Hi Simone & Sam
We took the same approach as Simone, and sub-classified as many as we could based on service charges (connected to water/sewer, or have domestic waste services). We have also used mapping, DA/CC/Occ Certificate records, and even local knowledge to assist in the determination. Those that we were unable to discern we classified non-vacant and rely on the ratepayer to request review.
I hope you don’t mind me asking another question about this topic though – I have received a request for a review from a ratepayer who has a property with only a very small (7sqm) shed with some tools in it. It is a hobby farm that has cattle on it but he lives approx 45minutes drive away, so leaves some things there. He has requested that the sub-classification be ‘vacant’. The regulations state that the land not be used for ‘storage or treatment of goods, materials or any other item’, but this is a very small structure – and we wouldn’t have even known it was there if he hadn’t noted it on his request for review. I’m not sure if it would be called ‘derelict’ (I guess only being a tin shed possible?) but it is ‘not being used and could not be used for a residential, industrial or commercial purpose’… Thoughts?
Thanks,
Kylie
