Inspections - Sales, Cyclical, Permit, Abatement
Inspections
Inspections are required for several reasons: when a property will be selling; as part of the cyclical inspection program required by the state; when it is new and under construction, or has a completed building permit or long-term project with multiple renovations; or for abatements.
Sales Inspections
The Assessors' Office conducts inspections on properties being sold in order to update the Town's assessment data. Accurate data leads to fair and equitable property assessments. It is best to inspect the property as close to the sale or agreement date as possible.
When a homeowner/agent calls the Fire Department to set up a carbon monoxide/smoke detector inspection, this persons contact information is distributed to the Assessors' office so that we may also contact the homeowner/agent for an inspection. It can often be scheduled for the same day and time. Homeowners can also call the Assessors' directly to arrange this inspection when it is convenient for them. Real Estate Agents are encouraged to let the homeowners know that the Assessor will need to inspect the property. Agents are also encouraged to contact the Assessors office to arrange an inspection at a time when other inspections are occurring, to minimize the interruptions to the homeowner. We will try our best to accommodate schedules. Please note that the Assessor is required by the MA DOR Division of Local Services to inspect properties. The homeowner is not required to allow the Assessor to inspect the property, however, the right to appeal the assessment is contingent on property inspection.
Cyclical Inspections
The MA DOR Division of Local Services requires the Assessors to inspect all properties at least once every nine years. Each year a section of the town is inspected in order to complete the whole cycle within the recommended time frame.
Postcards are mailed out to property owners based on their last inspection date, to let them know that we will be in the area. Whenever possible, an in-person inspection is the best way to achieve accurate and consistent data.
The property owner can call the Assessor at any time to arrange an inspection if they feel that their assessment is incorrect.
Permit Inspections
The Assessors Office performs permit inspections in order to update our Property Record Cards with any changes made to a property, including not only additions and improvements, but demo and removal of items such as a shed or pool, which would remove these items from the assessment data. Any change may (or may not) modify the value of the property assessment. We try to inspect the permit updates at the completion of the project. All new construction projects are inspected by the Assessors Office as the project is in-process so that we can document the improvement prior to the certificate of occupancy being issued. The Building Department will often alert us that the project is complete, so that we can contact you for an inspection around that time.
Abatement Inspections
When an abatement application is submitted, a full interior / exterior inspection is required for the application to be reviewed. The right to appeal the assessment is contingent on a full property inspection.
See explanation of the Inspection Program from the Department of Revenue, Division of Local Services by clicking here.