Free parcel map downloads and Mapquest service available on
site
n By Serdar Tumgoren Staff Writer
Gilroy – A new feature on the county’s Web site allows residents to avoid the traditional $8 fee for property maps.
The Santa Clara County assessor’s office has bundled parcel maps into the “property lookup” system it has offered on its Web site for years. In addition to offering free downloads of parcel maps in PDF (portable document format), the site allows users to locate property on a street map by linking to the popular MapQuest service.
The new assessor’s Web site offers access to 444,743 parcels in Santa Clara County, spread out across 11,400 “map pages.” Those downloadable pages detail the size and configuration of anywhere from one to 100 different parcels.
County officials predict the new service will boost traffic on a site that already attracts nearly 600,000 visitors a month.
“Providing parcel maps online without charge is not only a long overdue and convenient (service) to our property owners. It makes good business,” said county Assessor Larry Stone. “By providing this service … free of charge, I expect we will see a dramatic reduction in personal requests for maps.”
The office will continue to provide 11 by 17-inch parcel maps on request. To obtain a map for the $8 fee, download a request form at www.scc-assessor.org or call the assessor’s office at 299-5500.
