The Allegheny County Office of Property Assessments wishes to remind homeowners that field reviews are underway in a number of municipalities.  Polish Hill is not currently on the schedule, but our residents have family and friends in areas that are, so we’re spreading the word.

The purpose of the reviews is to verify property data, which includes the grade and condition, as well as features such as the exterior finish and any additions made to the property.

Property assessment data reviewers are required to carry photo ID cards, which are openly displayed at all times. Data reviewers are able to verify property data from their vehicles. Should data reviewers need to leave their vehicles to further examine a property, they wear green safety vests that read “Property Assessments” and also display their photo IDs. Data reviewers may also use orange safety lights to identify their vehicles while on busy streets or roadways.

Property owners do not need to be present for the review process. In the event that data reviewers need to measure the external square footage of a property, they may knock on the door of the property to notify the resident. If no one answers the door, the data reviewer will proceed to measure the exterior of the property.

Data reviewers will never ask to enter a home. If someone claims to be with the Office of Property Assessments and asks to enter a home, the property owner should call 9-1-1 immediately.

The County will post the current list of municipalities where data reviewers are working on its website, on Twitter, and on Facebook.  If property owners have additional questions or concerns, they may call the OPA Public Information line at 412-350-4600 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or e-mail opa@alleghenycounty.us.