Addressing FAQs
Public safety and timely emergency response is the primary objective for E-911/physical address assignment. An address may be changed to correct any circumstance that may cause emergency responders, confusion in locating an address in the event of an emergency.
Common reasons why addresses may change:
Possibilities include that current addresses on your road are incorrect in that they are either non-sequential or that both odd and even numbers are located on the same side of the street, or that there is not enough space for new construction being permitted. We use only whole numbers to address homes and businesses, measuring each 5.28 feet. Also, it may have come to our attention that there are multiple residences located in one building designated as apartment “A, B, or C”.
How do you come up with the numbers you assign?
Our addressing system is based on distance, every 5.28’ is a potential address, each 1,000 numbers equal a mile. We normally start at the beginning of the road (at the intersection off the main road) using a (GPS) Global Positioning System unit to get the latitude and longitude of the center of the driveway used by the structure. We then take the latitude and longitude and enter that information into our GIS Mapping System. We then measure from drive to drive using the measurement of 5.28’. The resulting number is the 911 Address. We deviate only to designate addresses on the left or right side of the road. Even numbers on the left, and odd numbers on the right.
For example: If you live at #1020-Lawrence Ln., you live 108.86’ from the center of new Chapel Rd., 105.86’/5.28’ = 20.04, so the start # for Lawrence Ln. is 1000 + 20.04 = #1020-Lawrence Ln.
This method of addressing is invaluable for our emergency responders. As soon as the dispatcher gives them the address, they know exactly how far down the road the house actually is and on which side of the road as well. Some of our cities in the past were addressed in a block numbering system. We are currently converting some roads within our municipalities and county to the 5.28 ft. system. This type of numbering is a nationally accepted practice that enables emergency responders from all jurisdictions to respond anywhere in the United States. We will convert current roads on a “as need to” basis.
Why do I need to have my drive staked (for new structures) before you can assign an address?
When assigning numbers, the middle of the drive is GPS’d and that measurement determines the address. Structures will be numbered according to what road the drive is on, NOT to the road that the structure faces. This will eliminate any structures that you may not be able to see from the road. When we (GPS) the unit gives us the latitude and longitude coordinates. This helps us to pinpoint a caller if they happen to be calling from a cell phone.
How long does it take to get an address?
We make every effort to get addresses assigned within a few days; however, delays can occur due to the weather, (rain, snow, sleet, hail, etc.) in the event your address is part of a new subdivision or a “Private Dr.” The road will have to be named before an address can be assigned. WE HAVE THIS INFORMATION IN OUR ADDRESSING POLICIES.
Is the Address you assign also my mailing address?
Yes, if you use a mailbox at your actual physical location of your residence or business. If you use a Post Office Box for mail the 911 Address would not be your address for mail purposes. Please check with your post office concerning where to locate your mailbox.
Now that I have the address, who do I need to give it too?
When we change your address, we notify the following for you:
- Postal Service
- Tax Assessor – County Clerk’s Office – County Election Office
- Robertson Co. Emergency Services – (911/Dispatch – All Police/Sheriff’s Office/ All Fire
Departments – Robertson Co. EMS
- Utility Companies – Spfd. Water/Gas/Electric – CEMC – NES – Piedmont Gas – White House Utility District – Greenbrier Water – Adams -Cedar Hill Water, etc.)
Why does my car GPS not put me in the correct location?
The commercial GPS market is enormous and not designed for Public Safety. The designated road points most of the time are not in the same locations as the designated beginning points used in public safety and 911. Our accuracy is more important than those in the commercial market because public safety must be as accurate as possible to save lives, not to have a package delivered or to find a restaurant. We send updates to the vendors of some commercial markets, several times a year. Once this information is sent it is up to the vendor as to when they update their data for public use.
I have moved and I am unsure of my new address, how do I find out what it is?
Contact the 911 Addressing Office and we will assist you in verifying your new address.
2020 Robertson County 911