If USPAP compliance is mandated by federal law, can state or local laws create a jurisdictional exception?

The assertion that state or local laws cannot create a jurisdictional exception to USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) compliance is fundamentally rooted in the hierarchical nature of laws. USPAP, as established, provides a baseline for appraisal standards to ensure a consistent and reliable framework within which appraisers operate. When compliance with USPAP is mandated by federal law, it establishes a requirement that must be universally upheld.

State or local laws may vary and address different concerns but cannot contravene federal statutory mandates regarding appraisal standards. This ensures that there is a uniform standard that governs the appraisal profession across all jurisdictions, enhancing the integrity and reliability of valuations performed.

The rationale for this strict adherence to federal law is to maintain clarity and prevent discrepancies in appraisal practices that could arise from varying local regulations. Such discrepancies could undermine the integrity of appraisals and lead to confusion within the real estate market.

Thus, the correct understanding is that if federal law mandates USPAP compliance, state or local laws cannot create exceptions to that requirement.