Hanover property owners can save millions with Land Use Assessment Program

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Hanover County property owners could enroll in the Land Use Assessment Program on Monday, saving participants millions.

The program allows property owners to reduce their real estate tax bills by enrolling in Land Use Assessment Program, which "allows qualifying land to be taxed based on its current use instead of its market value," according to a release from the county.

The county said the program also applied to property used for agriculture, horticulture, forestry and open-space purposes.

Applications for the program will be open from Sept. 1 to Nov. 1, and Jan. 2, 2026 to Feb. 1, 2026.

Land must be zoned A-1 and in eligible use for at least five years, per the county.

Agricultural use

• Minimum of five acres, excluding one-acre home site
• Must be used for hay, grain, crops or pasture (pleasure horses not eligible)
• Minimum livestock per five acres: one head of cattle, five swine or five sheep, 66 turkeys or 100 chickens

Horticulture use

• Minimum of five acres, excluding one-acre home site
• Land must be used for the sale of fruits, nuts, berries, vegetables, Christmas trees, nursery or floral items.

Forest use

• Minimum of 20 acres, excluding one-acre house site
• Land must be wooded, and the owner must sign a forest-use agreement

Open space use

• Minimum of five acres, excluding one-acre home site
• Land must be used for recreation or conservation purposes

Applicants will be charged a $10 filing fee per application. The county said that nearly half of Hanover's total acreage is enrolled in the Land Use Assessment Program, and saves participants more than $6 million.