FAQs
- How do I find a copy of the Assessing Department’s records for my home?
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The Assessing Department's record of your home is available to view with the Assessors Online Database. Our database is updated once a year, usually around the beginning of each calendar year. To find a copy of your properties' information in the online Assessors database, we recommend that you type in minimal information. For example, if you are looking up 685 Route 134, South Dennis, just enter 685 and the first few letters of the street name. If you type in a lot of information, the system might not understand your request. Using the Assessors Online Database will provide you with a copy of a field card or property record card which will include information about your property and its assessed value.
- How do I update or change my mailing address?
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Please fill out an Address Change Form (PDF) and return it to the Assessing Department.
- It still says the old owner’s name on my tax bill or field card?
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You may see the old owner's name still on your tax bill or field card. This could be because you recently purchased the property and the old owner is responsible for part of the taxes for the year. If you see C/O next to your name, for Assessing purposes, this means current owner. We are required to keep the old owner's name on the property and bill for a period of time for record-keeping purposes.
- How can I find out who owns a property in town?
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You can either use the Assessors Online Database if you know the address or owner or you can use GIS Maps Online to view who owns what property. If you are not sure of the address of a property, GIS Maps Online will allow you to zoom in on a map of the town to various properties in town and you can use the Identify button to find more information on any property.
- How do I find a copy of my deed or plot plan?
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Barnstable County Registry of Deeds is the official keeper of all deeds and plans for Barnstable County which includes the Town of Dennis. If you wish to view it online please visit the Barnstable County website. You can either get a hard copy of your Deed or Plot Plan directly from them or you can request a copy from the Assessing Office. If you have questions you can also call the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds at 508-362-7733.
A plot plan generally only shows the dimensions of your plot of land. Plans often do not show the location of the home on the property. An "As Built" plan may show more details of your property including where your septic tank is located.
- How do I find a “as built” plan that shows my septic?
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Contact the Health Department to see if they have a record of your septic "as built". Generally, an "As Built" will show at least part of the house and the land in relation to where the septic tank is located. The Health Department can be reached at 508-760-6158.
- I want my land surveyed, is this something the Town does?
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The Town of Dennis does not survey the property. For you to have that done you would need to hire a professional Land Surveyor. There are several businesses you can contact to have this done. The Town cannot recommend anyone as it would be unfair to other businesses.
- How do if find building permit information?
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Contact the Building Department if you are interested in finding out what work has been done at a property. The Building Department can be reached at 508-760-6157.
- I think a property is abandoned, how do I find out?
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The majority of properties in Town are owned by someone currently. There are a few parcels that we call "owners unknown". We send those tax bills to the last known owner of the property and the last known address (which may be the physical location of the property). If taxes go unpaid, the Town will begin the foreclosure process, this may take several years and at any time the owner or heirs of the owner may attempt to redeem the property by paying off the back taxes. If no one comes forward who has ownership rights, the Town may eventually take the property and can choose to keep or sell it. If they choose to sell it, a formal notice would be published in the newspaper.
Paying the taxes on a property that you do not own, does not grant you ownership. Only a deed that has been recorded through the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds grants ownership.
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