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From permit to assessed value: assessors say timing varies; staff can run reports on open projects
Summary
Assessors told the subcommittee the office uses permit applications, building-department coordination, on-site checks and aerial imagery to identify projects that may become new growth, but that there is no uniform metric today for permit-to-close timelines. Staff agreed to produce reports of open, non-assessed permits for council planning.
Committee members pressed assessors for a concrete timeline from permit issuance to when a renovation or new build is recorded as new growth in the valuation system.
"We're using many sources," Kevin said, describing OpenGov permit application data, regular coordination with the building department and supplements such as Nearmap aerial photos flown multiple times per year. He added that staff often become aware of projects quickly but that the time to confirm a project as complete varies by owner, contractor and the completeness of permit records.
When asked whether the assessors track start-to-finish metrics (new permit to closeout), Kevin said no formal metrics are currently in place but that the office is working toward improved tracking. Council members requested a report showing open permits by month and those not yet assessed so the council can better forecast potential new growth and its effect on future budgets.
Assessors described a practical process: when accounts appear to have "ripened," staff send large batches of notification letters and perform exterior verifications and, in some cases, interior inspections as part of regular cyclical review. Kevin said the department can run permit-status queries and close accounts after collecting necessary descriptive data and value increments.
