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Clerk of Circuit Court - Real Estate Division

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1. How do I add someone or remove someone from my deed?

Property ownership is not like a car title. To make any kind of change to ownership of property, a new deed will need to be prepared and recorded in the Clerk’s Office where the property is located. 

Pursuant to § 17.1-223(B), a deed conveying residential property containing not more than four residential dwelling units will state on the first page of the document that it was prepared by the owner of the real property or by an attorney licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth where such statement by an attorney shall include the name and Virginia State Bar number of the attorney who prepared the deed.

We recommend seeing an licensed attorney in the Commonwealth familiar with recordation/land records to prepare the deed so that it is prepared properly as it is a legal document transferring property.  All deeds have to meet all standards within the Code of Virginia and the Library of Virginia Recordation Standards. 

2. Can I prepare a deed myself?

Per § 17.1-223(A),  a deed conveying residential property containing not more than four residential dwelling units must state on the first page of the document that it was prepared by the owner of the real property or by an attorney licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth where such statement by an attorney shall include the name and Virginia State Bar number of the attorney who prepared the deed. Note that timeshares are not considered residential dwellings. 

There are no deed forms available for creation on the Virginia Judicial System's website. The Code of Virginia under § 64.2-635 Optional form of transfer on death deed provides information on creating a transfer on death deed, which needs to meet all recordation requirements shown above in order to be recorded. Otherwise, we recommend seeing an attorney licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth who is familiar with recordation/land records to have a deed prepared since it is a legal document transferring property and inaccurate/incorrect documents may cause issues in the chain of title. 

If preparing the deed without an attorney, it is your responsibility to make sure that the deed meets all requirements under the Code of Virginia and the recordation requirements shown above.  Recordation of a deed or other document does not mean that it was prepared correctly or is legally sound, it only means that the document met the basic requirements for recordation. 

**Court personnel are prohibited by law from giving legal advice, restating the law, or recommending legal action. Questions regarding interpretation of the law should be directed to an attorney licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia.**

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Commissioner of Revenue - Business Personal Property

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1. I just began operation of a business in Rockingham County. Am I going to be taxed by the County?

Rockingham County does not prorate. If you began a business in Rockingham County before January 1 of the year you will be assessed by Rockingham County.

2. When and how do I report my business personal property?

All businesses must file a Tangible Personal Property form by May 1 of each year that reports all property owned as of January 1 of each tax year. Complete and file the Personal Property Return for all vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, manufactured homes, mobile offices, and other property listed on the form. Complete the Business Personal Return and file it with required attachments for all business property and Merchants’ Capital.

3. What is the penalty for late filing or failure to file the personal property return for a business?

Failure to file a completed form with required attachments on or before the due date of May 1 will result in a late filing penalty of $10 or 10% of the tax due, whichever is greater.

4. May I request an extension to file?

Yes. You must request an extension to file no later than May 1 of each tax year. The extension to file will be extended for 90 days. The filing deadline is August 1 when an extension to file is granted.

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Commissioner of Revenue - Personal Property Tax

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1. I just moved into the County. Am I going to be taxed by Rockingham County and where I lived before?

Rockingham County does not prorate. If your car was garaged in Rockingham County on January 1 of the year you will be billed from Rockingham County; otherwise you will be billed from your previous locality.

2. If I purchased a vehicle after January 1 is that vehicle going to be taxed?

No, if you purchased a vehicle after January 1 of the year you will not be taxed on that vehicle until the next year. You are taxed on whatever vehicles you owned on January 1 of each year.

3. I have sold my vehicle. How do I report that to your office?

Virginia law requires you to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles if you sell, trade or dispose of your vehicle.

4. What if I sell my vehicle to a salvage yard or an individual and they never re-title the vehicle?

It is your responsibility to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of the status of your vehicle when you dispose of it. Additional documents supporting the disposal of the vehicle may be required if the information is not updated on DMV.

5. If my car is valued over $20,000 do I still qualify for tax relief?

If your car is valued over $20,000, you will receive tax relief for the first $20,000 of the value; however you will be taxed at the full rate for anything over $20,000.

6. When will I receive my bill? How does Rockingham County Bill Personal Property?

You should receive your bill in November of each year. Personal Property taxes are due by December 5th each year to avoid penalties and interest accumulating. Rockingham County is non-prorating therefore we only bill personal property taxes once each year.

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Commissioner of Revenue - Real Estate

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1. Why is real property assessed and reassessed?

The Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue is responsible for administering all the County’s ad valorem taxes. An ad valorem tax is simply a tax based on the value of the taxable item. Real estate is the best example of an ad valorem tax. Virginia Code §58.1-3201 states: All real estate, except that exempted by law, shall be subject to such annual taxation as may be prescribed by law. All general reassessments or annual assessments, in those localities which have annual assessments of real estate, shall be made at 100% fair market value.

2. Why tax real property?

When you call the police or Fire Department, play in a park, send your children to public school, check out a book at the library, or eat at an inspected restaurant, you are using services paid for by your property taxes. Your taxes also pay for services to help people move from welfare to work, protect children and senior citizens from abuse and neglect, protect our water and air from pollution, repair and build roads, and much more. Property taxes are the largest source of local revenue to fund these services that you count on every day. For more information about Rockingham County's budget and the services funded by your property taxes, visit the Rockingham County website.

3. What real property is taxable?

All real property in Rockingham County is subject to taxation, except properties that are specifically exempt under Article X § 6 of the Constitution of Virginia; or property classified or designated as exempt under Section 58.1-3600 of the Code of Virginia; property owned by the County, state, or federal governments; and property used for religious, charitable, educational, cultural, or recreational uses which are considered non-taxable. Properties may also be subject to exemption by County designation.

4. When are assessments effective?

Property is assessed as of January 1 of each year. The tax rate is set by the Board of Supervisors as part of the budget process during the 2nd Quarter of the year. This occurs after the County's budgetary needs are reviewed and after public hearings have been held. The real property tax is part of a well-balanced revenue system that enables County residents to share in the cost of police and fire protection, public education, parks and recreation, and other services.

5. What is General Reassessment?

The Code of Virginia mandates that all real property be assessed for taxation purposes at 100% of market value and be fair and equitable.  Localities the size of Rockingham County are required by the Code of Virginia to conduct a reassessment a minimum of every four years.  A reassessment is a systematic review of all property in the county to determine a fair market value.  For Rockingham County the process includes exterior inspections of real property by staff assessors, as well as leaving questionnaires for property owners requesting information as needed about the interior of the buildings and the condition of the property.  Sales information for real property sold in Rockingham County is reviewed and a sales ratio analysis is performed by staff assessors to determine fair market value.

During a reassessment, all property values are examined and adjustments are made on individual properties where necessary based upon the above process.  This is done to achieve a fair and equitable distribution of real estate taxes.  Once this process is complete, reassessment notices are mailed to property owners reporting the new assessed values individually for both land and buildings.  Should the property owner(s) believe their assessment is incorrect, they may request an informal appeal with staff assessors.  The request must be made during the window of time noted on the reassessment notice.

If, after the informal appeal, the owner still disagrees with the assessed value, the owner may then request a formal appeal to the Board of Equalization which is an independent group of citizens appointed by the Circuit Court of Rockingham County.  During the appeal process the Board of Equalization may reduce the assessed value, increase the assessed value or affirm the assessed value established during the reassessment process.  If the owner is still in disagreement with the assessed value after the appeal to the Board of Equalization, the next level of appeals is directly to the Circuit Court of Rockingham County.

6. How will this effect my taxes?

General reassessments are not designed to be a county-wide tax increase. This process is intended to align each property’s value with its current market value. Thus, the tax burden is more fairly and equally spread among all property owners. The law ensures that a general reassessment cannot be blamed for an increase in taxes. Once the reassessment is complete, state law requires that the tax rate be adjusted and equalized to render the revenue-neutral.

It is the responsibility of the Board of Supervisors to determine the budgetary needs of the County and the tax rate necessary to effectively meet those needs. If deemed necessary, the Board may propose a tax rate that generates more than 101% of the previous year’s tax revenue by advertising and conducting a public hearing separate from the annual budget meeting.

7. Who conducts the general reassessment?

Rockingham County conducted in-house General Reassessment from 1998 to 2018.  The 2022 General Reassessment was conducted by Pearson’s Appraisal Service, Inc.

 

8. If my taxes are paid through my mortgage escrow, do I have to do anything with this new assessment?

Yes. You should notify your mortgage company of your new assessment. Ask that they adjust your escrow account accordingly. Otherwise, your mortgage company will not be notified of any change in your tax amount until they receive the next tax bill. This could create a shortfall in your escrow account balance, potentially affecting your mortgage payment.

9. Why must real estate be taxed at fair market value?

Assessing all real estate at fair market value assures all property owners are assessed fairly and equitably.

10. What is exactly is “market value?”

The Virginia Supreme Court has provided the following definition of fair market value: The fair market value of a property is the price which it will bring when it is offered for sale by one who desires, but is not obliged, to sell it, and is bought by one who is under no necessity of having it.

11. Why have I received a notice of assessment change?

In accordance with Section 58.1-3330 of the Code of Virginia, you are provided a notice as an official statement of the assessed value of your real property for local tax purposes if your value has change 1% or more. The real estate assessment represents the estimated fair market value of your property. This notice is not a tax bill. The assessed value provides the basis for your real estate taxes that will be due on June 5 and December 5 annually.

12. Why is my assessment changing?

There are many reasons for a change in property value. The most obvious reason is that real property usually appreciates in value over time and the purpose of a general reassessment is to measure that change and update the fair market value. Value changes can also be created by additions, alterations, or demolitions. The real estate market is in constant change. Every sale, parcel map change or structure improvement is recorded and used to determine change in the fair market value of the real estate market. Even though market value changes all the time, the assessed value is not changed until the next general reassessment. The appraiser in charge of analyzing data for a general reassessment does not create the value. Citizens establish value by buying and selling real estate in the open market. The assessor’s legal responsibility is to determine the fair market value of the property and to insure uniformity and equity amongst all properties.

13. Is there a law that prevents assessments from changing more than a certain amount?

The Constitution of Virginia requires real estate assessments to represent fair market value. There is no provision to limit the amount of change from one reassessment cycle to the next reassessment cycle (4 year period).

14. How can a property be assessed for more than its purchase price?

Real estate may be assessed for more than the purchase price because the assessment reflects "fair market value." Fair market value is not necessarily the price paid for a piece of real estate, but rather, what it is worth on the real estate market at the date of measurement. Since the market value is determined at a place in time, market value continues to change after a sale takes place. Values also change, and the property value may have gone up since the purchase. This is especially true if a piece of real estate was purchased several years ago, or if a person happened to get a good buy because of a distress sale condition. Assessed value should represent fair market value at the time of the reassessment, which may or may not be the same as purchase price or a real estate sales price.

15. What is a home site and how is it valued?

A “Home Site” or “House Site” is all or part of a parcel that is best suited for single family residential construction. Applying the concept of “highest and best use”, this part of the land parcel is worth significantly more than the residual acreage.

16. Why is my three acre tract valued at a higher rate per acre than my neighbor who has fifty acres?

The supply and demand of small acreage parcels vs. large acreage parcels greatly differs . This can be due to many different reasons. Maintenance, financing, necessity are a few but the reasons are vary from purchaser to purchaser.

17. I live in a manufactured “mobile” home, what is the “Improvement Value” that I am taxed for?

Manufactured homes are taxed as personal property unless they have been converted over to real estate through a formal application process by the Clerk of the Court. Prior to conversion, anyone who owns their own land and places a manufactured home on it will receive a real estate bill for the assessed value of the land and any improvements i.e. porches, decks, paved driveways, outbuildings, etc. The land and improvements are taxed as real estate, and the manufactured home is billed separately as personal property.

18. How can you tax an outbuilding that has no electricity and is not livable?

The assessed improvement value is the sum of the value of all the structures on your property. Outbuildings such as sheds, barns, and detached garages add functionality and utility to your property, thereby increasing the market value of your parcel.

19. My house is under construction and only partially complete. Why are you not waiting until it is complete to assess me?

New construction that is not fit for occupancy can be assessed at its value reflecting the percentage of completion (e.g. 50%, 75%, etc.) effective January 1st of the tax year. When the new construction is substantially completed and/or fit for use it is picked up at 100% assessment for the remaining months of the year

20. If I no longer own this property, what should I do with the notice?

§58.1-3330 (c) of the Code of Virginia requires you to forward the notice to the new property owner.

21. Explain the differences between sales price, appraisals, and assessments.

Sale price is the actual price a buyer pays for a particular property.

An appraisal is a detailed single property valuation, and may be obtained any time throughout the year. Appraisals can have a variety of purposes, e.g. mortgage loan, sale, home equity loan, and estate valuations. The County does not do individual appraisals of this type.

An assessment is a mass appraisal of all property within a locality as of January 1 of the reassessment year for tax purposes. Assessments are based on large numbers of sales that are analyzed to determine values for large groups of similar properties.

22. Can I obtain a copy of my real estate assessment card?

Yes, real estate records are public records and can be obtained through the office of the commissioner of the revenue.

23. How is real estate tax calculated?

The 2021 tax rate is $0.74 per $100 of assessed value. To compute the real estate tax on a property assessed at $100,000, divide the assessed value by 100 and multiply by the tax rate: ($100,000 ÷ 100) x $0.74 = $740.00

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Commissioner of Revenue - Tax Relief on Real Property for Veterans

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1. Do I qualify for real estate tax relief for the elderly?

You must be 65 years old or older on December 31 of the year immediately preceding the taxable year. The total household income cannot exceed $38,000 and total net worth cannot exceed $78,000, excluding the value of the dwelling and the land, not exceeding one acre. Please see the Elderly Tax Relief page for additional information. Elderly Tax Relief page

2. Do I qualify for real estate tax relief for the disabled?

You must be permanently and totally disabled on December 31 of the year immediately preceding the taxable year. The total household income cannot exceed $38,000 and total net worth cannot exceed $78,000, excluding the value of the dwelling and the land, not exceeding one acre. Please see the Disabled Tax Relief page for additional information. Disabled Tax Relief

3. How do I apply for tax relief for the elderly or disabled?

Applications are accepted annually between January 1 and April 1. April 1 is the filing deadline. You may request an application to be mailed to you or use the printable application from our website for either elderly or disabled. Please call (540) 564-3067 for an application.

4. Where can I find information about real property tax relief for 100% service-connected disabled veterans?

Veterans who have a service connected disability may qualify for real estate tax exemption on the dwelling and the land, not exceeding one acre. Please see the Veterans with 100% Service-Connected Disability page for additional information. Veterans with 100% Service Connected Disabilities

5. How do I apply for veterans with 100% service-connected disability tax relief?

You may request an application to be mailed to you or use the printable application below. Download and Print Application

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Community Development - Building Permits

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1. How do I apply for a building permit?

Residents in Rockingham County may apply for a building permit by visiting our county office located at:
20 E. Gay St.
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802

2. How do I schedule inspections?

Call our County office at (540) 564-3030 to speak with a permit specialist who will assist you in scheduling your inspection.  Note: Inspections must be called in the by 12:00 pm the day before in order to have your inspection scheduled the next day.

3. What type of inspections will take place once my permit is issued and I have begun construction?

Inspections of the following will take place:

• Footer inspection with reinforcement installed, as well as bulkheads, if required (rebar must be elevated 3’ inches off the bottom of the footer)


• Underfloor plumbing before pouring concrete floor


• Foundation inspection (4-inch leach bed pipe covered with gravel and silt paper) prior to backfilling (stone must be at least 6 inches above the pipe and 12 inches out from the edge of footings)


• Plumbing rough-in


• Mechanical rough-in


• Electrical rough-in


• Framing inspection (only done after all plumbing, mechanical, and electrical rough-ins)


• Insulation inspection


• Mechanical final


• Electrical final


• Building and plumbing final

4. How do I list myself as my own contractor?

If the property that you are applying for your permit is your primary residence, and you have not listed yourself as a contractor on any other property for 2 years, then you are eligible to list yourself as a contractor (general, electrical, mechanical, plumbing) on your permit. To do so, fill out an Affidavit and have it notarized to be brought in at the time of application. Rockingham County Community Development does have public notaries within its department, however their availability is not always guaranteed.

5. How can I view my property on the County’s map and obtain information such as: Acreage, Zoning, & Floodplain?

Visit Rockingham County’s GIS website to view your land plot, and obtain the above information and more. View the GIS page.

6. My property is located in the floodplain, can I still build in this area?

If you are located in the floodplain, you will be required to obtain an engineering certificate stating that your property is out of the floodplain. If you are under the floodplain elevation, architect/engineered designs will be required on your footers before you may proceed with the building permit application.

7. My property is < 1 Acre and I am building an enclosed addition to my property, will I need a foundation survey?

Yes, foundation surveys are required on parcels one acre or less in size. The foundation survey is required after your permit has been approved and the footers have been inspected and received a passed inspection. The foundation survey must be dated after the approved footer inspection.

8. How do I obtain a business license?

- Rockingham County does not require a business license, however you should contact the Zoning Administrator at (540) 564-3030, to determine if you may need a home occupation permit, special use permit or site plan. The Commissioner of Revenue’s Office should also be contacted to determine if there are any other licenses or approvals one would need from their office. Their number is (540) 564-3067. To obtain more information on professional licenses, please visit the Dept. of Professional and Occupational Regulations

9. What is a home occupation permit, and do I need one?

Residents living in Rockingham County that operate a business within their home and qualify for a Home Occupation need to apply for a Home Occupation permit. If the occupation requires a special use within the designated district then residents are required to apply for a Special Use Permit. The fee to apply for a Home Occupation permit is $50.00 and is valid for three years.

10. How do I apply for a special use permit?

Individuals should meet with the zoning administrator prior to having a special use agency review meeting to determine if their use qualifies. If so, individuals are required to fill out an agency review meeting worksheet. After hearing comments from all agencies, if applicant chooses to move forward with a special use permit, a special use permit application needs to be completed along with the required sketch and 550.00 review fee. At this point a second meeting with the zoning administrator is advised to go over the application before submittal. This application then goes to a public hearing before the Board of Supervisors for a determination if the use should be approved or denied. This process normally takes about 3 months from the date the application is submitted.

11. How do I apply for a poultry house?

Individuals interested in constructing poultry houses should make an appointment to meet with the zoning administrator to see if their property qualifies for poultry houses. If the property qualifies, they will be given an application to complete along with a checklist of items that need to be completed. These items will include surveying work to determine setbacks from property lines and dwellings, engineering work to determine litter storage site, approval from VDOT for the entrance, notarized consent of adjoining landowners if setbacks are to be reduced, nutrient management plan, and erosion and sediment control bond. When all of the items on the checklist have been completed, the application along with all the required paperwork should be brought back to the zoning administrator for review. When all paperwork has been submitted and if all requirements are met, a building permit for the poultry houses can be obtained (this is a farm building permit and requires no inspections).

12. Do I need a permit for open air burning?

Yes, a permit is required for all open air burning. The Rockingham County Fire Prevention Code prohibits the open burning of household trash, construction debris, rubber tires, asphalt shingles, plastics, rubber, vinyl, plywood, treated lumber, OSB, or similar items.

A Violation of any provision of the Rockingham County Fire Prevention Code is a Class 1 Misdemeanor, punishable by confinement in jail for not more than twelve months and a fine. Fires must be attended at all times and completely extinguished before leaving.

Rockingham County Fire Marshals Office
20 East Gay St.
Harrisonburg, Va 22802
(540) 564-3175

13. How do I apply for my well and septic permits?

To apply for well and septic permits, please visit the health department located on the corner of Community Street and Elizabeth Street at 110 North Mason Street. Contact: (540) 574-5200.

14. Where do I place my building permit?

Building Permit shall be posted on the site so that it is clearly visible to the inspector.

Following the footer inspection, a temporary structure address number shall be posted so that it is clearly visible from the road.

15. Do I need a building permit?

The following document contains information pertaining to (a) When applications are required and (b) Exemptions from application for permits per the Virginia Construction Code. View Virginia Code Section 108.

16. What is required to build a new home in Rockingham County?

View the complete list of requirements.

17. What do I need to do to obtain a manufactured home placement permit?

Read the complete list of requirements.

18. My property is located within one of the seven towns in Rockingham County. How do I obtain town zoning approval?

Please see the town zoning listings to find out who to contact. Town Zoning Listing

19. What is a farm building exemption and how do I apply for one?

Please see Farm Building exemptions for more information.

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Community Development - Development Review

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1. What is a site plan?

A site plan is a detailed drawing of proposed improvements to a given property, usually prepared by a surveyor or engineer. A site plan shows the building footprint, travel ways, parking, drainage facilities, sanitary sewer lines or systems, water lines or wells, trails, sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, and other required elements. For more information please contact the development manager at (540) 564-3030.

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Community Development - Erosion & Sediment Control

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1. How do I know if I need a land disturbance permit for my project?

If you will be disturbing greater than 10,000 square feet or are part of a greater plan of development, such as a subdivision, then you will need a permit. If your project exceeds one acre or 43,560 square feet in disturbed area you will need a plan designed by an engineer or architect. Certain agricultural operations are exempt from this ordinance, reference the county ordinance for those exemptions or contact the Department of Community Development. Please contact Environmental Manager Lisa Perry (540) 564-6095 if you have further questions. Department of Community Development

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Community Development - GIS

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1. How can I access the online GIS?

The online GIS is now located at rockingham.interactivegis.com. At the main page, to access the site check the ’I have read and agree to the terms below’ box and select the Guest Access button. If you are on a mobile device, select the mobile site box and position your device in Landscape Mode for best results.

2. Can I access the site on a mobile device or tablet?

Yes! You can now access the site anywhere you have the internet, including your phone or tablet. Select ‘I have read and agree to the terms below’ box and the mobile site box and position your device in Landscape Mode for best results.

3. What is the difference between registered user log in and public access?

The registered user feature is currently for County department use only. All information is accessible through public guest access.

4. How do I search for a property?

Search tools can be located on the left hand panel of the initial Map View Tab, or under the Search tab.

5. How do I search for a property using the owner's name?

Select Owner Name/Tax ID search tool, by default Owner Name is listed in the Search By drop down menu. Refer to the example below the search box to format the search:

Begins with: (Last Name first) space (First name)

*Note: if using 'begins with' or 'contains' in the second dropdown, the results will bring up any properties that begin with or contain the words entered in the search box. Names must be spelled and formatted correctly based on how they appear in the property records if searching ‘Matches Exactly’.

6. How do I search for a property using the tax map number?

Select Owner Name/Tax ID search tool, choose Parcel ID in the drop down menu next to Search By:. Refer to the example below the search box to format the ID number.

Begins with: 125-(A)- L1
(There is a space between the second ‘dash’ and the ‘L’)

*Note this will return all tax map numbers that begin with 125-(A)- L1, if you know your exact tax map number, change the dropdown menu next to That: to ‘Matches Exactly’ and input the tax ID in the appropriate format shown in the example.

7. How do I search for a property using the street address?

Select Address Search tool, with the default setting to search That: ‘Begins With’ in the second drop down menu, type in the beginning of the 911 address starting with the number of the property.

Ex: 3538 N will display the result 3538 N Valley Pike

If just 3538 was typed into a search That: ‘Begins With’, all properties that have the 911 address beginning with 3538 will be listed. In this instance, two results.

*Note: If typing full road names, only abbreviated road suffixes will return results. Road = Rd, Drive = Dr, Street = St

8. How do I search if I want to see where an entire street or route number is located?

Use the E911 Street or Route Number Search and select the correct street or route in the dropdown menu in order to highlight that area on the map.

9. I know approximately where the property is on the map, but do not have a 911 address, owner name, or tax ID

Navigating to the property inside the map can be done in two different ways, each requiring the use of the tools in the upper right hand corner in order to interact with the map to browse to your desired location.

1. By default the identify tool is selected, click the pan tool (hand icon in the upper right hand corner of the screen), and by holding the left mouse button down and moving your mouse the screen location will adjust accordingly. You may then zoom into the area that you have panned to either by the +/- bar in the top left hand corner of the map, or by using your mouse wheel if you have one. Move wheel forward to zoom in, and backwards to zoom out.
2. You may also select the Zoom tool to the right of the pan tool (hand icon) to draw a zoom box on top of your desired location. After you have drawn the box and released your mouse, you will zoom to that area.

*Note: The Quick Zoom drop down menu under the Map View tab will take you to the selected town or jurisdiction chosen.

10. How do I find my property card?

After identifying the location of your property either by utilization of the search tools, or zooming to the area of interest, click on the parcel of interest. You will see a summary of results displayed, with the Property Card link at the top of the results menu.

*Note: By default the identify tool is active to perform this task, however if you change tools to navigate within the map, you must switch back to the identify tool in order to select a property to return results.

11. How do I find information on my property and the properties nearby?

While the identify tool will enable you to gain more detailed information as well as give you the property card on every property you identify, you may just be interested in a snapshot of neighboring properties. Under the Map Layer tab, expand the Tax Parcels folder. Tax parcel property lines which are turned on by default will appear when zoomed in to 60% on the map. Here you can also turn the Tax Parcel Labels on so that you may view the tax parcel numbers associated with the parcel while navigating inside the map. The yellow balloon icon next to the Tax Parcels layer is a pop up feature which will enable you to get a snapshot of information on the parcel without identifying it, simply hover your mouse over the property with the pop up icon selected. If you toggle the pop up on, you will need to switch back to your tools when you are ready to discontinue using the pop up.

12. How do I find adjacent property owners?

The buffered select tool (Green box icon next to Identify tool) will enable you to select adjacent properties and export the results of these properties into an Excel Spreadsheet. Once you have located the property you wish to find adjacent owner information about, select the tool and click that property. Press search and you will see the information in the results pane. You may export results to CSV by clicking the export link at the top of the results pane.

13. How do I print the map?

To print the map of your desired location, select the print tool icon. A Title/Scale bar may be toggled on which will enable you to customize the name of the map. When you are ready select the Print button and wait while your map is converted into a PDF image which may be downloaded from the site to an electronic file, or printed once the conversion has completed.
Print from your browser: depending on what browser you are using, you may right click and print or choose print from your browser menu. This will enable you to also print the information displayed in the results frame. Changing from portrait to landscape, or adjusting scale in print settings may be required if using this option.

14. How do I print the map and results?

Print from your browser: depending on what browser you are using, you may right click and print or choose print from your browsers menu. This will enable you to also print the information displayed in the results frame. Use print preview in your browser to change scale, or switch the view to Landscape to include more of the map area. In portrait mode you may need to move the map closer to the results panel by using the pan tool to make sure your desired area is captured.

15. What are these colored polygons?

In default view, the different colored polygons represent building structure footprints. You may go to the Map Layer tab, and expand the Structures folder to view the legend to see what each color represents. You may also toggle this layer on or off here and still keep the 911 Addresses on by leaving their label selected under the same folder.

16. I just want to view aerials, property lines, floodplain, and tax map ID numbers

Changing the Quick Theme (Second drop down menu on the Map View tab) to property view will toggle on these selections. You may still go into the Map Layer tab to add additional layers on top of these. You can toggle back to Default View at any point by going back to the Quick Theme drop down.

17. Can I see a picture of the home?

If aerials selected in the Map Layers tab do not provide enough visual representation of the property, you may select the Google Street View icon (green car) then select the road in front of the property where the house is located. This will take you to the Google Street View site, and if these roads have been captured by Google you will now be able to view the property and surrounding area from the ground.

18. What permitted uses, restrictions, or conditions are on my property?

While identifying the property will give you a snap shot of the zoning on a property, you may ask the question ‘Well what does this zoning mean?’ Go to your Map Layer tab, expand the Zoning and Districts folder and check the box next to zoning to turn your zoning layer on. You can expand the legend to see the symbology of the zones, and identifying your property with the zoning layer on will bring up a new link at the bottom of the results window. Click the Zoning Use icon to open up Municode which will explain the permitted, special, accessory, and reserved uses eligible within your zoning description. Move back to your Map Layer tab and turn on the Ag and Forestal Districts and do the same if your property falls within one of those districts.

19. Where do I go to vote?

Locate your property on the map. Under the Map Layer tab, expand the Zoning and Districts folder and toggle on Election Boundaries. Take note of the precinct label and identify your property to list results about the precinct you fall under. The Rockingham County Precinct information page icon will link you to the registrar page where you can see the address and polling place within your district.

20. What schools will my children attend?

Locate your property on the map. Under the Map Layer tab, expand the Zoning and Districts folder and toggle on School Districts. The label and boundary of school districts will tell you what elementary, middle, and high schools your children will attend based on where your property resides in relation to the boundary line.

21. Is my property located in the Floodplain?

Locate your property on the map. Under the Map Layer tab, expand the Environmental folder and toggle on Floodplain data & Floodway layers. If this layer appears on top of your property, your property is located in the floodplain or floodway. Contact our Stormwater department at 540-564-6095 if this is the case in order to learn more.

22. Do you have contour information on your GIS?

Yes. Under the Map Layers tab, expand the Environmental folder and select 10ft Contours to toggle this layer on.

23. Why did you change systems?

Rockingham County moved to a new online system at the beginning of the year 2014 first and foremost to provide users with a more stable and reliable system to ensure data availability. The need for a faster performing system with additional functionality such as mobile use also influenced this decision. As you can see from the FAQ above, there is a wide array of various uses for the online GIS, each requiring a different approach to interact with the map. While we realize there is no one size fits all solution, we will continue to work with the developer and host to meet these various needs, while continuing to offer and supply additional Rockingham County information and data to enrich user experience.

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Community Development - Planning & Zoning

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1. What are planning and zoning about?

Learn about planning and zoning.

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Foster Care

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1. What is foster parenting?

Foster parenting is accepting a child into your care who might have been abused or neglected or who might need a temporary home. The foster parent is a temporary caregiver for a child whose goal is to return home or to be placed with a relative. A foster parent works with a team of people (the social worker, therapist, teachers, and the child's family, to name a few) to assist this child. Being a foster parent is both rewarding and challenging.

2. Who can be a foster parent?

• Married or single


• 18 years of age or older


• Have enough income to meet their own expenses


• Able to provide a safe, healthy home with enough space for a child


• Willing to be a part of a team with the agency, child's family, schools, and others


• Willing to attend pre-service training and ongoing training


• No history of involvement with Social Services


• No criminal record


• Have a working telephone and transportation and be willing to take child to appointment

3. How do I become a foster parent?

1. Attend an Orientation session to learn more about the certification process.


2. Complete Pre-Service Training (PRIDE) = (4-6 weeks / 5:30pm-8:30pm weeknights and 9am-3pm weekends)


3. Submit application for dual certification. The application will be handed out during the PRIDE training. Turn in as soon as possible to start the Mutual Family Assessment.


4. Start the Mutual Family Assessment process. The first visit will be in the HRSSD office. The next 2-3 are in your home. One will include a safety inspection of your home.


5. Complete fingerprinting for all adult members 18 and over in the household. Complete Child Protective Services checks for all family members over 18 years old.


6. Compete a TB test and provide documentation of the test results and a physician’s statement.


7. Complete DMV checks.


8. Provide at least 3 non-relative references


9. Foster Care Committee meets to review the Mutual Family Assessment and make approval decisions. 


10. Certification Process is completed!

4. What are the rewards of foster parenting?

• Being able to experience the joy and importance of providing a stable and caring environment for a child


• Helping a child feel safe and secure


• Helping a child's self-esteem


• Becoming part of a professional team whose goal is to provide support and care to vulnerable children

5. What are the challenges of foster parenting?

• Knowing that being a foster parent is temporary and that saying good-bye is not always easy


• Working with birth parents toward returning the child home
• 
  
• Helping recruit other families willing to foster children


• Knowing that your life and your family's life might need to be rearranged to accommodate the needs of the foster child


• Realizing that being a foster parent is a big step for you and your family

6. What is the approval process to become a foster parent?

Each applicant must:

• Complete PRIDE training


• Complete FBI and Child Protective Services checks


• Provide current TB tests and Physical Evaluation


• Provide three non-relative references


• Complete a home study

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Main

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1. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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Recreation

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1. How do I register?

Online registrations can be completed and payments made with a Visa or MasterCard. You will be brought to a new page and asked to enter your phone number (with area code) as your user name and the last name of the parent as your password.

If you have participated in any program in the past we may have already created an account for you. If you are new please complete the process to create your household account.

Walk-in registrations can be made at our office Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Note: Some registrations will be done at other locations, check specific information for each activity.(Tackle football and cheerleading registrations will not be offered online (office only)). Online Recreation Registration

2. How do I find game cancellations?

Game cancellations will be made after 4:00 pm Monday through Friday and after 7:00 am on Saturdays. Announcements will be made on local radio stations and check our Facebook page for updates. If school is cancelled due to inclement weather all Recreation programs will be cancelled. Contact your coach for practice cancellations.

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Tourism

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1. What events are happening in the area?

Find out more about events in Rockingham County in the Events Calendar.

2. What is there to do in the area?

Learn about the attractions in Rockingham County on the Visitors page.

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Voter Registration - Election Officers

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1. Who is eligible to work as an officer of election?

Registered voters of Virginia who do not hold any elected office or are not employees of an elected official.

2. What would my duties be as an officer of election?

You will need to arrive at the polling place by 5:15 am on election day and:

• Help prepare the polling place for voting and set up voting equipment
• Help check in voters
• Help close the polling place, certify number of votes cast, and complete paperwork
• Stay at precinct until all work is completed (usually between 8:30-9:00 pm).

3. Will I be trained to fulfill my duties?

Yes, a training seminar is held on a designated evening before each election.

4. In which precinct will I work?

You will be assigned to work at the precinct in which you vote, if possible. Occasionally, you could be asked to work at a nearby polling place.

5. How much will I be paid?

You will receive a letter of appointment from Rockingham County’s Electoral Board for a specific term, usually 12 months. From the list of officers of election, the Board will then make assignments for each election. If not assigned, you will be considered an extra.

6. Who is eligible to work as an officer of election?

Registered voters of Virginia who do not hold any elected office or are not employees of an elected official are eligible to work as officers of elections.