How is the assessment class of a property determined?

The assessment class of a property is determined primarily by the property's use. This classification reflects how the property is utilized, which can range from residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural purposes. Assessors categorize properties based on their function because different types of properties can have varying impacts on the community and require different levels of service, which in turn affects taxation and assessment rates.

For instance, residential properties may be assessed differently compared to commercial properties due to varying demand, associated risks, and the services required by each property type. Understanding this classification helps in establishing fair market value assessments for taxation and local government planning purposes.

In contrast, factors like architectural style, location, and square footage, while they can influence market value, do not dictate the assessment class as directly as the actual use of the property does.