Land - Selling / Converting

Chapter 61, 61A, & 61B Land - Selling or Converting


Land classified by the assessor's under MGL c61, 61a, and 61b is taxed at a different rate than other land.

As outlined under MGL c61, 61a, and 61b, the Board of Selectmen, Board of Assessors, Planning Board and Conservation Commission, must be notified by certified mail of the land owner's intention to sell, or convert said land to residential, industrial or commercial use. The Town of Douglas also asks that notification be sent to the open space committee as well. This does not apply if the land is going to be used for the owners residence, the owner's spouse or a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, or brother or sister of the owner, or surviving husband or wife of any deceased such relative; in this case the owner should contact the Assessor's Office.

A complete letter of intent must include the proposed use of the land, the location and acreage of land as shown on a map drawn to scale from the assessor's office, and the name address and telephone number of the land owner. The letter shall be accompanied by a certified copy of an executed purchase and sale agreement specifying the purchase price and all terms and conditions of the proposed sale, which is limited to only the property classified under this chapter, and which shall be a bona fide offer.

The Board of Selectmen has 120 days from the post marked date of a complete notice of intent to exercise their right of first refusal.

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