What happens if a building on my property is destroyed by fire or adverse weather?

In accordance with Connecticut State Statute 12-64a, the assessor can prorate fire and weather damaged improvements off the real estate grand list when totally destroyed improvements are razed and the land is cleared of debris and graded. To do so, the local building inspector must certify the building was so damaged as to require total reconstruction and that its removal was to be encouraged and must certify the fire or weather damaged improvements have been razed and the property is cleared of debris and graded before the assessor can prorate the improvements off the real estate grand list.

Additionally, it may be possible for the assessor to prorate the fire or weather damaged improvements off the real estate grand list as of the date of the incident provided all demolition work and grading is completed within 120 days of the date of the incident.  To do so, the local building inspector must certify the building was so damaged as to require total reconstruction and that its removal was to be encouraged and must certify the fire or weather damaged improvements have been razed and the property is cleared of debris and graded within 120 days of the fire. 

An application must be filed with the assessor’s office to prorate off any improvements destroyed by fire. Click here to obtain application, which must be completed and signed by the property owner.  As noted above, the application must also be signed by the town’s building official when the site has been graded.  Please return the application to our office when complete.

If the damage to the property does not qualify for proration, a field inspection will be conducted by staff from the assessor's office for the next upcoming Grand List and the assessment will be adjusted based upon the condition of the structure as of next assessment date (October 1).   

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Assessor’s Office at (860) 535-5098. The office is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.