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Frequently Asked Questions
The following is a list of questions frequently asked by citizens. You may search for specific words or phases, or shorten the list by selecting a specific category.
Assessors
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A revaluation is an update of all assessments in town conducted under the direction of the Board of Assessors. The Board of Assessors are state certified individuals whose duties are to discover, list, and value all real and personal property in the town, in a uniform and equitable manner. The Board of Assessors are not involved in the collection of property taxes.
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State law requires that all property in the town be assessed within ten percent of market value every three years. A revaluation is the most equitable way to accomplish this.
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Most likely, yes. However, not all property values will change at the same rate. Market value will have increased more for some neighborhoods and property types than others. Some neighborhoods and property types may have decreased in value and others may have remained the same. One purpose of a revaluation is to make sure that the assessed values reflect the changes that have occurred in property values.
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Members of the assessor's staff will do the revaluation. They have many years of experience in property assessment and are familiar with the marketplace in town. From time to time it may be necessary to hire some outside help. Primarily they would be utilized in the office for data entry or computer analysis.
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The revaluation will begin in January and we expect to complete the work by the middle of November. The resulting values will be effective January 1, 2008. These assessments will be the basis for the tax bill which will be mailed in December 2008.
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All assessing staff will have an identification card with their picture on it. Our phone number is 259-3024 if you need verification. To ensure accurate assessment it is to your advantage to allow the assessor inside your property when an inspection is required. By denying an inspection, you may lose some rights if you feel the need to appeal your assessment.
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State law requires that your property be assessed at market value. Market value is defined as the amount a typical, well-informed purchaser would be willing to pay for the property. For a sale to be a market value (arm's length) sale, the seller and buyer must be unrelated, the seller must be willing (but not under pressure) to buy, the property must be on the market for a reasonable length of time, the payment must be in cash or its equivalent, and the financing must be typical for that type of property.
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The next best evidence is the arm's length sales of reasonably comparable properties. These are properties similar to yours in location, age, style condition and other features that affect market value, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and size of garage.
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We will then consider all other factors that may affect the market value of your property. The cost to replace your building(s), less any depreciation, plus the value of the land could be used to extimate market value. For rental properties, the income and expenses could be considered.
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Your construction cost is a historical figure that may or may not reflect the current market value of your property. It is only on element that will be considered.
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Generally speaking, improvements that increase the market value of a property will increase in assessment. The following examples are typical items that may increase the assessed value of your property.
> added rooms or garage
> substantial modernization of
kitchens or baths
> central air - conditioning
> fireplaces
> extensive remodeling
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Normal maintenance will help retain the market value of your property, but generally will not affect your assessment.
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General economic conditions such as interest rates, inflation rates and changes in the tax laws will influence the value of real estate. As property values change in the marketplace (sales), those changes must be reflected on the assessment roll.
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There are differences between individual properties and between neighborhoods. In one area, the sales may indicate a substantial increase in value in a given year. In another neighborhood, there may be no change, or even a decrease in property value.
Different types of properties within the same neighborhood may also show different value changes. For example: one-story houses may be more in demand than two-story houses or vice versa. Older homes in the same area may be rising in value more slowly than newer homes.Among the numerous factors to be considered that will cause values to differ are location, condition, size, quality, number of baths, basement, finished garages and many others.
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No. If an inspection is necessay of your property, we have to analyse all of the information we gathered before placing a value on your property. We will than further review this information to ensure that your assessment corresponds fairly to the assessments of other properties
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After the Department of Revenue reviews the new values, there will be a public review period. This time will be advertised in the newspaper and on the radio and cable.
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Talk with an assessor. During an informal public review period you can learn how your assessment was made, what factors were considered and what types of records we have on your property.
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You will need to file an abatement application with the Assessing Department by the third quarter bill due date. The Board of Assessors has three months on which to act on your application. They will notify you on an approved Department of Revenue form of their decisions within that time.
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State law puts the burden of proof on the property owner to show that the assessment is incorrect. Stating that property taxes are too high is not relevent. You should establish in your mind what you think your property is worth. The best evidence that could be considered would be a recent sale price of your property. The next best evidence would be recent sales prices of properties that are similar to yours. The close in similarity and proximity, the better the evidence. Another type of evidence that could be considered would be recent appraisal of your property.
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Although the value of your property affects your share of taxes, the actual amount you pay is determined by the budget needs of the town and school. These will decide what services will be provided in the coming year and how much they will need to provide these services. Once this decision is made, a tax rate is adopted that will generate the needed dollars. Your property taxes are determined by multiplying the tax rate by your assessment. Tax Rate x Assessed Value = Taxes.
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Conservation
Home Page
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Visit the Fiscal Year 2009 Valuation Section of the Website to View Values by Street.
FY 2009 Valuations
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Call the Public Works Department at 259-3050 for more information.
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The Town of Amherst accepts cash, check, money order and can also be setup with direct debit.
Payment Options
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For more information on recycling, please view the following page.
Recycling
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The Downtown Community Wireless system is under one square mile in the downtown area. Click below to view the coverage map and get more information on the system.
Community Wireless Internet
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Visit the voter information section of the Town Clerk section of this website: www.amherstma.gov/townclerk.
More...
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Leisure Services and Supplemental Education
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Yes, anyone may enroll for our classes. We do charge a $10 non-resident fee per course per person for those with a residence outside of the town of Amherst. Non-residents include Pelham, Leverett, and Shutesbury.
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Yes. The definition of an Amherst resident is one who pays taxes in the Town of Amherst or whose primary residence is in Amherst.
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We decide with the instructor whether a particular class has enough participants in order to run it. The late fee date not only encourages you to enroll before the fee is charged, but also gives us the number of students for confirmation of our contracted agreement with the instructor. It also allows us time to contact participants if a course is cancelled. The late fee implementation also assists us in a faster and smoother registration process for our customers.
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Notarizations
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To deter fraud. As an impartial witness, the Notary ensures that the signers of documents are who they say they are and not impostors. The Notary makes sure that the signers have entered into agreements knowingly and willingly.
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For a document to be notarized, it must contain:- Text containing the signer in some way
- An original signature (not photocopy) of the document signer
- A notarial “certificate” which may appear on the document itself or on an attachment
The Notary fills in the certificate, signs it, and then applies his or her seal to the document.
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For many documents, yes. Certain affidavits, real estate deeds, and other documents may not be legally binding unless they are properly notarized.
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Generally, the Notary will ask to see a current identification document that has a photograph, physical description, and a signature. A driver’s license, military ID, or passport will usually be acceptable.
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No. Notaries are not responsible for the accuracy or legality of documents they notarize. Notaries certify the identity of signers. The signers are responsible for the content of the documents.
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Absolutely not. A notary is forbidden from preparing legal documents for others or acting as a legal advisor unless he or she is also an attorney.
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Parking Management
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There are three ways in which an individual can pay a parking violation:
Fines can be paid at the Central Services Counter located on the first floor of Town Hall (4 Boltwood Ave).
Fines can be paid by use of the Collection drop off box, which is located on the Main Street side of Town Hall.
Fines can be paid via the mail using the orange copy of the violation as an envelope.
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Information on old outstanding parking violations can be obtained by calling the Parking Clerk at 413-256-4020.
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Yes, everyone has 21 days to either pay or appeal the parking violation. Appeals can be made via mail or at the Central Services Counter at Town Hall.
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Per Massachusetts Law Chapter 90, section 20A-20E, all tickets must be paid within 21 days. A $15.00 late fee is added on the 22nd day. If your ticket remains unpaid, your license and/or registration may be marked for nonrenewal with the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
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Contact the Amherst Police Department at (413) 259-3000.
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Long-term parking is available in the north side of the CVS lot, which is located off of North Pleasant Street. This lot is enforced from 8:00am to 8:00pm, Monday through Saturday. In addition to the CVS lot, extended parking is available on: Sellen Street - The time limit for these meters is nine (9) hours. Sellen Street is located south of the Peter Pan Bus Terminal on South Pleasant Street. Main Street - The time limit for meters east of Churchill Street is five (5) hours. Boltwood Ave - The time limit for meters adjacent to the College Street intersection is five (5) hours. Hallock Street - The time limit for these meters is five (5) hours.
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Planning/Zoning
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Article 6: Dimensional Regulations and Table 3: Dimensional Regulations of the Zoning Bylaw
Go there...
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Police and Public Safety
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More than 3 false alarms in a 12 month period will result in a fee. See Alarm Bylaw section of our website for more information
More...
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Copies of records can be obtained in person at the Records Bureau of the Amherst Police Department during normal business hours. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 12:00 noon - 3:00 pm, starting July 1, 2007. The Records Bureau is located in the front lobby of the Police Department at 111 Main St., Amherst. Records requests can also be made via mail. To request a copy of a record through the mail, a Records Request Form should be filled-out and sent to the records office, along with payment by check (payable to Town of Amherst), and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. This will expedite your request. Please note that there is a nominal charge for all copies of records.
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For emergencies, call 9-1-1. If there is a non-emergency crime or suspicious activity that you’d like to report, call the Amherst Public Safety Communication Center at 413-259-3000, and you will be directed to either speak to an officer, or one will be dispatched to your location.
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If you are involved in a motor vehicle crash, and someone was injured or there was over $1000 of damage to either a vehicle or property, you are required to file a Motor Vehicle Crash Report to the RMV.
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Residents of the Town of Amherst can apply for either form of firearm license from the Chief of Police. The procedure for a license include:
Download and complete the attached Firearm Application. Applications are also available in the Police Department lobby.
Contact the Amherst Police Department at 413-259-3000 to schedule an interview appointment.
Go to the Amherst Town Hall Collectors Office to pay the Commonwealth of Massachusetts mandated $100 fee. You will be issued a receipt.
At your appointment, you should bring with you your completed application (with your firearms/hunters safety certificate if applicable), and a form of identification. New applicants need to provide a passport size photo with their application. All applicants will also need to provide a copy of their receipt issued by the collectors office.
If you application is approved, you will be notified by the Police Department that your license is available for you to pick up at the station. This process generally takes 45-60 days.For More information on the firearms laws, requirements and disqualifying factors, see the Criminal History Systems Board's Firearms Records Bureau.
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Yes, cellular telephone calls are sent to the Northampton State Police Barracks in Northampton, where they will determine your location and transfer you phone call directly to the appropriate police agency.
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The Amherst Police Department is committed to making our roads safe. You may either call in the complaint to the Amherst Public Safety Communication Center at 413-259-3000 and an officer will log your request for traffic enforcement. You may also email your request.
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If you have a problem with noise from your neighbors, call the Amherst Public Safety Communication Center at 413-259-3000 for a police officer to respond to the location of the noise. The responding officer has some discretion in how to deal with the noise complaint. Possible resolutions include a verbal warning to the residents, a written warning to the residence, a Town of Amherst Noise By-Law violation fine of $100 or arrest for the violation. When determining the appropriate response, the officer may take many factors into consideration, such as the severity of the noise, the time of day, whether the residents have been warned before, the cooperation of the residents to address the problem.
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Massachusetts Child Passenger Safety Law Effective: April 9, 1997 Infants and small children must ride in car seats until: They are at least five years old and weigh over 40 pounds. The types of car seats permitted include federally approved infant, toddler, convertible and booster seats. Children who weigh more than 40 pounds but are under five years old must ride in a booster seat. Children who are five years of age or older, and also weigh more than 40 pounds, must wear a seat belt that is properly adjusted. MGH Ch. 90 Sec 7AA; Ch. 90, Sec 13A Federally approved booster seats are permitted and recommended for children who weigh between 40 and 60 pounds. Children using the vehicle safety belt only should not place the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back. This law applies to children riding in: All types of privately owned vehicles. Vehicles for hire, including taxi cabs. It is the responsibility of the child's parent or caregiver to provide the car seat for use in a taxi cab. The driver of a taxi will not be fined if he/she does not provide a car seat. The law does not apply to: Children riding in school buses. Children riding in a vehicle made before July 1, 1966 that does not have safety belts. Children physically unable to use either a conventional car seat or a child restraint specifically designed for children with special needs. Inability to use a child restraint of either type must be certified in writing by a physician. The Safest Place For Children Is In The Back Seat. Fine: The driver will be fined $25 for each unrestrained child.
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The arrest and call log is grouped by week and month and can be viewed here: http://www.amherstma.gov/index.asp?nid=826
More...
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Public Schools
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Visit the main office of the Amherst Regional Public Schools
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Public Works
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Tues./Thurs./Sat. from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
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Fill out and sumbit a Common Reservation form to the Public Works. The form can be found on the Public Works home page.
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Records Bureau
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Under Chapter 66 of Massachusetts General Law, the cost of a record is $.50 for each side of a page. For requests which require more than 20 minutes to complete, a prorated hourly fee for search time and segregation time expenses, as defined by CMR 32.03, may be assessed.
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If the record is a public record and it is in our files, you may usually pick it up the next business day. Unusually lengthy records or photographs may take longer.
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Copies of records can be obtained in person at the Records Bureau of the Amherst Police Department during normal business hours. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 4:30 pm. The Records Bureau is located in the front lobby of the Police Department at 111 Main St., Amherst. Records requests can also be made via mail. To request a copy of a record through the mail, a Records Request Form should be filled-out and sent to the records office, along with payment by check (payable to Town of Amherst), and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. This will expedite your request. Please note that there is a nominal charge for all copies of records.
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Senior Center
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Bangs Community Center
70 Boltwood Walk
Amherst, MA 01002
Hours: Monday through Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Town Clerk
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The regular business hours for the Town Clerk’s Office are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
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Certified copies of birth, death, and marriage records may be obtained from the Town Clerk’s Office in person during regular business hours or by mail. The fee for a certified copy of a vital record is $10. For requests by mail, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped return envelope. Mail requests to:
Town Clerk’s Office
4 Boltwood Ave.
Amherst, MA 01002
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The Town Clerk’s Office, upon request, will make available public vital records based on the following procedure. The first 15 minutes of search time will be at no charge, other than a $10 fee for each certified copy requested. If the information is requested from a specific record, minimal information will be made available, with more complete information being available at charge of $10 per record. Vital record searches may be done during regular business hours. Further research may be conducted at:
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View the following page to get information on precincts and polling locations.
Precincts and Hours
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Filing a business certificate at the local level does not protect your name. You may need to register for a trademark or service mark. For more information, please see the following page.
Business Certificates
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Work permits for children ages 14 through 17 may be obtained at:
Main Office
Amherst-Pelham Regional High School
21 Mattoon Street
Amherst, MA 01002
Ph: 413-362-1701
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Parking fines may be paid with the Town Collector at:
Central Service Counter
Town Hall
4 Boltwood Avenue
Amherst, MA 01002
Ph: 413-259-3020
Town Collector's Office
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Wastewater
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