GIS & Addressing Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about property addressing, address verification, road naming, street signs, and GIS mapping in Jefferson County. If you need additional assistance, please contact the GIS & Addressing Office.
Obtaining an Address
I’m having a house built. How do I get an address?
Once your building permit is issued, the project enters the addressing review process. If the submitted sketch plat provides enough detail, the office can assign an address based on the location of the structure and driveway. If additional information is needed, an Addressing Specialist may visit the property after the foundation inspection to collect GPS coordinates.
Once the structure is added to the County’s mapping system, an address verification letter is sent to the developer or owner. The assigned address must be posted on the structure to pass final inspection.
Does an empty lot need an address?
No. Physical addresses are assigned to structures, not vacant lots. An address is generally assigned once a structure’s foundation is in place.
Does my barn or workshop need an address?
Outbuildings are reviewed according to County ordinance and policy. An address may be required depending on factors such as utilities, telephone service, and other needs. See the Addressable Structure Guidelines for more information.
How can I find out who owns a property?
The GIS & Addressing Office does not provide property ownership records. Contact the Jefferson County Assessor’s Office at (304) 728-3224 or assessor@jeffersoncountywv.org.
You may need the property’s District, Map, and Parcel numbers. If you have the street address, the GIS & Addressing Office can help identify that information.
Verifying an Address
I need address verification for my driver’s license. What should I do?
Property owners may contact or visit the GIS & Addressing Office at 116 E. Washington Street, Suite 201, Charles Town, WV, to request an address verification letter.
The office can provide these letters only to property owners, not renters. Renters should consult the West Virginia DMV for accepted proof-of-residency documents. The DMV may also provide an Affidavit of WV Residency for the renter and landlord to complete.
If your current driver’s license lists a P.O. Box, you will need to provide your physical 9-1-1 address to the DMV.
Who should I notify when my address changes?
Notify organizations and service providers that use your address, including:
- Utility and telephone companies
- Mortgage and insurance companies
- West Virginia DMV
- Jefferson County Tax Office
- Jefferson County Assessor’s Office
- Banks and credit card companies
- Magazine, newspaper, and other subscription services
For rural mail delivery, the post office may deliver mail to your former address for up to one year after the address change takes effect.
Why can’t I find my home on GPS or an online map?
Third-party GPS and mapping services may take several months to update their information after receiving new address data. A missing address on a consumer mapping service does not necessarily mean emergency responders cannot locate your property.
Jefferson County emergency services use County mapping data. To verify that your residence or business is correctly located on the County map, contact the GIS & Addressing Office at (304) 724-6759.
Displaying an Address
Am I required to display my address?
Yes. County ordinance requires structures to display their assigned physical address. Failure to comply may result in a fine.
How should I display my address?
Address numbers must be clearly visible from the road, made of durable material, and contrast with their background.
- Residential properties: Display Arabic numerals at least 3 inches tall on, above, or beside the main entrance. If the entrance is more than 50 feet from the road or is not clearly visible, display the address at the driveway or property entrance as well.
- Commercial and industrial properties: Display numbers at least 6 inches tall near the main entrance. If they cannot be seen from the road, place them on a visible sign or along the driveway.
- Apartments and similar buildings: Display the building’s address in numbers at least 6 inches tall. Identify individual units at or beside each unit’s entrance.
- Mobile home parks: Display the park’s address at the entrance and permanently post each home’s assigned lot or space number.
For complete requirements, review the Jefferson County E9-1-1 Addressing Ordinance.
Road Naming
When does a road need to be named?
Any road or right-of-way used by three or more houses or structures must be named. Property owners adjacent to the right-of-way must submit a Road Name Petition Form.
The person requesting the road name or building the third structure is responsible for the street sign installation costs. The office can calculate the cost and arrange installation after payment is received.
How are roads named in a new subdivision?
Developers must submit the appropriate Road Name Reservation Form and Subdivision Name Reservation Form for the project’s location. These forms can be found here.
For projects in unincorporated Jefferson County that require County plat approval, submit the forms through the Planning and Zoning Department. For projects within incorporated municipalities, submit the appropriate forms to the municipality for approval before final County approval.
What suffixes can be used in road names?
All road names must include an approved suffix, such as Road, Avenue, or Street. See the County’s list of approved road name suffixes.
How do I choose a road name?
Review the Road Name Index to check for duplicate or confusingly similar names. Submit one preferred name and two alternatives, in order of preference, using the appropriate form for your jurisdiction. There is a limit on how many roads may begin with the same word.
Visit the GIS & Addressing Forms page to find the applicable forms.
Street Signs
Can I put signs on my property?
Generally, property owners may install signs on their own property. However, signs that resemble official street signs must not be placed where they could confuse emergency services or the public.
Signs must not be attached to County street signs or obstruct their visibility. Violations may result in a request to remove the sign or a fine.
How do I report a missing or damaged street sign?
Complete the Street Sign Problem Report or contact the GIS & Addressing Office at (304) 724-6759.
Please be prepared to provide:
- Your name and telephone number
- The road name and intersecting road name
- The sign color, green or brown
- Whether the sign displays one road or both roads
- How the sign was damaged, if known
- Whether the sign is still at the location
- Which part is damaged, such as the sign blade, post, or anchor
Maps & GIS Data
Where can I find an up-to-date map of County roads?
Free public maps are available through the Jefferson County Public Research Portal.
Can I download GIS data for Jefferson County?
Yes. Available GIS data layers can be downloaded through the Public Research Portal. Data layers cover the County and are available in shapefile (.shp) format using the NAD83 State Plane West Virginia North FIPS 4701 Feet coordinate system.
Where can I find parcel information?
The GIS & Addressing Office does not maintain property parcel ownership records. Contact the Jefferson County Assessor’s Office at (304) 728-3224 for parcel information and ownership records.
Have Questions?
For questions about address assignments, road or subdivision naming, or County road signs, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page or contact the GIS & Addressing Office.
Phone
304-724-6759
Fax: 304-724-8992
Address
116 East Washington Street, Suite 201
Charles Town, WV 25414
gis@jeffcowv.gov
Hours
Monday-Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm