As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meaning set forth below:
(a) “Act and/or program” the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assessment (LERTA) Act of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
(b) “Designated area” the area, as designated herein, and contained within the municipal boundaries of the City of Johnstown.
(c) “Applicable property” any industrial, commercial, or other business property owned by an individual, association, or corporation, and located in a underutilized, blighted, or deteriorating area, as designated herein, or any such property which has been the subject of an order by the City of Johnstown, the County of Cambria, and/or the Greater Johnstown School District requiring the unit to be vacated, condemned, or demolished by reason of noncompliance with laws, ordinances, or regulations.
(d) “Qualified improvement” the construction of new building structures, repair or substantial renovations to existing structures, having the effect of rehabilitating an underutilized, blighted, or deteriorated property so that it becomes habitable or attains higher standards of safety, health, economic use or amenity, or is brought into compliance with the laws, ordinances, or regulations governing said standards. The qualified improvement shall be such which results in an increase in assessed valuation, scheduled and/or ordinary upkeep and maintenance shall not be deemed a qualified improvement.
(e) “Commercial LERTA” Program classification for any applicable property (commercial, industrial, or mixed-use) undergoing qualified improvements.
(f) “Residential LERTA” Program classification for any applicable property (residential rentals/apartments/town houses, or hotels) undergoing qualified improvements. The program is not intended and shall not be applicable to personal residential residences.
(g) “Local taxing authority” the City of Johnstown, the Greater Johnstown School District, the County of Cambria, or any other governmental entity having the authority to levy real property taxes within the jurisdiction of the City of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
(h) “Assessment agency” the Cambria County Tax Assessment Office or any other appropriate assessment agency.
(Ord. 5267. Passed 3-13-19; Ord. 5273. Passed 8-14-19.)