Public Works Department

How do I? (frequently asked questions)

Sidewalk

  • Click here to request or report the following online:

    • Sidewalk needs to be repaired

    • Stormwater

  • Click here to request or report the following online:

    • Stormwater basin is obstructed

    • Stormwater ditch needs to be cleaned or maintained

    • Drainage problem on private property

  • How do I report illegal dumping in a storm drain?

    Call the Stormwater Hotline – (919) 560-SWIM (7946)

Street

  • How do I get my dirt street paved?

    Visit Engineering Services on the 3rd floor of City Hall. You may call ahead for an appointment at (919) 560-4326.

  • How do I get the ditches in my neighborhood cleaned out so it doesn't flood when it rains?

    Call DurhamOneCall (560-1200) and report the problem or click here to request it online.

  • How do I get a dead animal out of my yard?

    Any dead animal collected by the City must be in the Right-of-way. If you can get it to the curb, then call DurhamOneCall (560-1200) and they will create a service request for the pickup.

  • How do I get a driveway/stormdrain/sidewalk permit?

    Come to the 3rd floor of City Hall and see the Public Works receptionist (to the left off the elevators). You must provide your name, address and contact information as well as the address, subdivision, phase and or tract number (if applicable) and lot number of the address where you are planning a driveway. The receptionist will create the permit, which requires a $80 fee. Alternatively, you can fax a list of driveway permit requests to (919) 560-4316, making sure to include all the appropriate information for each, and pay $80 for each permit when you come to pick them up payable by cash, check or credit card.

  • How do I report a pothole?

    When you see a pothole report it to the City of Durham Public Works' new hotline, (919) 560-1177 or you may report it online.

  • How do I request a curb cut (formally known as a handicap ramp)?

    request it online.

  • How do I apply for a dumpster permit?

    Call the Transportation Department at (919) 560-4366 and ask for Leslie Tracy or Phil Loziuk. They will need the following information: Name, address, phone number, and location (if other than the applicants address). Once all of the information is received, either Leslie or Phil will go to the location and see if the dumpster can possibly be placed in the driveway. The customer will be advised of all related city ordinances. If approved a dumpster permit will be generated. The permit fee is $40. The customer may pick up the permit on the 3rd floor of City Hall.

Water or Sewer

  • Where do I pay my water bill?

    1st floor of City Hall

  • How do I get permission to tap into water or sewer?

    Visit Engineering Services on the 3rd floor of City Hall. You may call ahead for an appointment at (919) 560-4326.

  • How do I find out if water and sewer is available at/near my property; how do I get the line extended?

    Visit Water and Sewer Engineering Services on the 3rd floor of City Hall. You may call ahead for an appointment at (919) 560-4326.

  • How do I apply for a new water and/or sewer service?

    Please contact the Engineering Services workgroup at (919) 560-4326 or come to the 3rd Floor of City Hall at 101 City Hall Plaza, Durham, NC 27701

  • Before I dig on my property how do I get my utilities located or marked?

    Contact NCOCC (North Carolina One Call Center) at 811 and they will guide you through the process. The City maintains all water and sewer in the public right of way only which includes laterals to your water meter and sanitary sewer cleanout. You will have to contact a private locator to have these lines marked on your property as they are considered private and not maintained by the City. Any digging in the public right of way will require a permit and that can be obtained by contacting the Engineering Division of Public Works at (919) 560-4326.