May 7, 2012
SALEM — Taking a look at tax lot maps
just got a ‘lot’ easier. The
Oregon Map website, at www.ormap.net, has
offered online information for nearly a decade but new technology is bringing
it into the “21st Century,” according to Oregon Department of
Revenue Director Jim Bucholz.
“We wanted to take advantage of technology
to bring ORMAP up-to-date, with a similar look and feel to Google maps,”
Bucholz said. “This upgrade will better serve our users, who range from real
estate agents to title company professionals to Oregonians researching information
about a potential property purchase.”
Funding for the program comes from a portion
of the document-recording fee collected by counties that was authorized by the
1999 Oregon Legislature. In partnership with the state’s Department of
Administrative Services, Revenue makes tax maps available on the website for
free to anyone.
In addition to those involved in real
estate, users include anyone interested in land use, such as local governments,
new and growing businesses, and other state agencies. The site now works on
more browsers and is better positioned to handle future upgrades in data and
software.
Information available on the tax lot maps includes
lot dimensions, surrounding property details, and other important real estate
data.
“The site allows Oregonians to be more
informed,” said ORMAP Project Manager Phil McClellan. “It can be really useful when you
are looking to acquire assets.”
McClellan
noted that the project came in under budget, and people who have used it since
April are pleased with the product. In just a few weeks, the site has had more
than 10,000 visitors.
“We hope people will come and look at the new site,”
McClellan said, “It’s a great tool if you’re looking for Oregon tax lot map
information.”
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Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, check the status
of your refund or make tax payments, or call 1-800-356-4222 toll-free from an
Oregon prefix (English or Spanish); 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon;
or e-mail, questions.dor@state.or.us. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired),
call 1-800-886-7204. Due to the amount of calls the department receives during
tax season, you may experience extended waiting times.