City Assessor

The City Assessor's Office is open by appointment only. Please call 434-970-3136, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for assessment information or to schedule an appointment.

The City Assessor’s Office is responsible for the valuation of all real property within the City limits. In addition to determining the value of land and buildings, we maintain hard copy history files of all parcels in the City, as well as computerized current information specific to each parcel. This information includes ownership information, deed and plat references, ownership history, and specific improvement or building information.

Please reference the FAQ located in the sidebar to the right for additional information about real property assessments. 

Real Estate Assessment Appeals

Each year, all property owners, or their duly authorized agent, may appeal our valuation of their property by requesting a review of their assessment. Under state law, neither financial impact nor the rate of value change is, by itself, sufficient grounds for appeal. As required, the City’s assessment is an estimate of fair market value as of January 1 each year, based on property sales for the previous calendar year. We welcome appeals based on issues of factual discrepancies in the property description or features, demonstrable issues of uniformity of value within a neighborhood, or fair market value. Appealing your assessment can be a multi-step process and is outlined below.

Step One

The first step is to contact the City Assessor's Office at 434.970.3136 to speak with the appraiser who conducted the assessment of the property. The appraiser can answer any questions you may have about how the assessment values were determined specific to your property. When you contact the City Assessor's Office, you will need to provide the owner name, physical address and/or nine digit parcel ID number of your property. This will ensure you speak to the appraiser who conducted the assessment of your property. Please note if you own multiple properties, you may need to speak to more than one appraiser. Often, this step clarifies any questions or concerns about the assessment. However, if you decide to formally appeal your assessment you will need to file an Assessment Appeal Application as outlined in the next step.

Step Two

The next step in the appeal process is to file an Assessment Appeal Application, formally requesting an assessment review. The Assessment Appeal Application Form is available for PDF download directly from the City Assessor’s web page. You can fill out the application electronically and email it to the City Assessor’s Office at davisjs@charlottesville.gov. You may also initiate your request by filling out and mailing the form to:

City Assessor’s Office
102 5th Street NE
PO Box 911
Charlottesville, VA 22902. 

If you are unable to download a copy from the web site, please call the City Assessor’s Office at 434.970.3136 and we will mail you a hard copy. Appeals should be made in writing, including the City’s Assessment Appeal Application, a Letter of Authorization if the appeal is being made by an owner’s agent, and any other supporting documentation that is appropriate. This documentation must include the reasoning behind the appeal and evidence that the most recent assessment (1) exceeds true market value, (2) is substantially inequitable to similar properties within your neighborhood, or (3) is not equitable based on factual discrepancies within our records, such as difference in square footage, difference in acreage, or improvement condition.

After your appeal application has been received, the appraiser who assessed your property will review your property’s assessed value. This may include a visit to your property for a physical inspection. The appraiser will determine what change, if any, is appropriate. Notice of their decision will be provided to you by mail. If you agree with the appraiser's decision you will not need to take any further action. However, if you disagree with the appraiser's decision you may proceed to the next step in the appeal process.

*Please note the Assessment Appeal Application must have been filed on or before March 1, 2023*

Step Three

The third step, if necessary, is to formally request a review of the property’s assessed value by the Board of Equalization (BOE). The BOE is an independent panel of citizens appointed by the Judge of the Circuit Court to mediate when the property owner does not agree with the appraiser's decision in the initial steps of the appeals process. An appeal form for the Board must be filed within 30 days of the date of the formal appeal decision letter. A hearing will be scheduled to weigh the evidence that demonstrates that the property’s value is inconsistent with similar properties, is assessed above or below fair market value, or is inconsistent with the physical features of the property.

Following their hearing and review of the appeal packet, the BOE will provide the property owner with their decision by mail within 30 days. At this point, any property owner who disagrees with the BOE decision regarding the assessed value of their property has the right to escalate their appeal to the Circuit Court.

*Please note the Board of Equalization (BOE) will meet May 16-18, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.*

Step Four

The fourth and final step, if necessary, is to take your assessment appeal to the Circuit Court. You will be required to provide evidence to the Court that substantiates your contention that the assessed value of your property is inequitable based on fair market value, the assessed value of comparable properties or factual discrepancies with the City Assessor’s records. You will also be required to pay all associated court costs. Once the Circuit Court issues its decision, all parties are obligated to adhere to its findings and the appeal process ends.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Viewer

You can access the City of Charlottesville Real Estate Records using the City’s online GIS Viewer. The City Assessor’s Office has a public computer available for your convenience located in the City Assessor’s Office.