Can the City Attorney give me legal advice?
No. The City Attorney represents the city as a governmental entity and provides legal advice only to the City Council, City Manager, City departments, and assigned City boards and commissions. By law and professional ethics rules, the City Attorney cannot provide legal advice to private individuals.
Can the City Attorney represent me in court?
No, the City Attorney may represent the City in legal matters but cannot represent private individuals in courts or in disputes involving the City.
I have a legal dispute with the City. Who should I contact?
If you have a legal dispute with the City you may wish to consult a private attorney. Anyone may submit a claim against the City.
How are city ordinances and resolutions adopted?
Ordinances and resolutions are adopted by the City Council at public meetings in accordance with North Carolina law. Proposed ordinances are placed on a public agenda, discussed, and voted on during an open meeting.
Where can I find the City Code and ordinances?
The City Code and many adopted ordinances are available online through a company, Municode, that is responsible for posting the City Code. The City Code and all City ordinances are also available through the City Clerk's Office.
Does the City Attorney attend City Council and all City board meetings?
The City Attorney attends all City Council meetings. Attorneys from the office staff City boards and commissions that make quasi-judicial decisions—meaning that they take evidence and must base their decisions on the evidence provided. Most of these boards decide land use issues and are governed by State law requirements. Attorneys do not typically staff boards that give policy advice to the City Council but may present information to those boards from time to time.
Can the City Attorney help me understand a City ordinance?
The City Attorney's office can share what City Code provisions apply to a given issue and may be able to provide general information about how specific ordinances are applied by the City. The City Attorney’s Office cannot interpret the law for individual legal situations or provide specific advice to a private person on a private matter.
Questions about the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) are addressed by the Planning and Development Office, not the City Attorney.
I disagree with an ordinance. Can the City Attorney explain or justify the reasons for enacting the ordinance?
No. The City Attorney does not debate ordinances with members of the public. Once the City Council adopts an ordinance, it is law.
If someone believes that an ordinance is unlawful, the City Attorney will accept any information that person wishes to provide. The City Attorney objectively considers information provided but cannot respond beyond acknowledging receipt of the information. The City Attorney uses their professional judgment about how to proceed.
How do I make a claim against the City?
Claims against the City should be submitted in writing and directed to the risk management office. Filing a claim does not create an attorney-client relationship with the City Attorney's office.
Who do I contact about zoning or development questions?
Zoning and land use questions should be directed to the City's Planning and Development Department. The City Attorney's Office provides legal advice to staff but does not make zoning determinations.
Where can I get help with a personal legal issue?
For personal legal issues residents may contact a private attorney. The North Carolina Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service can provide the names of private attorneys. Legal aid of North Carolina may also be able to help people who qualify for their assistance. Local legal clinics or self-help court resources are also available.
How can I contact the City Attorney's Office?
Our main number is 919-996-6560. Additional contact information, our office hours, and our mailing address is listed on the contact section of the City Attorney’s page.