A Canadian-based research firm will be surveying residential and commercial properties in Stafford County this week.
Representatives of the Zaio Corp. will photograph every home and business in the county over the course of several months.
The private company combines the photographs with an appraisal analysis of the properties.
The information is stored in a national database used by businesses such as banks, appraisal companies and mortgage lenders, as well as county tax assessors.
Three Zaio representatives will take the photographs from the street and will not trespass on any private property.
"What they're doing is legal because it's in the public right of way," said Stafford sheriff's spokesman Bill Kennedy.
The photographers will have documentation, including picture identification, with them at all times, and all must pass a police record check.
According to the company's Web site, all photos are examined to be sure personal information has not been included. Property owners can request not to be included in a database by visiting the Web site, clicking on "Public Interest," then "Remove My Property."
For more information call the Stafford sheriff's office at 540/658-4450 or visit zaio.com.
Kafia Hosh: 540/735-1977
Email: khosh@freelancestar.com