Richmond County Water System

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My roof was damaged during the recent hailstorm. What guidelines should my contractor follow?

The entire Rockingham area experienced significant hail damage in June 2023. Unlike typical storms that affect small sections of communities, this event damaged most skylights and even hail-resistant solar panels. The county has issued over 4,500 permits for roof replacements this year due to storm damage.

The local authorities have hired five additional full-time roofing inspectors and three who work evenings and weekends. Two inspectors are fluent in Spanish to better assist all community members. Officials are working to educate roofing contractors about proper mid-roof inspection protocols.

With over 100 roofing permit applications being submitted daily, the county hired four additional administrative staff to manage the backlog. For detailed information about building and inspection guidelines your contractor should follow, please visit the county website.

Why can utility companies access my property?

Utility companies can only perform work within dedicated utility easements on your property. Access across non-encumbered private property requires homeowner approval. An easement is a permanent right authorizing a specific party (like water utilities, cable providers) to use a defined portion of your property for specific purposes.

These easements are typically established during development planning and are shown on property plats. Easements may also be added later through separate legal instruments. Residents can view plats showing easement locations through the County's online mapping resources or request assistance interpreting plat information at the Public Works Department.