The city of Winchester provides several different services for its citizens. These services range from building and social work to yard waste collection. If you are a resident of the city, it is important that you know what services are available to you. To learn more about the various Winchester services, you can visit the following links.

Building Department

If you are planning on building a home or commercial building in Winchester, VA you will need to obtain a building permit from the city’s Building Department. The city’s Planning Department also provides zoning and environmental reviews as well as conditional and standard use permits.

The city’s Inspections and Code Enforcement Department enforces the city’s health and safety standards. In addition, the city offers online services such as the e-Zoner, which allows citizens to view case related data in real time. Aside from a building permit, you will need to acquire a Virginia State contractor’s license as well as a valid Winchester City Business License. Getting the appropriate licenses is not a small feat, but the city does help out by providing a list of approved contractors and businesses.

Department of Social Services

The Department of Social Services, Winchester City Services has a mission to assist citizens with various governmental services and programs. Its main focus is protecting children and elderly adults from abuse and neglect. This includes child protective services, foster care, and health and safety education. These are just a few of the many services offered by the department.

One of the best ways to find out what’s available in your area is to call 2-1-1 or visit the website. This free, confidential information service is available seven days a week by phone and online at all times.

Another useful resource for residents of Winchester is the Baker’s Anchor Mentoring program. This mentoring program offers a safe environment for youth aged six to thirteen. In addition to a variety of educational and recreational activities, this program also provides trust and stability.

Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works is responsible for maintaining public infrastructure, including public buildings, roads, and parking lots. It also provides engineering services and fleet maintenance.

Located in Winchester, VA, the Department of Public Works offers various divisions that work to maintain and improve public properties. These departments include the Street Department, Engineering, Parks and Public Works, and the Capital Projects team. Each department handles a specific area.

The Street Department maintains and inspects 72 miles of public roadways and right of ways. They also respond to complaints from citizens. This department works closely with State Agencies to make sure roadways are in good condition.

The Engineering team provides services in new development situations. It also manages town utilities and makes sure environmental stewardship is maintained.

Yard waste collection

Winchester City Services provides a yard waste collection that is collected weekly. Residents can opt to receive email or text message notifications about their collection schedule.

The collection is delayed by one day during weeks of city-observed holidays. There are no solid waste collections on these days.

A single-stream recycling system is used to collect only recyclable materials. You can drop off glass at five glass recycling stations.

Yard waste includes leaves, grass clippings, and brush. This material is compostable. It is best to dispose of yard waste properly.

There are several things you can do to make your yard more appealing. For starters, you can use compostable bags to tote your lawn waste. Composting produces nutrient rich humus. Plants such as potted plants, flower beds, and gardens benefit from the nutrients contained in compost.

Inmate visitation

The Winchester City Services inmate visitation program allows prisoners to have a limited amount of time to spend with family members. A maximum of 30 minutes per visit is allowed. However, inmates are not allowed to write letters to one another or receive money.

The facility uses Securus Technologies to conduct the phone service. This means that phone calls can only be 15 minutes in length. If you need to talk longer, you may use a prepaid calling account.

Inmates can also purchase phone cards at the commissary on Thursdays. These are called “Pin Debit” phones. Each call is deducted from the inmate’s account.

All visitors, including children, must have photo identification. Any visitor under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old.