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Residents press board on unpermitted buildings and tax treatment; board points to DRA revaluation authority
Summary
A resident asked why structures built without permits were reportedly not taxed; the Select Board said the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) handled the revaluation, that newly identified buildings were added to this year’s tax rolls, and that town practice is to require permit applications and may order removal if a structure fails to meet regulations.
Barbara Smith told the Select Board she was concerned that "many taxable buildings were not taxed properly or at all because they did not obtain permits to build them," asking whether the town could fine owners or collect back taxes. The board said the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) performed the recent revaluation, that the town had added newly identified buildings to the tax rolls for the year, and that the town’s ability to collect back taxes is limited by state procedures.
Tim Stevens said town policy is to require anyone who built without a permit to pay twice the building-permit application fee when applying after the fact. "We do not fine for that," he said, adding that if an owner’s structure does not meet regulations after application, the town can require the owner to tear it down or bring it into compliance. Sue Collins said the town will send letters to property owners after receiving the DRA list to request permit applications.
Barbara also asked whether the town had considered a tiered tax system to treat primary residences, vacation homes and rental properties differently; Selectboard members said the New Hampshire Legislature was considering bills on that topic and the town would wait to see state action. The board scheduled DRA representative Vicki Ayers to speak with the board at the Jan. 26 meeting to answer technical questions about assessing.
