RURAL PRESERVE

PROPERTY TAX PROGRAM
 

 

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Rural Preserves

Rural Preserve was enacted into law by the state Legislature in 2009.

Rural Preserve provides property tax relief to taxpayers with eligible class 2b rural vacant land.  Participants in the program must commit to a conservation management plan approved by the county's soil and water conservation district for at least 10 years.  Qualifying applicants may include taxpayers with class 2b land that was grandfathered into Green Acres for the 2010 assessment, or who own other agricultural homestead property.  Real estate taxes on enrolled land are based upon a value that is not influenced by outside factors such as urban sprawl or seasonal activities.

Qualifying class 2b land that was previously enrolled in Green Acres may be enrolled in Rural Preserves by May 1, 2013.  The first application due date is May 1, 2011.

The deadline to declare your intent on Green Acres is May 1, 2010.  Please contact the Assessors Office.

How to Apply

1.  Contact the Assessors Office. 

  • The Assessors Office will provide an explanation of the program.  Fact sheets are available from the Department of Revenue.  The Assessors Office will work with property owners to determine number of 2b non-productive acres.  If parcel(s) contain 10 or more contiguous acres, the Assessors Office will complete a list of parcel numbers, aerial photos of the parcels, and provide the application to the property owner.  

2.  Contact the SWCD.

  • Property owner should contact the SWCD to review requirements of the Conservation Management Plan.  Property owners should provide parcel numbers and aerial photos to the SWCD.  The Conservation Management Plan will be prepared for eligible 2b non-productive acres.  Certain forestry plans will be sufficient as well as RIM conservation plans.

3.  Contact the County Recorders Office.

  • The property owner records the Covenant Agreement with the County Recorders Office.  (Per statutory requirements, the Department of Revenue is preparing the Covenant Agreement.)

4.  Contact the Assessors Office.

  • The property owner then submits the following documentation to the Assessors Office by May 1, 2013:
1. Completed application for the Rural Preserve Property Tax Program
2. Copy of Conservation Management Plan
3. Copy of recorded Covenant Agreement.
  • The Assessors Office then reviews the documentation for approval/denial of Rural Preserve Property Tax Program and contacts the property owner.

What's The Cost for a Conservation Plan

  • Up to 40 acres - $300
  • $1 per acre after 40 acres
  • $100/plan for review of other TSP plans

For more information, visit the following website:

www.bwsr.state.mn.us/Rural_Preserves