Desert Messenger

May 17, 2017 www.DesertMessenger.com 17 A common question we receive in our office is how we know what im- provements are on a parcel. There are several ways this can happen – permits, property owner requests and area reviews. Permits are issued to property own- ers when they are making an im- provement to their land: building a home, placement of a mobile home, adding a garage, electrical service, MH pedestal, or septic, are just some examples of improvements. These permits are provided to our office from the Community Devel- opment and Planning & Zoning De- partments, so that we can add these improvements to the property re- cord and value accordingly. How do you know if you need a permit? Your best bet is to contact La Paz County Community Development at (928) 669-6138 or, if you live in Quartzsite, contact Quartzsite Planning and Zoning Department at (928) 927-4414; they are the departments that issue permits. Even if you do not need a permit because the structure is too small, it is your responsibility to report these structures to our office, as they will still be added to your ac- count and valued. Property owner requests come from our taxpayers. We receive many calls from property owners to notify our office that a structure has burned down or been demolished, or they have built a new structure, and would like the improvement removed or added to their property record. We also receive requests from property owners who notice new improvements on a neighbor's property and want to make sure they are being assessed. Property values are taken seriously by some, who are watching their neighbors closely when they see new struc- tures going up that could increase their property values. Area reviews are done for every permit issued and property request Accessor's Corner we receive. It is our responsibility to visit these properties and verify the improvements so the property records are accurate. An appraiser will visit the property to verify the improvement exists, take measure- ments and photographs, and make any necessary notes needed to cor- rect the property record. While an appraiser is visiting a property, they will drive through the area to see if they notice any new improvements on other properties. If something is found, the appraiser will verify all measurements and information, then make necessary notes needed to correct the property record. As always, my staff and I are avail- able to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to stop by or call our office at (928) 669-6165. Anna Camacho Assessor Nancy's Kitchen ASIAN SLAW Serves 4 to 6 from Nancy Sommars 4 cups shredded purple cabbage 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into julienne strips 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into julienne strips 1 yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into julienne strips For the dressing: 1/4 cup rice vinegar 2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as grapeseed or canola 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon light brown sugar 1 tablespoon peeled and grated fresh ginger 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil In a large bowl, toss together the cabbage, carrots, and peppers. Whisk together the dressing ingredients, and pour over the vegetables. Toss to coat. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

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