W. Va. Code R. § 189-2-3

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 189-2-3 - Standard visitation procedures
3.1. The data collector should make optimum use of existing appraisal and assessment records available within each county. This information should include the current property record cards and any other applicable information.
3.2. The data collector shall visit each owner-occupied residential parcel for the purpose of verifying, collecting and recording data. The data collector may make an exterior and interior inspection of the principal structures on the parcel, except that if:
3.2.1. A structure is vacant or permission to inspect the exterior or interior of a structure is denied, then the data collector shall estimate the data based on previous appraisal and assessment information and comparable properties and shall record the fact of, and reason for the estimation; or, if after one (1) visit to the parcel, the data collector fails to make contact with the owner/occupant, the data collector shall estimate the interior data and shall record the date and time of the visit, and leave a notice with the assessor's local telephone number informing the owner/occupant that an appointment can be made for the data collector to inspect the property. The assessor shall grant an inspection to any resident who requests an inspection within ten (10) days of the request.
3.3. If the occupant is not home. -- You are required to leave a notice. List the dwelling to its completion. Make your best estimate of the interior features, and complete the property record card in the prescribed manner. NOTE: Do not enter a home, or obtain information, if an adult (responsible) member of the family is not present. Call back or estimate.
3.4. If you are refused entry. -- In the rare cases where the occupant refuses entry, don't argue with the occupant. Having identified yourself and explained properly the purpose of your visit, request the occupant to give you the required information at the door. If this is refused, ask the occupant whether or not you can measure the dwelling. Whatever information that cannot be obtained by the permission and cooperation of the occupant must be estimated. Complete the property record card as prescribed, and enter any note of explanation in the memorandum section. NOTE: If the occupant's reason for refusing entry is reasonable and you feel he is cooperative and truthful in giving you the information you request, you need not consider the listing to be estimated.
3.5. If the property is posted with "No Trespassing" signs or if the perimeter of the property is fenced in with the access gate locked, the data collector is not to enter the grounds. The conditions will be noted on the property record cards in fields 471-472 and entrance code number 3 will be circled. A notice is to be prepared for each such property and is to be left in a conspicuous location. The data collector is to complete the property record card estimating the information which is required.
3.6. The visitation of non-owner occupied residential real property and non-owner and non-residential real property may be accomplished by the visual observation of the real property to be appraised.

W. Va. Code R. § 189-2-3