Show All Answers

1. How do I submit my absentee ballot for the upcoming election?

The Hanover County Registrar's Department handles Ashland elections and ballots.

2. How do I contact the Administration Department?

You may contact the Administration Department at our office located at 121 Thompson Street in Ashland, or call us at (804) 798-9219.

3. Why do I pay both Town of Ashland and Hanover County taxes?

The Town of Ashland and Hanover County provide different services to citizens. The Town of Ashland acts as additional level of services on top of, and in addition to, those provided by Hanover County. In particular, Town of Ashland residents receive trash collection and recycling pickup, police response times of approximately one minute, and brush and leaf pick-up.

Show All Answers

1. How do I report animal problems in my area?

Animal control sevices are provided by Hanover County. If you live in the Ashland please call (804) 365-6485 to report problems.

Show All Answers

1. 2/27/23: Could the Town evaluate adding speed limit signs to Berkley Street to assist with reducing speed?

The Town’s Public Works Department will evaluate the current number and location of signs along Berkley Street as well as review additional opportunities to reduce vehicular speeds in the area.

Follow Up: After the meeting public works staff evaluated the speeding concerns on Berkley Street and will add a 25 MPH speed limit sign in the eastbound direction.  25 MPH will also be painted in white letters on the roadway in each direction.

2. 2/27/23: Community members brought up concerns about neighborhood interactions with disrespectful College students.

Chief Aronhalt shared that he currently meets with R-MC sports teams at the beginning of the school year to address being a good neighbor.  He also shared the good relationship the Town has with College personnel, and more importantly the various landlords who rent to College students in the neighborhood.   Staff reiterated that it is important to call immediately when something happens so the issue can be addressed in the moment rather than after the fact.

3. 2/27/23: Specific car is racing/speeding/drifting throughout the neighborhood.

APD staff took notes and will attempt to locate and advise the individual of a need to change behavior.

Follow Up: Due to concerns conveyed at the meeting, officers were instructed to engage in directed enforcement to curb speeding complaints and vehicles with excessive noise emanating from their exhaust.  Ashland officers committed 13 hours 40 minutes to this project.  As a result, officers stopped seven vehicles.  During the meeting there was also concern over a vehicle with excessive loud exhaust.  An officer was familiar with a vehicle that matched the description.  On March 19, 2023, the vehicle was located on England Street and issued two citations for the exhaust and expired inspection.  We will continue to maintain a presence in the area.  

4. 2/27/23: Why was the new Gandy designed so that the bus loop enters and exits off of Henry Street? Also raised a concern about how construction traffic could negatively impact the neighborhood.

Staff did their best to explain the County hoped to separate parent vehicles picking up children from the bus traffic.  Currently, construction traffic is using Archie Cannon Road which has significantly limited any negative community impacts.  The Town Manager will reach out to the HCPS administration staff to further inquire about construction management and neighborhood impacts for future phases of the project.

Follow Up: The Town Council considered the Conditional Use Permit for the new elementary school on March 15, 2022.  Location of the bus loop was briefly discussed at in the recording at this link.

For more detailed information residents should reach out to Ed Buzzelli, Facilities Director, with Hanover County Public Schools.  ebuzzelli@hanover.k12.va.us. 

Show All Answers

1. What are the fees for building permits?

Building inspections and permitting processes are provided by Hanover County. Please contact the Hanover County Building Inspectors Office at (804) 365-6040.

Show All Answers

1. Can I remain anonymous when reporting a code enforcement violations?

Yes. We do not require that you provide any personal information. Remember that all information you choose to provide to the town, including names, phone numbers, or email addresses, is subject to the Public Record Laws. In other words, we must provide this information to anyone who asks for it. If you wish to remain completely anonymous, do not provide your personal information.

2. What do I do if I've received a notice of violation from Code Enforcement?

If you have any questions about what is required of you to achieve compliance with Ashland Code Enforcement, please contact the Planning Department. You can also call our main number at (804) 798-1073 and speak to anyone in the department.

The goal of Code Enforcement is to preserve the quality and value of public and private property and maintain a high standard of living by eliminating conditions that threaten the life, health, safety, and general welfare of the public. The department recognizes that this goal is most effectively achieved through the education of, and cooperation with, the citizens of Ashland.

Show All Answers

1. What is the population of Ashland?

The current population of Ashland is 7,225 people.

2. Does Ashland offer public transportation?

No, the town does not currently offer public transportation, but RideFinders does offer rideshare opportunities from Ashland.

Show All Answers

1. Why do I pay both Town of Ashland and Hanover County taxes?

The Town of Ashland and Hanover County provide different services to citizens. The Town of Ashland acts as additional level of services on top of, and in addition to, those provided by Hanover County. In particular, Town of Ashland residents receive trash collection and recylcing pickup, police response times of approximately one minute, and brush and leaf pick-up.

2. When are taxes due?

Both Real Estate and Personal Property taxes for the Town of Ashland are due on February 5 of each year. The Business License (BPOL) tax is due on May 15 of each year. Meals and Lodging Taxes are due the 20th of each month.

Tax Information

3. Why will DMV not allow me to renew my vehicle registration?

The Town is permitted to place a DMV hold on your vehicle registration (and any vehicle associated with you through loan or title) as a means of tax collection. One or two times per year the Town will place holds on the vehicles of individuals who have not paid their personal property taxes to the Town. Please contact the Finance Office to discuss your account. Finance Office Contact Information

4. What steps should I take if I am moving out of Town?

Citizens who will be leaving the Town should first re-register their vehicle through DMV in their new garage jurisdiction. Second, notify the Hanover County Commissioner of Revenue's Office that you will be moving and provide them with a DMV move out date. Finally, contact the Town of Ashland Treasurer's Office to determine if you will still have one additional personal property tax bill to pay. Finance Office Contact Information

5. How do you determine the assessment of my property?

The Town of Ashland does not assess property. Assessments within the Town are provided by the Hanover County Assessor's Office. Hanover County Assessor's Office

Show All Answers

1. What size maps can you print for me?

Current paper maps come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 8.5" x 11" to 34" x 42".

2. How do I get zoning for a particular property?

Zoning information may be obtained from the Planning and Community Development Department

3. Some of the information you have on my property is wrong, can you correct it?

The online GIS site is maintained by the Hanover County GIS Department. If you notice the information about your property is incorrect, please contact the Hanover County GIS Department at (804) 365-6811.
Hanover County GIS Department

Show All Answers

1. How do I find out what jobs are available within the town?

You can view all open job opportunities within the Town by viewing our job postings.

2. How long is my application on file for employment with the town?

Each application received by the town will be held on file for six months from the submitted date.

Show All Answers

1. How long do I have to file a claim?

You may file a claim at any time. However, if your claim is denied by the town and you wish to file a lawsuit, you should be aware that state law may limit the time in which to file a lawsuit.

2. How long do I have to wait until my claim is resolved?

The length of time it takes to investigate and resolve a claim depends largely on the nature of the claim and the amount of damages involved. Some claims may take a few weeks to resolve, while others may take longer.

3. What happens after I file my claim?

Once a claim has been received by the Finance Department, it is forwarded to the town's insurance agent, VML Insurance, for investigation. A claim adjuster should contact you regarding your claim. Any questions regarding your claim should be addressed to the claims adjuster.

4. When should I file a claim?

If you have sustained an injury or damage for which you believe the town or one of its employees is responsible, you may file a claim against the town by using our Claim Form.

It is recommended that you send as much information as possible with your Claim Form in order to expedite the investigation of the claim. This includes copies of estimates, receipts, medical bills, pictures, and any other information you feel may be relevant to your claim (we recommend you keep the originals).

Show All Answers

1. 2/28/23: What can be done about traffic and speeding on the Street?

Community members expressed concern at both the volume of traffic (I-95 overflow, summer/weekend travel, and “rush hour” traffic) as well as consistent speeding on Jamestown Road. Police Department staff shared that during I-95 and Rte 1 backups they try to station officers at Jamestown Road to limit use of the road and reduce speeds on the road.   They have gone so far as to drop “police reported ahead” pins on Waze and Google Maps as well as driving very slowly down the road to reduce the noted speed the GPS algorithm’s are seeing in traffic.  Police staff also asked residents assistance in identifying areas where they can park to run radar to reduce speeds.  Several locations were identified.  Some residents also shared concerns that police are targeting community members rather than out of towners, and police staff reiterated that they don’t target anyone except those violating the law…in this case speeders.  

The Town Manager also shared that Henrico County has installed signs saying something similar to, “Please ignore your GPS.  This is not a cut through Street”.  He instructed the Public Works Director to find out more about these signs and evaluate whether they would be appropriate to add at Jamestown Road.  He also made clear that while these signs may modify some behavior, they are not legally enforceable.  Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the weeks and months to come based upon feedback received at this meeting.

Follow Up: Public Works investigated options and will install a large sign southbound stating to Ignore GPS and that there is no left turn for thru traffic onto Jamestown Road.  Sign is not a typical sign and needs to be specifically fabricated.   Staff will install once complete.

As statistical backup to these statements regarding targeting of Jamestown residents Chief Aronhalt shared the following information to be shared with Jamestown residents.

2022     98 summonses written 0 summons issued to residents.

2023     10 summonses written 0 summonses issued to residents.

In 2022 we issued summonses to Ashland residents on Jamestown, but none had their residential address on Jamestown.  One individual had a post office box in Ashland.  It is possible they could reside on Jamestown. As a result, this is a perception and not a reality.

2. 2/28/23: Community members asked about speed bumps as a means to reduce speed and frustrate cut through traffic.

The Town Manager and Public Works Director shared history on a similar request 10-15 years ago where temporary speed bumps were installed and subsequently removed because neighbors were very unhappy having to regularly navigate the bumps as well as the nuisance of the sound associated with cars going over the bumps and subsequently accelerating.  Even with this prior history the Town Manager instructed the Public Works Director to review Jamestown Road considering the Town’s traffic calming program to evaluate what additional measures, to include speed bumps, could be implemented to reduce speeds and deter overflow traffic.  By a show of hands approximately 50-60% of the individuals in the room were in favor of installing speed bumps.  

Follow Up: The Town Public Works Department did a field review and they will have a double yellow line striped down the middle of the roadway to keep drivers on their side of the road and help slow down traffic speeds.   Staff will also make sure the road is adequately signed for 25 MPH and re-apply the 25 MPH painted in several locations on the roadway.  These activities are early stage solutions in the Town’s traffic calming program.  

3. 2/28/23: Community members asked about the installation of a traffic light at Rte. 1 and Jamestown Road.

The Town Manager indicated that a light has been considered, but is a long ways off from being warranted at this time. He shared that it is more likely a light will be installed at Archie Cannon Road and Rte. 1 in the relatively near future.  The Public Works Director talked about traffic signal warrants, which are the set of requirements that should be met to install a traffic light.  He indicated traffic volumes and accident thresholds have not been met at the location and based on current traffic volumes and patterns he did not expect them to be met soon.  The Town Manager asked the Public Works Director to research if there is a waiver process to the warrants needed for a signal.

Follow Up: Public Works indicates traffic signals should only be installed when meeting nationally recognized traffic warrants, which there are 9.  Problems created by an unwarranted signal include excessive delay, increased rerouting of traffic to less appropriate roads or intersections, higher crash rates and disobedience of the traffic signal.     The warrants that apply to this type of intersection are the ones dealing with traffic volumes, accident history, and pedestrian volumes.  None of those warrants are currently met to install a traffic signal at that intersection.   We will monitor the intersection to see when it is warranted and with keeping in mind that we would need to budget for around $500,000.00 at today’s costs. 

4. 2/28/23: Community members asked about paving of Jamestown Road and implied that the lack of paving of the street could be due to discrimination.

Mr. Jennings shared the history of paving on the road (last done in 2011) and surrounding roads.  He also shared that paving of roads is based upon a combination of planned paving of roads every 10-15 years combined with annual evaluation of the condition of various roads done by VDOT and Town staff.  He indicated the next paving of Jamestown Road was scheduled for a few years from now.  The Town Manager indicated he would work with the Public Works Director and Town Council through FY24 budget process to move paving of Jamestown Road up the priority list.  

Follow Up: While the road is still in good condition and not in immediate need of repaving staff have moved another road down the priority list and Jamestown Road up the list so that paving will occur in this fiscal year (that means it will be done by June 30, 2023.)  This repaving will occur along the entire length of Jamestown Road.  

5. 2/28/23: Community members asked about the possible installation of sidewalks along Jamestown Road.

The Town Manager and Public Works Director shared that this was a topic of conversation in 2011 as well, and that Town Council had gone so far as to budget to construct sidewalks.  As part of planning for that project the Town surveyed members of the community about whether they wanted sidewalks in their community and whether they would be willing to donate/work with the Town to provide the necessary right of way (ROW) to construct the sidewalk.  Due to the historic development of Jamestown Road there is insufficient ROW to build a five foot sidewalk which would necessitate working with the neighbors.   Based on survey results and a perceived lack of willingness of neighbors to work with the Town to provide ROW the sidewalk project was abandoned at that time.  Town staff indicated they would welcome the opportunity to budget and construct a sidewalk in the neighborhood, but it would require a very significant amount of cooperation by the neighborhood to address the ROW issue.

Follow Up: Jamestown Road is still not on the sidewalk priority list based on history.  If residents would like to get a sidewalk on the list Town staff request that a group of neighborhood citizens agree to work with the Town on location, need, and siting of a future sidewalk.  Please reach out to Martha Miller at mmiller@ashlandva.gov if you would like to volunteer.  

Beyond a sidewalk the Town’s contractor will widen Jamestown to the greatest extent possible while paving.  Unfortunately, due to limited right of way this will likely only gain an additional six inches.  

6. 2/28/23: One community member indicated someone was regularly sitting far back on Lacy Drive and had told residents he was “monitoring trains”.

Ashland police indicated this was not a Town staff person and was done without staff knowledge.  If community members would like the police to speak with the individual they will need to contact APD when the individual is there so police can take appropriate action.

7. 2/28/23: Community members asked why children from Jamestown Road do not track to Ashland schools even though they are Town of Ashland residents.

The Ashland District Representative to the Board of Supervisors for Hanover County, Faye Prichard, attempted to provide some information, but committed to find out and share information for community members.  Mayor Steve Trivett provided some basic background information about census and population changes and the various borders that make up Ashland.

Follow Up: The  following response was received from Assistant Superintendent Chris Whitely:

“School attendance zones have been established and unchanged for quite some time across Hanover County. While we are not aware of any significant adjustments to attendance zones in over a decade, according to “A History of Education in Hanover County”, a book published in 2010, in 2006-07 new elementary school zones were established for Kersey Creek Elementary School, which opened in September 2006, and the zones for Pearson’s Corner, Washington-Henry, Henry Clay, and John M. Gandy elementary schools were modified at that time. Laurel Meadow Elementary School opened in September 2008, also requiring a shift in zones. Since these are Hanover County owned and operated schools, they serve students throughout the county, so attendance zones are not specific to the Town of Ashland. The established attendance zones generally align with major roadways (i.e., Interstate 95, Route 1, Route 301, Route 54, Route 360, etc.) and account for density in housing to help avoid overcrowding within our schools. The established attendance zones balance student enrollment with available capacity within each of our schools, which is continually monitored and evaluated to determine if any boundary adjustments may be necessary to maintain this balance.” 

8. 2/28/23: Community members discussed their frustration with some specific zoning cases, but also asked the larger question of who decides whether something can or cannot be built.

Staff indicated they were not in a position to discuss individual cases at this meeting, but would be happy to sit down and research answers to specific concerns at a later date.  On the larger question staff and Mayor Trivett explained that it is a combination of Town zoning rules (and thus Town Planning staff) and the Hanover County Building Department that determine what can and cannot be built.  Mayor Trivett explained that zoning classifications are uniform across the Town rather than based upon the individual neighborhood.   For example, if most of your neighborhood is zoned R-1 and another neighborhood on the other side of Town is zoned R-1 then the standards for both neighborhoods are exactly the same.  

9. 2/28/23: A resident asked about a building permit for their home that has not been released by the Town.

Town staff checked and there are no outstanding building permits subsequent to the court case involving this property.  The Town’s Planning & Community Development Director will call the individual to clarify and discuss the issue.

10. 2/28/23: A resident inquired of what could be done about a horrible sewerage smell in the area.

Ashland Police Department were aware of the smell and will reach out to Hanover Public Utilities on the communities behalf.  

Follow Up: Chief Aronhalt subsequently called Hanover County Department of Public Utilities and their staff responded to change media filters on Monday March 6, 2023.

11. 2/28/23: Can the Town review various old, decaying or leaning trees along the ROW for safety and possible removal?

Ashland Public Works will review the area for concerning branches and trees.   If in the public ROW the Town will address problems.  If on private property they will speak with the property owner.

Follow Up:  Staff reviewed the roadway and found the dead trees mentioned at the meeting across from 10194 Jamestown Road.  Staff has already removed the dead trees.  As far as branches go, they seemed to be alive, having buds on them, and did not seem to be a concern of falling.  Staff will continue to monitor the roadway corridor and remove any trees or branches as necessary.  We will also work with homeowners if tress are located outside the right-of-way.

12. 2/28/23: Can a streetlight be installed on Jamestown Road between Rte 1 and the I-95 bridge? Residents feel it is dark and a potential safety issue?

Ashland Public Works will evaluate the conditions and needs for a streetlight.

Follow Up: The Town typically only installs street lights along neighborhood streets and this portion of Jamestown Road is commercial and industrial in nature.  Street lights installed in industrial and commercial areas are typically done by the business.  If Jamestown residents would like a light installed on this portion of the road please reconfirm your desire for such by emailing Mrs. Martha Miller at mmiller@ashlandva.gov.  

Show All Answers

1. How do I get an appointment to speak with the mayor?

Call the Main Office number at (804) 798-9219 and tell the staff what it is you need to talk about with the Mayor. Often, problems and concerns can be better handled by other town staff who have direct oversight for that particular area of concern. Also, sometimes it is more appropriate to be talking to your Town Council representatives. The town staff will help guide you through the process.

2. Who are my Town Council representatives?

For information about your representatives on Town Council and how to contact them, click on the following link: Town Council. 

Show All Answers

1. How do I rent the Carter Park picnic shelter?

The rental application can be found on the Carter Park web page, as follows: Carter Park. Payment must be submitted to Finance Office before the shelter can be reserved. 

2. How do I get a pool pass?

An online pool pass application, pricing, a financial assistance application, etc. can be found on the Carter Park Pool webpage, as follows: Carter Park Pool. 

3. How do I rent Carter Park Pool?

Carter Park Pool can be reserved for private events from 8-11 PM every day but Friday, and it can be reserved for a private event from 9-11 PM on Fridays. Please contact the pool manager by phone at 798-2520  or by email for details and scheduling. The pool manager's email address is, as follows: Anthony Crews. The pool reservation form can be found on the Carter Park Pool webpage, as follows: Carter Park Pool.

Show All Answers

1. Can I change the zoning or Comprehensive Plan designation of my property?

Zone changes and Comprehensive Plan amendments require Planning Commission review and the approval of the Town Council. Zone changes require a Comprehensive Plan amendment if the proposed zoning designation is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.

2. What are setbacks?

The term setback means the required distance separating a building or structure from a property line. Setback regulations for buildings are included in the Zoning Ordinance. For more information, please view the Ashland Town Code.

3. What businesses can I operate on my property?

First, determine the zoning district your property is located in by checking the town's zoning map or calling the Planning Department at (804) 798-1073.

Next, look up the permitted uses for your zoning district. If your use is not listed in the permitted use section, check the conditional use section to determine if your use requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP).

4. How do you determine the assessment of my property?

The Town of Ashland does not assess property. Assessments within the Town are provided by the Hanover County Assessor's Office.

Hanover County Assessor's Office

5. How do I obtain a building permit?

If you wish to obtain a building permit, initially contact the Town's Planning Department for zoning information on your property. The Town will then help you through the Hanover County Building Inspector's process for obtaining a permit.

Visit the Hanover Building Inspector's Office

6. What is the process for submitting an application for any development activity (i.e., rezoning, conditional use permit, site development plan)?

Prior to submitting an application, a pre-application meeting should be scheduled with the Planning Department. Please contact the Planning Department at (804) 798-1073 to schedule a pre-application meeting.

7. How do I connect to public water and sewer?

Hanover County maintains the public water and sewer system in the town. Please contact the Hanover County Department of Public Utilities at (804) 365-6024 for information about connecting to the public water and sewer system.

Hanover County Department of Public Utilities

Show All Answers

1. How do I get a copy of my driving record?

Driving records are maintained by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To obtain a certified copy of your driving record, contact DMV at (804) 497-7100.

2. How do I get a copy of an accident report?

For a copy of an accident report, please contact the Police Department at (804) 798-1227 or come by the Police Department at 601 England Street between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

3. If my keys are locked in my vehicle, can the Ashland Police open my vehicle for me?

No, however, the Ashland Police Department will assist you in obtaining the services necessary, such as certified locksmith, to unlock your vehicle.

Show All Answers

1. How can I stay informed on what is happening in the community?

To stay informed on what is happening in the community, sign up for email notifications.

Show All Answers

1. How do I find information on open bids for the town?

You may view and bid on open projects for the town visiting Bid Postings

2. How do I find out what town roads are closed due to construction?

You can find out about road closures here:

Alert Center - Traffic Alerts

3. When will my street be cleaned?

Residential streets within the Ashland limits are swept at various times throughout the year. For more information, please contact Public Works at (804) 752-6875.

Show All Answers

1. How do I respond to Town RFP's and invitations for bids?

The Town issues bids throughout the year for goods and services. To view current opportunities please visit our bids posting page. Bids Posting Page

2. How can I become a vendor for the town?

Vendors who are interested in selling products and services to the Town can request the requirements and opportunities from Purchasing.

Show All Answers

1. Does the Town Attorney's Office represent private citizens?

No. The Town Attorney’s Office does not represent individuals in private legal matters. the town attorney represents the town's elected officials and staff, town departments, and the town's independent boards and commissions.

Show All Answers

1. Can I request public records from Ashland?

Public records, Town Council resolutions and ordinances, and other information can be requested by submitting the Records and Information Request Form to the Town Clerk's Office. Historical information is not available from the Town Clerk's Office. View the Records and Information Request Form.

2. I sustained an injury / damage and the town is responsible, what do I do?

If you have sustained an injury or damage for which you believe the town or one of its employees is responsible, you may file a claim against the town.

3. How do I find information about upcoming or past town meetings?

The Town of Ashland lists the schedule of Town Council meetings, Planning Commission meetings, Economic Development Authority meetings, and Parks and Recreation Committee meetings on the Town Meetings web page. On this page, you may watch meetings in progress, read or download agendas of upcoming and past meetings, read or download minutes of past meetings, and download or watch recordings of past meetings. 

4. How do I contact a member of Town Council?

The Contact information for each member of Town Council can be accessed by clicking on the following link: Town Council. 

5. How do I apply for a seat on a board, commission, or committee?

The application for Ashland boards, commissions, and committees can be accessed by clicking on the following link: Application. 

6. How do I participate at a Town Council meeting?

At every Town Council meeting, Citizens are encouraged to discuss concerns or ideas unrelated to upcoming items on the agenda during "Citizen Input." If you would like to speak about a specific agenda item, every "Public Hearing" includes a time for citizen input.  Town Council often opens the floor for citizen input during other portions of the meeting, as well. 

Show All Answers

1. How do I get an appointment to speak with the mayor?

Call the Main Office number at (804) 798-9219 and tell the staff what it is you need to talk about with the Mayor. Often, problems and concerns can be better handled by other town staff who have direct oversight for that particular area of concern. Also, sometimes it is more appropriate to be talking to your Town Council representatives. The town staff will help guide you through the process.

2. How do I find information about upcoming or past town meetings?

The Town of Ashland lists the schedule of Town Council meetings, Planning Commission meetings, Economic Development Authority meetings, and Parks and Recreation Committee meetings on the Town Meetings web page. On this page, you may watch meetings in progress, read or download agendas of upcoming and past meetings, read or download minutes of past meetings, and download or watch recordings of past meetings. 

3. How do I participate at a Town Council meeting?

At every Town Council meeting, Citizens are encouraged to discuss concerns or ideas unrelated to upcoming items on the agenda during "Citizen Input." If you would like to speak about a specific agenda item, every "Public Hearing" includes a time for citizen input.  Town Council often opens the floor for citizen input during other portions of the meeting, as well.