GUIDE TO MUNICIPAL SERVICES
ABANDONED/JUNK/INOPERABLE VEHICLES
The Town of Wise has enacted ordinances to restrict the keeping of inoperable motor vehicles in the Town. An “inoperable motor vehicle” is defined as any motor vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer which is not in operating condition or does not display valid license plates or does not display a valid inspection decal. Inoperable motor vehicles may be kept only if they are within a fully enclosed building or structure or if they are screened from view by plantings or fences.
Individuals who are financially unable to remove said vehicles may apply for assistance from the Wise Police Department. After approval of the application and upon execution of a voluntary consent form, the inoperable motor vehicle will be removed at the town’s expense.
The Wise Police Department receives complaints regarding the enforcement of local ordinances in reference to abandoned and junk vehicles. To request investigation of an abandoned or junk vehicle, please call the Wise Police Department at 328-9046.
ACCIDENT REPORTS
Copies of police reports for traffic accidents that have occurred within the Town of Wise may be picked up at the Wise Police Department any weekday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. There is a $3 charge for a copy of the report.
ADOPT-A-STREET
We take great pride in our community and encourage others to take a role in helping to keep our streets attractive and litter-free. Everyone is invited to participate in the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway program. Businesses, volunteer or civic groups, church congregations, families, and individuals are eligible to take part. It is a wonderful opportunity to get out and meet new people as well as a chance to give something back to the community.
Rules require that at least two miles of roadway be adopted and that there be a two-year commitment to pick-up trash at least four times per year. For more information, please contact the local VDOT office at 328-9331.
ALARM SYSTEMS
Businesses or residents with alarm systems must notify the police department and provide emergency contact information. There is no fee for maintaining this registry.
ANIMAL CONTROL
General (Dogs & Cats):
In an effort to ensure the safety and general welfare of the residents of the Town of Wise, the governing body has adopted animal control regulations. It is unlawful for any dog to run at large off the property of its owner or custodian. Dogs must be leashed or otherwise under the immediate control of their owner/custodian at any time that they are off the premises of the owner or custodian. Property for which the owner has obtained permission for the dog to occupy shall be deemed the property of its owner or custodian for the purposes of local animal control regulation.
Animal control problems such as dogs running at large, dangerous or vicious animals, and unlicensed dogs or cats should be reported to the Wise County Animal Control Office at 328-2321. This office also responds to complaints of animal cruelty. The county animal warden has the authority to catch these animals and confine them at the county animal shelter. The owner of an impounded animal will be charged for expenses incurred for the animal’s confinement.
Animals & Fowl
No person living in the Town of Wise may keep any animal or fowl other than a dog, cat, rabbit, or horse outside the walls of his personal residence except as follows:
The keeping of chickens for non-commercial purposes and in conjunction
with the residential use of a lot is allowed so long as
1) said lot consists of at least one acre, and
2) no more than ten chickens are kept for each acre of land on the premise, and
3) the chickens are properly confined to the property, and
4) structures in which the chickens are kept shall not be located within fifty feet of any lot line, and
5) storage of manure, excreta, other waste or odor or dust-producing substances associated therewith shall not be permitted within 50 feet of any lot line.
The keeping of cows for non-commercial purposes and in conjunction
with the residential use of a lot is allowed so long as
1) said lot consists of at least one acre, and
2) no more than two cows are kept for each acre of land on the premise, and
3) the cows are properly confined to the property, and
4) structures in which the cows are kept shall not be located within one hundred feet of any lot line, and
5) storage of manure, excreta, other waste or odor or dust-producing substances associated therewith shall not be permitted within 100 feet of any lot line.
For the purpose of this regulation, the term “animal” shall include but not be limited to foxes, minks, skunks, swine, goats, sheep, cattle, mules, bulls, or other similar livestock or fur-bearing animals.
For the purpose of this regulation, the term “fowl” shall include but not be limited to chickens, turkeys, roosters, pigeons, peacocks, doves, and quail.
Animal Nuisances
No owner or custodian shall allow any animal to bark, howl, or squall in such a manner as to disturb the public rest. No owner of custodian of any animal shall permit an animal to create a disturbance by running after people, vehicles, bicycles, etc. No owner of custodian of any animal shall permit an animal to go upon the property of another person and damage, disturb, or destroy any garden, shrub, grass, garbage, or other property of the landowner. For the purposes of local animal control regulation, “animal” is defined as any nonhuman vertebrate species susceptible to rabies.
Citizens affected by an animal nuisance are requested to contact the animal’s owner prior to contacting the Town in an effort to attempt to resolve the matter. Failing that, animal nuisances should be reported to the Wise Police Department which can be reached by calling 328-9046.
BRUSH & BULK PICK-UP SERVICE
The Town of Wise provides brush and bulk refuse pick-up service for its residents for a fee. Citizens with refuse can schedule a pick-up by going to the Municipal Building filling out a form and paying the fee any weekday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more information call 276-328-6013.
Once you have requested a pick-up, you will need to place your brush and bulky items on the curb in front of your residence away from trees, fencing, mailboxes, shrubbery, power poles, or any other structure or obstacle which may be damaged by Town equipment. Brush and limbs should be broken into pieces less than 8 feet in length. Doors should be removed from all appliances. If a bulk item will require more than two people to move, please report this at the time that you schedule a pick-up. Leaves are not eligible for the bulk pick-up service. Leaves are picked up free of charge during the fall by our vacuum service.
LEAF COLLECTION
The Town of Wise provides a leaf pick-up program in the Fall of each year for a fee. Collection typically begins the middle of October and extends through the end of November. When your leaves are ready for removal, please come into the Municipal Building and fill out the proper form and pay the fee. If you need further assistance call 276-328-6013. Citizens are reminded that once the leaf season is in full swing, it can take up to one week for the truck to finish the route one time. While crews are gathering leaves with the vacuum, tree limb and brush pickup will be temporarily suspended.
The Department of Public Works has offered several suggestions to make the collection more efficient.
Rake loose leaves to the curb but not into the street (leaves in the street can obstruct drain inlets and cause street flooding)
Do not mix limbs or garden waste with loose leaves. The Leaf Vacuum cannot pick up limbs or garden waste and leaves mixed with these items will not be removed.
The leaf collection program will continue through November 30th. Thereafter, the leaf vacuum will be dismantled so that the truck can be used for snow removal operations. Residents may then bag leaves to have them picked up on their regular trash day.
Anyone with questions should contact the Wise Municipal Building at 276-328-6013.
WISE CEMETERY
The Wise Cemetery is located on Church Street. It is owned and operated by the Town of Wise. Cemetery maintenance is handled by the Public Works Department (328-6119). For information on purchasing a lot, or to access records and deeds, please call the Town Manager’s office at 328-6013.
General:
Any person wishing to purchase a lot in the Wise Cemetery shall contact the Town Manager’s office to view a plat of the cemetery showing burial space layout and designating those plots which have been sold. Any person purchasing a burial plot shall abide by all rules and regulations, and any amendments thereto, enacted by the Town Council for the management and control of the Wise Cemetery and every allotment of space shall be deemed to be made subject to these rules and regulations and amendments thereto.
Prospective buyers may request that the Town hold a lot in reserve for a maximum of thirty calendar days. If the lot is not obligated by a cash purchase or execution of a sales agreement on the thirtieth day following the request, the lot shall become available for sale. A lot may not be reserved more than once by the same individual or family.
Eligibility For Purchase:
Burial lots in the Wise Cemetery are available for purchase by persons or by family members of persons who live in the immediate Wise area defined as the 24293 mailing zip code. Eligibility of other addressees to purchase burial lots shall be subject to the discretion of the Town Manager who shall, at a minimum, ascertain that the purchaser or the deceased once had an established residence in the immediate Wise area. Bulk purchases of lots by any individual or family may be limited by the Town Manager at any time.
Prices:
Each grave space shall be sold at a cost of $500 per burial plot.
Payments:
Lots must be paid for in full within twelve months from the date the sales agreement is signed. A 10% deposit shall be required as a down payment in order to execute a sales agreement for the purchase of burial lots. Sales agreements will include a maximum of twelve equal monthly installments, with payment in full due by the twelfth month after execution of the sales agreement. Interest shall accrue on installments at the rate of 10% per annum. No burial shall take place on a plot which has not been paid in full unless prior to interment, the funeral home in charge of arrangements agrees in writing to render payment in full within sixty calendar days from the date of interment. In the event that the Buyer does not make any two consecutive payments on the due date, the Buyer shall forfeit all payments made prior to default.
Deed:
Upon payment of the purchase price in full, the Town will cause to be issued a deed for said lot under its seal. Owners are strongly encouraged to record the deed in the Clerk’s Office of the Wise County Circuit Court. In this way, a permanent record will be acknowledged and kept.
Ownership:
The term “ownership” of a cemetery lot shall be construed to mean the right to use a lot for burial purposes of the remains of bodies of a human being only. Burial lots are exempt from taxation and cannot be attached, levied on, or encumbered in any way. Only those persons whose name(s) appear on the Deed issued by the Town will be recognized as owners or part owners of cemetery lots. Any improvements placed on the burial lot (i.e. stones, decorations, etc. are the property of the owner. The Town assumes no responsibility or liability for any damage to any cemetery lot or to improvements placed on any burial lot. Neither the Town of Wise nor any officer, official, or employee of the Town shall be liable to any person on account of damage, destruction, or detriment to any burial lot or grave, any monument or marker, any planting, or any other improvement.
Transfer of Title:
Title to cemetery lots may be transferred by any living owner so long as the grave lot is not resold for a price which is greater than the original purchase price plus the annual United States Department of Commerce Cost if Living increase for each year that the owner has been in possession of a deed for said grave lot.
Title to cemetery lots may be transferred by will upon receipt of a certified copy of such will showing the person to whom said lot was devised. When any cemetery lot owner dies intestate, the Town shall transfer title of said cemetery lot to his heirs at law, upon receipt of a list of such heirs by the administrator or the executor of the decedent’s estate.
No grave lot(s) shall be resold without the written permission and approval of the Town Manager of the Town of Wise, Virginia for a price which is greater than the original price plus the annual United States Department of Commerce Cost of Living increase for each year the owner has held the lot.
Interment:
No burial shall take place on a lot which has not been paid in full unless prior to interment, the funeral home in charge of arrangements agrees in writing to render payment in full within sixty calendar days from the date of interment.
Consistent with industry practice one burial lot may contain (a) one casketed burial and up to three inurned cremated remains or (by) a total of four inurned cremated remains.
Recognized that burial lots are of limited quantity in Wise, the Wise Cemetery will remain a place for interment of human remains only as defined by Virginia Code Section 54.1-2310.
Improvements - Stones, Landscaping, & Decorations:
No grave stone or marker in the Wise Cemetery shall be higher than 48 inches above the dye. All graves shall be marked within six months of burial with a permanent marker. Only persons, firms, or corporations qualified to work in Virginia may set a monument or marker. Said persons, firms, or corporations must have workers compensation coverage.
Mounds shall not be raised on any grave above the general level of the lot.
No trees or shrubs shall be planted at the grave sites. This is to include any type of flower which due to its shape and size becomes bushy, thus creating a maintenance problem for the Town of Wise. The Town of Wise retains the right to judge whether or not a flower meets this criteria and the right to remove.
No new plantings, fences, or enclosures of any kind will be permitted on or around cemetery lots.
As soon as flowers, wreaths, emblems, etc. used at funerals or placed on graves at other times become unsightly or faded, they will be removed. The Town of Wise assumes no responsibility for their protection or maintenance.
No mausoleum shall be permitted in the Wise cemetery except as the Town may construct to meet the needs of the community.
ARROWHEAD PARK & BEAR CREEK RESERVOIR FEES
Picnic Shelter Reservation (any size)
(*Wise Primary School, LF Addington Middle School,
and Central High School Exempted) $25.00
WISE MUNICIPAL POOL
Hours of operation:
Monday-Saturday 12:30 P.M. Until 7:00 P.M.
Sunday 1:00 P.M. Until 6:00 P.M.
Admission Prices:
Under 2: FREE
Ages 2-7: $4.00
Ages 8-54: $5.00
Ages 55 and Over: $5.00
Non Swimmers: $3.00
POOL PASSES AVAILABLE: 20 VISITS FOR $70.00
Post Office
U.S. Postal Service, Wise
208 Main St Wise, VA 24293
Phone: (276) 328-6053
ABANDONED/JUNK/INOPERABLE VEHICLES
The Town of Wise has enacted ordinances to restrict the keeping of inoperable motor vehicles in the Town. An “inoperable motor vehicle” is defined as any motor vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer which is not in operating condition or does not display valid license plates or does not display a valid inspection decal. Inoperable motor vehicles may be kept only if they are within a fully enclosed building or structure or if they are screened from view by plantings or fences.
Individuals who are financially unable to remove said vehicles may apply for assistance from the Wise Police Department. After approval of the application and upon execution of a voluntary consent form, the inoperable motor vehicle will be removed at the town’s expense.
The Wise Police Department receives complaints regarding the enforcement of local ordinances in reference to abandoned and junk vehicles. To request investigation of an abandoned or junk vehicle, please call the Wise Police Department at 328-9046.
ACCIDENT REPORTS
Copies of police reports for traffic accidents that have occurred within the Town of Wise may be picked up at the Wise Police Department any weekday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. There is a $3 charge for a copy of the report.
ADOPT-A-STREET
We take great pride in our community and encourage others to take a role in helping to keep our streets attractive and litter-free. Everyone is invited to participate in the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway program. Businesses, volunteer or civic groups, church congregations, families, and individuals are eligible to take part. It is a wonderful opportunity to get out and meet new people as well as a chance to give something back to the community.
Rules require that at least two miles of roadway be adopted and that there be a two-year commitment to pick-up trash at least four times per year. For more information, please contact the local VDOT office at 328-9331.
ALARM SYSTEMS
Businesses or residents with alarm systems must notify the police department and provide emergency contact information. There is no fee for maintaining this registry.
ANIMAL CONTROL
General (Dogs & Cats):
In an effort to ensure the safety and general welfare of the residents of the Town of Wise, the governing body has adopted animal control regulations. It is unlawful for any dog to run at large off the property of its owner or custodian. Dogs must be leashed or otherwise under the immediate control of their owner/custodian at any time that they are off the premises of the owner or custodian. Property for which the owner has obtained permission for the dog to occupy shall be deemed the property of its owner or custodian for the purposes of local animal control regulation.
Animal control problems such as dogs running at large, dangerous or vicious animals, and unlicensed dogs or cats should be reported to the Wise County Animal Control Office at 328-2321. This office also responds to complaints of animal cruelty. The county animal warden has the authority to catch these animals and confine them at the county animal shelter. The owner of an impounded animal will be charged for expenses incurred for the animal’s confinement.
Animals & Fowl
No person living in the Town of Wise may keep any animal or fowl other than a dog, cat, rabbit, or horse outside the walls of his personal residence except as follows:
The keeping of chickens for non-commercial purposes and in conjunction
with the residential use of a lot is allowed so long as
1) said lot consists of at least one acre, and
2) no more than ten chickens are kept for each acre of land on the premise, and
3) the chickens are properly confined to the property, and
4) structures in which the chickens are kept shall not be located within fifty feet of any lot line, and
5) storage of manure, excreta, other waste or odor or dust-producing substances associated therewith shall not be permitted within 50 feet of any lot line.
The keeping of cows for non-commercial purposes and in conjunction
with the residential use of a lot is allowed so long as
1) said lot consists of at least one acre, and
2) no more than two cows are kept for each acre of land on the premise, and
3) the cows are properly confined to the property, and
4) structures in which the cows are kept shall not be located within one hundred feet of any lot line, and
5) storage of manure, excreta, other waste or odor or dust-producing substances associated therewith shall not be permitted within 100 feet of any lot line.
For the purpose of this regulation, the term “animal” shall include but not be limited to foxes, minks, skunks, swine, goats, sheep, cattle, mules, bulls, or other similar livestock or fur-bearing animals.
For the purpose of this regulation, the term “fowl” shall include but not be limited to chickens, turkeys, roosters, pigeons, peacocks, doves, and quail.
Animal Nuisances
No owner or custodian shall allow any animal to bark, howl, or squall in such a manner as to disturb the public rest. No owner of custodian of any animal shall permit an animal to create a disturbance by running after people, vehicles, bicycles, etc. No owner of custodian of any animal shall permit an animal to go upon the property of another person and damage, disturb, or destroy any garden, shrub, grass, garbage, or other property of the landowner. For the purposes of local animal control regulation, “animal” is defined as any nonhuman vertebrate species susceptible to rabies.
Citizens affected by an animal nuisance are requested to contact the animal’s owner prior to contacting the Town in an effort to attempt to resolve the matter. Failing that, animal nuisances should be reported to the Wise Police Department which can be reached by calling 328-9046.
BRUSH & BULK PICK-UP SERVICE
The Town of Wise provides brush and bulk refuse pick-up service for its residents for a fee. Citizens with refuse can schedule a pick-up by going to the Municipal Building filling out a form and paying the fee any weekday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more information call 276-328-6013.
Once you have requested a pick-up, you will need to place your brush and bulky items on the curb in front of your residence away from trees, fencing, mailboxes, shrubbery, power poles, or any other structure or obstacle which may be damaged by Town equipment. Brush and limbs should be broken into pieces less than 8 feet in length. Doors should be removed from all appliances. If a bulk item will require more than two people to move, please report this at the time that you schedule a pick-up. Leaves are not eligible for the bulk pick-up service. Leaves are picked up free of charge during the fall by our vacuum service.
LEAF COLLECTION
The Town of Wise provides a leaf pick-up program in the Fall of each year for a fee. Collection typically begins the middle of October and extends through the end of November. When your leaves are ready for removal, please come into the Municipal Building and fill out the proper form and pay the fee. If you need further assistance call 276-328-6013. Citizens are reminded that once the leaf season is in full swing, it can take up to one week for the truck to finish the route one time. While crews are gathering leaves with the vacuum, tree limb and brush pickup will be temporarily suspended.
The Department of Public Works has offered several suggestions to make the collection more efficient.
Rake loose leaves to the curb but not into the street (leaves in the street can obstruct drain inlets and cause street flooding)
Do not mix limbs or garden waste with loose leaves. The Leaf Vacuum cannot pick up limbs or garden waste and leaves mixed with these items will not be removed.
The leaf collection program will continue through November 30th. Thereafter, the leaf vacuum will be dismantled so that the truck can be used for snow removal operations. Residents may then bag leaves to have them picked up on their regular trash day.
Anyone with questions should contact the Wise Municipal Building at 276-328-6013.
WISE CEMETERY
The Wise Cemetery is located on Church Street. It is owned and operated by the Town of Wise. Cemetery maintenance is handled by the Public Works Department (328-6119). For information on purchasing a lot, or to access records and deeds, please call the Town Manager’s office at 328-6013.
General:
Any person wishing to purchase a lot in the Wise Cemetery shall contact the Town Manager’s office to view a plat of the cemetery showing burial space layout and designating those plots which have been sold. Any person purchasing a burial plot shall abide by all rules and regulations, and any amendments thereto, enacted by the Town Council for the management and control of the Wise Cemetery and every allotment of space shall be deemed to be made subject to these rules and regulations and amendments thereto.
Prospective buyers may request that the Town hold a lot in reserve for a maximum of thirty calendar days. If the lot is not obligated by a cash purchase or execution of a sales agreement on the thirtieth day following the request, the lot shall become available for sale. A lot may not be reserved more than once by the same individual or family.
Eligibility For Purchase:
Burial lots in the Wise Cemetery are available for purchase by persons or by family members of persons who live in the immediate Wise area defined as the 24293 mailing zip code. Eligibility of other addressees to purchase burial lots shall be subject to the discretion of the Town Manager who shall, at a minimum, ascertain that the purchaser or the deceased once had an established residence in the immediate Wise area. Bulk purchases of lots by any individual or family may be limited by the Town Manager at any time.
Prices:
Each grave space shall be sold at a cost of $500 per burial plot.
Payments:
Lots must be paid for in full within twelve months from the date the sales agreement is signed. A 10% deposit shall be required as a down payment in order to execute a sales agreement for the purchase of burial lots. Sales agreements will include a maximum of twelve equal monthly installments, with payment in full due by the twelfth month after execution of the sales agreement. Interest shall accrue on installments at the rate of 10% per annum. No burial shall take place on a plot which has not been paid in full unless prior to interment, the funeral home in charge of arrangements agrees in writing to render payment in full within sixty calendar days from the date of interment. In the event that the Buyer does not make any two consecutive payments on the due date, the Buyer shall forfeit all payments made prior to default.
Deed:
Upon payment of the purchase price in full, the Town will cause to be issued a deed for said lot under its seal. Owners are strongly encouraged to record the deed in the Clerk’s Office of the Wise County Circuit Court. In this way, a permanent record will be acknowledged and kept.
Ownership:
The term “ownership” of a cemetery lot shall be construed to mean the right to use a lot for burial purposes of the remains of bodies of a human being only. Burial lots are exempt from taxation and cannot be attached, levied on, or encumbered in any way. Only those persons whose name(s) appear on the Deed issued by the Town will be recognized as owners or part owners of cemetery lots. Any improvements placed on the burial lot (i.e. stones, decorations, etc. are the property of the owner. The Town assumes no responsibility or liability for any damage to any cemetery lot or to improvements placed on any burial lot. Neither the Town of Wise nor any officer, official, or employee of the Town shall be liable to any person on account of damage, destruction, or detriment to any burial lot or grave, any monument or marker, any planting, or any other improvement.
Transfer of Title:
Title to cemetery lots may be transferred by any living owner so long as the grave lot is not resold for a price which is greater than the original purchase price plus the annual United States Department of Commerce Cost if Living increase for each year that the owner has been in possession of a deed for said grave lot.
Title to cemetery lots may be transferred by will upon receipt of a certified copy of such will showing the person to whom said lot was devised. When any cemetery lot owner dies intestate, the Town shall transfer title of said cemetery lot to his heirs at law, upon receipt of a list of such heirs by the administrator or the executor of the decedent’s estate.
No grave lot(s) shall be resold without the written permission and approval of the Town Manager of the Town of Wise, Virginia for a price which is greater than the original price plus the annual United States Department of Commerce Cost of Living increase for each year the owner has held the lot.
Interment:
No burial shall take place on a lot which has not been paid in full unless prior to interment, the funeral home in charge of arrangements agrees in writing to render payment in full within sixty calendar days from the date of interment.
Consistent with industry practice one burial lot may contain (a) one casketed burial and up to three inurned cremated remains or (by) a total of four inurned cremated remains.
Recognized that burial lots are of limited quantity in Wise, the Wise Cemetery will remain a place for interment of human remains only as defined by Virginia Code Section 54.1-2310.
Improvements - Stones, Landscaping, & Decorations:
No grave stone or marker in the Wise Cemetery shall be higher than 48 inches above the dye. All graves shall be marked within six months of burial with a permanent marker. Only persons, firms, or corporations qualified to work in Virginia may set a monument or marker. Said persons, firms, or corporations must have workers compensation coverage.
Mounds shall not be raised on any grave above the general level of the lot.
No trees or shrubs shall be planted at the grave sites. This is to include any type of flower which due to its shape and size becomes bushy, thus creating a maintenance problem for the Town of Wise. The Town of Wise retains the right to judge whether or not a flower meets this criteria and the right to remove.
No new plantings, fences, or enclosures of any kind will be permitted on or around cemetery lots.
As soon as flowers, wreaths, emblems, etc. used at funerals or placed on graves at other times become unsightly or faded, they will be removed. The Town of Wise assumes no responsibility for their protection or maintenance.
No mausoleum shall be permitted in the Wise cemetery except as the Town may construct to meet the needs of the community.
ARROWHEAD PARK & BEAR CREEK RESERVOIR FEES
Picnic Shelter Reservation (any size)
(*Wise Primary School, LF Addington Middle School,
and Central High School Exempted) $25.00
WISE MUNICIPAL POOL
Hours of operation:
Monday-Saturday 12:30 P.M. Until 7:00 P.M.
Sunday 1:00 P.M. Until 6:00 P.M.
Admission Prices:
Under 2: FREE
Ages 2-7: $4.00
Ages 8-54: $5.00
Ages 55 and Over: $5.00
Non Swimmers: $3.00
POOL PASSES AVAILABLE: 20 VISITS FOR $70.00
Post Office
U.S. Postal Service, Wise
208 Main St Wise, VA 24293
Phone: (276) 328-6053
