Several Orange County departments have expanded the services available to residents. Please check the list below before contacting any department.
Aging
On-site activities at both Orange County senior centers have not reopened. In the meantime, please see our New or Modified Programs, Services and Resources for older adults during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond here.
Lunches are distributed curbside 3-times a week. A hot meal and a boxed lunch are distributed on Mondays, a hot meal on Wednesdays and two different hot meals on Fridays, ensuring that our registered lunch participants receive 5 meals weekly. At this time we are accepting new applications for those county residents age 60 and over who can pick up a meal at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill or Passmore Center in Hillsborough. Individuals and those in group quarters will be considered if they can identify someone to come and pick up their meal; staff and volunteers are able to assist with delivery to individual homes to those who rely on public transportation. Email Isabel Jackson or call 919-245-4256 to register for the lunch program.
Download a paper copy of our monthly Virtual Activity Calendar including all of our videos, live classes and online programs.
Register for classes online. Choose display option "Detail" and search by title, activity code and more to find and register for you class or event. Visit our Senior Center Programs, Caregiver Support Services and Volunteer Connect pages for more information and details.
Animal Services
The Animal Shelter is closed to the public but most services are available via appointments. Call 919-942-7387, and follow the prompts that best fit your needs. Please note the following changes:
In shelter operations, Meet and Greets with pets are virtual and will be available by appointment. More details at: https://www.orangecountync.gov/287/Available-Pets.
Owner surrenders or bringing stray animals to shelter: We are currently asking that public delay surrenders if at all possible. Please call to make an appointment for bringing any animal to the shelter: 919-942-7387, option 2. After-hours night drop is open and being checked daily.
Reporting lost & found pets: Visit https://www.orangecountync.gov/295/Lost-Found or call 919-942-7387, option 2, if you need help filing a report.
Licensing: Visit https://www.orangecountync.gov/343/Licensing for details and instructions.
Donations: Visit https://www.orangecountync.gov/364/Donations for details and instructions.
Child Support Services
Staff are in the office daily but encourage residents to call (919-245-2175) or email before coming into the office. The State’s automated system can be reached at 800-992-9457. Additionally, the echildsupport portal (https://www.ncchildsupport.com/ecoa/) can be used for the following:
- Apply Online for Child Support Services
- Case Information
- Payment Information
- Pay Child Support
Criminal Justice Resources Department
- The CJRD in the Courthouse is open and accessible for clients and stakeholders. The Director Caitlin Fenhagen is in the office daily and can be reached at 919-245-2303.
- Referral forms and information available on the CJRD website: www.orangecountync.gov/432/Criminal-Justice-Resource-Department
- Pretrial Services – Will continue to complete intakes at Jail and provide recommendations for release for stakeholders for daily first appearances or bond motions. Call Ted Dorsi (919-245-2970) or Cait Fenhagen (919-245-2303) or cell (919-423-4272).
- Treatment Courts – Court sessions are being held virtually. Coordinator and Case Manager still working with participants and ensuring support and accountability. Call Sean O’Hare (919-886-8855) or Shana Harper (919-245-2305).
- Adult and Youth Behavioral Health Services – Allison Zirkel (919-245-2304) and Nancy Lappenbusch (919-245-2311) will continue to coordinate mental health and substance use services and referrals for in-custody population primarily and will continue to provide case management and therapeutic support for court-involved individuals who have been released. Allison is working primarily from the CJRD office in the Courthouse. Nancy will work remotely and only in court, office or Jail as needed.
- Pre-Arrest Diversion – Desmond Frierson (919-245-2312) will be working remotely and at the Courthouse and is accepting referrals, completing intakes and providing case management.
- Local Reentry Council – Our Coordinator and Case Manager are working in the office and remotely and are still accepting referrals and supporting and providing case management and resources for LRC clients. Keith Patterson (919-245-2064) or Tiffany Bullard (984-439-5998).
- Restoration Legal Counsel – Attorney Emma Ferriola-Bruckenstein (919-451-0281) is working in the Courthouse and remotely and is accepting referrals, completing intakes and preparing motions and orders.
- Courthouse Navigator – Social Worker Katie Corely (919-695-5442) is working in the Courthouse daily to assist with navigation and resource needs for individuals attending court under new COVID conditions.
DEAPR
- All Orange County parks are open, except for Soccer.com.
- Facility rentals are not being taken through Nov. 15.
- Environment and Agricultural Center staff is available by phone (919-245-2510) or email.
- Central Recreation Center recreation staff are available by phone (919-245-2660) or email. Some virtual programs are being offered. Visit their website to see which programs are available.
DSS
Applications for Medicaid and Food and Nutrition Services can be completed online at epass.nc.gov/CitizenPortal/application.do.
For assistance with completing applications for DSS programs, call 919-245-2800. Orange Works employment center is accepting appointments only. Please call 919-245-2800 and ask for employment services.
Economic Development
Orange County Economic Development staff is available by phone and e-mail to assist with all economic development inquiries. Call (919) 245-2325 to leave a message, or send an e-mail to edcmail@orangecountync.gov with questions. The department’s main web site is www.growinorangenc.com and information about the County’s Agriculture Economic Development Grant Program and the Small Business Investment Grant Program, to include all applications and guidelines, can be found at
Elections
The Orange County Board of Elections will resume in-person services offered to the public on Sept. 8. Staff continues to work and can be reached by telephone at 919-245-2350 and email at vote@orangecountync.gov, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The public is encouraged to utilize our website to access voter registration forms and information at https://www.orangecountync.gov/1102/Voter-Registration and absentee ballot request information and forms at https://www.orangecountync.gov/1104/Absentee-Voting-By-Mail. These forms can be mailed to PO Box 220, Hillsborough, 27278 or dropped off at our office at 208 S. Cameron St, Hillsborough, 27278. Our foyer is open during business hours and forms may be obtained and/or placed in a secure drop box.
Erosion Control/Stormwater Functions & Services
Staff will primarily work in the field with social distancing protocol. They may stop in the office if non-digital plans are not available. The division will be closed to walk in traffic. If a meeting or a question is requested or posed, please email or call.
- Plan Review: By electronic submittal at our drop off site (131 West Margaret Lane, Hillsborough West Campus Office Building 1st floor lobby)
- Check Submittal: Secure Drop Box; Same location as above. Provide email so a scanned receipt can be sent via email. If personal and physical receipt is necessary, please make an appointment.
- Permits: After plan review is complete, permit acknowledgement will be received via email and permit received at Preconstruction meeting.
- Preconstruction Meeting: The Preconstruction Meeting will be held in the field employing social distancing precautions.
- Inspections: Inspections will be conducted as needed. Instructions regarding field conditions or activities will be sent via email, as well as, any required reports from 3rd party inspectors.
Office Numbers
- Main number: 919-245-2575
- Steve Kaltenbach skaltenbach@orangecountync.gov: 919-245-2588*
- Kenny Owens kowens@orangecountync.gov: 919-245-2584*
- Nathan Jacobsen njacobsen@orangecountync.gov: 919-245-2580*
- Craig Benedict cbenedict@orangecountync.gov: 919-245-2592
*These numbers will be forwarded to their mobile numbers.
Health
In order to protect everyone’s health during the COVID-19 pandemic, Orange County Health Department is no longer accepting walk-in appointments. However we are offering telehealth appointments to meet your immediate medical needs. Please call 919-245-2400 and press 2 to schedule an appointment.
Below are the hours for the Health Clinic at Whitted Human Services Center in Hillsborough.
- Tuesdays: 9:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
- Friday: 8 a.m. - Noon
Below are the hours for the health clinic at Southern Human Services Building in Chapel Hill:
- Mondays: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Wednesdays: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dental Clinic at Whitted Human Services Center in Hillsborough
The Orange County Health Department Dental Clinic is open for emergency appointments only. Due to current restrictions on patient and staff numbers, we are unable to accept walk-in appointments. Please call to schedule an appointment if you are having a dental emergency. Phones are checked every day and your call will be returned within 24 hours.
We have new protocols in place to ensure the safety of our patients and our staff, but unfortunately we are unable to do many procedures at this time due to a low number of masks, gowns and other protective measures. Please bear with us as we work to get our clinic back to normal operations. The health of our patients and staff is our number one priority and we look forward to reopening for all services as soon as we can.
Orange County Environmental Health is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and closed for lunch from 1-2 p.m. A face covering is required for in-person business in the lobby of the West Campus Office Building. Visitors and community clients may contact Environmental Health during business hours at 919-245-2360. Applications may be submitted in person, by mail, or by email. Payment is accepted as cash, check, or card in person; as check by mail; and with card by phone. Phone and email transactions are preferred.
A list of contacts and access to the customer service portal (NCPIP) are available at www.orangecountync.gov/641.
For free cessation services and nicotine replacement therapy; call the SmokeFreeOC line at 919-245-2480 or email smokefreeoc@orangecountync.gov
Housing and Community Development
All Housing & Community Development programs will remain available via phone and Internet. Socially distanced in-person appointments will be scheduled if required.
Human Resources
Please call our main number at 919-245-2550 for information before visiting the office. Limited services are available.
Human Rights and Relations
If you experience discrimination in housing because of the COVID-19 pandemic or for other reason, please contact the Orange County Department of Human Rights and Relations at:
Inspections
- Office Hours: The office is closed to the general public. Staff will be primarily working at home and in the field from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If making your permit payments call (919) 245-2600 to pay with credit card.
- Plan Review: Residential reviews are performed electronically by reviewer working from home. Commercial projects are reviewed in office by Chief Building Official, one physical set of plan documents are needed for review.
- Fee Payment: Payment by credit card will be processed by phone only. Cash payments cannot be accepted at this time, Checks are discouraged, please make all payments by credit card.
- Check Submittal: Payment of cash, credit card and checks are processed in office. Customers are encouraged to pay by credit card over the phone. In person payments are to be scheduled.
- Permits: Submission and processing of permit documents are through electronic and remote means. Submission of large format plan documents are to be coordinated with plans examiner or property development specialist.
- Preconstruction Meeting: Not being scheduled until after this crisis abates.
- Inspections: Request for inspections are taken with call to: (919) 245-2600. Please identify when scheduling if inspection is to be performed in an occupied building. Inspectors are working remotely from home and vehicles. All inspections are scheduled for the next business day. Coordinate any specific inspection need with the inspector himself.
Communications
Please use the numbers or emails listed below.ralcorn@orangecountync.gov
*These numbers are forwarded to their mobile numbers.
**These emails receive application and document submissions
Statutorily required
- General Statute 143-139 mandates code enforcement inspections be performed within 2 business days of being requested.
- General Statute 153A-357(a1) requires Residential plans to be initially reviewed within 15 days of submission.
Libraries
The libraries remain closed to the public, but all branches are offering curbside services, including printing. Contact the library branch to learn more about available services or to arrange a dropoff or pickup.
Main Library - 919.245.2525
Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Carrboro Branch Library - 919.969.3006
Tuesday and Thursday, 4-8 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m.
Cybrary - 919.918.7387
Monday and Friday, Noon-4:30 p.m., Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
In addition to curbside service, the following services are available:
- Library Card: Call 919.245.2525, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. or use our Online Form to gain access to all of our online services and to borrow library items.
- SEA and Educator Accounts: These accounts give automatic access to all library collections for students and staff with Orange County Schools, Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools, The Expedition School, and Eno River Academy.
- Virtual Branch: Visit the virtual branch to find out about our online program offerings, eBooks and audiobooks, free access to Ancestry.com and more.
- Online Catalog: Use our catalog to: place holds; create reading lists; keep track of what you’ve already read; and, search Novelist to find your next good read.
- Reference Questions: 919.245.2525, Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Planning
Due to worsening pandemic conditions, Current Planning offices are closed to walk-in traffic. Until further notice, members of the general public needing to see a planner must schedule a virtual appointment. Plans can be dropped off on the first floor in designated boxes.
Planning staff can be reached at the following:
Plan Review: Applications for development projects shall be accepted:
- Electronically via e-mail
- By Mail sent to:
- Orange County Planning
- ATTN: Current Planning Division
- PO Box 8181
- Hillsborough, NC 27278
- Dropped off in person in the appropriate box on the first floor.
Submittal of Fees: Fees can be submitted with the application (mail and in person). Those applicant’s needed to pay using a credit card shall be contacted by staff to process a payment over the phone.
Permits: Permits shall be processed as quickly as possible. Please note deficiencies in the application submittal will impact staff’s ability to process the development request.
Inspections: Inspections shall be completed either on a first come basis or via appointment. If staff is required to meet applicants in the field, appropriate social distancing policies shall be adhered to.
Communications: Current Planning staff can be reached at the e-mail addresses and phone numbers listed above.
Recycling/Solid Waste
- Solid Waste Administrative Offices will be closed to the public until further notice.
- Curbside collection of 18 gallon orange recycling bins is suspended until further notice. This is being done to minimize collectors’ contact with household recyclables. Residents who wish to start using a blue roll cart instead of a bin can call 919-968-2788 or send an email to recycling@orangecountync.gov to request a 95 gallon cart.
- If you wish to continue using your bins, you may recycle at any of the five Waste and Recycling Centers during operating hours or any of the four unstaffed recycling-only sites open 24/7 (www.orangecountync/recycling for locations). Residents are encouraged to limit their use of the Waste and Recycling Centers to one time each week to support social distancing and the safety of the staff and other residents using the sites. In addition, residents should remain in their vehicles until the receptacle needed is free so as to allow residents to maintain six feet distance from others.
- Compost bins are being sold by appointment only. Contact recycling@orangecountync.gov to request one and schedule an appointment for pick up.
- Curbside Recycling will be collected as usual. AS ALWAYS: Keep out any tissues, paper toweling, bagged materials or other contaminants.
Register of Deeds
Register of Deeds services are available via appointment only. Please see the list below for specific services. If you need something else, please call 919-245-2685.
- Attorneys are urged to utilize our Electronic Recording SystemSimplifile.com or call 800-460-5657.
- Marriage License: Complete the online marriage application then call 919-245-2700 to schedule an appointment. Applicants only allowed in the office.
- Notaries that need to take their oath: 919-245-2685.
- Veterans needing to record their discharge papers: 919-245-2700.
- Attorneys, paralegals, etc., may mail in their documents or use the drop box located at the front of the building, this includes Assumed Business Name filings. Please read instructions located on the drop box before you place your document inside.
- If you have a Plat or documents requiring a Split,Merge, or multiple PIN sheet please call 919-245-2685.
Tax
Staff is currently available to assist you during normal business hours by phone 919-245-2100, email tax@orangecountync.gov, LiveChat https://www.orangecountync.gov/842/Chat, or mail Orange County Tax Office, PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278-8181. Although our doors are closed to the public, when necessary we are providing services in person by appointment between the hours of 9am-4pm, and masks are required.
Residents are encouraged to make payments by mail (address above) or at the outside drop box at the tax office entrance, 228 South Churton Street, Hillsborough. Payments may also be made by credit/debit cards: https://web.co.orange.nc.us/PublicWebAccess/ or 1-844-435-3981.
Field appraisers continue the field review of properties mainly from outside, and on occasion there is a need to review the interior of a building. Field appraisers are equipped with protective equipment to provide for the protection of residents and for their own protection.
Transportation Services
Regular service is being provided for all the fixed routes with the Hillsborough Circulator operating from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Orange–Chapel Hill Connector 9:45 a.m. - 3:50 p.m., and Orange–Alamance 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
For medical appointments, reservations are required. Non-Medicaid Trips: Call Reservation Line 919-245-2004. Medicaid Trips: Call Orange County Department of Social Service Voicemail 919-245-2774 or Fax 919-732-2137.