​Sec. 70.32, Wis. Stats.

1. Do road right-of-ways (ROWs) and fallow agricultural land belong in the undeveloped land class?
   
   
2. Does all property included in undeveloped land (class 5) have to be assessed at 50%?
   
   
3. When does a sparsely-treed, cutover parcel classify as undeveloped land, instead of productive forest?
   
   
4. At what point does a new tree plantation become forest? Would it be after two or three years or when the trees are Christmas tree height?
   
   
5. How do assessors distinguish between applying the residential class or the undeveloped land class when assessing smaller parcels of vacant land?

1. Do road right-of-ways (ROWs) and fallow agricultural land belong in the undeveloped land class?
   
   

   Yes. Road ROWs and fallow agricultural land are included in undeveloped land (class 5).



2. Does all property included in undeveloped land (class 5) have to be assessed at 50%?
   
   

   Yes. All property in undeveloped land (class 5) must be assessed at 50% of full value as determined under sec. 70.32(1)​, Wis. Stats..



3. When does a sparsely-treed, cutover parcel classify as undeveloped land, instead of productive forest?
   
   

   Generally, a sparsely-treed, cutover parcel is classified as productive forest l​and since its highest and best use is for forestry purposes. It is differentiated from undeveloped land (fallow) since fallow is generally in transition from agricultural use to its next biological succession, which is wooded growth.



4. At what point does a new tree plantation become forest? Would it be after two or three years or when the trees are Christmas tree height?
   
   
   • If the newly planted trees are not Christmas trees, orchards, or nursery stock, the land the trees are growing on is classified as productive forest and valued at market value the year after planting
   • If Christmas trees, orchards, or nursery stock were planted, the land under the trees is classified and valued according to its agricultural use value
     
     


5. How do assessors distinguish between applying the residential class or the undeveloped land class when assessing smaller parcels of vacant land?
   
   

   The Wisconsin Property Assessment Manual states the residential class includes most property where the predominant use is for living purposes. It also includes vacant land where the most likely use would be residential development if the land in question does not meet the definition of agricultural land.

   If you have additional questions on Agricultural Forest or undeveloped land, contact the appropriate Equalization Bureau District​ Office.

Questions?

Contact the appropriate Equalization Bureau District Office.