Resident tells assessors she won’t permit interior inspection; board explains alternatives

At the July 21 meeting of the Norton Board of Assessors, resident Karen Dalton identified herself and raised objections to an assessor’s request to enter her home to inspect an addition.

"My name is Karen Dalton. I live at 113 King Philip Road," she told the board, and said a staff member came to her door and said they wanted to come in and look at her new addition. Dalton said she would not allow an interior inspection because of a prior negative experience. Director of Assessing Denise Ellis responded that the office sends postcards notifying owners about upcoming inspections and offers to schedule appointments. "We send them out every single year to every permit that is pulled," she said.

Board members clarified that homeowners retain the right to deny interior access. If a homeowner refuses entry, assessors said the department must estimate the interior features for valuation, which can affect later abatement or appeal outcomes. One member noted that refusing entry may limit certain administrative appeal pathways and that abatement season runs January 1–February 1, though the board can still consider abatements at its discretion.

Members and staff discussed ways to reduce homeowner discomfort, including more informative door hangers, postcards, and a listing on the town website of streets scheduled for cyclical inspections. The board agreed to consider a session to improve communication materials and to offer residents clearer scheduling options.

The board’s discussion emphasized balancing statutorily required inspection tasks against residents’ privacy and safety concerns.