Frequently Asked Questions

In support of Governor Ralph Northam’s “stay at home” direction – the City of Norfolk is further reducing staffing levels to provide mission critical essential services from March 30 – April 13.



Below are answers to frequently asked questions during the City of Norfolk’s closure.

  • How do I stay informed?
    • Sign up for Norfolk Alerts and follow the city’s social media accounts.
      • Norfolk Alert: Text (757) 441-5600 to receive alerts, or register online. 
      • Twitter: @NorfolkVA 
      • Facebook: City of Norfolk Government
  • How many cases of COVID-19/Coronavirus have been reported?
  • Are there COVID-19/Coronavirus screening locations available in Norfolk?
    • Sentara Laboratory Services is working to launch in-house testing for Hampton Roads at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital within the next week. In the meantime, we are still dependent on commercial laboratories, which are handling extraordinarily large volumes. Therefore, Sentara Healthcare has made the decision to close its COVID-19 drive-thru screening and testing sites until further notice. We may offer additional testing if appropriate in the future.
    • Updates available daily through official Sentara Healthcare social media channels and on www.sentara.com/coronavirus. 
  • What number do I call to report a restaurant or bar with more than 10+ people inside? 
    • Norfolk Health Department: 757-683-2745
  • What city facilities are closed?
    • All city-run buildings are closed to the public. This includes City Hall, recreational centers, libraries, Slover Library, MacArthur Memorial, Nauticus and the Virginia Zoo. All SevenVenues locations are also closed.
    • Towing & Recovery is operating remotely, 24 hours a day Monday - Friday and 8 a.m. - midnight on weekends. Vehicles will be available for pick up by appointment only by calling 823-1093. Appointments are available:
      • Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
      • Electronic recycling and shredding services are suspended until further notice.
    • Utilities customer service representatives will be working remotely. Contact agents via email at utwainq@norfolk.gov for essential service requests. If you need to report a water main break or sewer backup, call the emergency number at 823-1000.
  • Is the city closing parks, dog parks, playgrounds or boat ramps?
    • All dog parks, Northside skate park, small neighborhood and school parks and picnic shelters are closed until further notice. The City is taking this unprecedented step to discourage gatherings in small, confined spaces in order to maintain the social distancing mandate.
    • See a full list of CLOSED parks.
    • See a full list of OPEN parks.
    • All playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts are closed.
  • Are beaches closed?
    • The city is closing its beaches to all activities except fishing on the beach and exercise in compliance with Governor Northam’s Executive Order 55. Beach patrols will actively monitor beaches and ensure the public complies with the Governor’s mandate. 
  • Are courts open?
    • All non-essential, non-emergency court proceedings are suspended until April 6.     
    • The non-essential proceedings that are suspended include:
      • All civil, traffic and criminal matters. EXCEPTIONS: Emergency protective orders, emergency child custody or protection cases, and civil commitment hearings, arraignments and bail reviews. 
      • All court ceremonies, including ceremonies for juveniles receiving their driver’s licenses.
    • Note: Some judges may choose to proceed with ongoing jury trials. If you have questions about a specific case, call the court at: 757-664-4910 (Norfolk General District Court) or 757-769-8539 (Norfolk Circuit Court).
    • Prospective jurors in cases that cannot be postponed, jurors who are sick, or who are caring for someone who is sick, or who are in a high-risk category will be excused from duty.
  • Will my trash be picked up during the closure?
    • Yes, trash pick-up will continue. Do not overflow your trash container. For their safety, drivers will stay in their vehicles. 
    • If your trash collection is missed, submit the information through the MyNorfolk app (available on the App Store or Google Play) or online.
  • What about bulk waste pick-up?
    • Waste Management is providing critical services. Bulk and yard waste pick-up is suspended until further notice. Bulk waste requests submitted between March 30th - April 13th will be canceled. You must reschedule your request when City operations return to normal. Continue to regularly check Norfolk.gov and City social media platforms for updates regarding operations.
  • Is the SPSA transfer station still open?
    • Beginning Saturday, March 28, SPSA is suspending residential weekend hours at the Norfolk Transfer Station. Hours of operation will be: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. - noon ONLY.
  • What is the tax relief program the city is offering?
    • Norfolk City Council approved a comprehensive tax relief program during their March 24 meeting that eases financial burdens during the coronavirus pandemic. The program will give taxpayers and business owners the option to delay payment on business taxes and personal property taxes.
    • Tax revenue is important to the City of Norfolk to be able to provide much needed services, especially in this time of economic turmoil when services are in greater demand. Timely payments will assist the City to keep these vital services operational.
      • Real Estate taxes: Due March 31, 2020 and June 5, 2020.
      • Personal Property taxes: Due June 5, 2020.
      • Business tax filings are due by the 20th of each month. Businesses must file monthly.
      • If unable to pay by the due dates, no late fees will be assessed until August 2, 2020.  
      • Convenience fees for credit/debit cards and e-checks are waived until August 2, 2020.
      • To avoid penalty, interest or convenience fees, payment must be received before August 2, 2020, no exceptions.
  • Will water, electricity or gas service be cut off during this closure?
    • No. The Norfolk Department of Utilities has suspended all water cutoffs until further notice. Bills can be paid online at www.hrsd.com. Check payments can be brought to dropbox locations. For information, go to the Utilities page on Norfolk.gov.
    • The state of Virginia has directed Dominion Virginia Power, Virginia Natural Gas and other electricity and gas providers to suspend cut-offs due to nonpayment through March 30.
    • The 24-hour line for water and sewer emergencies is 757-823-1000. Callers may face wait times that are longer than normal. Place service requests through the MyNorfolk app.
  • Are Norfolk Public Schools closed for the rest of the school year?
    • In alignment with Governor Ralph Northam’s executive order issued on March 23, 2020, all Norfolk Public Schools will be closed through the end of the school year. The Governor indicated that this decision was made to protect the health of all Virginians and minimize the spread of the current Coronavirus disease. Follow NPS’s website for updates.
  • Since Norfolk Public Schools are closed, how can kids get breakfast/lunch?
    • NPS is providing “grab ‘n go” bagged meals available for pick up from the locations listed below between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays only (no weekends). The meal bags contain one complete breakfast and one complete lunch, pre-packed by School Nutrition staff, and will be provided without charge, one per child. Children must be present to receive a meal bag.
    • The school sites are:
      • Azalea Gardens Middle (7721 Azalea Garden Road, 23518)
      • Booker T. Washington High (1111 Park Avenue, 23504)
      • Camp Allen Elementary (501 C Street, 23505)
      • Coleman Place Elementary (2445 Palmyra Street, 23513)
      • James Monroe Elementary (520 W. 29th Street, 23508)
      • Lake Taylor School (1380 Kempsville Road, 23502)
      • Norview Elementary (6401 Chesapeake Boulevard, 23513)
      • Oceanair Elementary (600 Dudley Avenue, 23503)
      • P. B. Young (543 E. Olney Road, 23510)
      • Southside STEM Academy at Campostella (1106 Campostella Road, 23523)
      • St. Helena Elementary (903 S. Main Street, 23523)
      • Suburban Park Elementary (310 Thole Street, 23505)
    • A bus will deliver meals to three sites on the following schedule on weekdays:
      • Titustown Recreation Center (7545 Diven St., 23505) at 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
      • Huntersville Community Center (830 Goff St., 23504) at 12 noon – 12:30 p.m.
      • Grandy Village Recreation Center (3017 Kimball Terrace, 23504) at 1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
    • Additionally, state SOLs (Standards of Learning tests), scheduled for the spring, are cancelled.
  • My family needs food. Is the Foodbank available?
    • The Foodbank is opening four food distribution sites and five food donation drop-off sites at YMCAs across the region. The Norfolk location for distribution is the YMCA located at 2901 Granby Street, Fridays (9 a.m. - 11 a.m.) and Tuesdays (5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.).
  • I have tickets to see a show at one of SevenVenues locations. Are those performances cancelled?
    • Ticket refunds will be available for CANCELLED OR POSTPONED EVENTS. The Scope Box Office will open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for refunds on cancelled or postponed shows FOR TICKETS PURCHASED AT SCOPE BOX OFFICE. For the latest updates on shows that are cancelled or postponed, visit the SevenVenues website at: https://www.sevenvenues.com/home/covid19 
    • For tickets purchased at Ticketmaster.com, refunds will be processed automatically if the event is cancelled. For tickets purchased elsewhere, buyers should visit the box office or website where the tickets were purchased.
  • How are SevenVenues event permits being handled?
    • In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order, SevenVenues is not accepting applications for event permits for events scheduled to take place prior to April 24. Event applications scheduled and cancelled due to COVID-19 are eligible for a refund of permit and application fees. Please contact SevenVenues at (757) 664-6880 to request a refund. 
    • All permit applications for events scheduled to take place following the end of this current Executive Order will be accepted as provisional pending future directives.  
  • I have books and materials due to the library during the closure. What should I do?
    • All checked-out materials with due dates during the closure will receive an extension until further notice. Materials that are on hold will be available when normal operations resume. Books and materials can also be renewed online at www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org. All library book drops are open, if patrons would like to return their books.
  • What online activities does Norfolk Public Library offer?
  • I have kids enrolled in before or after care through Recreation, Parks and Open Space. Can I get a refund?
    • Automatic refunds will be processed for before/after care and spring break camp. Refund policy.
  • I have a rental agreement with Recreation, Parks and Open Space. Can I get a refund?
    • As the patrons scheduled rental date passes, we will automatically process refunds once the date passes. Refund policy.
  • Is the Department of Recreation, Parks and Open Space providing refunds for fee-based classes?
  • How do I file or review a building permit?
    • To start the process for:
    • Plans that were already submitted are being reviewed. Expect delays for some commercial and residential building permits, depending on complexity and the availability of staff members that must review them.
    • Submit large commercial plans through the City of Norfolk’s FTP site.
    • Phone responses at the permits office (the Development Services Center, 757-664-6565) will be delayed, so residents and builders are encouraged to use the email or online options.
    • Development Services Center will continue to conduct limited plan review by digital submittals and from the online portal only.
    • In-person inspections are not available. Planning staff will review inspections remotely using photos, video conferencing, video clips or windshield surveys. Third-party inspections will be accepted. Coronavirus Inspections Protocols.
  • How do I obtain a Right of Way, Lane Closure, Temporary Parking, Portable Storage, Driveway, and/or Hauling permit?
  • How can I get an address for  my new developments, parcels, subdivision, lots?
  • What should I do about the upcoming May 5th General Election?
  • I need to make payments to the City Treasurer or Commissioner of Revenue. How do I do that?
    • Access the online customer service portal at https://eservices.norfolk.gov/  or mail payments: Norfolk City Treasurer, PO Box 3215, Norfolk, VA 23514-3215
    • City Treasurer: 1-855-766-3030.
    • Commissioner of Revenue: 757-664-7890
      • Administration: 757-664-7890
      • Audit: 757-664-7887
      • Business: 757-664-7886 or COR-BUSTAXPUB@Norfolk.gov
      • Personal Property Tax: 757-664-7884 or COR-INQUIRY-ADDRESSCHANGES@Norfolk.gov
      • State Tax Assistance: 757-664-7885
      • COR General: CORWEBINQ@Norfolk.gov
      • MILITARY: COR-MILITARY@Norfolk.gov
  • Will property maintenance inspections still take place?
    • No property maintenance inspections will be conducted on-site, except in cases of health and safety emergencies. The on-call inspector may be reached at (757) 621-9590.
  • Will violations be written for tall grass or cars parked in yards?
    • No violations for these infractions will be written until the city returns to normal operations. You can report the issue using MyNorfolk mobile app or online.  Any calls to the Norfolk Cares Calls Center will take longer than normal to answer.  
  • Is the Norfolk Animal Care & Adoption Center open?
    • No, the Norfolk Animal Care Center is closed to the public.
    • Animal adoption applications are now accepted via email, and counseling will be provided by phone. The adoption application can be found on our website: www.norfolk.gov/nacc
    • All adoptions through this closure are $20, payments will be processed by phone.
    • The Norfolk Animal Care Center will update and maintain www.norfolk.gov/nacc with animals available for adoption, foster, as well as lost animals during this closure. Every effort will be made to assist in reuniting families with their missing companion animals.
    • Acceptance of owner-surrendered companion animals is suspended during this closure, except for cases involving medical emergencies or public safety concerns.
    • During business hours (8 a.m. - 5: 00 p.m.), call 757-441-5505. 
    • After hours, call Police Non-Emergency Dispatch at 757-664-7387.
    • Staff is also available by email at nacc@norfolk.gov.
  • Is the Community Services Board open?
    • The CSB is continuing to provide essential operations. However, please don’t walk into a CSB facility unless you have an appointment, need to start services, or are in crisis. 
    • If you are already a CSB consumer, contact your care coordinator at the CSB if you don’t already have information about your appointments or need assistance. 
    • Need an intake or restart services or need to reach a provider? Call our main number at 756-5600. 
    • In crisis? Call 664-7690. 
    • Want to chat with a peer counselor? Call the warm line at 664-6683.
  • How do I apply for SNAP?
  • How do I apply for Medicaid?
  • How do I reach other human services?
    • Norfolk Child Abuse Hotline: 757-664-6022
    • Adult Protective Services Reports or Screenings: 757-664-6123
  • How do I turn in required documentation for Department of Human Services programs (SNAP, TANF, Energy Assistance, Senior Real Estate Tax Relief, Emergency Water Assistance, General Relief Burial, Unattached Child and Child Care)?
    • Mail or drop off documents (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.): Norfolk Department of Human Services, Workforce Development Center, 201 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk VA 23505
  • I’m trying to support local restaurants by ordering pick-up/takeout. Do I have to pay to park?
    • Thank you for supporting local businesses during this time. Enjoy one hour free parking at all metered spaces in Downtown, Ghent and ODU. 
  • I own a local business. What resources are available to help me right now?
  • I’m a City of Norfolk retiree and have questions about benefits. What should I do?
    • While city offices are closed due to the coronavirus threat, email questions and concerns about retirement and benefits to: retirement@norfolk.gov. Please allow 48 hours for an email response, as staff members are working offsite.
    • There have been no changes to retirement payments. They will be made at the end of the month, as usual.
  • I have nowhere to live. Are there any resources being provided?
    • For Hampton Roads residents in need of shelter, case management and related services, and connections to community resources: 757-587-4202, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • How should I report non-violent incidents to Norfolk Police Department?
    • To reduce patrol officers’ risk of exposure to coronavirus, please report non-violent incidents, such as property damage, stolen property, harassment, thefts and shoplifting. To use the online reporting system, go to: http://bit.ly/NorfolkPoliceOnlineReporting
  • Is Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) changing their operations?
    • Beginning Tuesday, March 31, Hampton Roads Transit will run fewer bus routes, and buses will run less frequently. Buses will run 60 minutes apart, except Peninsula Commuter Routes and some MAX routes.
    • HRT’s goal is to provide transportation between medical centers and other essential destinations. However, HRT is encouraging EVERYONE to avoid unnecessary travel and to practice social distancing.
    • Customers are asked to exit buses using the rear doors. 
    • HRT will continue extensive cleaning of all vehicles and facilities.
    • The Tide light rail service will operate from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. Trains will run 30 minutes apart. The last trains from Newtown Road and from EVMC/Fort Norfolk will depart at 8:45 p.m.
    • Elizabeth River Ferry service will end at 9 p.m. Start times will not change.
    • Paratransit service will continue normally.
    • HRT encourages customers to check the full list of current routes.
  • Have Norfolk cemetery operations changed?
    • All cemetery offices are closed to the public except for families making funeral arrangements. Please call ahead at (757) 441-1752 to make an appointment.
    • To align with the governor’s request for social distancing, and a no more than 10-person gathering ban:

      • 10-person limit for graveside/committal services.

      • 3-person limit per family making funeral arrangements inside the cemetery office.

      • Only one family at a time will be served in cemetery offices.

    • To align with the Virginia Cemetery Association, the following will become effective as of Saturday, March 28.

      • Tents will not be used for services until further notice. The presence of a tent encourages people to gather under them and also provides additional surfaces where the virus may be transferred to family members, cemetery and funeral home staff.

      • Chairs will not be put out at services until further notice. Chairs encourage people to sit shoulder to shoulder which does not allow for six feet of social distancing. Seating will be provided for people with specials needs.

    • Mail all contract installment payments (for all cemeteries) to Forest Lawn Cemetery at 8100 Granby St. Norfolk, VA 23505.

    • Spring landscaping maintenance will be affected due to Cemeteries staff working on a rotating schedule.
      Check back daily for updates.

  • I have questions about Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA).
    • All NRHA public meetings and programs are canceled. The common areas of the mid-rises are closed.
    • No evictions related to rent will be pursued until further notice. 
    • Maintenance services are limited to emergencies only. 
    • All NRHA offices and buildings are closed to the public and most staff members until Monday, March 30 or further notice. Only staff members who are essential to the NRHA’s daily operations are required to report to work during this time. 
    • To communicate with NRHA, please call or email: 757-623-1111.
  • What kind of relief is available for monthly parkers?
    • The Division of Parking has developed the following Customer Assistance Program (CAP) to provide businesses and individuals stability and flexibility in their parking needs during this time of uncertainty:
      • Suspension of 30-day cancellation requirement: Customers may suspend their accounts for the month of April without providing the required 30-day cancellation notice. 
      • March Credits: Customers who ceased to use their parking passes after March 17 will be credited for two weeks.
      • Parking garages are free and open to the public during this time.
      • The Parking Division has worked diligently to support customers and businesses during this crisis, including providing one-hour free parking at metered spaces for customers grabbing to-go or curbside service from Norfolk restaurants and businesses.
  • How do I reach the City’s Parking Office?
    • The customer service center on Main Street is closed. You may contact the Parking Division at 757-664-6510 or email at monthlyparking@norfolk.gov.
  • City of Norfolk Tenant?
    • For general inquiries, you may contact the Office of Real Estate via email or by calling 757-664-4675. In the event of an emergency, please contact 757-419-8123. A member of the Real Estate team will return your message as soon as possible.
  • Is COVID-19 a threat to Norfolk’s water supply?
    • No. Norfolk Utilities’ multi-step treatment process includes filtration and disinfection. This process removes and kills viruses, including coronavirus, and bacteria. 
  • How can I access deed and plat information?