Every five years, the Office of Policy and Management (OPM), in consultation with the Department of Agriculture (DoAg), updates recommended land use values for farmland, forest, and open space under Connecticut’s PA 490 program. These values are based on how the land is used—not its market value—and are shared with towns and the public.To calculate these values, OPM and DoAg rely on rental rate surveys from across the state. These surveys are analyzed by an independent contractor and reviewed by a certified appraiser. The final values are based on the typical rental rates for each land class, using a method that’s been in place since the program began.

Participation in these surveys is essential. The more responses we receive, the more accurate and representative the values will be. Your input helps ensure the data reflects real conditions on the ground.

It’s important to note that towns are not required to use these recommended values. However, if they choose to use different ones, they must follow state law (CGS §12-63) and base their assessments on the land’s current use—not its potential for development. Also, open space land cannot be valued lower than farmland.

If a landowner disagrees with how their land is classified or assessed, they have the right to appeal through the same process available to all taxpayers (CGS §12-111).