Utilities & Services

Frequently Asked Questions

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Adopt A Street Program FAQ's
  1. How big of a commitment is ‘adopting’ a street? The initial adoption agreement is for four years. A group or individual may keep its adopted section of street indefinitely if the agreement is renewed at the end of each four-year period. Individuals who leave the area are requested to notify the City within ninety days of moving.
  2. How often does the street have to be cleaned? Volunteer groups sign agreements with the City to remove litter from their adopted stretch of street a recommended minimum of three times yearly (once every four months).
  3. What length is considered a street? Each adopted section of street is at least half of a mile (2,640 feet) or a street length.
  4. Will I get an Adopted Street sign for my organization? Yes! The City’s administration shall approve names, titles, or words placed on Adopt-A-Street signs. Signage will not be placed until six months of agreement time has passed and participants have provided reports of their efforts (2-3 cleanups should occur within this timeframe)
  5. Where will our Adopt-A-Street sign be placed? The City will post a sign at each end of the adopted section with a group or individual’s name to show its participation in the program. Signs may also be posted “in honor of” or “in memory of” a group or individual.
  6. Do I have to live along the street that I ‘adopt’? No, you don’t have to live along the street you adopt.
  7. Will I need to bring my own cleaning equipment? No. The City will provide training, safety vests, trash bags, and gloves and arrange for bagged waste collection and recycling.
  8. Who can participate in Adopt-A-Street? Individuals, families, and groups, including schools, civic clubs, scouts, businesses, and religious and social groups, are encouraged to apply to adopt-a-street. The Director of Public Services shall approve individual or group applications to participate in the program.
  9. Can I adopt streets outside of city limits? All public streets within the city not controlled by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) are eligible for adoption.
  10. Are there age restrictions for participants? Age restrictions: Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age. Those between the ages of 12 and 17 must be supervised adequately by adults who are 21 or older. The supervising adult must complete and submit a Youth Release Form for each volunteer between the ages of 12 and 17.
  11. Can my contract with the City for the Adopt-A-Street program be terminated? The City may terminate the agreement or remove the Adopt-A-Street signs if the participant fails to meet the terms, acts contrary to program rules, causes undesirable results like increased litter or vandalism, engages in irresponsible conduct, or for other good cause.