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1. How do I build a new home?

Visit this page for more information on building a residence.

2. What do I need to construct a commercial facility?

Please visit this page on information for constructing non-residential projects.

3. What do I need to open a business in an existing facility?

Visit this page for more information.

4. What do I need to build an expansion on my home or business?

Visit this page for more information.

5. What do I need to connect to the Town water/sewer system?

Currently, the Town of Pittsboro has little sewer allocation available. Please visit this page for more information. 

6. What do I need in order to clear and/or grade on my property?

You will need...

Clearing or grading near a stream on your property? Contact Engineering to determine the type of stream.

7. I want to report an environmental concern.

Environmental concerns include, but are not limited to ...

Please follow this LINK to file a complaint through our website. You are allowed to remain anonymous if requested.

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1. What forms of payment does Pittsboro accept?

We currently accept cash, checks, ACH, VISA and MasterCard payments, and online payments.

• Payments with a VISA or MasterCard can be done in person at Town Hall between the hours of 8:30 am and 5 pm
• Utility payments may be made via ACH by granting authorization to the Town. Application (PDF)
• Online payments are now possible.

2. Why did my utility bill increase last month?

Utility bills are comprised of a standard flat fee and another fee based on the number of gallons used. Water and Sewer is calculated separately. If you see a significant increase in your bill, first check for water leaks and/or running plumbing apparatus.

3. Can I be granted relief on my utility bill due to a water leak?

We consider credit requests on a case by case basis. Generally speaking, we can provide credit for the sewer portion of the bill only. Please contact the Finance Department if you have any questions.

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Answer goes here...

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

Answer goes here...

3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

Answer goes here...

4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

Answer goes here...

5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

Answer goes here...

6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

Answer goes here...

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1. Things to Know When Visiting the Splash Pad

Adults must accompany children to the Interactive Fountain.

Use of the Interactive Fountain is at your own risk, an attendant is not on duty.

2. Splash Pad Rules

No running, roughhousing or profane language permitted.

The splash pad uses treated, recirculated water. Please do not drink the water. A drinking fountain is provided at the public restroom building.

Infants and toddlers must wear a swim diaper. Diapers to be changed in restroom only.

Food, glass and drinks are not permitted within the splash pad area.

No skateboards, bicycles, scooters or similar recreation equipment allowed. Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted.

Proper attire must be worn at all times. All apparel must be clean prior to entering the play area. Footwear is recommended.

For your safety, do not obstruct water feature. No pets allowed inside the splash pad area.

Toys, water balloons, beach balls, pool noodles, buckets and water guns are not permitted. No bathing, soap, detergent or shampoo allowed.

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1. How do I obtain a building permit?

Click HERE for information.

2. What jurisdiction is my property in?

The Chatham County GIS system can show what properties are within the Town limits, the Town ETJ (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction), and the County. If you have further questions about your property, please reach out to us at 919-543-5480. 

3. Do I need a business license?

The Town no longer requires business licenses. However, if you are moving into a new space and you are changing the use or making physical alterations to the structure, you may need to schedule a scoping meeting and/or pre-submittal meeting prior to applying for permits with The Town and Chatham County.

4. Can I subdivide my property?

There are a number of factors included in this. The best route to start with is requesting a Scoping Meeting with one of our planners.

5. Can I rezone my property?

There are a number of factors involved with rezoning a property. Please request a scoping meeting with one of our planners to take a look at your property and they will walk you through the process. 

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1. Who handles the solid waste collection in the Town of Pittsboro?

Solid waste collection in the Town of Pittsboro is managed by GFL Environmental.

2. When should I put out my trash and recycling bins for collection?

Please place your trash and recycling bins out the night before your designated collection day. Schedule is available here.

3. What are the collection days for recycling?

In Pittsboro, the pick-up days are Tuesday for residents on and north of Thompson Street and Salisbury Street, including all of Chatham Park, and Wednesday for residents south of Thompson Street and Salisbury Street.

4. Who do I contact if I have a question about recycling?

For questions about recycling, you can reach out to GFL Environmental at (919) 596-1363.

5. Who manages the bulk item pick-up in the Town of Pittsboro?

Bulk item pick-up is managed by the Town of Pittsboro. To arrange a bulk pick-up, contact Town Hall at 919-542-4621.

6. Are there any items that the Town of Pittsboro cannot pick up for bulk item pick-up?

Yes, the town cannot collect tires, batteries, construction materials, electronics, and large appliances, among other items. For disposal of these items, we recommend using specialized disposal facilities.

7. How should I prepare my yard waste for pick-up?

Limbs should not exceed 6 feet in length or 4 inches in diameter. Brush should be piled so the butt ends are all together and pointing in the same direction.

8. Who is responsible for removing debris or trimmings if I hire a professional company for tree or bush trimming?

The professional company you hire for tree or bush trimming is responsible for hauling away debris or trimmings.

9. Can I put my recyclables in a trash bag?

No, recyclables should be placed directly into your recycling cart or bin, not in a trash bag.

10. How far should my recycling bin be placed from my garbage containers?

Ensure your recycling bin is placed at least 5 feet away from your garbage containers to prevent contamination.

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1. How do we treat your water? And why?

The Pittsboro Water Treatment Plant uses:

• Ammonium Hydroxide is used in conjunction with chlorine gas to produce Chloramines for disinfection.
• Caustic Soda is for PH and Alkalinity Control.
• Chlorine Gas is a disinfectant as well as an oxidant.
• Ferric Sulfate is also used to make the particles bind together.
• Hydrofluorosilicic Acid is commonly called fluoride and is used to help prevent tooth decay in children.
• Phosphoric Acid is a corrosion inhibitor that works by putting a protective film on the inside of the pipes in the distribution system.
• Polyaluminum Chloride is used to make negatively charged particles bind with positively charged chemicals.
• Sodium Permanganate is an oxidant used to lower Total Organic Carbon in the source water.

2. What do we test for?

In our Water Treatment Plant lab we test water several times daily for:

• Alkalinity
• Chlorine
• Color
• Fluoride
• Iron
• Manganese
• Monochloramine
• Ph
• Turbidity
• Total Organic Carbon
• Free Ammonia and Hardness

We send out additional samples to the state-certified lab. These include:

• Bacteriological
• Coliform
• Fluoride
• Haloacetic Acids
• Lead and Cooper
• Radium
• Synthetic Organic Chemicals
• Total Organic Carbon
• Volatile Organic Chemicals Total Trihalomethanes

3. What are Chloramines?

A compound formed from mixing chlorine with aqueous ammonia for disinfection. It is very helpful in reducing the formation of trihalomethanes (TTHM'S). It is also helpful in maintaining disinfection throughout the distribution system and in reducing taste and odor concerns.

4. Does the Town use Chloramines year round?

No, once a year the Town switches back to a free chlorine treatment system. This is called a "burnout" or "a reversion". This is to reduce the unstable water conditions in the water system and to ensure a higher quality of water.

5. Are Chloramines and Chlorine safe?

Yes, we carefully control chlorine and chloramines in our water to meet the standards of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

6. Are there any concerns for anyone using Chloramines or Chlorine water?

Both chlorine and chloramines must be removed from the water used in kidney dialysis machines. Medical clinics that perform dialysis are responsible for purifying the water that enters the dialysis machine. We have informed the overall community including clinics and medical facilities about the need to remove chloramines.

7. Do I need to treat my tap water for my aquarium?

Chlorine and chloramines are toxic to fish and amphibians. Our water must be treated with an additive before putting fish or frogs in it. Please check with your pet store or veterinarian.

8. Why are some hydrants left open?

This is a method used to clean water distribution lines. Hydrants are left open intentionally and the high-velocity flow helps to remove deposits from the distribution pipes. Do not call 911 when you see an open hydrant. If you are concerned about a hydrant please call the Town Hall at 542-4621.

9. What should I do if my water is discolored or has an odor?

Call 919-542-3530 and two Water Technicians will visit your home. They will collect a sample, listen to your concerns and assist you with a resolution. The sample will be tested for certain parameters and if a problem exists, one of the Water Technicians will provide a verbal report. This is no charge to town residents for this service.

10. What makes the water look cloudy or milky?

Tiny air bubbles, which may enter the water system during repairs or temperature changes.

11. What should I do to clear up cloudy or milky water?

Running cold water for 5 to 10 minutes should clear up the problem. If the problem continues, please call 542-4621 and discuss your concerns with one of our Water Technicians.

12. Is bottled water safer than tap water?

Not necessarily, some bottled water is treated more than tap water and some bottled water is treated less or not at all. If you have questions or concerns about your bottled water, please read the label and contact the manufacturer or distributor to learn more. Bottled water must meet the standards of the Food and Drug Administration, unlike municipal water which is strictly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. Many bottled waters do not contain fluoride. Fluoride is important to aid in the prevention of tooth decay in developing children. Some bottled water originates from municipal utility water and is processed to remove chlorine. The quality and safety of bottled water can degrade over time. It is not advisable to store bottled water for lengthy periods or beyond its expiration date. In the Town of Pittsboro, water is delivered to your home approximately 3 to 5 days after it is disinfected. How old is your bottled water?