11 18-2201 Subject: Vacant Property Tax Implementation Ordinance & Administration
From: Finance Department
Recommendation: Adopt The Following Pieces Of Legislation:
1) An Ordinance Amending Oakland Municipal Code Title 4, Chapter 4.56 To Clarify And Further Define Various Sections Of The Oakland Vacant Property Tax And Establish A Method For Identifying Vacant Property; And
I've been to every city council meeting and cannot stay. I have a steep up slope lot in the fire zone and have paid to clear it every year and dutifully pay my taxes. There should be an exemption for people who cant afford to build.
I purchased in 2009 to build a single family home and have pursued every avenue available to make it affordable... the last attempt; a home under 1000sf. It is easier to buy a resale. We've used our lot to store a boat trailer as well as have a garden.
I've had it on the market since before this measure but with the glut of parcels and extra tax burden- selling is unlikely. The spirit of Measure "W" was to go after speculators sitting on vacant land for profit. That's not my case.
The exemptions have not been fleshed out and this measure should be postponed.
As an aside, the vacant land valuations in the report were patently absurd. Lots just adjacent to mine have sold for 50 to 70k.
I've been to every city council meeting and cannot stay. I have a steep up slope lot in the fire zone and have paid to clear it every year and dutifully pay my taxes. There should be an exemption for people who cant afford to build.
I purchased in 2009 to build a single family home and have pursued every avenue available to make it affordable... the last attempt; a home under 1000sf. It is easier to buy a resale. We've used our lot to store a boat trailer as well as have a garden.
I've had it on the market since before this measure but with the glut of parcels and extra tax burden- selling is unlikely. The spirit of Measure "W" was to go after speculators sitting on vacant land for profit. That's not my case.
The exemptions have not been fleshed out and this measure should be postponed.
As an aside, the vacant land valuations in the report were patently absurd. Lots just adjacent to mine have sold for 50 to 70k.