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1. Why is an alarm ordinance needed?

Statistics show that the overwhelming majority of fire and burglar alarms that we respond to are the result of faulty and improperly maintained alarm systems. Not only do these false alarms tie up greatly needed resources, it puts the community in danger with vehicles responding with lights and sirens. The goal of this ordinance is to ensure that alarm owners are maintaining their systems properly, therefore, reducing or eliminating these false alarms.

2. What do I as a homeowner or business owner have to do?

Every homeowner or business that has any type of fire, burglar, or medical alarm that is monitored and notifies authorities of an activation, must register their system with the City of Gaffney.

3. How do I register?

There is a registration form, that will be made available online, that must be filled out and returned to the City of Gaffney. This can be done by returning the form to:

City Hall
201 N Limestone Street
2nd Floor
Gaffney, SC 29342

By mailing the form to:

City of Gaffney
Attn: Alarm Registration
P.O. Box 2109
Gaffney, SC 29342

The form can also emailed to Billy Bishop

4. What if I already have an alarm that is not registered?

Homeowners and business owners with existing alarm systems must register their systems within 90 days of the adoption of the Ordinance (December 2, 2019).

5. What is the cost to register?

Registration of the system(s) is free.

6. What if I have a business with several different alarm systems?

Each alarm system for different buildings must be registered separately.

7. What are the fines for false alarms?

Each alarm system is allowed 3 false alarm activations within one calendar year. A false alarm is defined in summary as an alarm activation with no reasonable evidence of a legitimate problem. This means that if the alarm is activated due to burning food on a stove or a similar action, this is considered unintentional, not a false alarm. False alarms will be for systems that have malfunctions that are not addressed.

The fine for the 4th false alarm is $100 (plus court cost), the 5th occurrence is $300 (plus court cost), the 6th and subsequent offenses are $500 plus court cost. These fines are issued as a Municipal Court Summons, meaning you must appear in court unless you wish to pay the fine in full prior to the court date. The alarms are per system, meaning that locations with multiple buildings will only be fined when they reach 4 false alarms on the same system.

Weather related alarms with the exception of the same activation each time without proper intervention, will not be considered a false alarm.

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1. What are the requirements for plan reviews and permits?

Plan review and permit requirements can be viewed by downloading the Guidelines for Plan Review and Permits (PDF).

2. How do I apply for a plan review or permit?

1. Review the Guidelines for Plan Review and Permits (PDF) to determine if a plan review application is required in addition to the permit application. In most cases, the plan review must be approved before a permit can be obtained.
2. Download the application form that matches the type of work you are doing; such as Plan Review, Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Zoning, etc., found on the Community Development webpage under Forms & Documents.
3. Submit the filled-out application form to the Community Development Department using one of the following options:
   1. Email a digital copy of the application form to Permit Clerk Email.
   2. Bring the application form to the second floor of Gaffney City Hall at 201 N. Limestone Street, Gaffney, SC 29340.
4. Submit all related fees for the plan review or permit application. Please note: fees must be submitted along with the application form as described in Step 3.
   1. To view a list of fees, please download the Fee Schedule Summary (PDF).
   2. To view instructions for paying fees online, please download the Online Payment Instructions (PDF).

3. How do I report a code violation in my area?

Code violations such as overgrown lots, derelict vehicles and substandard structures which are located on private property and within Gaffney City limits may be reported by calling the Community Development Department at 864-487-8500. Please note: derelict vehicles located in the public right-of-way should be reported to the Police Department.

4. How do I request a new address?

To request a new address located within Gaffney City limits:

Fill out and submit the Request For New Street Address (eForm) and the Addressing Coordinator will reply by email.

Or, if you prefer a PDF form, download, print and fill out the Request For New Street Address (PDF) form.

1. Submit the filled out address request form using one of the following options:
2. Email a digital copy of the filled out address request form to Address Coordinator Email.
3. Bring the filled out address request form to the second floor of Gaffney City Hall at 201 N. Limestone Street, Gaffney, SC 29340.

5. Where can I find information about cemeteries?

To find information about cemeteries managed by the City of Gaffney, please visit our Cemetery webpage.

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1. Does the City of Gaffney collect vehicle taxes?

The Cherokee County Treasurer collects vehicle taxes on behalf of the City of Gaffney. 

110 Railroad Avenue 
Gaffney, SC. 29340

Phone: 864-487-2551

2. How do I get a marriage license?

To obtain a marriage license, contact the Cherokee County Probate Court.

110 Railroad Avenue 
Gaffney, SC 29340

Phone: 864-487-2583.

3. How do I apply for 2023 Accommodations Tax Funds?

Please download the 2023 Accommodations Tax Application Packet then complete and submit the form as instructed in the packet.

4. How do I request a Hospitality Tax Coupon?

To request a Hospitality Tax Coupon please fill out and submit the Hospitality Tax Coupon (eForm).

5. How do I request a Local Accommodations Tax Return?

To request a Local Accommodations Tax Return please fill out and submit the Local Accommodations Tax Return (eForm).

6. How do I request a Sanitation Roll Out Cart?

To request a Sanitation Roll Out Cart please fill out and submit the Sanitation Roll Out Cart (eForm).

7. How do I discontinue my Sanitation Roll Out Cart?

To discontinue a Sanitation Roll Out Cart please fill out and submit the Sanitation Roll Out Cart (eForm).

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1. Do you install smoke detectors?

The Gaffney Fire Department installs smoke detectors in owner-occupied houses of needy citizens in our district. Please contact the main station (Phone: 864-487-8516) located at 205 N Limestone Street for assistance. If you rent your home then please contact your landlord, they are legally bound to provide smoke detectors for you.

2. Do you have an open burning policy?

The City of Gaffney has a no open burning ordinance. Under some circumstances, the property owners can obtain a burn permit. Please contact the main station at 864-487-8516 located at 205 N Limestone Street for assistance.

3. Why do fire trucks respond to wrecks?

The Gaffney Fire Department responds to all wrecks in the fire district to provide first response medical care, assist with traffic, provide extrication when needed, and to control and hazardous material spills

4. Why did a fire truck respond to my house when I called for an ambulance?

The Cherokee County 911 center screens all calls and when it is determined that the medical call is severe enough and the local fire department can provide basic life support they are dispatched. The Gaffney Fire Department responds to all severe life-threatening emergencies. All firefighters are trained in CPR and basic first aid. We carry AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillator), oxygen, first aid supplies, and CPR equipment on all first out equipment. This is a service we provide the citizens of the district. The fire department can be closer than the ambulance to provide these services in a quicker response.

5. Why do I see the fire trucks out when there is not an emergency?

The firefighters are always ready to respond to emergencies. The crews are always left together so they may be doing training, fire inspections, pre fire plans, plant tours, installing smoke detectors, or simply out grabbing their lunch or dinner. We strive to keep all trucks inside their main response area when feasible. The main misconception is that when a truck is not at the station they are not able to respond to "my" residence.

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Answer goes here...

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

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3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

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4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

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5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

Answer goes here...

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1. Where do I get water, power, and sewer services?

The City of Gaffney does not offer the water, power and sewer services. These services are provided by the Gaffney Board of Public Works, located at: 

210 E Frederick Street
Gaffney, SC 29340

Phone: 864-488-8800.

2. How do I request repairs to streets and sidewalks?

The majority of streets in the City belong to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). All repairs for these streets are referred to the SCDOT. To determine if a street is maintained by the SCDOT, please notice the black number signs at intersections (usually on the stop signs) or the state logo on the street name sign. The following logo can be found on streets signs for streets that are maintained by the SCDOT: 

SCDOT-maintained roads are numbered "S-11-###". This number will help expedite your reporting. Please note that highways are also maintained by the SCDOT. Another resource for determining if a street is maintained by the SCDOT is the SCDOT Street Finder which can be found at SCDOT GIS and Mapping. Please call the SCDOT at 864-489-2844 to request repairs to SCDOT streets.

The City of Gaffney, Streets Division performs repairs on all City-maintained streets. The following logo can be found on street signs for streets that are maintained by the City's Streets Division:

To request repairs to City-maintained streets, please fill out the Work Request Form (eForm). You may also call the City Streets Department at 864-487-8510 during normal business hours (7 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday) to request repairs.

3. What is the schedule for residential garbage collection?

To find out more about residential garbage collection, please go to the Cherokee County, Solid Waste Management website or call 864-487-8545.

4. What is the schedule for residential yard waste collection?

Yard waste is typically collected once per week by the City of Gaffney Sanitation Division.

5. How can new residents get started with residential garbage collection?

New residents should call 864-487-8545 to establish collection for garbage.

6. Will the City pick up large household items?

The City will pick up large household items such as furniture, mattresses, box springs, or discarded lawn equipment.

7. Will the City pick up discarded appliances?

Appliances such as washer, dryer, refrigerators and microwaves will be collected by the City.

8. Will the City pick up large tree limbs, logs, or stumps?

The City will pick up limbs no larger than 8 feet in length or 8 inches in diameter if generated by the homeowner. The City will not pick up contract work. Contract work consists of capital improvements to the property by contractors. The City will not pick up tree stumps.

9. Will the City pick up paint cans?

Paint cans will be accepted for collection if the paint cans are empty or if they are dry with no fluid residue remaining. If you have wet paint remaining in the can, it can be dried up with kitty litter or oil dry. The dry paint container can be accepted for collection.

10. Where can I take things that the City will not pick up?

Cherokee County Landfill
Phone: 864-487-2537

11. Can the City pick up trash or garbage left by contractors?

It is the responsibility of the contractor to remove all trash and garbage. Materials left by a contractor working for a homeowner cannot be collected.