Legal Definitions - foot-frontage rule

The foot-frontage rule is a method used by local governments to calculate special property taxes, often called assessments, for public improvements that benefit specific properties. This rule determines the amount a property owner owes based solely on the length of their property line that directly faces the improvement (its "frontage"). It does not take into account the total size of the lot, how deep it is, the value of any buildings on it, or other features of the property.

This method is typically applied when the cost of an improvement, such as new sidewalks, sewer lines, or streetlights, is to be partially or fully covered by the property owners who directly benefit from it. The underlying idea is that properties with a longer boundary along the improvement receive a greater benefit and should therefore contribute more to its cost.

• Example 1: New Sidewalk Construction

  Imagine a suburban neighborhood where the city decides to install new sidewalks along Elm Street. Ms. Chen owns a property on Elm Street with a 75-foot frontage along the street. Her neighbor, Mr. Davis, owns a much larger corner lot, but only 50 feet of his property faces Elm Street, while the rest faces Oak Avenue.

  Under the foot-frontage rule, Ms. Chen would be assessed a special tax based on her 75 feet of frontage on Elm Street, while Mr. Davis would be assessed based on his 50 feet of frontage on Elm Street. The fact that Mr. Davis's lot is significantly larger in total area or has a more expensive house would not affect his assessment for the Elm Street sidewalk, as only the length of the property directly adjacent to the new sidewalk is considered.

• Example 2: Upgrading a Water Main

  A small town decides to replace an aging water main running beneath Main Street. All properties along Main Street will benefit from the improved water service. Mr. Henderson owns a narrow but very deep commercial property on Main Street with 40 feet of frontage. Next door, a small retail shop, owned by Ms. Patel, has 60 feet of frontage but is much shallower.

  Using the foot-frontage rule, Ms. Patel's property would be assessed a higher amount for the water main upgrade than Mr. Henderson's property because her lot has a longer boundary directly facing Main Street (60 feet vs. 40 feet). The rule disregards the fact that Mr. Henderson's property might be more valuable overall due to its depth or the type of business it houses; only the length of the property line along the improvement matters.

• Example 3: Installation of Streetlights

  A residential community decides to install new streetlights along Pine Avenue to enhance safety. The cost is to be shared among the property owners benefiting from the lights. Dr. Lee's property has a 100-foot boundary along Pine Avenue, while the adjacent property, owned by the Miller family, has only 80 feet facing Pine Avenue, even though the Miller's property is much wider at the back.

  The foot-frontage rule would dictate that Dr. Lee's property pays a larger share of the streetlight assessment because it has a greater length of property directly fronting Pine Avenue (100 feet) compared to the Miller family's 80 feet. The rule does not consider the overall width or depth of the Miller's property, nor the value of their home, focusing solely on the linear measurement along the street where the lights are installed.