Frequently Asked Questions
When and how often are water bills due?
Water and sewer bills are paid quarterly in advance. The bills are due on the first day of each quarter (July1; October 1; January 1 and April 1). For rental property, the bills may be sent to the property address c/o the renter under the name of the property owner. The owner is still fully responsible for prompt payments. Other water and sewer billing questions may be directed to the Treasurer’s office at 804-224-7183.
When are real estate taxes due?
Real estate taxes are paid semi-annually in arrears. They are billed in May and November and are due June 5th and December 5th respectively.
Where do I call with questions about my county taxes?
Contact the Commissioner of Revenue for questions about assessments at 804-493-0113.
For other questions related to your real estate or personal property tax payments you may contact the Treasurer, Westmoreland County at 804-493-0124.
When are personal property taxes due?
Personal property taxes are billed once per year in November and are due December 5th. Taxes are levied on any car, boat, motor home, mobile home, manufactured home, trailer, or business equipment that is within the town limits on January 1st. Taxes are due for the entire year and are not prorated. Questions about assessments on personal property may be directed to the Commissioner of Revenue, Westmoreland County at 804-493-0113.
How do I go about giving notice of an address change?
Address changes must be sent to the Treasurer’s Office in writing directly from the property owner.
Are real estate bills sent to my mortgage company?
Real Estate bills will be mailed to the owner of record. A copy will be sent to the mortgage company if the owner makes this request in writing.
Where do I go to purchase vehicle decals?
Decals are issued at the Treasurer’s office at Town Hall.
How do I get a replacement decal?
File a lost decal report with the Police Department. Take a copy of the report to the Treasurer’s office and you will be able to obtain a replacement decal for $1.00.
Note: Decals must be replaced by midnight of April 30th. Auto decals or paid receipt for taxes will provide access to Westmoreland County landfill (convenience trash drop-off)
on route 205.
Do you honor postmark dates?
Postmark dates are honored based on the date stamped by the Postal Service. Bills coming due on dates that fall on a Saturday, Sunday or a holiday will have the due date extended by one day.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Payments can be made in the form of cash, check, money order, cashier’s check or travelers check. We do not accept credit or debit cards at this time.
When do I need a zoning permit?
Every structure needs a zoning permit. This includes sidewalks, driveways and decks. Any addition or accessory structure over 150 square feet also needs a building permit.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
A zoning permit is required before any tree over six inches in diameter is removed.
How long does it take to get a building/zoning permit?
A properly completed permit application may take two to three weeks to process.
What do I have to do if I want to build a house on my lot and don’t have water and sewer connections to the property?
Contact our Public Works department at 804-224-7260. Our helpful staff will advise you on how to proceed.
Where do I go to pay for a parking ticket?
Payment should be made to the Treasurer, Town of Colonial Beach at Town Hall within 10 days of receiving the ticket. If you believe that you received the ticket in error, contact the Police Department at 804-224-0141 within that 10 day period to set a court date to challenge that ticket.
I plan to start a landscaping business. Do I need a business license?
Yes. All persons operating a business in the Town of Colonial Beach are required to obtain a business license. Additional information may be found in Clerk’s tab of this website.
Where do I go if I have lost my wallet?
First, contact dispatch at the Police Department at 804-224-0141 to see if your lost item has been turned in to them.
Do I need a permit to have a yard sale?
Yes. Permits are issued at Town Hall and the fee is currently $5.00
Can I burn leaves and yard debris when I do my spring and fall clean-up?
Yes, with the appropriate permit issued at Town Hall. You will be asked a few simple questions to help us determine which permit is needed.
Where do I register my boat?
For boat registration, please contact Inland Game and Fisheries at 540-899-4169 or visit them on the web at www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/registration
What is the legal age to drive a golf cart?
All vehicles, golf carts included, must be operated by a person with a valid driver’s license.
Is there special equipment required to drive a golf cart in Colonial Beach?
All golf carts operated on the streets within the Colonial Beach Town limits must register at the Colonial Beach Treasurer’s office, display a current golf cart sticker, have a current Colonial Beach inspection, be insured, and must have a slow moving vehicle sign displayed on the back. Three wheel golf carts are not allowed to operate on Town streets.
Are there any discounts for senior citizens on payments I make to the Town of Colonial Beach?
Yes, senior citizens may qualify for certain discounts, such as the water and sewer discount. Please contact the Town Clerk’s office at 804-224-7181 for details and eligibility requirements.
Can anyone use the public bulletin board on Colonial Avenue?
Individuals, non-profit organizations and churches may place a sign up to 11”x17” in size to advertise community events. Individuals may advertise personal items for sale for up to one week. Signs must be hung with small staples or thumb tacks. No nails or construction staples, please.
Where can I get a fishing license?
A fishing license may be obtained from the Potomac River Fisheries Commission. You may reach the local office at 804-224-7148, or you may visit them on the web at www.prfc.state.va.us/
I would like to take advantage of the transit bus service to go shopping. Where do I go to make arrangements?
Please contact the transit office at 804-224-0175 and the transit staff will be happy to assist you with arrangements.
What is the name of the electric company that provides service to this area?
Electric service is provided by Dominion Virginia Power Company. Their toll free number is 888-667-3000.
