Report Potholes - Raleigh City Ordinance & Repair Timelines
In Raleigh, North Carolina, reporting potholes to the City helps prioritize road repairs and reduce safety risks. This guide explains how to report a pothole, what the City departments handle repairs, and what to expect for timelines and enforcement. It pulls from official City of Raleigh reporting resources and the municipal code and is current as of February 2026.
How to report a pothole
When you find a pothole that threatens safety or vehicle damage, document its location and size, then report it through the City's official channels.
- Take photos, note the nearest address or intersection, and estimate size and depth.
- Report online via the City of Raleigh "Report a Problem" portal Report a Problem[1].
- For immediate hazards that pose a risk to traffic, call the City non-emergency number as listed on the Public Works page.
Penalties & Enforcement
Street repair and maintenance in Raleigh is administered by City departments; enforcement for roadway conditions generally falls to Public Works and Transportation divisions. Specific civil penalties or fines for failure to maintain public streets or to repair hazards are not detailed on the City reporting page and must be checked in the municipal code or by contacting the department directly.
- Fines or monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page Raleigh Code of Ordinances[2].
- Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited department page; refer to the municipal code or contact Public Works for enforcement policy.
- Non-monetary sanctions: repair orders, notices to abate, or court actions may be used as enforcement tools where the code authorizes them; specifics are not specified on the cited page.
- Enforcer and complaint pathway: City of Raleigh Public Works and Transportation handle inspections and repairs; use the online report portal or the Public Works contact page to submit a complaint.
- Appeal and review: procedures and time limits for appeals are not specified on the City reporting page; check the municipal code or contact the enforcing department for appeal timelines.
Applications & Forms
There is no separate pothole-specific application form published for private claims; reporting is handled through the City online portal or by contacting Public Works directly. For formal legal claims or damage reimbursement, consult the City Finance or Legal division — no dedicated form is published on the cited reporting page.
FAQ
- How do I report a pothole?
- Document location and photos, then use the City of Raleigh Report a Problem portal or call the Public Works contact number for urgent hazards.[1]
- How long until a pothole is repaired?
- Repair timelines depend on severity, location, and crew schedules; the City reporting page explains submission methods but does not list fixed repair timelines.
- Can I get reimbursed for vehicle damage from a pothole?
- Reimbursement rules and claim forms are not published on the general reporting page; contact City Legal or Risk Management for claims procedures.
How-To
- Safely pull over and photograph the pothole from multiple angles, showing nearby landmarks or addresses.
- Submit the photos and location via the City "Report a Problem" portal Report a Problem[1].
- Note the ticket or reference number and follow up with Public Works if the hazard is not addressed within a reasonable period.
- If you intend to seek reimbursement for vehicle damage, contact City Legal or Risk Management promptly for claim instructions and deadlines.
Key Takeaways
- Use the official Report a Problem portal to ensure your report is logged.
- Repair timing varies by severity and crew availability; there is no fixed timeline published on the general reporting page.
- Contact Public Works for urgent hazards and City Legal for damage claims.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Raleigh Public Works
- Report a Problem - City of Raleigh
- Raleigh Code of Ordinances (Municode)