We are writing to you with a matter of great urgency and importance that directly affects our privacy, our rights as homeowners, and the sanctity of our homes. The Sussex County Board of Taxation has recently mandated a Complete Reassessment Program, which includes intrusive interior home inspections. We must come together to oppose this mandatory invasion of our private spaces.

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS

• Protecting Our Privacy and Property Rights
  • Our homes are our sanctuaries. Under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, we are protected against unreasonable searches and seizures. This protection extends to our homes, ensuring that any search or inspection is conducted with proper cause and consent. The mandatory interior inspections proposed by the Sussex County Board of Taxation constitute an unreasonable search, infringing upon our constitutional rights.
• Unnecessary Invasions
  • Many homes in Sussex County have not undergone significant changes to their floor plans since they were built. The town already has up-to-date records on properties. Despite this, the township is insisting on conducting invasive interior inspections, which are unnecessary and intrusive.

THE REAL CONCERNS

• Recent Appraisals and Up-to-Date Records
  • Many homeowners have recent professional appraisals that reflect the current market value and structural integrity of their properties. These appraisals should suffice for any reassessment needs without the need for an interior inspection. Homeowners should have the option to provide these appraisals as evidence but do not consent to invasive interior inspections.
• Alternative Methods for Accurate Assessments
  • There are less intrusive methods to ensure accurate property assessments. The New Jersey Division of Taxation provides guidelines for revaluation and reassessment processes that rely on statistical analysis and exterior evaluations. These methods respect homeowners' privacy while achieving accurate assessments. Mandating entry into private homes is excessive and not the only means to rectify assessment discrepancies.

LEGAL & CONSTITUTIONAL GROUNDS

• Fourth Amendment Protections
  • Our right to privacy in our homes is protected by the Fourth Amendment, which guards against unreasonable searches and seizures. This protection requires that any search of a home must have the homeowner's consent or be conducted with a warrant issued upon probable cause. Mandatory inspections without specific cause or evidence of a violation are unconstitutional.
• New Jersey State Constitution and Statutes
  • The New Jersey State Constitution mandates that real property must be assessed at its "full and fair value" as per N.J.S.A. 54:4-23. This statute ensures that property taxes are levied based on the fair market value of the property. Visual exterior inspections and publicly available information can suffice in determining a property's market value without invading homeowners' privacy.

IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY

• Financial and Emotional Strain
  • Mandatory interior inspections not only violate our privacy but also place an unnecessary financial and emotional burden on homeowners. Many residents might feel compelled to make unwarranted updates or repairs out of fear that their homes will be undervalued or unfairly assessed. This creates an undue financial strain, especially for those on fixed incomes or with limited resources.
• Potential for Abuse and Mismanagement
  • There is also a risk of abuse and mismanagement with such invasive inspection programs. Homeowners should not have to worry about the potential for corruption or mishandling of personal information. Ensuring that assessments are conducted fairly and transparently is crucial to maintaining trust between residents and local authorities.

OUR COMMITMENT 

• We, the undersigned, are committed to maintaining our properties in compliance with all local codes and regulations. We are willing to cooperate by providing recent appraisals and allowing exterior visual inspections. However, we do not consent to mandatory interior inspections that infringe upon our constitutional rights and privacy.

CALL TO ACTION

• We urge the Sussex County Board of Taxation and each local municipality to reconsider the mandatory interior inspection requirement. We propose that assessments be conducted using the alternative methods mentioned above, which respect our privacy and constitutional rights.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Sign this petition to show your support against mandatory interior home inspections.
• Share this petition with your neighbors, friends, and family members to raise awareness.
• Contact your local representatives to voice your concerns and demand that they stand with us in protecting our privacy and property rights.

Attend town & county meetings and express your opposition to this invasive program.

Together, we can ensure that our homes remain our sanctuaries, free from unwarranted intrusion. 

Thank you for your support and commitment to this cause.