Information For New Residents from the Police Department

James E. Day Chief of Police James R. Bennett Captain F. Todd Foreman Lieutenant Cynthia Hedrick Administrative Assistant Kelly Mitchell Records Clerk Phone Number: (540) 587-6011 Fax Number: (540) 586-7198

The following provisions are general and there may be some exceptions based on the type of vehicles and circumstances in which a vehicle is registered. Any questions should be referred to the regulatory agency, your local or state police agency or check with the available information on-line.

• New residents have 30 days to obtain Virginia registration and licenses.
• If issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, two license plates are required.
• A vehicle safety inspection is required upon displaying Virginia license plates.
• A vehicle failing inspection will receive a safety rejection sticker. The vehicle is required to be reinspected within 15 days. A rejection sticker does not imply that a vehicle may be operated with improper or defective equipment.
• It is suggested that new residents review the Vehicle Equipment webpage.
  
• Vehicles are not permitted to park facing traffic (cross-street parking). They must park on the proper side of the street with the flow of traffic.
• Parking so as to block sidewalks is not permitted.
• Overnight parking of trucks exceeding 18,000 lbs. or trailers/semi-trailers on public streets is prohibited.
• Boat trailers, camping trailers and other trailers may park up to 48 hours in valid parking zones.

The below supplied general information is offered to assist new residents and does not include the entire language of any regulation or law. It is suggested that the regulations and/or laws be reviewed for specific exceptions or circumstances that are not addressed here. Please call 540-587-6001 for additional information or questions concerning City ordinances.

• Open-air burning must be approved by the fire chief.
• Any person or organization hosting any gathering, party, rally, social function or other meeting utilizing loud speakers or amplified equipment must apply and obtain a loud speaker permit from the City Manager's Office.
• A permit is required for any parade or other gathering of people on public sidewalks or streets.
• Legal age for possessing and/or consuming alcoholic beverages is 21.
• Drinking or offering alcoholic beverages in a public place is not permitted unless it is an Alcohol Beverage Control Board licensed event or establishment.
• Yearly licenses are required for canines. Expiration is Dec. 31st.
• Persons are limited to 4 dogs or cats, 5 if sexually altered, without obtaining a special breeder/hobbyist permit.
• There is a leash law in the City; owners are required to keep their animals on an 8' or less leash or under their control, and must not allow them to run at large in the City or on the property of others without the owner's consent.
• Animal licenses are required for dogs. Owners must present proof of rabies inoculations in order to receive a license. While owners of cats are not required to purchase licenses, cats are required to be inoculated against rabies. Owners must present proof of inoculation upon request of an animal control or police officer. Please call the City's Treasurer at 540-587-6057 for information regarding animal licenses or permits.