FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is my property affected?

The last formal survey of the Wake/Franklin County line incorporated trees, stones and fence posts, many of which have long since disappeared. Over the years, there have been a variety of issues relative to growth and development along the county line, which prompted both counties to locate the county line. Therefore, in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes, Wake and Franklin counties are now locating the 25-mile-long county line based on a survey recently conducted by the North Carolina Geodetic Survey. To ensure correct county jurisdiction, properties will be recorded and assessed according to this line. This initiative is not a boundary dispute between local governments, rather a desire to resolve issues that continue to cause confusion and delays in conducting county business.

2. Why, if applicable, is the assessment of my property being split between Wake and Franklin counties?

Splitting properties is necessary since lots as small as two acres can be subdivided and developed for new uses. Assigning all parts of your property to the correct county will help with any future sale, division or development of your property. Properties will be split based on criteria developed by both counties.

3. How will my school-age children be affected? Will they have to change schools?

Assignment to a school system is based on the county where your house is assessed. If the assessment of your house changes counties, then the school system assignment of your child(ren) also changes. You will need to enroll your child(ren) in your new school system. Consideration may be given to remain in your current school system. To fully explore enrollment options for your child(ren), please contact:

Tommy Piper
Franklin County Public Schools
919-496-2600

Judy Stafford
Wake County Public Schools
919-850-1636

4. How will my property taxes be affected?

As a result of Wake and Franklin counties' being on different revaluation cycles, the assessed valuation of your property may change, as will your tax rate. The property tax rate in Franklin County is currently $.8225 per one hundred dollars of value. The property tax rate in Wake County is currently $.678 per one hundred dollars of value. Wake County Commissioners will consider a change in tax rate in conjunction with the property revaluation process.

5. What happens to my recorded deed with the switch to Wake or Franklin County?

Wake and Franklin counties will have a certified copy of your deed recorded in the Register of Deeds office of your new county, along with a notation as to why the new filing occurred. No action is required by you, nor is there any cost to you. A copy of your deed, with recent filing information, will be sent to you.

6. How will this change affect my voter registration?

The Wake County and Franklin County Boards of Elections will work together to identify and notify all registered voters whose voter registrations may be affected by the changes in property assessments. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 163-82.15A, these voter registrations will be changed to the appropriate county.

7. Will my property be zoned? What can I expect of the zoning process?

Yes, your property will be zoned consistent with neighboring properties in your new county. The zoning process includes a report to the Planning Board and legislative action by the Board of Commissioners. Zoning is a formal process that involves many steps, including public hearings, notification to adjoining property owners, publication of the request in the newspaper and signs posted on affected properties.

8. What exactly is going to happen?

Regardless of locating the county line, some properties were found to be physically located in one county, yet assessed in the other county. Therefore, these properties will be corrected, listed and assessed in the appropriate county. Thirteen properties fall into this category.

Many properties straddle the county line. Properties two acres or larger will be split, listed and assessed in both counties according to criteria developed by county staff. The criteria are based on respective development ordinances and Board of Elections General Statutes. Fifty-one properties fall into this category.

9. What is the process for addressing the affected properties?

The process includes informing affected property owners, conducting a community forum, and subsequent approval by the Wake and Franklin County Boards of Commissioners.

10. Will public safety officials (fire, police, EMS) be notified of these changes to ensure no interruptions in service to my property?

Once the Wake and Franklin County Boards of Commissioners approve the location of the line, staff will work closely with the Raleigh/Wake Communication Center, Franklin County 911 and the Town of Wake Forest to ensure that each affected address is keyed into the appropriate 911 database. Once this is done, calls for emergency assistance will be routed to the appropriate agency. You will continue to dial 911 in case of an emergency.

11. What should I do if I am selling or planning to sell my property during this transition period?

You must share this information with the prospective buyer. North Carolina General Statute 47E-4(b)(5) requires that the prospective buyer be advised of any notice received by governmental agencies affecting the property.

12. When will the changes become effective?

The Wake and Franklin County Boards of Commissioners will take action on the affected properties some time in the future. Pursuant to any action taken by the Boards, an effective date of the corrected property assessments will be established after zoning. The anticipated effective date is July 1, 2008.

13. Where can I view maps showing my property?

Maps of the properties affected by the location of the line may be viewed online at www.wakegov.com/gis/countyline. You may also contact the Franklin County Geographic Information Services office, located at 215 E. Nash St., Louisburg, NC 27549, 919-496-1197; or the Wake County Geographic Information Services office, located at 337 S. Salisbury St., 5th Floor, Raleigh, NC 27061, 919-856-6360.

14. How can I be heard concerning any proposed change affecting my property?

Both counties will host a community forum for property owners to learn about the changes, ask questions and make comments. The community forum will be held on Tuesday, February 12, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Youngsville Elementary School. Additionally, the Wake and Franklin County Commissioners will take action on this issue some time in the future. Details on date, time and location of the meetings will be sent to all affected property owners.

15. Whom can I contact for additional information?

Information is available online at www.wakegov.com/gis/countyline. You may also contact Franklin County Tax Department at 919-496-2172 or Wake County Geographic Information Services at 919-856-6360.