FAQs
Utilities and Billing:
1. Where do I pay my water/ sewer bill?
The Town water bills may be paid at the Town of Stephens City Town Office located at 1033 Locust Street. You may mail your bill to P.O. Box 250, Stephens City, VA 22655. Your water/ sewer bill can also be paid on the Town Website in the pay bills section of the website.
2. When is Trash pickup?
The Town provides curbside trash collection and recycling on Wednesday. All trash and recyclables should be at the curb by 6:00am Wednesday morning. Please refer to the Trash and Recycling Brochure. Holiday Trash Notices will also be noted on the Town’s Website and it’s bimonthly newsletter.
3. When are water/sewer bills due?
Water and sewer service is based on a bimonthly (60 day) billing period (February, April, June, August, October & December). Town water/ sewer bills are due within 33 days without a penalty being imposed. There are 7 days to pay with the 10% penalty added to the delinquent bill. After 40 days water and sewer service may be disconnected for nonpayment. The Town will not reconnect water service until the bill is paid in its entirety, nor after regular business hours.
4. When are real estate tax bills due?
Town real estate taxes are due July 15th and December 15th of every year. Town residents pay Town and County real estate taxes.
5. When are personal property taxes due?
Town personal property taxes are due by July 15th and December 15th of every year. Town residents pay Town and County personal property taxes.
6. Can I pay with a credit or debit card?
Yes. Beginning in 2008, the Town started accepting credit/debit cards for all transactions at the Town Office and residents have the ability to pay water/sewer bills, personal property and real estate taxes online using a credit/debit card.
Community Development:
1. When do I need a zoning permit?
A zoning permit is required when any building or structure is erected, reconstructed, or structurally altered, enlarged, or moved. A structure is “a construction or erection that requires permanent location on the ground, or attachment to something having a permanent location on the ground.” Please contact the Town of Stephens City for a written opinion.
2. Where do I get a Town building permit?
Building permits are obtained from the Frederick County Building Department. You must first obtain a zoning permit from the Town of Stephens City. Once you have an approved zoning permit, you will take that permit to the Frederick County Building Department to obtain your building permit.
3. What is the population of the Town of Stephens City?
As of the 2000 Census the Town’s population was 1,146. It is estimated that currently the Town has a population of around 1,500 and will continue to grow in the coming years.
Parks and Meeting Places:
1. Where can I find out about special events in the Town of Stephens City?
The Calendar and News and Information section on the Homepage of this website as well as the Town’s bimonthly newsletter is the best source for finding out about special events within the Town. You may also find out information about upcoming events and important dates throught the Town's Facebook page.
2. How do I register for children and youth recreational activities?
Frederick County Recreation Department
(540) 665-5600 or Frederick County Parks and Recreation
3. Does the Town of Stephens City have facilities available to rent for meetings special occasions?
Yes, the Newtown Commons is available for outdoor events such as picnics, small benefits and concerts. The Town Office Council Chambers can be used to hold small organizational meetings. There may be a fee associated with rental of the various facilities.
4. Where are the parks located in the Town of Stephens City?
There are two identified park locations in the Town. Newtown Commons is a recreation area and Bel Air Street Park is a playground. The Town is concentrating their efforts to increase the parks and playgrounds throughout the Town. Furthermore Town residents utilize Sherando Park which is part of the Frederick County Parks and Recreation Department. Sherando Park offers many amenities including ball fields, an outdoor swimming pool, and recreational trails.
Police Department:
1. Where is the Police Department located?
The Town of Stephens City Police Department is located at 1033 Locust Street. (Town Office). Two Blocks west off Main Street on Locust Street.
2. How many officers does the Town of Stephens City Police Department have?
The Town of Stephens City Police Department currently has 4 sworn officers. 1 Chief and 3 Officers.
3. Where can I pay a parking ticket?
Parking tickets can be paid in the Town Office located at 1033 Locust Street. The employees there cannot answer any questions concerning the issuance of the ticket. For that information, please contact the Town of Stephens City Police Department at (540) 868-1012. Please note that the unpaid parking tickets will be reported to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to place a hold on registration renewals until the ticket is paid.
4. How long do I have to get a driver’s license and put Virginia tags on my vehicle?
If you have recently moved to the Town of Stephens City, please note that you have 30 days to change your address on your vehicle registration and on your Virginia driver’s license. If you have moved to the Town of Stephens City from out of state, and are licensed in your prior state, please note that you have 60 days, under 46.2-308, to obtain a Virginia driver’s license and 30 days to title and register your vehicle in Virginia, under 46.2-600. The closest DMV office is located 4050 Valley Pike, Winchester, VA 22602 approximately 3 miles north of the Town of Stephens City. DMV of Winchester
5. Where can I go to find information on road closings, utility work, etc. in Town?
Please call the Town office at (540)869-3087 or check the Town’s website.
Public Works:
1. Whom should I call before I dig?
Please call MISS Utility of Virginia at (800)552-3120 before you dig or excavate! This will prevent vital and costly utilities from being damaged as a result of not knowing where utility lines are located. MISS Utility of Virginia.
2. What do I do if I suspect a water leak?
Call the Town Office at (540)869-3087. If after hours, please call the Frederick County Sheriff’s Department at (540)662-6162.
3. What do I do if I suspect a sewer backup?
Call the Town Office at (540)869-3087. If after hours, please call the Frederick County Sheriff’s Department at (540)662-6162.
4. What should I do if I have low water pressure?
Low water pressure can occur for several reasons. If you experience low water pressure, you may call the Town Office at (540)869-3087. We will send out the Public Works crew to check the pressure at our meter to determine if the pressure problem is a result of the Town’s water system or something within the properties lines.
5. Can you pick up furniture, appliances, etc. with the regular trash pickup?
General pickup only includes bagged household trash inside the provide trash cans.