(a) As legal classification and equalization of assessments of properties are prescribed by state law, the county council, in accordance with options given to county governing bodies by S.C. Code, § 12-43-220(c) and (d), as amended, real property owners shall apply for the special residential or agricultural assessment of such property at intervals of the 5 years, beginning with the tax year 1982, so long as the use of the property is not changed during such period; i.e., real property owners, irrespective of the date on which their properties were first qualified for such special assessment, must requalify for the special assessment in the years 1987, 1992, etc.
(b) Should any parcel of real property which had not previously qualified for the special assessment become qualified during any year of such 5-year period, and shall be so qualified on January 1 of the succeeding tax year, application for such special assessment shall be made prior to May 1 of such succeeding tax year.
(c) Should all or any part of a parcel of real estate become disqualified for special assessment during any year of such 5-year period by reason of a change in use or the owner’s ceasing to use the property as his legal residence, the owner of such parcel shall report such disqualification to the county tax assessor on or before May 1 of the next succeeding tax year on forms to be prescribed by the tax assessor. Penalties for failure to file such reports shall be imposed as provided in S.C. Code § 12-43-220, as amended; i.e., a penalty of 10% and interest at the rate of 1/2% per month on the difference between the amount paid and the amount that should have been paid.
(d) Should the title to any parcel of real property be transferred during any such 5-year period, the new owner shall apply for the special assessment before May 1 of the year following the transfer of title, and the tax assessor shall mail an application form to the new owner prior to January 31 of such following year. A transfer of title ipso facto terminates the qualification for a special assessment.
(1976 Code, § 7-2) (Ord. 979, § 1, passed 4-20-1982)