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Report an Issue

Citizens can log into the City of Salisbury's web application at salisburync.gov/311 to submit requests and complaints regarding issues such as missing road signs, pot holes, abandoned vehicles, city code infractions, illegal dumping, environmental health issues, ADA/accessibility, etc..

Report an Issue

Citizens can check report status on the City's self-service portal at salisburync.gov/energov and can request permits, plans, inspections  and other projects.

Check RePORT Status

Employment

Be the Difference in Salisbury

Are you looking for a career that makes a difference in people’s lives?

Local government services impact every aspect of our community. From garbage collection to fire safety to ensuring that your drinking water is safe.

Be the change you want to see in the world. Be the difference. The City of Salisbury provides excellent benefits, a sign-on bonuses, and a progressive environment.

Join Team Salisbury!

Bill Pay

City services that might be on your bill include water, sewer, trash, recycling and stormwater.

Pay by Mail:
City of Salisbury, P.O. Box 740600 Atlanta, GA 30374

Drive-Thru:
1415 S. MLK Jr. Ave. Salisbury, NC 28144

Pay Online Please ensure you are using Google Chrome as your web browser for the most user-friendly experience to pay/view your invoice online.

Planning FAQs

How do I ...

Apply for grant money? 

Certain residential and commercial properties are eligible for assistance through a variety of programs and resources available through the City and our partners. Please visit our grant applications page to learn more.

Register a business? 

To register a business, submit a Certificate of Registration (COR) application to the Development Services. Development Services is located on the first floor of the City Office Building at 132 North Main Street, Salisbury, NC 28144. Or, please contact Development staff directly by calling (704) 638-5208 or by emailing 1stop@salisburync.gov.

Apply for a permit?

Many construction and home improvement projects require city and county permits before work may begin. To learn more information about zoning, building, and sign permits, please visit our permits page.

Find out if my property is in a Local Historic District?

You can visit our Historic Preservation page to review maps of Salisbury’s historic districts. If you own property within a local historic district, a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) may be required from Development staff or the Historic Preservation Commission before making any minor alterations or major changes to the exterior of the structure or to the landscape.

Get permission to alter my historic property?

If you own property in one of Salisbury’s five Local Historic Districts, you may be required to obtain approval for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from Development staff or the Historic Preservation Commission before making any minor alterations or major changes to the exterior of the structure or to the landscape.

Checkout the City's building and construction ordinances?

Before starting construction in the City of Salisbury, check out the Land Development Ordinance to see what policies might apply to your project.

Check my setback requirements?

Setback requirements can be reviewed in Chapter 5.16 of the Land Development Ordinance.

Access the City Zoning Map?

The City of Salisbury's zoning map is provided by the GIS division of Engineering department.

Learn more about the Plan Review process?

The following items must be submitted for a Plan Review:

Contact Code Enforcement?

If you would like to contact Code Enforcement staff directly, please call (704) 216-7559 or email codeenforcement@salisburync.gov.

Learn more about water and sewer information?

If you would like to inquire about the cost or availability of water and sewer services, or need to get a lateral transfer, please contact Land and Development Services staff directly by calling (704) 638-5208 or by emailing 1stop@salisburync.gov.


SRU FAQs

Ask a Billing Question/Report a Billing Problem

To ask a billing question or report a billing problem, please call (704) 638-5300 Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can also make your request in person at the Salisbury Customer Service Center at 1415 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Salisbury, NC 28144.

Pay A Bill Online

Set Up or Change Water/Sewer Service

To set up your water/sewer service or to change your existing water/sewer service, please bring the following documents to the Customer Service Center. You can also call (704) 638-5300 Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can also make your request in person at the Salisbury Customer Service Center at 1415 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Salisbury, NC 28144.
If you own your property, bring the following documentation:
  • Proof of ownership of property
  • Government ID
  • Social Security Number
If you are renting property, bring the following documentation:
  • Copy of current rental agreement/lease
  • Government ID
  • Social Security Number
  • $150.00 deposit

Report a Water Main Break?

A water main is an underground pipe that delivers water to the customer's service pipe. In residential areas it usually runs under the street. If a hole or crack develops in the pipe, the water will typically find its way to the surface. Because the water main is under pressure, water will continue to flow until the break is repaired.

This qualifies as a water/sewer emergency. To report a water/sewer emergency, please call (704) 638-5390 during the hours of 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. During after hours, weekends or holidays, please call (704) 638-5339.

Report a Leak Between My Water Meter and the Street?

The City of Salisbury is responsible for maintaining the water line from the main (street) to your water meter. You are responsible for repairs to any part of the water system from the meter toward your home or business. If you find a leak, please repair it as quickly as possible to minimize water loss. Possible signs of an underground leak are green patchy areas, moist areas or saturated areas on the ground.

This qualifies as a water/sewer emergency. To report a water/sewer emergency, please call (704) 638-5390 during the hours of 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. During after hours, weekends or holidays, please call (704) 638-5339.

Report an Overflowing Manhole?

An overflowing manhole is a manhole (usually found in the street) that fills and allows raw wastewater to flow out onto the street or ground.

This qualifies as a water/sewer emergency. To report a water/sewer emergency, please call (704) 638-5390 during the hours of 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. During after hours, weekends or holidays, please call (704) 638-5339.

Properly Dispose of Fat, Oil, Grease, and Wax?

Over time, fats, oils, grease and wax (known by the acronym FOG) leads to blockages that result in overflows into our homes or onto our streets, down storm drains, and into local waterways, all posing a serious risk to public health.

Keeping our drains FOG free is as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Can the Grease
Pour used cooking grease into an empty, heat safe container, such as a soup can, and store it in the freezer. Once solidified, toss the can into the garbage.
2. Scrape Your Plate
Wipe all pots, pans, dishes, and cooking utensils with a paper towel prior to washing to absorb the grease.
3. Catch the Scraps
Eliminate using the garbage disposal. Catch food scraps in your sink with a basket or strainer and toss them into the trash or compost bin.

Remember...large quantities of household fats, oils or grease accumulated from cooking, frying, and general food preparation can be recycled. Residentially-generated fryer oil is collected through the local Household Hazardous Waste or Household Chemical Collection program. Simply return it to the original container and drop it off at your local recycling/household hazardous waste center.

Learn More About the City's FOG Program

Maintain Good Water Quality at Home?

To assist homeowners, here are 10 tips for maintaining water quality at home:
  • Clean faucets and aerators regularly
  • Clean and disinfect sinks and drains regularly
  • Keep drains clear and unclogged
  • Use cold water for drinking and preparing food
  • Replace old plumbing and install certified “lead free” fixtures
  • Flush cold water taps after household plumbing work or when the water hasn’t been used for several days
  • Drain and flush your hot water heater annually
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the water heater, filters, treatment devices, softeners and any other products attached to the water system
  • Do not connect hoses or other devices intended for non-drinking purposes to household drinking water faucets
  • Keep hazardous chemicals and unsanitary materials away from drinking water faucets
Water Quality and home Maintenance Brochure

Reduce the Smell/Taste of Chlorine?

Chlorine is used to disinfect drinking water at our treatment plant and guards against bacteria, viruses and parasites. Typically, chlorine levels throughout our system should not produce a heavy chlorine smell; however, sensitivity to the odor of chlorine varies among consumers. If you are sensitive to the smell or taste of chlorine there are some simple tips to reduce this:

Fill a pitcher of water and set it aside for several hours while the chlorine dissipates. It's recommended this be in a clean, covered container made for drinking water and placed in the refrigerator. Also, transferring water rapidly between two pitchers can accelerate chlorine dissipation.

If you use a water treatment device or filter to alter the taste or condition of your water, these should be used, cleaned and changed according to the manufacturer's instructions or they may contribute to other problems.

If your tap water has a smell or taste other than chlorine, you or a licensed plumber should inspect your home to ensure proper water quality.

Water Quality and home Maintenance Brochure

Fix Cloudy or Milk Colored Water?

If your water looks cloudy or milky, this is typically due to tiny air bubbles; and these should rise to the top of the water and exit into the air within a few seconds. This is harmless and usually happens when it is very cold outside because the water solubility of air in water increases as water temperature decreases.

Plus, the water in the pipes is pressurized to help deliver it to your home; this pressurized water holds more air than water. Once it exits your tap, it is no longer under pressure and the air comes out in the form of bubbles (similar to a carbonated soft drink). The solution is to fill a pitcher of water and set it aside until the bubbles dissipate. It's recommended this be in a clean, covered container made for drinking water and placed in the refrigerator.

If your tap water has a different color or appearance than mentioned previously, you or a licensed plumber should inspect your home to ensure proper water quality.

Water Quality and home Maintenance Brochure

Safely Store Water for Emergency Preparedness?

If you store tap water, it is important to use proper, clean covered containers that are designed for drinking water that are BPA free or made of glass. Do not reuse bottles from bottled-water companies (#1 PETE bottles) as these can leach carcinogens and many already contain bacteria or chemical contaminants.

Stored tap water should also be kept in the refrigerator. Only use water from the cold tap for drinking and preparing food.

Many emergency preparedness agencies recommend keeping stored water on hand in the event of an emergency. At the very minimum, citizens should keep a 3 day supply of water (at least one gallon of water, per person, per day).

Water Quality and home Maintenance Brochure



Police FAQs

When should you call 911?

Residents should call 911 when they need a police officer to respond to their location to provide assistance in emergency situations, crimes in progress, or to report crimes and disorder. If you are thinking about calling 911 or wonder if you should call 911, please call 911.

What is the Salisbury Police Department's Use of Force Policy?

The Salisbury Police Department updated their Use of Force Policy in 2020.

SPD Use of Force Policy (PDF)

What should you do if you see a crime occurring?

Call 911 immediately.
Be observant and make mental or physical notes, including asking yourself:
  • Are there any weapons involved?
  • What is the address?
  • Are there any physical characteristics such as height, weight, race, beard or scars?
  • Can you give any clothing description?
  • How many people are involved?
  • Are the persons involved on foot or in a vehicle?

Do I have to give my name when I call 911?

If you wish to remain anonymous or keep information confidential when calling 911, please stress this information to the operator.

Why did it take so long for the police to come when I called?

All calls for police officers are handled on a priority basis. Calls requiring a police officer to make a report on a previous crime will have less precedence than crimes in progress where life and property are in serious danger. Due to high call loads during certain times of the week and day, you might be slightly inconvenienced until a police officer becomes available to take your call.

How can I get a copy of a police report?

In person: Come to the front desk of the police station located at 130 East Liberty Street and ask for a copy of a report.

By mail: Send a letter to the above address (company requests should be on letterhead) requesting the report.

Online: Our Police to Citizen (P2C) site has a feature that allows citizens to get copies of a police report.

How do I become a police officer?

Applicants must pass a written exam, medical exam, psychological exam, physical ability exam, drug screening, background and character investigation, must be a U.S. citizen, at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license without restrictions and not have been convicted of a felony.


More About Recruitment

How long do I have to wait before I report someone missing?

There is no wait time required to report that someone is missing. There are several ways you can report someone missing depending upon the circumstances. For example, if you become separated from a child in a crowd, you can notify a police officer or call 911. In non-emergency situations, you can call 911 or come to the Police Department at 130 East Liberty Street. It is always helpful if you can provide a recent picture of the missing person and a description of what the individual was wearing when last seen.

How do I check on a case handled by detectives?

Call the detective assigned to your case. If you are unable to reach that person after several attempts and he or she does not return your call, ask to speak to the Investigative Division Commander.

Does the Salisbury Police Department provide house checks while we are away on vacation?

Yes. The Salisbury Police Department provides both physical and visual checks. To complete a vacation check request, you can contact your local community resource officer at (704) 638-5333.

What if an organization claiming to be the Police calls asking for a donation?

The Salisbury Police Department NEVER solicits money over the phone. If you get a call claiming to raise money for the Salisbury Police Department, report the call to the Salisbury Police Department. All calls will be kept confidential.

I am being stopped by a Salisbury police officer on a traffic stop. What should I do?

Getting pulled over by a police officer can be intimidating, frustrating and even dangerous for the motorist and the police officer. However, remembering some simple steps will help make your traffic stop as safe and as pleasant as possible:

  • Respond to the blue lights, and signal your intentions. The safest thing to do is to pull as far to the right as possible – using turn indicators to let the officer and other motorists know what you plan to do. If the roadway is clear and the officer does not pass you, assume that your vehicle is the one being pulled over. Drive slowly on the right until you find a suitable and safe place to stop. Drive defensively. Choose a safe location to pull off the road where you will not impede the normal flow of traffic. You can also pull off the roadway onto the shoulder if the ground is firm. The officer will understand if you drive slowly looking for a suitable location.
  • Be aware that the violation may have occurred 1 or 2 miles before the traffic stop. This delay is due to the fact that most departments have developed strict procedures for officers to follow to ensure your safety and theirs. They are required to give the location, vehicle and occupant description, and license plate to the dispatcher. The officer is also trying to locate the safest place to initiate the stop.
  • Remain in the vehicle unless the officer instructs otherwise. Distracted motorists have been known to leave the roadway and strike vehicles or individuals at a traffic stop, causing injury or even death.
  • Listen to the officer and comply with instructions. Drivers often assume they are being stopped for a routine traffic matter, but the officer may be stopping you because your vehicle is similar to one just seen leaving the scene of a crime. Additionally, many people have warrants out for their arrest, are mentally unbalanced or simply do not like police officers. Many officers have experienced verbal and physical confrontations as a result of traffic stops. Consequently, the officer may initially be acting under the assumption that you are a safety threat. Control over the situation can be accomplished by keeping yourself and your passengers in the vehicle with your hands visible.

If it is a case of mistaken identity, you will be on your way as soon as it is cleared up. If it is a traffic stop, the officer will request your driver's license, registration and insurance card. The officer may allow you to explain your actions; if so, you should speak calmly. If the officer saw you commit the violation, your statement is not necessary.

If your complaint is about the validity of the citation, then it must be handled through the courts. If the contact was unprofessional, please place a complaint to the Police Department directly. The Salisbury Police Department has procedures for lodging complaints against officers. Customer service is important to the Salisbury Police Department and the organization should be made aware of any issue with an officer.

If you comply with the rationale behind an officer's actions by following these steps, a traffic stop does not have to be an unpleasant experience.

How can I find out what crime looks like in my area?

Want to know what the crime is like in your area, or see crime trends for the past 4 years? Request a Crime Analysis Report using our form below. This form is required for any data request from our Crime Analyst.

Crime Analysis Request Form Download Crime Analysis Request Form (PDF)

My organization is applying for a grant/funding and we need to show crime trends over the last 4 years, where can I get that information?

Want to know what the crime is like in your area, or see crime trends for the past 4 years? Request a Crime Analysis Report using our form below. This form is required for any data request from our Crime Analyst.

Crime Analysis Request Form Download Crime Analysis Request Form (PDF)

Fire FAQs

When does the Salisbury Fire Department take applications and what is the process?

The Salisbury Fire Department takes applications three times a year: July, November and March. The application process includes a physical agility test (CPAT), written test and interviews. If selected, a candidate will submit to a complete background check, a physical, and drug screening.

Why do fire trucks respond to medical calls?

Every firefighter in Salisbury is trained as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and our fire stations are located in within the communities of Salisbury to provide a quick response (less than 5 minutes) anywhere in the city. Our quick response allows our firefighters to render emergency lifesaving skills before the paramedics arrive on the scene.

Can the Salisbury Fire Department fill my swimming pool?

The Salisbury Fire Department is not equipped to fill swimming pools, however, there are a number of private companies in the Salisbury/Rowan County area that will fill swimming pools.

How can I arrange to have a fire truck to come to my school, or to have my class visit a fire station?

If you would like to schedule a visit to the fire station you can contact the Salisbury Fire Department’s Fire Marshal’s Office at (704) 638-4467 and they can arrange this for you.

Who can I call to schedule a fire inspection for a new business?

The Salisbury Fire Marshal’s Office provides inspections for new businesses and existing businesses. Call (704) 638-4467 to schedule an inspection.

Does Salisbury Fire Department recharge fire extinguishers?

The Salisbury Fire Department does not recharge fire extinguishers. There are several fire extinguisher companies in the county that provide this service. You can locate these companies by looking in your phone book under fire extinguishers.

My insurance company needs a copy of a fire report. How can I obtain this?

Copies of these can be obtained by contacting Fire Station #1 at (704) 638-5351, Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

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