Assessors extend cyclical inspections; office aims for about 1,000 visits a year

Julie, a staff member, told the board that cyclical inspections were extended because of a recent winter storm and would be carried out during the weeks beginning March 6 and March 12, with teams working five days a week through March 13.

She said the office originally planned to complete 216 inspections this cycle but gained capacity to add roughly 84 more through a contractor, bringing the spring total to about 300 inspections to use available FY26 funds. Julie said the additional visits prioritize properties that have not been inspected recently and those flagged by permits or sale activity.

Committee members sought context for the townwide inventory. Staff said the municipality has roughly 10,000 total parcels, about 9,300 residential units including condos, approximately 8,400 single-family homes and about 1,200 condominiums. Julie said a report shows about 4,200 parcels have not been visited in the last 10 years; to address that, staff described an operational target of roughly 1,000 inspections per year over the next four years.

Board members asked how often residents decline entry. Julie said there is a mix: many appointments are scheduled and homeowners are receptive, but the office still receives a fair number of refusals. She noted practical measures—shoe covers and scheduling on dry days—have improved cooperation. Staff also described that permit-triggered visits (for new construction or larger remodels) and sale-related inspections add to annual workload.

The board did not take a separate formal vote on the inspection plan during the meeting. The office expects follow-up work through the spring and into the fiscal year to meet budgeted inspection targets.