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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd1999-012 I I I Sponsored by: Introduction date: Public Hearing: Enactment Date: Janke Julv 26, 1999 August 9. 1999 August 9. 1999 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE NO. 99-12 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, AMENDING SEWARD CITY CODE TITLE 5 REVENUE AND FINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR REAL PROPERTY EXEMPTION FOR EXTERIOR AESTHETIC ENHANCEMENTS WHEREAS, there are numerous properties within the City of Seward that are need of landscaping, cleaning, maintenance, repair, or alteration to improve the aesthetics of the property, neighborhood and community; and WHEREAS, it is believed that property owners are reluctant to place a high priority to improve the exterior of their property for fear of increased taxes; and WHEREAS, Alaska State Statutes 29.45.050 (f) allows a municipal real property tax exemption for up to four years on increases in assessed value directly attributable to landscaping or maintenance and improvements that enhance the exterior appearance or aesthetic quality ofland or structures; and WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula Borough, as the tax administrator, concurs with a municipal property tax exemption so long as the city administers and approves applications. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA HEREBY ORDAINS that: Section 1. Seward City Code Title 5 Revenue and Finance is hereby amended by adding Chapter 5.50 Real Property Tax 5.50.010 General. A. All real property in the city is subject to annual taxation by the city except real property exempt under the constitution of the state, the applicable laws ofthe state, ordinances ofthe Kenai Peninsula Borough, the city Charter or the ordinances ofthe city. B. The council shall annually determine the rate oflevy before June 15. CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE NO. 99-12 - C. The Kenai Peninsula Borough shall assess and collect the real property taxes levied by the city in accordance with AS 29.45 and Chapter 5.12 of the borough code of ordinances now in effect and as each may hereafter be amended. 5.50.021 Exemptions. A. Pw:pose. The purpose ofthis chapter is to encourage owners to improve the exterior aesthetic quality of their real property. B. Exterior Aesthetic Enhancement. 1. An owner of real property may apply to the city for an exemption from that portion of City real property taxes resulting from an increase in assessed value of improve- ments to real property if the increase in assessed value is directly attributable to alteration ofthe natural features of the land or new maintenance, repair orrenovation of an existing structure, and ifthe alteration, maintenance, repair or renovation, when completed, enhances the exterior appearance or aesthetic quality of the land or structure. An exemption may not be allowed under this subsection for the construction of an improvement to a structure if the principal purpose of the improvement is to increase the amount of space for occupancy or nonresidential use in the structure or for the alteration ofland as a consequence of construction activity. 2. An exemption provided in this subsection shall continue up to four years from the date the improvement is completed, or from the date of approval for the exemption by the local assessor, whichever is later. 3. In order to qualify for this exemption, an applicant must file with the city manager a written application within 30 days after the mailing ofthe Kenai Peninsula Borough notice of assessment for the year which the exemption is sought. The application shall be on a form prescribed by the city manager, and shall include all information deemed necessary to determine eligibility ofthe property for the exemption. If the applicant fails or refuses to provide the information required by the city, within the time period set, the exemption shall be denied. Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect ten (10) days following its enactment. ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, this 9 day of August, 1999.