How do I? (frequently asked questions)
Sidewalk
• Click here to request or report the following online:
o Sidewalk needs to be repaired
Stormwater
• Click here to request or report the following online:
o Stormwater basin is obstructed
o Stormwater ditch needs to be cleaned or maintained
o Drainage problem on private property
• How do I report illegal dumping in a storm drain?
Call the Stormwater Hotline – (919) 560-SWIM (7946)
Street
• How do I get my dirt street paved?
Visit Engineering Services on the 3rd floor of City Hall. You may call ahead for an appointment at (919) 560-4326
• How do I get the ditches in my neighborhood cleaned out so it doesn't flood when it rains?
• How do I get a dead animal out of my yard?
Any dead animal collected by the City must be in the Right-of-way. If you can get it to the curb, then call DurhamOneCall (560-1200) and they will create a service request for the pickup.
• How do I get a driveway/stormdrain/sidewalk permit?
Come to the 3rd floor of City Hall and see the Public Works receptionist (to the left off the elevators). Provide your name, address and contact information as well as the address, subdivision, phase and or tract number (if applicable) and lot number of the address where you are planning a driveway. The receptionist will create the permit, which requires a $80 fee. You can also fax a list of driveway permit requests to (919) 560-4316, making sure to include all the appropriate information for each, and pay $80 for each permit when you pick them up. Fees are payable by cash, check or credit card.
• How do I report a pothole?
When you see a pothole report it to the City of Durham Public Works' new hotline, (919) 560-1177 or you may request it online.
• How do I apply for a dumpster permit?
Call Leslie Tracy or Phil Loziuk in the Transportation Department at (919) 560-4366. They will need the following information: Name, address, phone number, and location (if other than the applicants address). Once all of the information is received, staff will go to the location and see if the dumpster can be placed in the driveway. The customer will be advised of all related city ordinances. If approved, a dumpster permit will be generated. The permit fee is $40. The customer may pick up the permit on the 3rd floor of City Hall.
Water or Sewer
• Where do I pay my water bill?
Bills are paid on the 1st floor of City Hall.
• How do I get permission to tap into water or sewer?
Visit Engineering Services on the 3rd floor of City Hall. You may call ahead for an appointment at (919) 560-4326.
• How do I find out if water and sewer is available at/near my property; how do I get the line extended?
Visit Water and Sewer Engineering Services on the 3rd floor of City Hall. You may call ahead for an appointment at (919) 560-4326.
• How do I apply for a new water and/or sewer service?
Contact the Engineering Services workgroup at (919) 560-4326 or come to the 3rd Floor of City Hall at 101 City Hall Plaza, Durham, NC 27701.
• Before I dig on my property how do I get my utilities located or marked?
Contact NCOCC (North Carolina One Call Center) at 811 and they will guide you through the process. The City maintains all water and sewer in the public right of way only which includes laterals to your water meter and sanitary sewer cleanout. You will have to contact a private locator to have these lines marked on your property as they are considered private and not maintained by the City. Any digging in the public right of way will require a permit and that can be obtained by contacting the Engineering Division of Public Works at (919) 560-4326.
• How do I inquire about a Pending Assessment?
Pending assessments are associated with various assessable improvements (water, sewer, street, sidewalk) that have been ordered by City Council, but have not yet been assessed. Complete a Pending Assessment Inquiry Form” and fax it to Engineering Services at (919) 560-4316. Once the form is received, we will identify any pending assessment information and return the form to you within two business days.
• How do I inquire about Confirmed Assessments?
You may obtain information concerning confirmed assessments on the Assessment listings on the Finance Department Web page. Additional information on confirmed assessments may be obtained by contacting the Collections Division at (919) 560-4700.