How can I view aerial imagery? Do you have aerial imagery for different years?
Aerial imagery for the County is available on the Public Parcel Viewer. Imagery is available for 2011, 2007, and 2002.
How do I report a street sign that needs to be repaired or replaced?
Call 540.587.5678 to report street name signs which are missing or need to be repaired. If you leave a message, please give your name and phone number in case we have follow-up questions.
If I see incorrect information concerning map data or real estate data on the public GIS site, who do I contact?
If the issue is with the representation of a feature on a map(for example, you think a parcel is not located properly), then you can send an e-mail to the GIS Department here, or you can call GIS staff at 540.587.5677 or 540.587.5678. If your issue is with the related information of a property(ownership, assessment, improvements, etc.) then call the Real Estate Office at 540.586.7621.
General
Can I obtain GIS data from the County?
Bedford County has much of its data available for download in GIS format on its GIS Open Data page here.
How is GIS used in Bedford County?
County GIS Staff is responsible for managing all geospatial data within the County Administration. This includes data for Land Records, E911, Fire and Rescue, Economic Development, Voting, Zoning and Land Use, Utilities, and Schools. This data is integrated with information from other County offices(Real Estate, Community Development, etc), and is the basis for a variety of applications and outputs, including the Public Parcel Viewer, several internal applications utilized by County staff, as well as databases and maps.
What is GIS?
GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems. A GIS is a computer-based tool which is used for the management, analysis and display of location-based data.
Public GIS
How can I get help using the public GIS site?
Within the Map section of the County Public Parcel Viewer there is a Help Section, with both documentation and videos on how to perform common tasks with the Viewer. You can also contact GIS staff via e-mail or by phone at 540.587.5677 or 540.587.5678.
How can I view aerial imagery? Do you have aerial imagery for different years?
Aerial imagery for the County is available on the Public Parcel Viewer. Imagery is available for 2011, 2007, and 2002.
If I see incorrect information concerning map data or real estate data on the public GIS site, who do I contact?
If the issue is with the representation of a feature on a map(for example, you think a parcel is not located properly), then you can send an e-mail to the GIS Department here, or you can call GIS staff at 540.587.5677 or 540.587.5678. If your issue is with the related information of a property(ownership, assessment, improvements, etc.) then call the Real Estate Office at 540.586.7621.
Public GIS Site
How can I get help using the public GIS site?
Within the Map section of the County Public Parcel Viewer there is a Help Section, with both documentation and videos on how to perform common tasks with the Viewer. You can also contact GIS staff via e-mail or by phone at 540.587.5677 or 540.587.5678.
How often is the public GIS site updated?
Currently the County does not have a fixed schedule for updating property information for the public GIS. We hope to have a schedule in the near future. For now, the public GIS is updated at least once a month.
Roads/Addressing
Do I need an address before I apply for a building or zoning permit?
No. The address will be assigned during the time of construction.
How are addresses assigned in Bedford County?
The addresses are assigned by the GIS Department. With a few exceptions, the County addresses are based on a milepost system with 1000 numbers allowed for each mile of the road. Even numbers are on the left side of the road and odd numbers on the right side. The house number is determined by the location of the driveway entrance. We use precise GPS data to locate the driveway and building location.
How do I report a street sign that needs to be repaired or replaced?
Call 540.587.5678 to report street name signs which are missing or need to be repaired. If you leave a message, please give your name and phone number in case we have follow-up questions.
May I name my private driveway?
Driveways are not named unless they meet the definition of a “street.” In the County Code, a street is defined as “Road, highway, boulevard, way, circle, lane and other words typically used to indicate a traveled way, either public or private, for vehicles along which there are three (3) or more structures or separate lots or tracts of land.”
What is the process for changing a street name?
Requests to have an approved street name changed are submitted to the Department of Community Development. After the application is processed, it is submitted to the Board of Supervisors for consideration. 60% of the real property owners along the street must sign a petition in agreement with the request. All costs associated with the street name change will be paid by the petitioners. Call 540.587.5678 to request an application and petition form.
What is the process for obtaining an address for a modular or manufactured home?
An address for a modular or manufactured home is assigned after the home is set on the foundation and the driveway is graveled. Since these types of structures generally get set up quickly and have fewer on-site inspections than a site-built home, we ask you to call 540.587.5678 to make us aware that you are ready for the address to be assigned. The address is assigned while your contractor is completing the set up.
What is the process for obtaining an address for a site built house?
An address for a site built home is assigned during construction—generally after the insulation inspection. If you need an address earlier in construction, call 540.587.5678. The minimum requirement for obtaining an address is driveway graveled and walls going up. If you are nearing completion and you have not received your address, please call 540.587.5678.
