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1. What if I accidentally call 911?

We understand that someone can call 911 by accident. This often occurs when people have 911 preset on their telephone. It also happens quite often when people sit on their cell phone or bump it while it is in a purse or book bag. If you dial 911 by accident, please do not just hang up. Stay on the line and simply tell the dispatcher that you called by accident and that everything is okay. If you hang up instead, the dispatcher is required to call you back to determine whether or not you had an emergency. If no one answers when they call you back, law enforcement will automatically be sent to your location to investigate.

2. What should I tell the 911 dispatcher?

The first and most important question you will be asked is "Where is your emergency"? This allows us to send some type of help should we lose contact with you. Even though we have "Enhanced 911," where you are calling from may not be where the help needs to be sent. Next, you will be asked about the nature of your emergency. This tells the dispatcher what type of help to send (police / fire / ambulance). You will be asked your name and phone number. Although you do not have to give this information, it is beneficial should we need to contact you to obtain additional information.

3. When should I call 911?

Do not hesitate to use the 911 telephone number for any type of medical problem or injury, you see a fire or smell smoke, you see a crime being committed, or for any other type of emergency/safety issue. If the dispatcher determines that it is appropriate to do so they will then ask you to call them on a non-emergency line and will provide you with that telephone number.

4. When should I not use the 911 telephone number?

Do not use the 911 telephone number for any type of routine business such as accident reports, theft reports, keys locked in vehicle, animal problems, parking tickets, directory assistance (use 411), etc. While it is appropriate to call 911 for downed or arcing power lines, do not call 911 for power and water outages, call your utility provider. 911 personnel cannot provide you with outage information (location and duration) and calling 911 ties up emergency phone lines. Never call 911 as a prank or a joke. These calls are illegal and more importantly could cost someone else their life. A police officer / sheriff deputy will be dispatched to the location of these calls.

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1. I have moved in a home or apartment, I am having problems with appliances, windows not working right, can't find smoke detectors, or there appears to be mold - what do I do?

Contact the Planning Office and the owner / manager of the unit or home. The Planning Office will verify that a rental inspection was completed and passed prior to you taking possession. Should the unit not have a current rental inspection - we will schedule one with the owner and tenant (our staff will not enter a unit if occupied without either the owner or tenant present - however, both is preferred). Please note: should the unit or home not have a current rental inspection - the owner will be required to pay a rental fee of $100 rather than the normal $20 fee. If the unit has a current rental inspection, then the city will communicate with the tenant and owner to correct any repairs or maintenance issues.

2. I have a tenant that moved out after 4 months, and I have a new tenant ready to move in - do I have to have the home or unit re-inspected?

Yes - regardless of how long a tenant has lived within a unit or home - a rental inspection is required prior to any new tenant taking possession. For more information contact Planning and Building at 502-352-2094.

3. I have a tenant that moved without notice and damaged the unit - can the city help in any way?

We can verify the unit had a passing rental inspection prior to the tenant taking possession. Otherwise, it is a civil issue and our records can be used in favor of the owner or tenant - as applicable. For more information, contact us at 502-352-2094.

4. I am a tenant, and there seem to be a lot of bugs in my unit - who is responsible?

As part of a rental inspection, owners are required to provide pest control in vacant units and in all common areas of the building. Once the rental inspection is passed and a tenant takes possession, then the Tenant is responsible for pest control within their leased area - unless otherwise specified within your lease. Contact the Planning and Building department for more information.

5. Does the City resolve tenant/landlord disputes?

The city does not enforce the Tenant / Landlord act or regulations in place by the State. We do assist with health and safety issues that either were not in place prior to occupancy or that fall into disrepair during occupancy and have not been corrected by the owner. Contact Planning and Building department for more information.

6. When are rental inspections available?

Typically, rental inspections are scheduled for the following day (excluding holidays and weekends). Our office is open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The owner or owner's agent must be present at time of rental inspection. Should for any reason that the tenant has already moved in, then the owner / agent and the tenant must be present at the time of rental inspection. Contact the Planning Department for more information.

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1. Do you accept credit / debit cards?

The City of Frankfort does accept credit and debit cards to pay any taxes or fees assessed by the city. There is a nominal fee of 2.95% to use a credit or debit card.

2. How do I get on the City's bidder list?

The City does not have a formal bid list. Vendors / suppliers desiring to do business with the City may provide information about services/products for informational purchases to the Purchasing Department and may receive a request for bid on future procurement transactions.

3. How much are the Occupational Tax and the Net Profit License Fees?

Visit our Licensing Fees page for more information about rates.

4. How much is a Liquor License?

The fee for a liquor license is based on the type of liquor license. For the exact fee, please contact David Jones, ABC Administrator at 502-352-2079. However, before getting a City Liquor License, you must contact the Kentucky Office of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board.

Their contact information is:

Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control
1003 Twilight Trail
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-564-4850
Fax: 502-564-1442

5. How much is the business license fee?

The initial fee due with the application is $60.

6. Where do I send my property tax payments and who do I make the checks to?

Payments should be sent to:

City of Frankfort, Tax Collector
315 W Second Street
P.O. Box 697
Frankfort, KY 40602

Checks should be made out to the City of Frankfort, Tax Collector.

7. Who needs a business license?

Any individual, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity doing business within the city limits, is required to open and maintain a City business license. The business license fees may vary based on the type of business.

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1. What is "clean renewable electricity"?

The resolution passed in October 2021 defines "clean renewable electricity" as electricity that (1) can be extracted, generated, transported, and consumed with neutral carbon emission or no emission at all, and with no current or future significant threat to life and the natural environment; and (2) is generated and stored from renewable resources, which are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, geothermal, tides, and conditionally, bio-matter and various forms of hydropower.

2. What is "clean energy"?

The resolution passed in October 2021 defines "clean energy" as encompassing electricity, transportation, buildings and food systems.

3. What is Community Solar?

"Any solar project or purchasing program, within a geographic area, in which the benefits of a solar project flow to multiple customers such as individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and other groups." (U.S. Department of Energy)

4. What are RECs?

"A renewable energy certificate, or REC (pronounced: rěk, like wreck), is a market-based instrument that represents the property rights to the environmental, social, and other non-power attributes of renewable electricity generation. RECs are issued when one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity is generated and delivered to the electricity grid from a renewable energy resource." (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

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1. Who is responsible for landscape vegetation on private property ?

Landscape vegetation is defined as trees, flowers, or shrubs planted for landscaping purposes and does not include weeds or turf.

Property Owner Responsibilities

In order to keep city sidewalks and streets safe and accessible to the public, the owners of property adjacent to a city sidewalk or street shall prevent the landscape vegetation on his or her property from growing in a manner which interferes with normal sidewalk or street traffic, or poses a threat to safety of public rights-of-way due to obstruction of view, obstruction of passage or in any other manner.

When a Violation Occurs

When landscape vegetation located on private property is planted or has grown in a manner that interferes with normal use of a sidewalk, street, or right-of-way but that poses no immediate threat to public safety, a letter will be sent to the property owner from the Public Works Department asking that the vegetation be pruned or removed within a five day period. If the nuisance remains after the allotted timeframe the Street Department shall perform the necessary work.

Public Works Actions

Instances where landscape vegetation located on private property is planted or has grown in a manner that obstructs street signage, line of sight, or in any way poses an immediate threat to a street, sidewalk and/or to the public, the Public Works Director, or his / her designee, shall instruct the Street Department to perform the necessary pruning or removal of the growth that creates the hazard. Because of the threat to safety, time is of the essence and there will not be a notification letter to the property owner.

More Information

For additional information, please contact the Public Works Department at 502-875-8500.

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1. I have a problem with stormwater runoff, who do I contact?

Contact the Public Works office at 502-875-8500 or 502-352-2088.

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1. A street light is out or not working properly, who do I call to get it repaired?

The Frankfort Electric and Water Plant Board repairs and maintains all city street lights. They can be contacted at their Service Center at  502-352-4372.

2. There is a dead tree limb or tree in the city's right-of-way. What can I do about it?

Call Public Works at 502-875-8500, and they will investigate.

3. What do I do if a tree limb has fallen into the street?

During business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), call the Public Works Department at 502-875-8500. After hours or weekends, call dispatch at 502-875-8582.

4. Who is responsible for street trees?

Street trees are defined as trees that are located within the right-of-way. Responsibilities for street trees are divided between the city and the owner of the property adjacent to the street tree.

            

In order to keep the City streets and sidewalks safe for the public, the City is authorized to remove dead street trees in the right-of-way and may remove street trees or limbs from street trees when, in the opinion of the City Arborist, Public Works Director, or his / her designee, they threaten imminent danger to the public in the right-of-way, street, or sidewalk.

            

Where a street tree does not interfere with sidewalk or street traffic or pose a threat to public rights-of-way, but may pose a concern to the Owner of the adjacent properties, remediation of that tree concern shall be the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. The adjacent property owner shall obtain a permit for any removal or substantial pruning of street trees.

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1. Can your bus provide me with transportation to the county or another nearby city?

Frankfort Transit only provides bus service within the city limits of Frankfort. 

If you need to be transported to an area in the Franklin County or another city, you should contact Bluegrass Community Action (BUS) at 502-695-4290.

2. What do I need to do in order to be able to ride the paratransit bus?

An application must be filled out and signed by a doctor or an agency serving the elderly or disabled. 

Once the application is approved, you must call ahead (at least 24 hours) to schedule your ride.

3. Where can I catch a bus?

Frankfort Transit maintains maps and route listings for the weekday schedule and the Saturday schedule.

You can also call Frankfort Transit at 502-875-8565 for a schedule.

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1. What information do you have concerning swimming pools?

As of June 6, 2019 we now have a Swimming Pool policy. Please fill out the Sewer Adjustment Application: Swimming Pool Credit Policy           

Use these facts to help protect our streams and sewers:

• Wait at least 48 hours after any chemical treatment to the pool water before draining your pool. This will allow the chlorine to dissipate. 
• Some pool treatment chemicals contain copper and silver that are toxic to aquatic creatures and can cause fish kills, if discharged to a stream. The backwash from a pool filter system should not be discharged to a stream; it should be discharged to the sanitary sewer system, whenever possible.

2. Who do I contact about sanitary sewer accessibility?

If you have questions concerning availability of sewers in a specific location, please call the office at 502-875-2448 and schedule a time to come in and meet with a staff member. 

We will review plans to determine nearest sewer location and options for extending sewers to the property in question.

3. Who do I contact for sewer backup or sewer complaints?

If you encounter any of the following, please contact our department: 502-875-2448 or After Hours 502-229-6304

• Manhole covers missing or open
• Sewage backup in the home
• Sewage on the ground
• Strong odor

After investigating the complaint, you will be contacted with the findings and advised of any repairs or recommendations.

4. Who do I contact for sewer line locates and plan reviews?

If you have questions, please call our department and schedule a time to come in and meet with a staff member. We will review plans to locate sewer lines in question. 

Locates should be called into Before-U-Dig at 800-752-6007 or, from a cell phone, dial 811 before work begins

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1. Why didn’t they pick up my extra garbage bags sitting next to the cart?

Carts are serviced by fully automated garbage trucks operated by one driver.  The routes are set up to service the maximum number of carts efficiently and safely.  If items are not in the cart the driver would have to stop, get out, put the bag(s) in the cart and operate the robotic arm again.  If several households each put out an extra bag in the course of the day, the routes could not be completed.   

If you need to dispose of garbage that cannot fit into your cart, you may purchase City of Frankfort overflow bags at Kroger (East or West).  The cost is approximately $1 per bag.. This cost pays for the crew members needed to run an additional truck specific for overflow bags and bulky items.  

2. What is "Clean Up Week" (formerly Free Week)?

The City of Frankfort provides residents and opportunity to dispose of additional garbage bags for free, during scheduled events. During Clean Up Week, garbage bags can be placed to the curbside without needing to be in a City of Frankfort Overflow Bag. Please reference the Clean Up Week schedule for dates.

3. I am physically unable to take the carts to the curb for collection. What can I do?

Please contact the Solid Waste Department at 502-875-8527 for additional information on disposal options.

4. My neighbors never take their garbage / recycle carts back to their house! What can I do about it?

City ordinance allows for containers to be at the curbside no sooner than the evening prior to and no later than 7:00 a.m. on the day of collection and removed that evening.  

If you are aware of someone repeatedly leaving the containers out beyond these time frames, please contact Public Works at 502-382-2088 or the Solid Waste Department at 502-875-8527 to report the issues.

5. What should I do with household hazardous waste items, such as fertilizers, drain cleaners and gas?

Household hazardous waste (HHW) products should never be poured on the ground, down the drain, or thrown out with the regular household garbage. Improper disposal can cause injury from contact or contaminate ground and drinking water. 

These materials may be disposed of during the specific HHW collection events. HHW collections occur twice annually, once in the fall and once in the spring. For more information, visit the Franklin County website.

6. I think my garbage or recycling has been missed. Who do I contact to get it picked up?

Call the Public Works at 502-352-2088 or the Solid Waste Division at 502-875-8527. You may also download the FrankWaste app and use it to report your concern.

Android: HTTPS://PLAY.GOOGLE.COM/STORE/APPS/DETAILS?ID=GOV.KY.FRANKLINCOUNTY.RECOLLECT.WASTE
Apple: HTTPS://APPS.APPLE.COM/APP/ID1556149008

7. If I set out carpet will the Solid Waste people take it?

Carpet can be collected on your regular garbage day. It must be cut and tied in 4 foot sections and not exceed 50 pounds per bundle.

8. When do you collect large items and household appliances?

Large items (furniture, etc.) and appliances are collected on your regular solid waste collection day. Place the large items and appliances at the curb with your household garbage, and a separate truck will come by to collect them.

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1. My garbage / recycle cart is broken or was stolen. What should I do?

From time to time, maintenance is required on containers or they may need to be replaced.  Call Public Worst at 502-352-2088 to report the damaged or stolen cart.

2. I am moving soon. What do I do with the garbage / recycling cart?

The city-issued carts are the property of the City of Frankfort. They are assigned to the home. Please leave them in the rear of the home or garage of the residence when you move.

If the home will be vacant for an extended amount of time, you may report the home as vacant to Public Works at 502-352-2088.

3. I would like to request a different size cart. How do I do that?

The property owner may exchange the trash container for a container of a different size upon payment to the City of the $75 cart fee for the trash container. There is no cost to change the size of the recycle container.

Payments can be made in person at:

Public Works Department
City Hall
315 W Second Street
Frankfort, KY 40602

Payments can also be mailed to:

City of Frankfort
Attention: Public Works
P.O. Box 697
Frankfort, KY 40602

When mailing, please include information details such as:

• Address
• Cart request
• Name
• Phone number

For more information contact Public Works at 502-352-2088.

4. I just moved to the City of Frankfort. How do I get a garbage / recycle cart?

Contact Public Works at 502-352-2088.

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1. What is my service day?

View our service day schedule.  Residents can also find out their service day by calling the Public Works at 502-352-2088.

2. My garbage / recycle container was not serviced. What should I do?

If the container was at the curb by 7 a.m. on your assigned collection day and was not serviced, check the container for a violation tag explaining why the materials could not be collected.

If there is no tag, you can report a missed service to Public Works at 502-352-2088.

3. What do I do if I forget to set out my trash, recycle, or yard waste on my regular collection day?

You can either hold the material until your next scheduled collection day or take it to the county landfill using a free voucher or paying a small fee.

For more information, visit the Franklin County website.

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1. Which items are recycled by the City of Frankfort?

View a list of recycling dos and don'ts to find out what can be recycled.

2. Where can I recycle some of the materials that are not accepted in the curbside program, such as electronic recycling?

Electronic recycle can be brought to the Recycle Center located at 309 Rouse Avenue. The hours of operation are generally 7:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Due to staff shortages it is recommended that you verify an employee will be available to open the center prior to your arrival. Contact the Solid Waste Department at 502-875-8527 or Public Works at 502-352-2088 for additional information.

3. What should I do with common household batteries?

Common household batteries can be recycled at the Recycle Center located at 309 Rouse Avenue. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. 

Automotive batteries are not accepted and can be disposed of during household hazardous waste events.

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1. Can yard waste be placed in regular trash bags?

No, it is illegal to place yard waste in regular trash bags. Residents may choose one of the three options for yard waste disposal:

• A permanent container labeled "yard waste," weighing no more than 50 pounds once filled.
• Biodegradable paper yard waste bags, available at area hardware, home improvement, and discount stores.
• Blue City of Frankfort overflow bags, available at Kroger (East or West).

2. What can I do with my yard waste if I forget to set it out on my regular collection day?

Franklin County offers yard waste services at the Franklin County Road Department located at 100 Lewis Ferry Road. Service times are every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., April 24 to October 23. 

For additional information on this service, contact Franklin County at 502-875-8751.

3. When can I set out tree limbs and brush for collection?

Tree limbs and brush are collected on your regular solid waste collection day. They must be placed at the curb with your household garbage. 

Limbs shall not exceed 50 pounds in weight or 6 feet in length. Limbs shall be stacked with cut ends facing the street, not criss-crossed, and placed in piles no bigger than 3 feet high and 10 feet long.

Please note that the City does not pick up yard waste as a result of contract work.