Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about our office or the services provided, you may find the answers here. Click a question to view the answer. If your answer is not found here, feel free to email this office at acplanning@skybest.com, call this office at 336-372-8974, or drop by our office at 348 South Main St., Sparta NC.

• Is flood insurance available in Alleghany County?

  • Yes. Alleghany County has been a member of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) since December of 2002. You can purchase flood insurance through your insurance agent.

• How much flood insurance can I get and where do I purchase it?

  • Alleghany County is in the "Emergency Phase" of the NFIP. The maximum amount of coverage is $35,000 on the structure and $10,000 on its contents. Your insurance agent can help you purchase the coverage.

• Do I have to live near a stream or river to purchase flood insurance?

  • No. Any resident of Alleghany may purchase flood insurance.

• I want to build a house near a river or stream. Are their requirements on how far it needs to be from the water?

  • Yes. Structures must be set back three times the width of the stream or 150 feet, whichever is less.

• I have Virginia license plates, can I take garbage to the Transfer Facility?

  • Vehicles with Virginia license plates will not be allowed to enter the Transfer Facility. Businesses with Virginia license plates that operate within Alleghany County are required to first register their business at the Alleghany County Finance Office, 348 South Main Street, Sparta, North Carolina. Those individuals with Virginia tags that own property in Alleghany County must first get a copy of their property identification card from the Alleghany Tax Office, 348 South Main Street, Sparta, North Carolina. When presenting the tax card and driver's license to the transfer facility attendant, the name on the tax identification card must match the name on driver's license.

• Are their different building standards for construction in a Flood Hazard Area?

  • Yes. Contact the County Planner or Building Inspector for details.

• I would like to sub-divide my land. Is there a minimum lot size?

  • Yes. In areas designated as Watershed, High Quality Waters, or Outstanding Resource Waters, the minimum lot size is one acre. For all other areas of the county, it is three-quarters of an acre.

• How many building lots can a driveway serve?

  • Five. Greater than five requires the construction of an "Alleghany County Standard Road."

• Are there restrictions on the construction of cell phone and communication towers?

  • Yes. There are restrictions on the placement, height and type of tower constructed in Alleghany County. Contact the County Planning Office for details.