1.2.6.2. Legal Description. It is the responsibility of the agency to provide the appraiser with an accurate legal description of the subject property prior to initiating the assignment. If the assignment is a partial acquisition, the appraiser should receive both a legal description of the larger parcel and a legal description of the remainder property, or alternatively, a legal description of the area to be acquired and/or encumbered. Since the larger parcel is determined by the appraiser as part of the highest and best use analysis, it is possible that a legal description for the larger parcel must be developed at that point in the appraisal development process. 

The appraiser should verify the legal description (1) on the ground during a physical inspection of the property; (2) with the owner of the property (if possible); (3) by comparing it with aerial or other maps available in city, county, or other governmental offices; and (4) by comparing it with public records in the recorder’s, auditor’s, assessor’s, tax collector’s, or other appropriate city or county offices. If the appraiser discovers a significant error or inconsistency, the appraiser should consult the client for clarification before proceeding with the appraisal.