Frequently Asked Questions

You may hold up to 2 garage sales of household items per year with no permit required. Each sale may last 3 days. As many as 5 households can take part. However, a permit may be required if you are holding a neighborhood sale and/or if crafts are to be sold.

The Building Regulation Division issues building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and other construction permits. It also ensures compliance with County and state building codes and conducts building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspections. For more information

Legal documents and records are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Call them at 757-890-3350 for more information.

Birth and Death certificates are maintained by the Office of Vital Records with the Virginia Department of Health.

Any residential street or highway with a route number is maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). To report the need for snow plowing, road repairs, or changes in speed limits or signs, call them at 800-367-7623 or 757-253-5138 or

The Freight Shed, a large brick plaza building on the York River in Historic Yorktown, is available to rent for receptions and other meetings/functions. To check availability or book an event, please call 757-890-3730.

Personal property tax is assessed on automobiles, trailers, motorcycles, dirt bikes, recreational vehicles, and other vehicles that require a state registration. The tax is also imposed on watercraft, mobile homes, business equipment, and machinery and tools. Property that is not required to pay a Vehicle Registration fee (mobile homes and business property) must be filed on the appropriate form with the Commissioner of the Revenue on or before March 1 (or within 60 days of purchase or move in to this locality) to avoid a filing penalty.

Personal Property Taxes are prorated on motor vehicles on a monthly basis and based on the date the property was located in York County. Personal Property Taxes are based on a rate per $100 of assessed value. For further information, call 757-890-3381.

Subscribers to the County's garbage collection service are eligible for up to 4 bulk collections per year at no additional cost. To schedule a bulk collection, please call the Waste Management office at 890-3780.

Historic Yorktown is an area that is always open and available to the public at no charge. It is a living, working town with restaurants, shops, and residents. There are certain buildings and attractions with operating hours and admission fees including the Yorktown Victory Center and the Yorktown Battlefield Visitors Center. For a complete list of Yorktown attractions and more details, call (757) 890-3500.

Zoning districts define the types of uses (residential, commercial or industrial) allowed in different locations in York County. The Zoning and Code Enforcement staff administers provisions of the zoning ordinance and sections of the general county ordinance pertaining to nuisances.

Zoning approval is needed for all new structures. Also, properties must be kept clean and orderly. If you have questions about zoning requirements for your project, proposed or existing uses of property, or would like to initiate a code enforcement complaint, please call 757-890-3523.

Please contact the appropriate court:
- Circuit Court: via phone at 757-890-3350
- General District Court: via phone at 757-890-3450
- Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court: via phone at 757-890-3470