(a) Definitions. As used in this Ordinance, the following words and phrases shall have the meaning set forth below:
(1) “Deteriorated property” means any industrial, commercial or other business property owned by an individual, association or corporation, and located in a deteriorating area, as provided by Resolution of Council, or any such property which has been subject of an order by the Borough of Ellwood City requiring the unit to be vacated, condemned or demolished by reason of noncompliance with laws, ordinances or regulations.
(2) “Improvement” means repair, construction or re-construction, including alternations or additions, having the effect of rehabilitating a deteriorated property so that it becomes habitable or attains higher standards of safety, health, economic use or amenity or is brought into compliance with laws, ordinances or regulations governing such standards. Ordinary upkeep and maintenance shall not be deemed an improvement.
(3) “Local taxing authority” means the Borough of Ellwood City.
(4) “Local governing body” means the Borough of Ellwood City.
(b) Exemption area. The Council of the Borough of Ellwood City has designated the following areas as deteriorated:
(1) Geographic boundaries of Ellwood City.
(2) All commercial and industrial properties located in these areas may be eligible to participate in this tax exemption program.
(c) Exemption amount. The amount to be exempted shall be limited to the additional assessment valuation attributable to the actual costs of improvements of deteriorated property.
(d) Exemption schedule.
(1) The following schedule of taxes exempted shall apply to all property satisfying the provisions and limitations hereinbefore and hereinafter set forth:
(2) All commercial and industrial properties located in these areas may be eligible to participate in this tax exemption program.
(c) Exemption amount. The amount to be exempted shall be limited to the additional assessment valuation attributable to the actual costs of improvements of deteriorated property.
(d) Exemption schedule.
(1) The following schedule of taxes exempted shall apply to all property satisfying the provisions and limitations hereinbefore and hereinafter set forth:
Eligible Tax Year | Percentage of Tax Exemption on Eligible Assessment |
1 | 100% |
2 | 80% |
3 | 60% |
4 | 40% |
5 | 20% |
(2) The exemption from taxes granted under this Ordinance shall be upon the property and shall not terminate upon the sale or exchange of the property.
(e) Notice to taxpayers.
(1) There shall be placed on the form application for the building, zoning and alternation permits, the following:
NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS
Under the provisions of Borough Ordinance, you may be entitled to a property tax exemption on your contemplated alteration or new construction. An application for exemption may be secured from the Borough Manager’s office and must be filed with the Borough at the time a building permit is secured.
(2) At the time a building permit is secured for the construction of an improvement for which an exemption is required, the taxpayer shall apply to the Borough of Ellwood City Council or any successor agency thereto for the exemption provided for in this ordinance. Request for the exemption must be in writing certified in full as prescribed by the Borough of Ellwood City, setting forth the following information:
A. The date the building permit was issued for said improvements.
B. The type of improvement.
C. The summary of the plan of the improvement.
D. The cost of the improvement.
E. Any or all such additional information required.
(f) Procedure for obtaining exemption. A copy of the Request for Exemption shall be forwarded to the Lawrence County Assessment Office by the Council. Upon completion of the improvement or new construction, the taxpayer shall notify the Council so that the Council may have the Assessor assess the improvements separately for the purpose of calculating the amount of assessment eligible for tax exemption in accordance with the limits established in this Ordinance. The Borough of Ellwood City will them obtain from the Assessor the amount of the assessment eligible for exemption, and will notify the taxpayer. Appeals from the reassessment and the amount eligible for the exemption may be taken by the taxpayer or the Borough of Ellwood City, as provided by law.
(g) Termination. Unless otherwise repealed by Council, this Ordinance shall terminate on December 31, 2020. Nothing contained herein shall act to prohibit the Council of the Borough of Ellwood City from enacting a similar ordinance, or extending this one. Any property tax exemptions granted under the provisions of this Ordinance shall be permitted to continue according to the exemption schedule even if the Ordinance expires or is repealed.
(Ord. 2510. Passed 5-18-15.)