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1. Where are job openings posted?

Job openings are posted in one or more of the following locations:

• Morehead City website
• Social Media
• Local/Out of town newspaper
• Employment Security Commission (ESC)
• Position related websites, publications, etc.
• Internal notices posted at City buildings and departments

2. How do I apply for a City position?

Applications may be downloaded from the Town of Morehead City-Human Resources website as a PDF or an online application.

• Online Application Fill out digitally and click to submit
• City Application  Download, fill out with pen, and email to employmentapplications@moreheadcitync.org

In addition, once a job opening is advertised, applications are available at any Employment Security Commission (ESC) location.

Applications will only be accepted for vacant positions. All applications will be accepted by the following: 

• Emailed to:  employmentapplications@moreheadcitync.org 
• Applied to at any Employment Security Commission office.

 Submit a completed Town of Morehead City employment application on or before the closing date listed for each position. Note that a separate application is required for each position for which you are applying.  Applications WILL NOT be accepted at City offices or departments.  Resumes can be included but will not be accepted in lieu of the application.  

To ensure your application is valid and does not get rejected:

• Only apply for those positions for which you meet the minimum requirements (minimum requirements may be met through an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the necessary skills and knowledge needed to perform the job).
• Fill in all information that is requested on the application as this will be used to determine qualifications for the position.
• If printing application, print legibly and clearly.
• Application must be signed and dated.
• Failure to finish the application completely, including signature and date, may result in not being considered for the job opening.

Included with each application is a supplemental data form used for demographic data collection and statistical reporting to the EEOC. This form is filed separately from the employment application and is not provided to the personnel responsible for making hiring decisions. The employment application and supplement is confidential and not open for public record.

3. I am a current employee, how do I submit my application?

Current City employees may request an application from the Office of Human Resources. Once the application is completed, return to the Office of Human Resources for submission to appropriate hiring department.

4. What happens after my application has been submitted?

The Office of Human Resources will receive and review all applications for a vacant position.  Provided application is acceptable, HR will forward to the hiring department.  The application supplement is separated from the City application and is not provided to the hiring department. The supplement is filed in a secure location in the Office of Human Resources.

Valid applications will be reviewed by the hiring department based on knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position for which you applied. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered for all positions.

Any applications that are received after the closing date, incomplete, or not signed and dated will not be forwarded to the hiring department.

5. What happens after my police application has been submitted?

Once we receive and review City applications, selected candidates will be contacted by a member of the Morehead City Police Department for a preliminary interview. You may then be invited to participate in an agency selection process. This may take anywhere from a few days to a few months depending on the position openings we may have.

Watch a National Criminal Justice Association recruitment video.

Hiring Process

All you need is a City application to get started. (Resume, Cover Letter, and supporting documentation are welcome!) Next steps to the process include:

1. You will be contacted to discuss your career in law enforcement.
2. If you are qualified, you will be contacted and invited to participate in a selection process.
3. If you choose to participate in the selection process, you will complete these tasks on the day of the process:
   • Packet Forms Collection: You will be asked to submit supporting documentation such as:
     • Authority to Release Information
     • F-3 Personal History Statement
     • Copy of North Carolina Driver's License
     • Copy of Social Security Card
     • Copy of Birth Certificate
     • Copy of High School Diploma or Equivalent
     • Copy of North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Certification
     • DD214 if applicable
   • Oral Review Board: You will be asked to appear before a panel of law enforcement officers and answer a variety of questions that relate only to the type of duties you would be expected to perform as an entry level police officer. The oral review board also gives us the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your potential employer and work environment.
   • POST Test:  The National Police Officer Selection Test (POST) is an entry-level basic skills test that helps law enforcement agencies select the most qualified applicants by ensuring that candidates possess the basic cognitive skills necessary to successfully perform the job.   https://www.stanard.com/public-safety/police-test/the-national-police-officer-selection-test
   • Physical Fitness Assessment: You will be asked to participate in a physical training test (a list of the events is available upon your request). This will help us to assess the probability of your success in meeting the physical challenges of law enforcement.

It is the policy of this Department to select the most qualified applicants to compete in the final selection process to become a Morehead City Police Officer. Depending on the number of positions available and the number of qualified candidates applying, it is possible that you may not be selected for further processing. 

Should you not be selected, we would ask that you continue to consider law enforcement as a career goal. Your application file will be maintained as a confidential record here at the Police Department. Unless you are otherwise informed, we would encourage you to apply again for future openings.

Prospective Candidates

For those individuals who are chosen to continue in the employment process, you may also be requested to complete the following:

4. Interview with the Chief of Police, or designee.
5. A complete and thorough background investigation. A trained investigator will verify all of the information in your application. You should be aware that sensitive or confidential aspects of your personal life may be explored; Fingerprints and Photograph may be collected.
6. F1 and F2 Medical Reports.
7. Upon completion of the background investigation, you may be asked to submit to a professional psychological evaluation and a urinalysis test at the Department's expense;
8. If offered employment, you will complete firearms qualification with the agency.

This part of the process may take from 30 to 45 days, or longer depending on open positions and administrative processing, but could also be shorter depending on available resources.

Thank you again for your interest in Morehead City Police Department!

6. How will I know if I am selected for an interview?

After all applications for a position are reviewed, the best qualified applicant(s) will be contacted by either the hiring department or the Human Resources Director for a personal interview. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted via telephone or by email within a reasonable time after the application deadline.

Applicants may be called for subsequent interviews.

7. What happens after the interview?

A final selection is made by the hiring department based on the individual who best suits the needs and requirements of the position and the department. The final candidate will be contacted via telephone by the Human Resources Director with a job offer.

Upon job offer acceptance, the final candidate must submit to one or more of the following:

• Pre-employment drug screening test
• Physical
• Criminal background investigation
• Driver's license history check
• Educational, licensing board, association checks
• E-verify check (verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the U.S.)

Any negative or questionable results obtained from any testing or investigation may result in withdrawing job offer.

8. If I am not selected for the position, what happens to my application?

 Applications are retained in the Office of Human Resources or in another determined secure location as required by law.  Under North Carolina law, information about applicants is confidential and not open for public access.

Applications will not be returned and will not be reactivated for other positions.

9. Who can I contact during the application process?

Questions regarding the application process may be directed to:

• Town of Morehead City
  Human Resources Office
  706 Arendell Street
  Morehead City, NC 28557
• Phone: 252-726-6848, ext. 124
• Email Human Resources

Please note that this process may be deviated from depending on the vacancy being filled.

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1. How do I build a compost bin?

You can compost in an open pile, or build your own bin out of scrap lumber, old pallets, or concrete blocks! Check out Yardener, it gives some great information of building all different types of compost bins.

Residents of apartments and condominiums can compost too! Covered bucket systems and worm bins work best for small spaces.

2. How do I start a compost pile?

1. Place your pile or bin in a semi-shady location. Mix in layers of the following (These are materials rich in brown carbon, then add with green nitrogen-rich materials such as vegetable kitchen scraps, grass clippings and horse manure, of brown carbon rich materials.):
   • Dry grass
   • Hay
   • Leaves
   • Pine needles
   • Sawdust
2. Use about 50% greens and 50% browns in your mix.
3. Water when necessary to keep the mix damp, but not soggy.
4. After a few days, the center of the pile should be hot (up to 140 degrees) and steamy - that's the compost process at work!
5. Water and turn the pile with a shovel or pitchfork each week to expose all material to high heat of the center of the pile.

A guide to composting in your home can be found online.

3. When is the compost ready?

Ideal conditions of the proper bin system (good layering of greens and browns, the correct amount of moisture, adequate mixing, and high temperatures) can produce compost in less than one month. However, it usually requires several months for good compost to be produced. Your compost is ready to use when it is brown, uniform in consistency, crumbly, and has a sweet earthy smell. You may want to sift your compost through a screen before use.

4. How do I use my compost?

Mix finished compost with garden soil and use it as mulch on top of the soil, dig it into the soil, or use as a potting mix for plants in containers.

5. Can I use compost in the vegetable garden?

To enjoy delicious, healthful vegetables, apply compost. Dig it in the fall, bury it in the trenches, put it in the furrows where planting and in the holes when transplanting. After plants start shooting up, mix it with equal amounts of soil and use it as a top-dressing.

The rule when mulching is, the finer the material the thinner the layer. Doing this will give you a rich, loamy, friable soil that will grow big yields of all kinds of vegetables. They'll be higher in vitamins and minerals, too.

For sowing seeds indoors or in a cold frame, put your compost through a ½-inch sieve, then shred it with a hoe or even roll it with a rolling pin to make it very fine. Then mix it with equal amounts of sand and soil. The ideal seeding mixture is very mellow and tends to fall apart after being squeezed in your hand.

6. How do I use compost in the flower garden.

Finely screened compost is excellent to put around all growing flowers. Apply it as mulch, about 1 inch thick, to help control weeds, and conserve moisture, or top-dress it mixed with the soil.

7. What can be composted?

Compost grass clippings, leaves, weeds, flowers, twigs, horse manure, vegetable and fruit food scraps (bury in your pile to discourage animal problems).

8. What cannot be composted?

Do not compost:

• Bones
• Cat or dog wastes
• Dairy products
• Diseased plants
• Greasy food
• Meat
• Pesticide-sprayed plants
• Poisonous plants
• Woody plants

9. What is "compost watering"?

Compost watering is an excellent way to give your flowers supplementary feeding during their growing season. Fill a watering can half full of compost, add water and sprinkle liberally around the plants. The can may be refilled with water several times before the compost losses it potency.

10. Where can I get more information or resources about composting?

For questions or concerns you can call Robin Gollehon at 252-726-6071, or email.

You can find additional resources at:

• Carteret County Cooperative Extension: Phone: 252-222-6352

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1. Where are the fire stations in Morehead City?

See our Fire and EMS Stations page.

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1. What do I need to know in the case of a weather emergency?

See the Emergency Preparedness page for complete information.

2. How do I find out when the town meetings are?

You can find upcoming Town Council meetings on their webpage.

3. How do I contact the town?

Visit our Staff Directory for full contact information for the Town of Morehead City.

4. What are the hours of operation for City Hall?

City Hall is open from 9 am to 5 pm every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday excluding holidays.

5. Where is City Hall located?

City Hall is located at 1100 Bridges Street. There is parking in front of City Hall and in the rear of the building.

6. What are the hours of operation for the Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) Post Office located at City Hall?

For the convenience of our citizens, Morehead City maintains a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency Post Office within City Hall with limited services. The hours of operation are the same as City Hall, from 8 am to 5 pm every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday excluding legal holidays.

For information call 252-726-6848, ext. 112 or 131.

7. Where can I pay a traffic ticket?

Traffic violations are remanded to the Carteret County Clerk of Court at 252-838-8141.

8. How can I obtain a birth, marriage or death certificate?

Birth, marriage, death and other personal records are maintained by the Carteret County Register of Deeds Office at 252-728-8474.

9. Where can I register to vote?

For any voting questions or information call the Carteret County Board of Elections at 252-728-4583.

10. How can I get on Council Meetings?

At each regularly scheduled Council Meeting there is always a section called "Citizen Requests/Comments". This time is specially designated for any individual to address the Council about a particular concern regarding Morehead City. For more information on this process call the City Clerk at 252-726-6848, ext. 139.

11. Where can I learn more about local governments?

North Carolina City and County Management Association (NCCCMA) and the University of North Carolina School of Government offer a new resource for helping the public appreciate and understand local government. Local Government in North Carolina is free and online. This fourth edition has been up-dated to reflect recent changes and revised for a general audience. It is now available in three formats:

• Interactive, online access
• iPad format
• Downloadable PDF

This resource is sponsored by the North Carolina City and County Managers Association as a part of its Civic Education Committee's work. Your local government may also have helped sponsor it by participating in NCCCMA's "Nickel Offense."

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1. Are there any employment opportunities with the Town of Morehead City?

See our Job Openings page for current job openings.

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1. Is my property located in a flood zone?

You may contact staff at 252-726-6848 x121 or via email or go to the North Carolina Floodplain Mapping System website to determine whether your property is located in a flood zone.

2. How can I pay for permit fees?

Smartgov Public Permit Portal:

 

You may contact the Planning & Inspections Department at mhcpi@moreheadcitync.org or 252-726-6848 x125 for Permit Portal Access, then create a new account using an access code provided by the Town, verify the new account by clicking a link sent to your email address, and submit payment through the portal. Many permit types with automatically issue upon receipt of payment and users are able to print or save a copy of their permit. 

Alternatively, you may pay online or by telephone through Official Payments.

Official Payments Online Instructions:

1. Go to www.officialpayments.com

2. Click on “Local Payment”

3. Enter Jurisdiction Code “4391” or Select State “North Carolina” and Collecting Organization “Morehead City, Town of”

4. For Type of Payment, enter “Building & Planning Permits” and click “Make a Payment”

5. Click “Continue”, then click “Accept” to accept the terms of using service

6. Enter credit card information and permit number (permit box is alphanumeric only- no dots or dashes)

7. You will receive a confirmation number

8. Call or email Planning & Inspections to give us the confirmation number at 252-726-6848 x 125 or mhcpi@moreheadcitync.org

Official Payments Telephone Instructions:

1. Call Official Payments at 1-888-272-9829

2. Select Option 3 for “Other Payments”

3. Enter jurisdiction code “4391” and press 1 to accept

4. Select Option 4 for Payment Type (Permits)

5. Follow prompts to receive confirmation number and write down number

6. Call or Email Planning & Inspections your confirmation number at 252-726-6848 x 125 or mhcpi@moreheadcitync.org

7. When paying by telephone, a service fee will be applied for each transaction completed. 

In-Person:

Staff can receive cash, check, and money order in-person. In order to pay with a credit card, it is necessary to utilize either the telephone or online payment method.

3. How to I submit a building permit application through the portal?

Click here for written instructions on submitting permit applications through the portal or click here for how-to video guidance.

4. How do I upload required permit submittals in the portal?

After a plan review is conducted, you may be asked for additional documents or a revision to a previously submitted item. Click here for written instructions on uploading a requested submittal or click here for a how-to guidance video .

5. What if the inspection I need isn't listed on the portal?

Click here for written instructions on using the miscellaneous inspection or Click here for how-to guidance video. 

6. How do I get a copy of my electrical slip through the permit portal?

Click here for written instructions or Click here for how-to guidance video. 

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1. How do I get a library card?

Checking out books at the Morehead City Library is as easy as signing up to be a patron. Any staff member will be able to provide you with the necessary application form. The Morehead City Library requires that you have a photo id with your current address or, if you're new to the area, a utility bill with your new address along with your photo ID. Since moving to the Apollo Circulation system the Morehead City Library now issues actual cards. Patron data is stored on the computer. This library is not part of the County Library System so those cards are not valid at the Morehead City Library.

Fees for overdue books are 10 cents a day per overdue item. By signing up to be a patron, you agree to follow the Morehead City Library Rules and Regulations and to notify us of any change of address.

2. How do I find a book?

The Morehead City Library book collection is computerized to facilitate locating books and authors. Either the staff can help you find a book or there is a computerized book catalog for patron use.

View the online catalog.

3. How do I renew a book?

The best way to renew a book is to visit the online catalog and log into your account and renew or request an item. You may also call the library at 252-726-3765, stop by the library circulation desk, or email us at library@moreheadcitync.org. E-mails should have “renew book” as the subject and you should include your name, the title of the book, and the current due date. Books can be renewed one time for an additional 3 weeks

4. How do I reserve a library room?

There are several rooms at the Morehead City Library available for parties and meetings. Use of the rooms is without charge unless the event occurs after hours or if your event is for profit. The fee is $20 per hour for after-hours use. For money-making events, terms will be negotiated by the Director.  Please call the library at 252-726-3765 for further information.

Visit the Meeting Rooms page for more information.

5. How can I support the Morehead City Library?

Support can come in many forms: Membership in the Friends of the Library, financial donations, and magazine subscriptions are some ways to support the library. Volunteering, serving on special events committees, and supporting specific programs are ways to be more personally involved with the Morehead City Library.

6. How can I use a library computer?

The Morehead City Library has several computers for public use. There are four in the computer lab for adult use. Computer usage is on a first-come basis with a 30-minute limit. Print-outs are available for 15 cents a page. Also, since the library is wi-fi connected, you are welcome to bring your laptop.

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1. Where are all the public parks located?

See Facilities to view our parks and facilities.

2. How do I get my kids signed up for sports?

You can register for programs online.

3. How can I volunteer to coach a sport?

Submit a Volunteer Coaching Application (PDF).

4. Where can I find a list of events and activities?

See the Parks and Recreation page for complete information.

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1. How can I pay my taxes?

Payments can be made via online banking, credit/debit card (through Official Payments only), by mail, drop box and in person.

Mailing Address:

Town of Morehead City                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Attn: Tax Collector
1100 Bridges Street
Morehead City, NC 28557

Pay Online:

www.officialpayments.com

Select Local Payments & Use Jurisdiction Code 4391

2. Can I make prepayments towards future taxes?

Anyone can make payments towards future taxes that will become due. In order to post the payments correctly we must know that they are for future taxes and all current taxes must be paid in full. Payment arrangements are allowed and encouraged to be set up as soon as the tax notice is received (in July or August).

For the past few years payment arrangement forms have been sent with the tax notices to assist property owners with this option. Beginning the payment plan immediately upon receipt of the tax notice saves the property owner money by eliminating/reducing any interest or penalties that will accrue on the balance owing. If a property owners waits until after the taxes become delinquent to make a payment arrangement they must come to the Tax Office and sign an agreement.

No verbal payment arrangements are made. The property owner is required to make a down payment on the taxes owing at the time the arrangement is made.

3. What happens if the taxes become delinquent?

If the taxes become delinquent and no payment arrangement is in place with our office collection action begins. Second notices are mailed after the delinquency date (January 6) to advise property owners of delinquent taxes owing even to those with payment arrangements (our software cannot separate those with an arrangement and those that do not). 

Per North Carolina General Statues (NC.G.S.) 105-368 a tax collector may attach wages and other compensation, rents, bank deposits, the proceeds of property subject to levy or any other intangible personal property, including property held in the Escheat Fund. Also NC.G.S. Chapter 105A allows for property owner's state income tax refund or lottery winnings to be attached and garnished. If there are no intangible assets to be found and the tax remains unpaid information is turned over to the city attorney to begin foreclosure proceedings.

4. What can I do if I feel the tax bill is incorrect?

The first step is to contact the Carteret County Tax Office at 252-728-8535 since they do the assessing of all property in the county. Any corrections made there should be forwarded to our office to correct/adjust the Morehead City tax.

5. Does the Carteret County Tax Office bill and collect for the Town of Morehead City?

No. The county tax office assesses all property in the county and forwards the information to us for billing and collecting purposes.

6. Does the Morehead City Tax Office bill and collect for motor vehicles?

Only for unregistered motor vehicles which are classified as personal property. The Carteret County Tax Office bills and collects for Morehead City on registered motor vehicles and remits the funds to us. Questions concerning registered motor vehicle taxes should be directed to the Carteret County Tax Office at 252-728-8535.

7. What time period do the tax bills cover?

Value, ownership, taxable status, and situs of real and personal property are determined for the new fiscal year at January 1.

8. Are tax bills required to be mailed? If so, when?

North Carolina General Statutes (N.C.G.S.) does not require that any type of property tax bill be prepared or distributed to taxpayers. To increase collections we mail bills in July or August.

9. When are the tax bills due?

All taxes in North Carolina are due September 1.

10. Does the Town offer a discount for early payment?

No.

11. When do the taxes become delinquent?

If the tax remains unpaid at January 6 they are considered delinquent and 2% interest applies. Interest continues to accrue at ¾% each month until paid in full.

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1. Is my property located in a flood zone?

You may contact staff at 252-726-6848 x121 or via email or go to the North Carolina Floodplain Mapping System website to determine whether your property is located in a flood zone.

2. What is an Ordinance Amendment?

An Ordinance Amendment (OA) is a request to change the adopted text contained in Morehead City's Unified Development Ordinance. Amendments may be initiated by the Town, an individual representing a group or single applicant, for example, requesting to amend the permitted uses allowed in a particular zoning district. Ordinance Amendments are reviewed by the Planning Board and Council. 

Click HERE for additional information on Ordinance Amendments and their review process.

3. What is a Rezoning?

A Rezoning request is a method of changing the zoning classification of a property to a different zoning classification. For example, residentially-zoned property may need to be rezoned in order to permit commercial activity. Rezoning requests are reviewed by the Planning Board and Council.

Click HERE for additional information on Rezoning requests and their review process.

Rezoning Process Flow Chart (JPG)

4. What types of subdivisions are excluded from an in-depth subdivision approval process?

The types of subdivisions that are excluded from an in-depth approval process are divided in to two categories, Subdivision Exemptions and Expedited Subdivisions. All subdivisions are reviewed by Planning Staff. 

Subdivision Exemptions include combination or recombination plats of previously recorded lots, ten (10) acres or more divisions, public acquisition, and the division of two (2) acres or less into three (3) lots or less, where the resultant lots meet or exceed the standards of the Town of Morehead City. 

Expedited Subdivisions are divisions of parcel greater than five (5) acres under single ownership, not fitting a Subdivision Exemptions (above), has not been divided in the past ten (10) years, into no more than three (3) lots and meeting all lot dimension size requirements, applicable zoning requirements, and including a permanent means of ingress and egress to each lot.

Click HERE for additional information on Subdivision Exemptions and Expedited Subdivisions and their review process.

5. What is a Minor Subdivision?

A Minor Subdivision is defined as the division of five (5) acres or less into five (5) or fewer lots, which creates no new public or private streets or roads, no right-of-way dedication, and no new easements except for electrical, drainage, cable, or telephone easements, and no utility extensions. All Minor Subdivisions are reviewed by Planning Staff.

Click HERE for additional information on Minor Subdivisions and their review process.

6. What is a Major Subdivision?

A Major Subdivision is any division of land that does not fall under the classification of Excluded Subdivision or Minor Subdivision. Major Subdivisions are reviewed by the Planning Board and Council in a multiple step process.

Click HERE for additional information on Major Subdivisions and their review process.

7. Can I develop my property as a multifamily development?

Multifamily developments are a residence designed for or occupied by three (3) or more families, with separate housekeeping and cooking facilities for each, including apartments, hotel apartments, and group housing projects, (including some forms of unit ownership (condominium)               development and townhouse development). Multifamily developments may be age-restricted. Multifamily developments are reviewed by the Planning Board and Council and potentially Board of Adjustment as well. 

Click HERE for additional information in multifamily developments and their review process.                        

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1. What kind of community programs does the Police Department offer?

See our Programs page for complete information.

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1. Where are you located?

We are located in the City Hall building at 1100 Bridges Street. 

2. What are your hours of operation?

We are open Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 9 am to 5 pm.

3. How do /can I pay my utility bill?

There are 6 options:

• Automatic Draft (PDF)
• Credit/Debit Card (through Official Payments only)
• Drop-Box
• In person
• Mail
• Online Bill Pay

See more detail on these options.

4. I need to open new service. What do I do/need?

An application for new service is needed with the required deposit/service fee and a valid picture ID. Types of acceptable IDs are:

• Valid driver's license
• State identification card
• Military ID
• Passport
• Alien Registration
• Government/University/recognized Corporate ID, Card
• Certificate of Naturalization

Our application (PDF) can be downloaded, faxed to you, or picked up at our office. If a new customer is not available to come to the Water Department in person we will accept faxed, emailed or mailed applications along with the required deposit/service fee and copy of a valid ID. The new customer must appear in person in our office within seven business days of the application date to verify their identity. Failure to do so will result in disconnection of service.

View additional information about setting up a new account (PDF).

5. I’m moving and need to close my current service. What do I need to do?

Per our town ordinance it is required that all disconnect requests be submitted in writing (PDF). Those that come to the Water Department will need to fill out the back of their application requesting the disconnect. Others can fax to 252-240-1639, or email their requests to us.

We will need the following to process the request:

• Current service address, utility account number if known
• Customer Name
• Last four digits of the customer's social security number
• Date of disconnection
• Forwarding mailing address (for final bill or refund of deposit)
• Customer Signature
• Date of Request

6. I need to transfer my current service to a different service address. How do I do that?

We do not accept verbal requests to transfer service from one location to another. The customer must come to the Water Department, fax to 252-240-1639, or email the transfer request (Transfer Form (PDF)). Any account carrying a balance will not be transferred until the balance is paid off in full.

Also, a transfer fee is charged and can be added to the first billing at the new location. We will only keep both locations with service over period of time, such as a weekend (e.g. turn on service at new location of Friday and turn off service at previous location on Monday).

7. My tenants skipped out and left a mess. I need water to clean up. How do I do that?

We do allow temporary service for 30 days and will extend this an additional 30 days if needed. Please call our office to find out the procedures and fees for this service.

8. I received a notice from the Water Department that I might have a possible leak. How do I check for that?

The biggest culprits of water loss are running commodes and malfunctioning water softeners. To test the seal of the commode(s) we suggest putting a few drops of red (only because it shows up better) food coloring in the back of the tank. If after an extended amount of time the food coloring appears in the bowl than that means the seals are not sealing properly and should be replaced. With a water softener it is harder to identify and might be appropriate for a professional to be called.

9. I want to start monitoring my consumption. How do I read my meter?

See How to Read Your Meter (PDF) for full instructions.

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1. What day should I roll my garbage to the curb?

See the Garbage Pickup page for information.

2. What day will my recycling be picked up?

See the Recycling Pickup page for information.

3. What types of items can be recycled?

See the Accepted Materials for Recycling page for information.

4. How do I report an issue with my street/sidewalks?

You can submit a request for service online.

5. My trash can has disappeared/been damaged/other. How do I get another one?

Contact the Public Works Department at 252-726-6848, ext. 122 for assistance.

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1. What do the codes on the bottom mean?

The little recycling triangle on the bottom of most plastic containers and many other plastics is called an Society of the Plastics Industry SPI code. This code was developed by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) to help consumers and businesses easily identify the resin type. This helps for recycling purposes but the code identifier is not meant to indicate that the material is "recyclable." The industry chose to put symbols on the six most common resins plus an "other" category to capture the numerous other resins and the blends that are used.

Even though the plastic resin in a milk jug and a butter tub may be the same, the molding process to make them is quite different. A milk jug is blow molded, like blowing a bubble, and a tub is injection molded, like stamping two molds together. To use each molding technique, different chemicals must be added to each plastic resin to make it melt and flow correctly. These added chemicals make the resins incompatible in most recycling processes because they no longer melt at the same rate. Melting is an important phase of the plastics recycling process.

2. Why can’t plastic bottle caps be recycled?

Bottle caps are made of a different plastic resin than the containers. They are usually made of number 4 polypropylene PP because this material is more rigid than the other resins and works well for the strength needed for a beverage cap.

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1. How do I receive authorization for a purchase or service?

The Town requires a purchase order for all purchases or service. If work is completed or merchandise shipped without a purchase order number, it is considered unauthorized. Any unauthorized transaction is subject to the Town declining payment. The purchase order is issued by finance to each department and the contact person in the department is responsible for getting the information to the vendor.

2. How do I submit a W-9?

Contact your insurance carrier to add the Town of Morehead City as certificate holder. The address needed is:
706 Arendell Street
Morehead City, NC 28557

Your insurance carrier can email, fax to 252-240-1639, or mail the certificate.

3. How do I submit an invoice?

An invoice must be received in finance 10 days prior to the check issuance date. If can be emailed, faxed or mailed.

4. When will my check be available?

Checks are available after 4 pm on the date of issuance. Generally large, recurring and monthly billing vendors are paid every 28 days and all others are paid every other week. If you have a question about which payment cycle you are on please contact Accounts Payable by email.

5. How can I find out if I have been issued a check?

Contact accounts payable by email.

6. When will I receive my 1099?

In compliance with the Internal Revenue Service, 1099 forms will be mailed to vendors on or before January 31.

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1. What is a special use?

A special use permit is a permit issued to authorize development or land uses in a particular zoning district upon presentation of competent, material, and substantial evidence establishing compliance with one or more general standards requiring that judgement and discretion be exercised as well as compliance with specific standards.   An "S" in the Table of Permissible Uses indicates a special use in the specified district. When considering a request for a special use permit, the Board of Adjustment may impose reasonable and appropriate conditions upon these permits. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any special use application with staff prior to submittal. 

2. What is a variance?

A variance may be granted only by the Board of Adjustment pursuant to Section 3-7.3. The variance process is a method of enabling property owners to make use of their property in a way that conflicts with the literal interpretation of the ordinance. More specifically, a variance grants relief from the Unified Development Ordinance. Use variances are not permitted under North Carolina state law. The Board of Adjustment makes its decision to approve or deny a variance request based upon specific criteria. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any variance application with staff prior to submittal.

3. How can I tell if a use is allowed on my property?

Morehead City is divided into zoning districts. These districts have both permitted uses that are allowed by right and other uses that are allowed as special uses. The Table of Permissible Uses is contained in the Unified Development Ordinance.

4. Do I need approval to run a business out of my home?

Morehead City has two classifications of home occupations. Type A home occupations are those where residents use their home as a place of work; however, no employees or customers come to the site. Type B home occupations are those where residents use their home as a place of work and either one employee or customers come to the site. A special use permit is required prior to establishing a Type B home occupation.

5. How do I submit a request for a Variance or Special Use Permit?

Please contact the Planning & Inspections Department at 252-726-6848 x125 for information on submitting a Board of Adjustment application.

6. Can I speak with Board of Adjustment members about my case prior to the hearing?

No. Hearings are conducted in a quasi-judicial manner, and members may not speak about cases prior to the hearing. You may, however, receive assistance from staff or seek professional legal advice.