What are "special assessments" in real estate?

"Special assessments" refer to charges that are levied on property owners to fund specific public projects that provide direct benefits to those property owners and the community at large. These projects can include infrastructure improvements such as road repairs, sidewalks, street lighting, or parks. The key characteristic of special assessments is that they are typically one-time charges, assessed in addition to regular property taxes, and are often incurred to pay for enhancements that will increase property values and improve the quality of life in the neighborhood.

This concept is distinct from routine maintenance fees, which are usually ongoing charges for the upkeep of shared facilities, and it specifically does not pertain to taxes aimed solely at commercial developments or penalties for zoning violations. Special assessments are designed to ensure that the costs of these community-enhancing projects are fairly distributed among the property owners who will benefit from them.