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Animal Services - Bites

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1. What do I do if I have been bitten by an animal?

Seek medical attention for the bite immediately. Your medical provider should contact Burke County Animal Control if you have been bitten, if they don’t then you contact (828) 438-5500 to report it yourself. If you decide not to seek medical treatment for the bite you must still report the bite, even if it is your own animal that has bitten you.

2. If my animal has bitten someone, will Burke County Animal Control take the animal from me?

No but the animal is required to be quarantined ten (10) days as a public health preventative measure. The owner is allowed to get the animal back after the quarantine period is over but if the animal dies for any reason during the quarantine then it must be tested by the state lab for rabies.

3. Does my animal have to be quarantined at the animal shelter?

An animal that has bitten someone must be quarantined at a state licensed facility. This means that you can pay to have your animal quarantined at a state license boarding facility provided they are aware they are boarding an animal for bite quarantine and are willing to do so. You must provide Burke County Animal Control with the name, address, and phone number of the facility boarding the animal. Animal control will contact the facility to verify the animal is in their care, to verify the animal is being housed by itself, to check on the animal during the quarantine period, and to inform the facility when the animal may be released from quarantine.

4. How do I get a copy of a bite report?

Bite reports are only released after the bite case has been closed which may not be until after the required quarantined period is over for the animal that bit the victim.

 Bite reports can only be released to: 

1. The owner of an animal involved in the bite case
2. The victim in a bite case

5. How do I protect myself against dog bites?

Tips to prevent dog bites:

1. Never approach a dog you don’t know or a dog that is alone without its owner, especially if the dog is behind a fence, tied with a rope or chain, or in a parked car.
2. Never approach a dog that is eating, sleeping or guarding something. Dogs naturally guard their puppies, food, bones and toys.
3. Never chase or tease dogs. Don’t poke, hit, pull, or pinch a dog.
4. Always ask the owner’s permission before petting a dog.
5. Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.
6. If attacked, give the dog an object, such as a jacket or backpack to bite or chew on.

6. If you are approached by a dog that may attack you, follow these steps:

1. Resist the impulse to scream and run away.
2. Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog.
3. Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until he is out of sight.
4. If the dog does attack, "feed" him your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog.
5. If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around.

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Animal Services - Claiming

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1. My animal was picked up or I think it might be at the shelter, what’s next?

If you believe your animal might be at the animal shelter the first thing you should do is come by the shelter to verify if it is in fact at the shelter. If you find your animal the shelter staff will be more the happy to help you get your animal back.

2. Will it cost me anything to get my animal back?

Yes, animals that are housed at the animal shelter are subject the fee schedule found below. These amounts are subject to change so please contact the animal shelter to confirm any cost to claim your animal. Costs can vary based on how and how long the animal had to be housed, how the animal came to the shelter, if citations were issued, and if the animal requires a rabies shot.

• General Board Fee: $5.00 per day
• Isolation Cell Board Fee: $8.00 per day
• Rabies Vaccination: $10.00
• Capture Fee: $10.00
• Animal Bite Pick-Up Fee: $20.00
• Owner Surrender Reclaim Fee: $25.00
  • *(If animal is reclaimed within 24hrs)*
• Chemical Capture Fee: $75.00 
• Adoption Fee: $125.00
  • *(Veterans eligible for 10% discount)*
• Civil Citations (per violation): First Offense $50.00
  • Second Offense $100.00
  • Third Offense $200.00

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Animal Services - General

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1. Do you board animals?

No. We do not have the space to board owned pets.

2. Does Burke County require animals to be licensed?

Burke County no longer requires a county license for pets.

3. Can I purchase a microchip for my own animal at the Burke County Animal Shelter?

No. We do not offer this service.

4. Do you scan animals for microchips?

Yes, all animals that come into our shelter are scanned for microchips.

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Animal Services - Lost Pet

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1. I’ve lost my pet; what do I do?

The first thing to do, after searching your neighborhood, is to visit the Burke County Animal Shelter and look for your lost pet and file a lost report at the shelter. You need to visit the shelter as often as possible to look for your pet. Only you can positively identify your lost pet, we cannot guarantee that a description you give of your pet over the phone will lead to a positive identification by our staff.  The shelter takes in over 4,500 animals a year and many animals look alike.

You can also register your lost pet online at: https://www.burkenc.org/2448/Report-A-Lost-Dog-Or-Cat

2. What can I do to prevent my pet from getting lost?

The most important thing to do to prevent your pet from becoming lost is to keep your cat indoors at all times and keep your dogs on a leash or inside a secure fence when not inside the home. Your pets should always wear a collar and ID tags, including a rabies tag. Be sure to keep the contact information on the tags current.

3. When will an animal control officer respond to my call?

Calls are handled on a priority basis. How quickly an officer responds to a specific call depends not only upon the priority of the call, but how many calls of a higher priority are occurring at that time. For example, calls involving immediate injury or harm to a person from an animal or an injured animal are the highest priority. Conversely, calls regarding a dog running loose in the neighborhood without posing a threat generally take much longer to respond to.

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Animal Services - Pick-Ups

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1. How do I get an animal picked up?

If you have a stray animal on your property, you can contact Burke County Animal Control at (828) 438-5465 to come pick the animal up. Burke Animal Control will only pick-up stray animals, if the animal is owned by the caller then it is the owner’s responsibility to bring the animal to the shelter.  The animal control officers will do their best to capture stray animals but doing so may require the setting of a trap if the animal runs from people or proves to be skittish.  Animals can only be picked up if they are on the property of the caller or in a public space, if a stray animal runs into a neighbor’s yard then it cannot be picked up without that property owner’s permission.

2. How can I get a dead animal removed?

Burke County Animal Control does not pick up dead animals. If an animal is dead on a roadway you can contact the NC Depart of Transportation (828) 438-6274 to pick up the dead animal if it is a state maintained roadway or if it is a roadway inside a city limits you can try to contact that city’s public works department. If an animal is found dead anywhere else, it is the responsibility of the property owner to properly dispose of the dead animal even if they are not the owner of the animal.

3. Do you pick up sick or injured animals?

If you find an injured animal you are encouraged to keep your distance, even the nicest and most docile animal can become aggressive or bite people if it is in pain. When a sick or injured animal is picked up in most cases it will be taken back to the animal shelter to be evaluated. In some circumstances it may be necessary to euthanize an injured animal due to the severity of its injuries.  If the animal is wearing tags then every effort will be made to contact the owner so they can come pick it up and take it to a vet.

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Animal Services - Rabies Shots

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1. Is my animal required to have a rabies shot?

Under North Carolina State Law all Cats, Dogs, and Ferrets over four months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. For more information on North Carolina Rabies laws click here.

2. Do you provide rabies shots at your shelter?

We only provide rabies shots to animal that are claimed from the shelter and do not have an up-to-date rabies shot. We do NOT provide rabies shots to the general public. Contact your vet if you animal is not current on any of its shots, especially the state required rabies vaccination.

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Animal Services - Surrendering

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1. I have to surrender my pet. How long will you keep him?

Animals that are classified as an Owner Surrender are typically kept in the shelter for a minimum of seventy-two (72) hours. However once an animal is surrendered by its owner, it can be placed for immediate adoption.

2. What do I need to do to surrender a pet?

If someone is wanting to surrender their pet they must sign the form attesting the animal is theirs as well as provide proof of ownership which can include a photographic timeline, medical records, bill of sale, etc. If they cannot provide this, the animal will have to complete a stray hold of 72-hours before being placed up for adoption.

3. If I surrender my pet, can I get it back?

If an animal is surrendered by its owner, the animal can ONLY be returned to the same owner that surrendered the animal. The owner will be responsible for paying any fee’s or citations when claiming the animal. However once an animal is surrendered by its owner, it can be placed for immediate adoption. Once an animal has been placed for adoption, that animal can no longer be claimed by its former owner.

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Animal Services - Traps

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1. Can someone trap animals on their property to catch cats and/or dogs?

Residents of Burke County are allowed to set box traps on their own property to catch unwanted cats or dogs. If a resident sets their own trap they must bring the animal to the Burke County Animal Shelter, if a trap is set by Burke County Animal Control then they will pick the animal up, or if a trap is rented from Animal Control it is the responsibility of the person who rented the trap to bring the animal to the animal shelter.

2. Does Burke County Animal Control provide traps?

Traps for catching unwanted cats and dogs can be borrowed from Burke County Animal Control via two options:

1.       Contact the Animal shelter and request a trap be set on your property. Traps are set as they become available and prioritized based on risk to public safety.

2.       Visit the animal shelter and rent a trap. Traps can be rented for a $35.00 refundable deposit. Traps are rented out on a first come first serve basis

3. What happens if a dog trap or cat trap catches a wild animal?

Any wild animal caught in an animal control trap must be released on the property on which it was trapped. Any wild animal caught in a property owner’s trap must be handling according to the rules and regulations set forth by the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission for trapping if it is not going to be released.

4. Can I used a trap I rented from Burke County Animal Control to catch wildlife?

No, any traps rented from Burke County Animal Control can only be used to catch cats or dogs. If you are having a problem with unwanted wildlife on your property you can purchase you own trap and trap the animals yourself provided you follow all rules and regulations set forth by the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission for trapping OR you can contact a license Wildlife Damage Control Agent.

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Animal Services - Turning In

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1. I found a lost pet and turned him into the shelter. How long will you keep him?

Lost or stray animals are kept at the shelter for a minimum of seventy-two (72) hours barring extenuating circumstances pursuant to NCGS § 19A-32.1 (b)(2). After seventy-two (72) hours the animal is eligible for adoption.

2. If I turn in a stray animal, can I come back to pick-up if it’s not claimed?

Once an animal is turned into the animal shelter; it can only be claimed by its owner or be adopted. If you have turned an animal in and are not its owner the only way to claim that animal is the go through the adoption process.

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Building Inspections

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1. If I’m setting up a Manufactured Home, what size decks or porches must be installed?

Per zoning requirements, all manufactured homes must have steps or porches installed for occupancy.  The regulations require the front porch to be at least 36 square feet in size.  Any additional door that opens away from the home must also have a 3x3 landing and steps.  If the door opens into the manufactured home, then no landing is needed, but steps and handrails would be required.

2. What type of underpinning is required for a manufactured home?

If the manufactured home is a double wide, then masonry underpinning is required.     This can be brick, block, stone, or stucco.  If the manufactured home is a single wide, then vinyl underpinning is allowed.  

3. What size decks do NOT require a permit?

If the deck or porch is less than 12x12 (144 square feet) or if the deck does not contain post supports, then no building permit is required.  Any deck, regardless of size or design, will require a zoning permit.

4. Do I need an inspection before I pour the foundation?

Yes.   Once the foundation is poured or covered over, then building inspections cannot validate that the work done is compliant with code.

5. Who is my inspector?

It depends upon where you are located within the county.  Our four (4) inspectors cover certain areas of the county as assigned.  

6. When will my inspection take place?

If properly scheduled within our online inspection portal, the inspection will occur as noted on the inspection request.  We do not schedule appointment times. The inspection would occur between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on the date of the scheduled inspection.  

7. Where can I find inspection results?

For all building inspection related inquiries, you are welcome to send a request to community@burkenc.org. 

8. Do I need to call the power company after my inspection or project is completed?

Yes. Once the inspection is completed, our office will schedule and notify the electrical service provider so that connections can be energized. However, the customer will have to call the power company as well to initiate the customer side of the transaction.

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Burke Alerts - Alerts

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1. What types of alerts will I receive?

Emergency alerts are sent 24/7 when there is an immediate threat to life and/or property. In addition to emergency alerts, you can also choose to receive customizable community notifications. These include notifications about:

• Severe Weather
• Safety risks
• Health risks
• Transportation disruption
• Special event information
• Test messages.

2. Can I call the alert phone number back or reply back to the email?

You are not able to reply to texts or emails sent by Burke Alert powered by Smart911. Voice messages provide a dial-back number to an alert message which will put you in contact with the Burke County Emergency Communications Center.

3. When will I start receiving alerts?

Once you have signed up online at alerts.smart911.com and confirmed your contact information within the system, you will begin receiving alerts.

4. How do I update or remove my notification preferences and contact information used by Burke Alert powered by Smart911?

Follow the below steps to change your Burke Alert powered by Smart911 preferences (for example, to reduce the number of messages of a certain type, or to change the contacts used for each kind of message):

1. Go to the login page, alerts.Smart911.com, for Burke Alerts powered by Smart911
2. Login using your Burke Alert powered by Smart911 username and password (If you’ve forgotten these, follow the instructions on the page under “Forgot Username or Password?”)
3. Once signed in, click the ‘Preferences’ tab at the top
4. Under ‘Notification Preferences’, you can make changes to both the phone numbers and email addresses on which you want to receive Burke Alert powered by Smart911 messages by clicking or unclicking the checkboxes
5. You can also choose what alerts you want to receive and the method you wish to receive them by (text, voice, email)
   1. For example, if you wish to turn off all messages regarding Transportation Disruptions, simply uncheck the box to the left of “Transportation Disruption”
   2. If you wish instead only to receive emails for Transportation Disruption notifications, instead uncheck the “Text” and / or “Voice” choices, so that only “Email” remains checked

5. How often will I receive alerts?

The frequency for which you receive alerts depends on the addresses you provide and the types of alerts you select to receive as well as the frequency of actual emergencies. Emergency alerts will only be sent when there is an immediate threat to life and/or property. Community notifications will be sent when the criteria for sending an alert are met.

This system is not intended to bombard you with information. The County will only send you alerts about the information you select to receive. To change your alert settings, login to https://www.smart911.com/ and edit your preferences.

6. How does the Burke Alert powered by Smart911 system respond to busy signals or no-answer situations?

If a call completes and is sent to your answering machine or voice mail system, a message is left. If a phone call is not answered or busy, the system redials your number several times.

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Burke Alerts - General

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1. What is Burke Alert powered by Smart911?

Burke Alert powered by Smart911 is Burke County’s official emergency alert and notification system. This system is used to send alerts to the public during emergencies. Burke Alert powered by Smart911 is a free service that allows you to sign up online to receive customized alerts via text message, email, and voice message.

In addition to emergency alerts, you can also choose to receive customizable community notifications. These include notifications about severe weather, safety, health, utility disruptions, major traffic incidents, and more. This service is provided by Burke County at no cost to the public; however, message and data rates may apply.

2. Why should I sign-up for Burke Alert powered by Smart911?

When emergencies happen, be the first to know. Burke County uses Alerts powered by Smart911 to send official, real-time alerts to the public with information about potentially life-saving actions they may need to take to keep themselves and their families safe. By signing up for Burke Alert powered by Smart911 you are taking a large step toward improving your personal safety.

3. How does it work?

When an emergency occurs that meets the criteria for sending out an alert to the public, Burke County emergency dispatchers will gather the necessary information and push out an alert to the affected area. Alerts can be sent out county-wide to everyone who has opted-in to the system, or to a specific area or neighborhood for more localized events.

4. How much does it cost?

This service is provided by the Burke County at no cost to the public; however, message and data rates may apply depending on your provider and phone services.

5. Can you guarantee that I will receive notifications if I register?

While Burke Alert powered by Smart911 is an excellent system, we cannot guarantee that you will receive notification in all cases. Disasters and emergencies are chaotic and unpredictable, and notification is dependent on external providers such as your wireless carrier or email delivery service outside Burke County’s control. Burke Alert powered by Smart911 will use several means of communications to try to ensure that should any one communications method, technology, or delivery option be unavailable to reach residents, other methods will be used to improve the likelihood that citizens will see the message.

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Burke Alerts - Privacy and Contact Information

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1. Will my information be disclosed or shared?

No, your information is private and will not be used or distributed in any manner. The information that you provide is exempt from public disclosure and will be used for emergency purposes only.

2. What precautions are taken to protect personal contact information stored in the Burke Alert powered by Smart911 system?

Personal information provided to Burke Alert powered by Smart911 is private and only used to notify you for official Burke County communications and to support Burke County’s emergency services.

Your information is not used for marketing purposes and will not be sold to telemarketers or data-mining organizations. A variety of “opt-in” mechanisms are available to ensure you are getting just the messages you want to receive, delivered via the devices and communications modes that you choose.

Burke Alert powered by Smart911 utilizes the highest standards in physical and computer security technologies and conducts regular audits to ensure all information is kept secure. Privacy policies are also outlined in the Terms and Conditions you review when you sign up to receive Burke Alert powered by Smart911 notifications.

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Burke Alerts - Signing Up

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1. How do I sign-up for Burke Alerts powered by Smart911?

Signing up for Burke Alert powered by Smart911 is easy! Go to alerts.smart911.com and register your contact information or to update your existing Burke Alert profile.

2. Who can sign-up for Burke Alert powered by Smart911?

Burke Alert powered by Smart911is available to anyone who lives, works, travels through, or visits Burke County, North Carolina. The address can be your home location, work location, or any other location you care about.

3. I don’t own a computer – who can help me sign-up for Burke Alert powered by Smart911?

You can visit your local library to access a computer to sign up online for Burke Alert powered by Smart911.

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Elections - Absentee / Vote by Mail

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1. How do I request an absentee ballot?

Call our office at 828-764-9010. We will verify that you are registered to vote and that your address is correct. We will then send you a request form in the mail. Fill that out and return it to us.

2. I received an absentee request form in the mail but did not request one. Is this legitimate?

Yes, those are legitimate. Several voter related agencies and party affiliates are sending out absentee request forms using their mailing lists. Feel free to fill that out and send it back to us. If you prefer one from the Board of Elections, call us and we will take care of you.

3. I called and requested an absentee form but have not received it yet. Can you track it?

Unfortunately, we cannot track requests that are sent out. Once we receive your filled-out request, it is entered into the system and then we can verify that it has been returned.

4. I am not registered to vote or have not voted in years. Can I still request an absentee ballot?

Absolutely. Along with your absentee ballot request, we will send you a registration form to fill out and send back to us. It is imperative that the registration form be returned ASAP. The last day to register for the Nov. 8th 2022 election is October 14th @ 5:00pm.

5. What is the deadline to request an absentee ballot?

November 1st 2022 by 5:00 p.m. for registered voters

6. What is the deadline for my ballot to be returned?

If returned by mail, can be postmarked by Nov 8th 2022 & rec’d in our office by November 11th @ 5:00pm…  In person drop offs to our office must be done by November 8th @ 5:00pm

7. When will ballots be mailed out?

We will start mailing out ballots on September 4^th.

8. If I request an absentee ballot, but decide to go vote in person, can I do that?

Yes. Simply tear up the ballot that you receive in the mail. You can go to any of the early voting sites or your designated election day polling location.

9. I am registered as one party but prefer a candidate from another party in one particular office. Do I have to vote by my party, or can I vote for anyone?

In the general election, you may vote for anyone on the ballot. It is not party specific. That only applies in primary elections (i.e. March 2020).

10. What are the witness requirements for an absentee ballot?

The absentee ballot request does not require a witness. However, once you receive your actual ballot, you will have to have two (2) witnesses are required on the return absentee ballot envelope.  

11. Is there a drop box at the Board of Elections for returned ballots or forms?

No. Those must either be mailed back to us or returned to a staff member in the office or a poll worker at a precinct. May be returned by the voter or a near relative

12. Will I receive a confirmation that my request for a ballot has been received?

No. We do not mail out any confirmations after receiving your request. You may call our office to confirm though.

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Elections - Ballot & Registration

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1. Which ballot is for me?

Fill out all required information on Voter Search to locate which sample ballot is for you.

2. Where can I get Voter Registration Forms?

Pick up a form at the:

• Board of Elections Office
  2118 S Sterling Street
  Morganton, NC 28655
• Post Offices
• Public Libraries
• Town Halls

Complete and sign the form and mail it to us or you can drop it by the Board of Elections Office. We’ll send a new voter card to you!

3. How do I change my address?

We must have one of two documents signed by the voter (an email won’t do.) Either send us your:

1. Voter card with the change of address indicated on the back
2. Completed voter registration application form, showing your new address

Make sure you sign the card/form! We’ll do the data entry and send a new voter card to you.

4. How do I change my party affiliation?

We must have one of two documents signed by the voter (an email won’t do.) Either send us your:

1. Voter card with the change marked on the back
2. Completed voter registration application form, showing the new party affiliation

Make sure you sign the card/form! We’ll do the data entry and send a new voter card to you.

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Elections - General

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1. I moved less than 30 days ago; where do I vote?

If you moved less than 30 days ago, you must vote at your old precinct.

If you've moved more than 30 days ago and have not updated your information with the Board of Elections, you must go to the Board of Elections office to update your information, and then vote.

Address

2128 S Sterling Street
Suite 100
Morganton, NC 28655

2. I received 2 voter cards in the mail. Why? What should I do?

This probably indicates an error in our records, of which we need to become aware. Please send us both cards back, with a quick note explaining that both cards are for the same person, to:
Board of Elections
P.O. Box 798
Morganton, NC 28655-0798

We will research the situation, fix it and mail you a new card.

3. The mailman delivered a voter card to my house, but that person doesn't live here. What should I do?

Please return the voter card to us along with whatever information you have. If the individual has moved, we’ll try to contact them at the new address.

Failing that, or if the individual is deceased, we’ll try to remove them from the voter registration files. Either way, you’ll be doing us a big service by letting us know.

4. Can I bring someone with me to help me vote?

Yes, according to the North Carolina General Statute 163-166.8.

5. I’m legally blind; can someone accompany me in the voting booth?

Yes, anyone of your choice can assist you, except your employer or union agent. Also, one of the Precinct Judges can assist you.

6. Do I have to show I.D. at the Precinct to Vote?

North Carolina Law only requires ID if you did not provide the required information when you registered to vote (if by mail or voter registration drive).

7. Can I vote Absentee on Election Day?

No, Absentee Ballots are not available on Election Day, you must vote in your precinct.

8. Is it too late to request an absentee ballot?

There is a deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot. There is also a deadline to return the absentee ballot.  Call the Board of Elections office for more information at 828-764-9010.

9. Do you have to request an Absentee Ballot for each Election?

Yes, however, if you are requesting an Absentee Ballot for the Primary you may request that a General Election Absentee Ballot is sent to you as well. The Absentee Ballots will, of course, be mailed separately at the appropriate time.

10. I am at the wrong precinct; can I vote here anyway?

Recent law changes prevent ballots from being cast at the wrong precinct. The best practice is to call the Board of Elections before going to vote. They will be able to tell you where you need to go vote on election day.

11. Can I wear campaign clothing or take materials to vote?

Yes, as long as you don’t leave campaign materials or campaign while in the voting location. The polling place is checked regularly for campaign materials. If they are found, they are promptly discarded.

12. Are there any rules on where I can Campaign at a precinct?

North Carolina General Statute 163-147 prohibits loitering, congregating, distributing campaign material, or electioneering within 50 feet of the entrance to the polling place.

13. I am out of the county/country and I know there is an election today/soon, how can I vote?

f you are not in the county/country on Election Day, there is no way you can vote. You would need to plan ahead to attend Early Voting or request an Absentee Ballot. See "Is it too late to request an absentee ballot?" and "Do you have to request an absentee ballot for each election?" for more information on Absentee Ballots.

14. Who determines the order of the candidates listed on the ballot?

The State Board of Elections and General Statutes determine the name order on the ballot.

15. Do I have to show my ID at the polls?

You may be required to show ID the first time you vote in Burke County if you registered by mail, did not provide a valid identification number, and did not submit a copy of one of the following:

• A current and valid photo ID
• A current:
  • Bank statement
  • Government check or paycheck
  • A government document that shows your name and address as it appears on this application
  • Utility bill

16. How do I vote, in a Primary Election, if I am registered Unaffiliated?

When you arrive at your polling place you must choose to vote Republican, Democrat, or you can decline to choose.

Voting Options

• Declining to choose: You may only vote in the non-partisan races.
• Democrat: You may vote in the Democratic races and the non-partisan races.
• Republican: You may vote in the Republican races and the non-partisan races.

These limitations don’t apply during a November General Election, only in Primary Elections. In General Elections, you may vote for anyone on the ballot, regardless of party.

17. How are precinct boundaries determined?

Precinct Boundaries

The North Carolina General Statutes defines the procedures for mapping precincts and locating voting locations inside the precinct. We are required to take numerous criteria into account as we develop new precincts. The boundaries drawn must be contiguous and follow a recognized boundary such as a township line, census blocks or physical features such as major above-ground power lines, major footpaths, rail features, ridgelines, roads or streets or water or drainage features as certified by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, county manager or city clerk.

Voting Locations

Voting locations must be inside or on a tract adjacent to the precinct. It must also fit certain criteria:

1. Americans with Disabilities Act compliant
2. Have ample parking and lighting
3. Be large enough to accommodate the voting equipment and polling place layout
4. The Traffic flow must be reviewed for safety and convenience.

We utilize as many public facilities as we possibly can to reduce rental cost but some areas, because of growth, have not caught up with the public demands such as schools or libraries.

Location Changes

When changing a voting location all of the criteria listed above is considered. After the Board of Elections staff completes its survey of the areas for consideration, the location changes are submitted to the Board of Elections members for approval or denial. The Board of Elections has the power to establish, define, provide, rearrange, discontinue, and combine election precincts as it may deem expedient, (GS 163-33(4)).

If the Board of Elections approves the location change or split of an existing precinct, the voters must be notified no later than 45 days prior to the next primary or election. Voters involved in any district or annexation changes are also notified by voter card of those changes.

Public Feedback

No matter what process is used to determine the precinct boundaries, not everyone will be happy with the outcome. We’ve learned this the hard way. There is, however, very little we can do with a phone complaint.

If you have any issues or concerns regarding the precinct locations, it needs to be in writing to the Burke Board of Elections, so that the matter can be fully explored and brought to some resolution when our Board is sitting in session. Our mailing address is:
Burke County Elections
P.O. Box 798
Morganton, NC 28655

18. How are members of the Board of Elections selected?

North Carolina General Statute 163-30 states The State chairman of each political party shall have the right to recommend to the State Board of Elections three registered voters in each county for appointment to the board of elections for that county. If such recommendations are received by the Board 15 or more days before the last Tuesday in June 1985, and each two years thereafter, it shall be the duty of the State Board of Elections to appoint the county boards from the names thus recommended.

The local political parties will submit three names to the State political party chairman.

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Elections - Voting Time & Location

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1. What are the voting hours for Election Day?

Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., per North Carolina General Statute 163-166.0.

2. If I am already in line when the precinct closes at 7:30 p.m., can I vote?

Yes, if you are in line prior to the close of the precinct, you may vote. If you show up after 7:30 p.m., you will not be allowed to vote.

3. Where is the Board of Elections located?

The Board of Elections Office is located at:

2128 S Sterling Street
Foothills Education Building
Morganton, NC 28655

4. Can I vote at the Board of Elections on Election Day?

No, you must vote at your precinct on Election Day.

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Geographic Information System

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1. What is GIS?

For all types of spatial or geographical data Geographic Information System (GIS)  is a system designed to:

• Analyze
• Capture
• Manage
• Manipulate
• Present 
• Store

2. What is Land Records?

Land Records is a listing of real property for taxation purposes, documents of title, property record cards, maps, etc.

3. Who do I contact if I need to physically locate my property corners?

Surveyor of your choice. (Geographic Information System maps are not of survey quality and should not be used as such. The data shown on the maps is for tax purposes and general location of parcel lines.)                    

4. Who do I contact if I want to convey property to someone else or I have a legal issue?

In this scenario, please contact an attorney of your choice.                    

5. Why does the GIS/ Mapping office not combine my property on the tax maps since I have a plat on Burke County record stating to combine?

A legal document of title also known as muniment/affidavit has to be recorded in the Burke County Register of Deeds office which describes to legally combine the properties. Plats do not have the power to legally combine without a Deed, Affidavit or other muniment being recorded. For more information, contact the Geographic Information System department.

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Register of Deeds

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1. What are you hours of operation?

The Burke County Register of Deeds office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, except for observed county holidays.

2. What are the recording fees in your office for real estate documents?

Download our Fee Schedule (PDF) for more information on real estate document fees.

3. Where is your office located?

Our office is located at:
203 S Green Street
Morganton, NC 28655

4. Who can access records from the Register of Deeds office?

Most records filed with our office are public record and available to anyone. Records with restricted access are military discharges due to sensitive information contained in those records. For more information contact our office.

5. Can I access your records online?

Yes, our real estate records are available online.

6. Who can obtain certified copies of birth, death, and marriage records?

Certified copies of vital records are available only to, the individual, an immediate family member i.e.:

• An authorized agent
• Grandparent
• Legal representative of the individual
• Parent
• Sibling or spouse
• Step parent

These records are available in our office with proper identification and cost of $10 per copy payable by cash or check.

7. Can I obtain copies of divorce decrees or obtain information regarding this process from your office?

No, divorces and information regarding this and other court actions must be obtained through the Burke County Clerk of Court. You may contact them at 828-433-3200.

8. Can I obtain information regarding wills and other estate matters from your office?

No, this information is filed at the Burke County Clerk of Courts office. Questions regarding Estates should be directed to them at 828-433-3200.

9. Does your office accept Electronic Recordings?

Yes, we are currently accepting electronic documents through Simplifile.

10. How do I add/remove/change a name on my deed?

To make any changes to your deed a new deed must be drawn up, sent to the Burke County Tax Office for certification, and then brought the Register of Deeds office to be filed.

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Voluntary Agricultural District

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1. What is a voluntary agricultural district?

A Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) helps to promote agricultural values and general welfare of the county by increasing identity and pride in the agricultural community and its way of life; encourage the economic and financial health of agriculture; and increase protection from non-farm development and other negative impacts on properly managed farms.

2. Why have agricultural districts?

The State of North Carolina passed the Farmland Preservation Enabling Act in 1985, authorizing counties to establish farmland preservation programs, including agricultural districts. In 2003, Burke County adopted a Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program Ordinance, creating the Agricultural Districts Advisory Board (ADAB) and procedures for establishing Voluntary Agricultural Districts. 

The purpose of the ordinance is to promote the preservation of farmland in Burke County so that development and growth will be accompanied by protection of farms from non-farm development and other negative impacts on properly managed farms, recognizing the importance of agriculture to the economic and cultural life in the County.

3. What is the agricultural districts advisory board?

The Agricultural Districts Advisory Board (ADAB) is composed of a number of County residents, which includes farmers representing newly-formed Agricultural Districts. The Burke County Board of County Commissioners appoints ADAB members. The ADAB reviews and approves applications to the Agricultural Districts program. They also advise the board of County Commissioners on projects, programs, or issues affecting the agricultural economy or way of life within the County.

4. How can your farm can benefit from becoming a voluntary agricultural district?

Recognition 

A sign to identify your farm as a Burke County Voluntary Agricultural District will be available. These signs will tell passersby that you, the farm owner, are committed to the preservation of the agricultural way of life in Burke County.

Increased Protection from Nuisance Suits

Persons buying land in rural areas will do so with the knowledge that a bona fide agricultural operation exists within one aerial mile. Agricultural Districts will be identified on County maps, which shall be displayed for public view in County offices including offices of the Planning Department and Register of Deeds.

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Zoning

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1. Do portable storage sheds require a zoning permit?

Yes, all storage sheds, regardless of size, or if constructed on a portable foundation, require a zoning permit before being placed on the property.  Any shed larger than 12 feet (either in length, width, or height) will also require a permit from our building inspection office.  

2. What is the fee for a basic zoning permit?

Residential zoning permits and commercial permits fees can be found here.

3. Can I live in a recreation vehicle/camper in Burke County?

In North Carolina, you can’t live in a recreation vehicle as a permanent residence.  Zoning rules will allow an RV to be placed/stored on private land in Burke County.   However, zoning rules do not allow power service, or utilities to be connected to that camper or recreational vehicle.  If an RV or camper is placed in an established or approved campground or recreational vehicle park it may then be connected to utility services.

4. Do prefabricated open sided carports require a zoning permit?

Yes, these prefabricated carport models do require a zoning permit and must meet the setbacks of the zoning ordinance.  If the covered carport is larger than 20x20 (400 sq. Feet in size) then a building permit is also required.

5. I am looking to get a perc test for a possible septic system for property I am looking to purchase. Do in need a zoning permit?

Yes.  Prior to Environmental Health conducting or issuing you a permit for the perc test or septic evaluation, a zoning permit will be required.

6. I want to build a “barndominium” on my property. Is that allowed?

The zoning ordinance does not define a “barndominium”, but alternate designs for single-family homes are permitted in Burke County.  Your zoning permit would note the construction as a “single-family dwelling” and you would need to meet and comply with the NC residential building code for all construction of the dwelling.

7. Can I build a “tiny house” on my property?

Yes, a plan for a tiny home that meets the requirements of the NC residential building code may be approved for sites in Burke County.  As with all residential development, the process starts with a zoning permit and is followed up with a building permit.