Resource Directory

CHILDCARE
Childcare Resources Inc. (CCRI) provides a wide variety of information to help parents and families find early learning and school-age child care services.
Main phone ..................................704.376.6697
Child care search ..........................704-348-2181
Web site ..............www.childcareresourcesinc.org

DRIVING

DRIVER’S LICENSE

• Newcomers must obtain a North Carolina driver’s license within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence.
• You will be required to provide proof of your full name, age and social security number; proof of liability insurance coverage; and proof of residency.
• N.C. has a graduated licensing program for drivers age 15 to 18. After age 20, licenses are renewed every five years.
• For a list of acceptable documentation (for proof of identity, liability coverage and residency) and DMV locations, please visit the N.C. Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles Web site at www.ncdot.org/dmv or call DMV directAccess at 919.715.7000.

AUTO REGISTRATION AND LICENSE PLATES

• Newcomers must obtain an N.C. driver’s license before registering a vehicle.
• Newcomers must register motor vehicles. Vehicle registrations from other states usually remain valid for 30 days, but this time period varies depending on your prior state of residence.
• You must provide the title and a valid registration card from the state of prior registration.
• Fees for private passenger vehicles include a $35 title fee and a $20 registration fee.
• Registration must be renewed annually.
• Vehicle must receive an annual safety and emissions inspection that costs $30. Inspection stations are usually found at service stations, car dealerships and auto repair shops.

DRIVING RULES & REGULATIONS

• Charlotte citywide speed limit is 35 mph unless otherwise posted. Speed limit in school zones is 25 mph. Statewide speed limit is 55 mph unless otherwise posted.
• Seatbelts are mandatory for all front-seat passengers.
• Child restraint devices are mandatory for children less than eight years old and lighter than 80 pounds. Children between 40 and 80 pounds can be secured with a belt-positioning booster seat.
They must also sit in the back seat if the vehicle has an active passenger-side air bag and a rear seat.
• Children under age 16 must use a seat belt or child passenger restraint system at all times, whether in the front or back seat. Placing the shoulder belt under the child’s (or adult’s) arm or behind the back is illegal.
• Vehicles must stop for school buses loading or unloading.
• Drivers must burn their headlights when using windshield wipers.
• Motorcyclists must wear helmets and burn headlights at all times.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs carries severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines and the loss of driver’s license.

EMERGENCIES & RELATED SERVICES
Police/Fire/MEDIC (emergencies) ..................911
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
(non-emergency)............................................311
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fire Department
(non-emergency)............................................311
Children & Family Services Center ....704.943.9400
Crime Stoppers ..............................704.334.1600
Crisis Counseling ..........................704.358.2800
Dangerous Dogs ............................................311
FBI ................................................704.377.9200
N.C. Highway Patrol ......................704.547.0042
Mecklenburg EMS Agency ............704.943.6000
Mental Health Information ............704.366.6404
Poison Control ......704.355.4000, 800.222.1222
Rape Crisis ....................................704.375.9900
Shelter for Battered Women ..........704.332.2513
United Way information & referral services ......211

GOVERNMENT

NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina government is based on the federal structure, with executive, legislative and judicial branches located in the state capital, Raleigh. For more information on state government or services, visit www.ncgov.com.

CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG

• The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are each governed by bipartisan councils – the Charlotte City Council and the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners.
• The city manager is appointed by City Council and oversees day-to-day operations of the city. The city’s mayor works with City Council to establish general city policies.
• The county manager is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and oversees the day-to-day operations of the county.
• City Council and Board of County Commissioners meetings are open to the public and televised on live cable channel 16.
• For all questions relating to Charlotte and Mecklenburg County government or services, visit www.charmeck.org or call:
  in Mecklenburg County ............................311
  From outside the county ..........704.336.7600

LIBRARY
The Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) operates 24 branches, including several regional libraries with advanced computer and business services and ImaginOn, an interactive learning facility with state-of-the-art technology, performance spaces, classrooms and a teen center. Most locations are equipped with WIFI access.
Main phone ..................................704.336.2725
ImaginOn ......................................704.973.2780
Web site ......................................www.plcmc.org

PETS
Newcomers must obtain animal licenses for their dogs, cats and ferrets within 30 days of establishing residency. All dogs, cats and ferrets more than four months old must be vaccinated for rabies, and proof of vaccination is required to purchase a license. License fees are discounted for pets that have been neutered or spayed. Pet owners must keep pets on a leash or within a fence, and dog owners are required to clean up after their pets.

PHILANTHROPY
Charlotte is well known for its philanthropic spirit, and newcomers often find that getting involved is a great way to meet people with similar interests. In addition to helping those in need find services to help them, the United Way of Central Carolinas offers an information service to help people find volunteer opportunities to give back to the community. Cell phone callers can reach the United Way toll-free at 1-866-744-7778. United Way of Central Carolinas....................211

POSTAL SERVICE
Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or go to www.usps.gov to fill out a change of address form or to find the post office nearest you.

RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
Charlotte, which has more than 1,000 houses of worship, is often known as the "City of Churches." Religious and spiritual organizations often form the nucleus of community life for Charlotte residents and offer a variety of activities and opportunities for members of all ages. And Mecklenburg Ministries coordinates interfaith activities to build understanding and cooperation across Charlotte’s diverse spiritual community. Assistance finding a spiritual community near you may be available from one of the denominational headquarters located in the area.

AME Zion ......................................704.599.4630
Advent Christian............................704.545.6161
Baptist............................................704.375.1197
Catholic ........................................704.370.6299
Christian & Missionary Alliance ....704.543.0470
Church of God ..............................704.717.0506
Church of the Nazarene ................704.540.8300
Church of Religious Science ..........704.531.7993
Episcopal ......................................800.448.8775
Greek Orthodox ............................704.334.4771
Hindu Center of Charlotte ............704-607-8412
Islamic Society of Greater Charlotte ....704.536.2016
Jewish ............................................704.366.5007
Lutheran ........................................704.372.7317
Mecklenburg Ministries..................704.347.2404
Moravian........................................704.334.1381
Presbyterian (USA) ........................704.535.9999
Seventh-Day Adventist ..................704.596.3200
Unitarian........................................704.549.0750
United Methodist Church ..............704.525.3395

TAXES

PROPERTY TAX

• Real property tax rates are based on 100 percent of the fair-market value and are due on September 1 each year. Assessments occur every four to eight years.
• Property located within the corporate limits of the City of Charlotte is taxed by both the city and county. The state does not levy a property tax.
• Property tax statements for car owners are sent out within three months of registration renewals and are due by the first day of the fourth month following renewal.
• Property taxes fund police protection, public transportation, parks, public schools, libraries, restaurant inspections, and health and welfare programs.
• For more information, call Char-Meck 311.

SALES TAX

• A 4.25 percent state tax plus a 3.0 percent local tax makes up the 7.25 percent Mecklenburg County sales tax. Prepared food purchases carry an additional 1 percent tax, and hotel room occupancy rates carry an additional 6 percent tax.

INCOME TAX

• All N.C. residents are subject to personal income taxes. The state’s individual income tax rate is based on the taxpayer’s taxable income as determined under the Internal Revenue Code. For more information, visit the state government Web site or call the N.C. Department of Revenue (toll-free) at 877.252.3052.

TRANSPORTATION

CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

• Provides non-stop service to 127 destinations, including 28 international destinations.
• Serves nearly 30 million passengers a year.
• The Wilson Air Center serves corporate and general aviation needs.
• The airport offers shuttle and taxi service, public transit service, courtesy vehicle pick-up for motels, hotels and rental cars.
  Phone ............................................704.359.4000
  Web site....www.charkmeck.org/departments/airport

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

• For the most part, Charlotte was not built on a grid system, and several streets change names multiple times. A good street map is a vital tool for newcomers to the city. One is available by calling the Chamber at 704.378.1300 or by visiting Info! Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM (CATS)

• CATS has an extensive transportation system in the Charlotte area. Local fare is just $1.30, while fares for express routes are $1.75 within the county and $2.60 to neighboring counties.
• The LYNX Blue Line, Charlotte’s first light-rail transit system, opened in late 2007. It extends from 7th Street in Center City Charlotte to I-485 at South Boulevard. Additional lines to Lake Norman, UNC Charlotte and the airport are planned for the future.
• The Gold Rush, a free shuttle service, operates within the uptown area during weekday office hours.
• While the entire fleet is wheelchair accessible, CATS Special Transportation Services provides additional services for those with certified disabilities.
  Phone ............................................704.336.RIDE
  Web site ......................................www.ridetransit.org

UTILITY CONNECTIONS
Making arrangements for utility and other services for your new home is a fairly simple process. A letter of credit or information about your former utility services may help you avoid paying deposits.

ELECTRICITY
Duke Energy ..................................800.777.9898, www.duke-energy.com
ElectriCities (parts of Cornelius and Huntersville) ......................................................704.948.0550
EnergyUnited ................................704.892.0278
Union Power Cooperative (serves several area counties) ........800.922.6840
Pineville Electric Company ............704.889.2291

WATER AND SEWER
From inside Mecklenburg County..................311
From outside the county................704.336.7600

GAS
Piedmont Natural Gas....................800.752.7504
PSNC Energy (Cornelius and Davidson)
......................................................877.776.2427

TELEPHONE
AT&T ............................................888.757.6500
Town of Pineville (parts of Pineville) ......................................................704.889.2001
Windstream (Matthews) ................704.847.4828

CABLE TV
Time Warner Cable 704.377.9600 or toll-free at 877-566-4TWC
online at www.timewarnercable.com

TRASH & RECYCLING
Charlotte CURB IT!........................................311
BFI (Davidson) ..............................704.393.6900
R.C.S. Inc (Mint Hill) ....................704.376.9359
Town of Matthews (in town limits)....704.847.3640
Town of Pineville .......................... 704.889.2291
Waste Management (Cornelius and Huntersville)..........800.927.8362

The following companies provide residential recycling services for unincorporated areas of the county:
Allied Waste Services ....................704.393.6900
Republic/GDS of Charlotte ............704.596.2077
Signature Waste Systems, Inc.........704.714.9400
Waste Management ........................704.824.2011

VOTER REGISTRATION
You must be a resident for 30 days and must register to vote 30 days prior to the next election. For more information visit www.meckboe.org or call Mecklenburg County Board of Elections at 704.336.2133.

Email me