:

Pay By Mail (Send check or money order payable to):
Franklin County Treasurer
1255 Franklin Street, Suite 101
Rocky Mount, VA, 24151

Cardholders:
Credit/Debit Cards are accepted in the office, or by phone at (1-888-272-9829), or online at https://www.franklinvatax.com.  We accept Visa, Master Card, and Discover, appropriate fees will apply.

When promoted by phone, enter the information requested.  The JURISDICTION CODE is 1033. To pay online you will need to enter https://www.franklinvatax.com and click on “Search & Pay Taxes. Appropriate fees will apply.  

Pay In Person:
Franklin County Treasurer’s Office
1255 Franklin Street, Suite 101
Rocky Mount, VA, 24151

Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM- 5:00 PM

Franklin County is required by the Code of Virginia to reassess properties at 100% of market value at least every four years. A reassessment results in a new value being established for your property. The assessed value along with the county’s real estate tax rate is used to calculate your real estate tax bill. There are several tax relief programs available that may reduce your tax payments if you qualify.

Virginia law requires localities to update (or reassess) real estate property values within their boundaries regularly. The purpose is to ensure real estate values used for tax purposes reflect market values as they change over time. Standard assessment cycles for a locality the size of Franklin County is every four years unless the Board of Supervisors votes to change it. This is a statutory law. It is also law that the assessments reflect market value and that they are not just "made up" numbers.

The reassessment process is as follows:

• The first step is a comprehensive sales study
• Each property is visited by a field inspector who verifies data and collects additional data. The field review is done with the homeowner if they are at home.
• The county is divided into smaller areas called neighborhoods for market comparison.
• Throughout the process, neighborhood sales, land values, yearly appreciation trends, and other data are analyzed.
• Data collection is entered into the mass appraisal system and accuracy is validated.
• GIS is utilized by appraisers and field technicians to view property lines, topography, open land vs. woodland, waterfront, etc.
• The goal of mass appraisal is to produce accurate appraisals and equitable assessments.
• The primary tool to measure the outcomes of mass appraisal is the sales ratio study.
• A sales ratio study compares assessed values to market values as represented by open market sales.
• When the reassessment is complete, property owners are notified and hearings with the appraisers will be held if requested.
• Property owners who continue to disagree with the reassessment results may appeal to a Board of Equalization appointed by the Circuit Court from recommendation made by the county.

The county's last assessment was in 2020. The county contracts Wampler-Eanes Appraisal Group to perform a reassessment of property in the county.  It's important to note four things:

• Reassessment notices are NOT tax bills. The notices give the new assessed value for your home/property.
• Real estate taxes have NOT increased. The current tax rate of .61 cents per $100 of assessed value. No taxation changes will take place until the County budget process is completed.
• Franklin County, nor the Board of Supervisors determine assessment values. This is done by a third party (Wampler-Eanes Appraisal Group).
• Over the next few months, the Board of Supervisors will be analyzing current and future financial information, reviewing the County budget, and how the reassessment impacts the County finances compared to the tax rate.

Tax Relief Applications

Franklin County provides a real estate tax relief program for the elderly and the disabled homeowners based on income and net worth. Those veterans with 100% Service-Connected Disability qualify for exemption as designated by state statute.

Land Use Program

Visit the Land Use Program page for additional information. For an application, please contact the Commissioner of the Revenue's Office.

Franklin County hired Wampler-Eanes Appraisal Group, Ltd. to complete the 2024 general reassessment. Wampler-Eanes is a professional appraisal firm approved by the Virginia Department of Taxation. The company assesses properties at market value. They also equalize assessments, to make sure no one property owner or class of property bears an unfair share of the real estate tax burden. Learn more about them on the Wampler-Eanes website.

Conducting a general reassessment of all properties in Franklin County takes about 18 months. According to Wampler-Eanes Appraisal Group, Ltd., they visited most properties in Franklin County between September 2022 and December 2023.

Over the past 18 months, Wampler-Eane staff members visited all real estate parcels in Franklin County to verify existing information about each property, confirm any changes made to each property, and take photographs/collect additional information if needed. They also gathered housing market data from different areas of Franklin County to determine market value for each community.

Market value is the most probable price that a willing and knowledgeable buyer and seller will agree to, assuming the transaction is a fair and normal sale with no undue pressure upon either party (such as a foreclosure). In other words, market value is how much something is worth in the current financial market.

The assessed value of your property and the real estate tax rate are used to determine real estate tax bills. For example: If the assessed value of your property is $100,000 and Franklin County's real estate tax rate is .61 cents per every $100 dollars of assessed value, then your tax bill for that property is $610. The Board of Supervisors sets the tax rate annually, typically in April.

In the past couple of years, homes locally and in other parts of the state and country have been selling for significantly higher prices. One reason for this increase is that there has been a shortage of homes for sale, also known as low inventory. When the supply of homes is lower, the demand is higher, which drives up prices for what is available. Other factors that have led to higher home prices include high labor/material costs and population shifts due to the pandemic.

You will receive your 2024 general reassessment notice in February 2024.

Your general reassessment notice will include information on how to appeal if you feel that your property was not assessed accurately.

It’s important to note that an assessment appeal is not a place to lodge a complaint about taxes nor can you appeal your assessment just because you feel the value is too high.

An appeal is an opportunity for the taxpayer to review their property assessment to ensure market value, accuracy, and the equalization to other similar properties.

The county office closes at 4PM.