Tax Map Update

Parcel Mapping Project – Final Phase

During the last three years, the Town of Durham engaged the services of CAI Technologies to update the property tax maps for assessment purposes, and in preparation for the implementation of geographic information systems (GIS) technology.  The updated tax maps and GIS will not only transform the valuation processes but can be used within municipal offices to improve efficiency, accuracy, and transparency to better serve the public.

Creating the new tax maps began with an aerial “flyover” of Durham on April 29, 2019 which was used to support the development of a planimetric base map.  Orthoimagery was also processed from the aerial photography.  In addition, CAI Technologies researched, and reviewed deeds and survey plans from the Strafford County Registry of Deeds and from the Town’s archives.  Once the compilation phase was completed and preliminary maps were created, notices were mailed to each property owner indicating their new tax map and lot numbers, and any acreage changes (if applicable).

In addition to boundary line dimensions, the new tax maps will identify either the surveyed acreage (if applicable) or the calculated acreage, and in some cases both.  If your property has been surveyed or your deed refers to surveyed acreage, your assessment will be based on that acreage.  If not, then your assessment will be based on the calculated acreage as determined by the mappers.     

The last phase of the project was just completed where CAI Technologies held informal reviews and property owners were able to meet with a representative from CAI Technologies to review their new tax map parcel and to discuss any acreage discrepancies based on information not previously available to the mappers, such as a survey that was completed on the property but not recorded at the Strafford County Registry of Deeds.  The mappers will review and revise the maps based on any new information gathered during the reviews.  If you were unable to attend the informal reviews and have information indicating a different acreage than what was mailed to you, please contact the Durham Assessing Office and we will forward your information to CAI Technologies for review.

It is anticipated that the project will be completed by December 2021 but will not be implemented until 2022 for assessment purposes.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Durham Assessing Office.