Your County
Menu ☰
Assessors Office
Looking for something specific?
Service Finder
×

01.

Help Me With...

Select from list
My Residential Property
My Driver's License or Vehicle Registration
Requesting Assistance
Getting Outdoors
Elections
Health Department

02.

Select from list
My Property Valuation
Understanding My Valuation
Paying My Property Tax
Neighborhood Sales
Building Permits
Vehicle Registration - New Stickers
Vehicle Registration - New Vehicle
Drivers License - New or Renew
New Resident Vehicle Registration
Adult Protection
Child Welfare
Child Support
Child Care
Financial Assistance
Medical Assistance
Food Assistance
Decode Douglas County
Open Space Special Event Permits
Open Space Properties and Trails
Park Reservations
Parks and Trails
Register to Vote / Update Voter Registration
Upcoming Election Information
Ballot Drop Box Locations
Voter Service and Polling Centers
Birth Certificates
Death Certificates
Environmental Health
Household Waste Management

03.

×
Assessor Building Boards and Commissions Employment Health Department License Plates
× Close
Assessors Office

Contiguous Parcel Designation

Vacant parcels of land, under common ownership, that are contiguous and used as an integral part of a residence may be classified as residential property.  Per Colorado Revised Statutes, the Assessor’s Reference Library, and published case law, the following criteria must be met and documented in writing as part of the application process:

  • The primary residential parcel must conform to the definition of residential real property as defined in § 39-1-102 (14.5), C.R.S.;
  • The vacant parcel must be physically touching the residential property;
  • The vacant parcel must be used as an integral part of the residential property;
  • The contiguous parcel must be under identical ownership as the residential property as of the January 1 assessment date (If one of the properties was purchased after January 1st, then the contiguous classification designation is deferred to the following year); and
  • The primary purpose of the parcel and associated structures is for the support, enjoyment, or other non-commercial activity of the occupant of the residence.

CRS 39-1-102 (14.4)(a) states – “Residential land means a parcel or contiguous parcels of land under common ownership upon which residential improvements are located and which is used as a unit in conjunction with the residential improvements located thereon. The term includes parcels of land in a residential subdivision, the exclusive use of which land is established by the ownership of such residential improvements. The term does not include any portion of the land which is used for any purpose which would cause the land to be otherwise classified. The term also does not include land underlying a residential improvement located on agricultural land.”

Important Note:  A property inspection may be necessary to confirm the contiguous use.

Read More