Frequently Asked Questions

Duke Energy - Electric

Spectrum - Cable and Internet

AT&T - Telephone Service

Piedmont Natural Gas - Gas

No, the community room is only for residents who live and own property inside Conover City Limits.

828-465-8200

For Renters

• Customer will have to come into the office and apply for service. To initiate service same day you must appear in office before 2:30pm.
• Applications for service can be obtained at City Hall, or by clicking here.
• Customer must provide application, mailing and service address, date of birth, driver's license or other form of identification, social security number and phone number.
• Customer must provide a copy of executed lease.
• Customer must pay deposit and service initiation fee to start service. (See Schedule of Fees (PDF) for Rate Information)

For Owners

• Customer can apply in person, or email executed offer to purchase or executed closing papers to conoverwater@hpeprint.com Please contact our office 10 minutes after submission to confirm receipt of your application.
• Applications for service can be obtained at City Hall, or by visiting our Forms.
• Customer must provide application, mailing and service address, date of birth, driver's license or other form of identification, social security number, and phone number.
• Customer must provide a copy of the executed offer to purchase or executed closing disclosure.
• Customer must pay deposit and service initiation fee to start service.  (See Schedule of Fees (PDF) for Rate Information)

For Businesses/Builders

• Before applying for service, please check with planning and zoning department first. 
• Customer must provide application, mailing and service address,  driver's license or other photo identification with signature, Tax ID#, date of birth, phone numbers.
• Applications for service can be obtained at City Hall, or by visiting our Forms.
• Customer must provide a copy of the executed offer to purchase, or executed closing disclosure, if renting please provide copy of executed lease. 
• Customer must pay deposit along with service initiation fee to start service. (See Schedule of Fees (PDF) for Rate Information)

Please visit our page Pay Your Water Bill

• Due - 10th of each month
• Past Due - After the 26th of each month
• Cut-Off - On the 27th of each month or next working day (cut-off date does not apply to returned checks)

In early 2000, the City of Conover installed an automated system for reading water meters. This new technology utilizes radio-based remote reading devices to read meters electronically. System meters are read by a mobile transceiver located in a vehicle as it passes by the electronic registers and meter interface transmitters located at each service connection. With this system, meter readers do not have to get out of the truck and physically remove the meter lid and read the meter. If meters are covered by cars, snow etc. they can still be read on the initial trip. Once the readings are collected, the information is transferred into the utility billing system electronically.

This system will improve the city's efficiency and productivity. Staffing decreased from two people, 12 days per month, to one person, 3 days per month, reducing demands on personnel and transportation costs. Automated reading accuracy will reduce rechecks/rereads by approximately 90% thus improving customer service performance and overall productivity. Such a system enables the City to add utility customers with very little impact on the meter reading activity as the utility system continues to grow. The cost of the automated reading system was approximately $807,000 which realizes a 9 year payback of capital costs as the average monthly reading cost has dropped from.76 to.15 per meter.

This improvement is an excellent example of how technology is being utilized to reduce demands on funding and personnel while improving the City's ability to provide a high level of service to its customers.

Water is chlorinated - this process kills any bacteria that may be present. Water is fluoridated - this process adds the compound fluoride, which assists in reducing tooth decay.

Water provided by the City is considered soft water (free of mineral content).

Please see the schedule of fees (PDF) for current rates.

The City of Conover purchases water from the City of Hickory, which treats surface water from Lake Hickory on the Catawba River. Conover owns 3 million gallons per day capacity and currently uses approximately 1.6 million gallons per day, serving some 4,600 customers. The City owns, operates and maintains its own distribution system that consists of approximately 105 miles of lines and two 1 million-gallon water storage tanks.

Mailing

Conover Public Works Department
P.O. Box 549
Conover NC 28613

Physical

Conover Public Works Department
939 4th Street SW
Conover NC 28613

Phone: 828-464-4808

828-464-3112 Catawba County Communications

Please see the schedule of fees (PDF) for current rates.

Duke Energy - Electric

Spectrum - Cable and Internet

AT&T - Telephone Service

Piedmont Natural Gas - Gas

7 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday

Household garbage, recycling, and small yard debris are collected curbside on the same service day and must be placed at the curbside by 5 am on the day of collection.

Collection Map (JPG)

Brian Bradshaw, Public Works Utilities Director, at 828-464-4808

If you find that none of the drains in your house are properly draining, call the City of Conover first. We will investigate to see if the City's collection line is clogged. If it is clogged we will unclog it immediately at no cost to you. If it is running freely we will notify you so you may call a plumber to unclog your pipes or tap.

Water

The City is responsible for all main lines and service connections to the meter box or vault. Meter components and cut-offs located within the box are also maintained by the City. Service connections beyond the meter are the responsibility of the customer.

Sewer

The City is responsible for all sewer collectors and outfalls located within right-of-way and easements. Maintenance of sewer service lines extended to the mains is the responsibility of the owner/customer. The City may assist with maintenance of the service connection where properly installed cleanouts are provided at the right-of-way.

For after hours, weekend, or holiday occurrences, please call the Communications Center at 828-464-3112.

The untreated wastewater flows by gravity through the sewer lines from houses, commercial, and industrial sites all over Conover. After it is safely treated it is discharged into the streams that run through our City.

Properly operated treatment facilities have a musty odor but generally do not produce an offensive odor.

Yes. We are happy to schedule tours of our Treatment Plants for your school or civic group. Our Water Pollution Control Specialist will also visit your location to present programs on "how our water is recycled". For more information or to schedule a visit, contact the Wastewater Treatment Division at 828-465-2279.

You may check out the City of Conover's NEWWTP website which may supply you with job openings and educational opportunities in our field.

Call or stop by the Planning Department. Planning Staff can tell you what your property is zoned as well as the permitted uses, setbacks, etc.

You may also look at our Zoning Map (PDF) to identify what your property is zoned. If you still have questions, please give us a call and we can help anytime!

To rezone a parcel of land, a Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning) application must be filled out. The fee to apply for rezoning is $400. The request will go before the Planning Board at the next scheduled meeting. The Planning Board will hear the request along with the staff's recommendation and will then make a recommendation to the City Council which will vote whether the request is appropriate or not. Any citizen interested in rezoning their property is encouraged to discuss and meet with the Planning Department. To begin the process of rezoning your property, please fill out the application (PDF).

The costs for various permits are outlined in the following table:

* - Applicants are responsible for reimbursing the cost of city engineer review fees for applicable submitted projects. Applicant will be billed by the City of Conover. Applicant is also responsible for any recording feeds for required plats/deeds with Catawba County Register of Deeds. 

The first step to opening a business in Conover is to stop by the Planning Department. Planning Staff will make sure that your type of business is permitted where you want to locate. All forms and checklists you will need to open a business are located in the Planning Department. You will need a Certificate of Occupancy to open a business in Conover. This is our version of a business license.

No, if your business is located in the Conover city limits, solicits business in the Conover city limits or performs a service in the Conover city limits, a privilege license is not required. You will need a Certificate of Occupancy to do business in Conover though. Please see our Permits, Fees, and Forms page for this.

Peddlers, or temporary merchants, must be approved by the Police Department. 

Yes, you will need a permit to put up a fence on your property. 

Fences are not allowed in the front yard, but are allowed in the side and rear yards. Fences can be placed on the property lines.  The Planning Department recommends that a survey of your property be completed to make sure that you build the fence on your property.  Fences can be a maximum of 8 feet high in the side and back yards and is not permitted in the front yard.

Please see the link for the fence code: Conover Fence Code

Yes, a permit is required to protect the interests of you and your neighbors. Even if the building is a pre-fab building bought at a home improvement store, it still requires a zoning permit. If the building is longer than twelve (12) feet on any side, Catawba County will require a permit in addition to the Conover Zoning Permit. 

Utility Buildings must be located in the back yard and five (5) from the rear and side property lines (12.5 feet if on a corner lot), five (5) from an other building on the property, and twenty (20) feet away from your neighbor's home. 

Yes, sign permits are one of the most common we see in the Planning Department. A sign permit is required for each sign (even if refacing existing) to ensure you are in compliance with the Sign Ordinance.  A link to the Sign Ordinance is below.  Please review the ordinance to ensure the proposed sign will be in compliance.  When submitting a sign permit, a color rendering of the sign with measurements must be included for Staff to approve the permit.  Sign permits may be dropped off in the Planning Department or e-mailed to planning staff.

Conover Sign Ordinance

No, a zoning permit is not needed for a yard sale. However, residents are limited to two yard sales per year.

No, signs are not allowed in the right-of-way or on utility poles. Only on-premise signs are allowed with a permit. This regulation prevents safety hazards associated with temporary signs obstructing vision at intersections. This can cause unnecessary traffic accidents. In addition, these signs are unsightly and have a negative effect on the appearance of our community.

Yes, all complaints are anonymous. If you have a complaint you can fill out the online report form or call the Planning Department at 828-464-1191.

In the event of an emergency requiring Police, Fire or Emergency Medical Service call 911. This call will go directly to the Catawba County Communications Center. The Communications Center is an Enhanced 911 Center that displays pertinent information to the dispatcher when he/she answers the phone.

Non-emergency calls may be directed to the Police Department at 828-464-4698 during business hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Holidays, after-hours or weekend non-emergency calls should be directed to the Communications Center’s non-emergency number, 828-464-3112. The Police Department phone is forwarded to the Communications Center during non-service hours in the event that number is called. 

A copy of the report may be obtained, free of charge, from the Police Department Records Section during normal business hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. To obtain a report by mail, please send the request and a check for $3 made payable to the City of Conover to PO Box 549, Conover, NC. 28613. When requesting a copy of a report please provide the date of the incident and the name of at least one of the parties involved.

There is no legal requirement for a driver to report to their insurance company that he/she has been involved in a traffic accident. The normal procedure is for driver involved to inform their insurance company of the accident. Your insurance agent will then guide you through the process of filing a claim. The accident report will have insurance information for all the parties involved. In the event the other driver does not notify their insurance company, you or your agent can forward a copy of the report to the insurance company.

North Carolina defines a "Reportable Crash" as follows:

Section 20-4.01.(33b) Reportable Crash. – A crash involving a motor vehicle that results in one or more of the following:

    Death or injury of a human being.

    Total property damage of one thousand dollars ($ 1,000) or more… 

Conover Police Officers, if called, will investigate accidents with damage less than $ 1,000 or accidents in public parking areas. These reports are forwarded to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles and may affect your automobile insurance rates. 

The creation and continuation of any loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises in the city is hereby prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to cause, make or contribute to creating any loud or disturbing noise of such character, intensity or duration as to be detrimental to the life or health of any individual, or such noises as disturb the quiet and peace of any citizen of the city. The following acts, among others, are declared to be loud, disturbing, annoying and unnecessary noises in violation of this section, but such enumeration shall not be deemed to be exclusive.

Link to Conover's Noise Ordinance: https://library.municode.com/nc/conover/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH16OF_S16-13NO

Whether you are a resident, business owner or even a kid, there are many things you can do to reduce stormwater pollution. In addition to the suggestions below, there are many internet resources available for you to learn about stormwater, its impacts and how your can get involved.

 Information for Homeowners and Residents

When you buy a home, you become responsible for the condition of the house, the yard and sometimes a septic system. All of these elements can contribute to stormwater runoff and pollution. Even if you are just renting the house, there are things you can do to reduce polluted stormwater.

Home Maintenance

• Use non-toxic cleaners or cleaners with the least amounts of toxins.
• Make sure all chemicals are properly stored.
• Never dump chemicals or cleaners into a storm drain.
• Keep trash cans closed to prevent animals from scattering trash.
• Sweep sidewalks, driveways and gutters instead of spraying them with a hose.
• Make sure you septic systems are properly maintained. Use qualified, licensed contractors to have your septic tank pumped out on a regular basis. This should be done every one to three years.

Vehicle Maintenance

• Perform regular maintenance on your vehicle to prevent fluids such as oil and antifreeze from entering the storm drain. If you change your oil yourself, dispose of the used oil responsibly.
• Clean any spilled fluids with rags or kitty litter. Dispose of the waste at a hazardous waste collection site.
• Store hazardous materials properly in the original, closed container.

Yard Maintenance

• Plant more trees and shrubs! Trees absorb water and minimize erosion. Make sure you choose native plants so they will live a long, healthy life.
• Do not rake leaves or grass into the street, gutter or storm drain.
• Don’t mow your grass too short. Grass that is less than 3 inches tends to be weaker and may die, allowing bare patches that increase runoff.
• Use organic or non-toxic fertilizers and pesticides. Do not over-fertilize or fertilize before a rainstorm. You’ll waste money and harm the environment. Talk with your lawn supply provider to determine the right amount of fertilizer and the correct time of the year to apply it.
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn or compost them. Clippings release nitrogen into the soil and you won’t have to fertilize as much.
• When you walk your dog, be sure to pick up after him. Pet waste causes water pollution too!

• Make sure that the storm drains in your parking lot are not clogged.
• Collect trash so that it does not wash into our streams or spill chemicals.
• Have your lawn care providers practice responsible yard maintenance techniques.
• Pour washwater into a janitorial or mop sink – never into the street or gutter.
• Recycle grease and oil – don’t pour it into sinks or floor drains.
• Keep your vehicles in good repair so they don’t drip oil or other fluids.
• Report chemical spills immediately to the proper authorities
• Keep dumpster area clean and the lid closed – don’t fill it with liquid waste or hose it out.
• Minimize waste by using non-disposable or recycled and recyclable containers.

One of the most important things you can do as a citizen is to report any stormwater pollution you see. We have an Online Reporting Tool (Stormwater Reporting Tool) available for use. Additionally reports can also be sent to jack.cline@wpcog.org, or leave a voicemail at 828.485.4222 (for fastest response times please use reporting tool or email). 

To report a possible violation to the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act:

Call 1-866-STOPMUD or visit the North Carolina Environmental Quality Sediment and Control page for more information.

To report a possible illicit discharge to the City stormwater system:

Call 828-464-1191 or 828-464-4808.

Photographic evidence of the discharge is crucial for us to be able to take any enforcement actions, so if any photos can be taken during the discharge please provide them to the stormwater admin at the above email.

Stormwater runoff is water from rain or melting snow that “runs off” across the land instead of seeping into the ground. This runoff usually flows into the nearest stream, creek, river, lake or ocean without being treated in any way.

As the saying goes, “we all live downstream.” Polluted stormwater runoff is the number one cause of non-point source water pollution in North Carolina! It is much more expensive to clean up polluted water for drinking than it is to use clean water. Furthermore, too much sediment and fertilizers cover up fish habitats and can cause algae blooms which use up the oxygen the fish need to survive.

Increased quantities of stormwater also pose a major problem in urban areas. Stormwater cannot infiltrate impervious surfaces such as roads, roofs, parking lots and driveways so it runs quickly into the storm drain or stream. This high volume of fast-moving water picks up more dirt, grass, pet waste and chemicals and washes these pollutants directly into our streams.

No. They are two separate systems. Wastewater from homes, industries, etc. travel through the sewer system and are treated at sewage treatment plants before being reused or discharged into water bodies. Stormwater runoff that enters the storm drain system flows directly into creeks, streams, rivers and lakes without any treatment.

Any illicit discharge is any unauthorized discharge that contains anything other than stormwater, unless it is specifically exempt. Illicit discharges include pollutants dumped directly into the storm drain or illegal connections to the storm sewer systems (such as a commercial floor drain or washing machine). The most common types of discharges specifically exempt from regulation include landscape irrigation or lawn watering, air condition condensation pumps, non-commercial washing of vehicles including charity car washes, firefighting activities, etc.

The federal Clean Water Act requires cities and towns across the US to take steps to reduce polluted stormwater runoff. The first phase of this program addressed large cities. The second phase, “Phase II”, requires medium and small cities within urban areas to reduce stormwater. The program, which is administered by the North Carolina Division of Water Quality, has 6 major components:

• Public education and outreach
• Public involvement and participation
• Illicit discharge detection and elimination
• Controlling construction site runoff
• Controlling post-construction runoff
• Good housekeeping for municipal operations

All City parks are open to the public from 5am to 11pm 7 days a week.

We use top of the line equipment to ensure the best quality appearance for the City of Conover. Our zero maintenance/zero turn Promaster 260 Z 25 Hp and Promaster 300 20HP with 60 inch decks can cut up to 3 acres of grass an hour. With the zero maintenance spindles and tungsten carbide blades, this reduces daily maintenance by up to 30 minutes per day. According to statistics at an average labor rate per hour of $40.00, the reduced 30 minutes per day for 200 days would be a savings of $4,000.00 in one year per mower. This creates more productivity and lower costs.

The City of Conover has adopted a policy for the placement of trees and benches, as memorials to loved ones. Trees currently permitted by the City include Red, Pink, or White Dogwood, Newport Flowering Plum and Kwanzan Flowering Cherry. Trees are planted by the city and maintained for a period of two (2) years. Trees may only be planted from September 15th through November 15th and from February 1st through April 1st. Benches must be made of granite, marble, or stone and be installed by the supplier. Memorials may be placed in the Conover Cemetery, Hunsucker Park, Southwest Park, Travis Park, and Hines Park. For further information regarding the criteria and costs for the memorial program, please contact Melinda Hahn, Grounds Supervisor at (828) 464-4808 or Conover City Hall at (828) 464-1191.

The definition of Pesticide is "an agent used to destroy pests". Pests can be considered weeds or insects. Under the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program, before using pesticides we evaluate the pests and all other methods of removing the pests before the use of pesticides. Also, we use the least toxic pesticides possible, similar to those used by many residents around their homes. All safety precautions are followed by reading the directions for use on the container. However, because the City must follow strict safety regulations, you may see our staff dressed in a white "Ghost Buster suit". Please don't let their appearance be misleading. We only use toxic chemicals after all pests have been evaluated and all other methods have been used.