New to Rock Hill? Start city power, water and sewer at 803-325-2500, gas with YCNGA, register your car within 45 days and claim the 4% tax rate.

Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. This page points to our full guides and to the official start-service pages; facts come from the City of Rock Hill, York County, York County Natural Gas Authority and the agencies linked below.

Welcome to Rock Hill. Most of what a new household needs to set up runs through three places: the City of Rock Hill (power, water, sewer, trash), York County (property and car taxes, elections) and South Carolina (driver’s license and plates). Start with one question: is your address inside the city limits? It decides your utilities, your trash service and part of your tax bill. Check the city’s council district map, or ask Customer Service.

Who to call

  • City utilities (electric, water, sewer, trash): 803-325-2500, or chat on the city’s Billing & Customer Service page
  • Natural gas: York County Natural Gas Authority, 803-323-5304
  • Car taxes and tags: York County Auditor, 803-684-8501; Tax Collection, 803-684-8527
  • 4% legal residence rate: York County Assessor, 803-684-8526

Power, water, sewer and trash

Rock Hill Utilities provides electric, water, sewer, sanitation and stormwater service in the greater Rock Hill area. To start service:

  • Owners: send a new service agreement with a copy of a valid state-issued photo ID through the city’s Billing & Customer Service page.
  • Renters: the same, plus a copy of your lease or welcome letter.
  • Still closing? Send a copy of your sales contract so service can be scheduled if it is on in the seller’s name.
  • Online requests take up to 48 business hours. In person at City Hall, 155 Johnston St., service is connected the next working day, or the same day for a $20 fee if you apply before noon.

Trash and recycling come with city service: see our trash and recycling guide. Sign up for power outage texts while you are at it. South Carolina sets electric service territories, so some addresses get power from York Electric Cooperative or Duke Energy instead; the city links the state’s service area map from its utility bill page.

Natural gas

York County Natural Gas Authority (YCNGA) serves York County. Apply with its online application or at the Customer Service Center, 965 W. Main St. A representative calls you to set up the account; YCNGA runs a credit check and may require a deposit. If you apply before 3:30 p.m. and a meter is already in place, it tries for same-day service. Not sure gas reaches your street? Call 803-323-5304.

Internet

Comporium sells internet, TV and phone service; check the plans available at your address. To see every provider that reports service at your address, search the FCC’s National Broadband Map. City Council meetings air on Comporium Cable Channel 115.

Your car and your license

Plates and registration. South Carolina makes you pay personal property tax on your vehicle before you can get a license plate, and York County says new residents have 45 days to pay that tax and get South Carolina plates and registration. Bring the title, a bill of sale or your previous state’s registration to York County’s tax offices, including the York County Complex, 1070 Heckle Blvd. in Rock Hill. Privately owned cars are taxed at 6% of retail value, according to the county’s vehicle page. Then finish registration with the South Carolina DMV.

Driver’s license. Transfer an out-of-state license at a South Carolina DMV office; see the DMV’s new residents page for what to bring. Update your address with the DMV too: the county takes its billing addresses from DMV records.

Property taxes

If you bought a home you will live in, apply for the 4% legal residence rate with the York County Assessor (803-684-8526). It is the single biggest property tax saving most owners get. Owners 65 or older, blind or disabled can also apply to the Auditor for the homestead exemption. Details, rates and due dates: our property tax guide.

Schools

Rock Hill Schools uses a modified year-round calendar. Find your zoned school with the district’s School Zone Locator and enroll online. See our schools guide.

Voting

Register at scvotes.gov. The deadline for the Nov. 3, 2026, election has passed, but you can register now for later elections. See our voting guide.

Building or renovating

Roofs, windows, water heaters and many other jobs need a city permit. See our permits and zoning guide.

Who to call when something goes wrong

Keep our who to call at City Hall page handy: police non-emergency 803-329-7211, outages 803-329-5500, City Hall 803-325-2500.

What this means for you

  • Week one: start utilities (city and gas) and sign up for outage texts.
  • Within 45 days: pay your car taxes and get South Carolina plates.
  • After closing on a home: file for the 4% legal residence rate.

More: Rock Hill home prices and getting around Rock Hill.

Frequently asked questions

How do I set up utilities in Rock Hill?

Rock Hill Utilities handles electric, water, sewer and sanitation. Submit a new service agreement online with a copy of your state photo ID (and your lease if you rent), or apply in person at City Hall. Call 803-325-2500 with questions.

Who provides natural gas in Rock Hill?

York County Natural Gas Authority. Apply online or at its Customer Service Center, 965 W. Main St., and call 803-323-5304 to check service at your address.

How long do I have to register my car in South Carolina after moving to Rock Hill?

York County says new residents have 45 days to pay their vehicle property taxes and get a South Carolina license plate and registration. Taxes are paid first, at the county.

How do I lower my property taxes after buying a home in Rock Hill?

Apply to the York County Assessor’s Office, 803-684-8526, for the 4% special assessment as a legal residence. Homeowners 65 or older, blind or disabled can also apply to the Auditor for the homestead exemption.