Title
Approval of a Resolution Granting Special Tax Valuation for the Olympia Heritage Site at 317 4th Ave East
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Heritage Commission recommends approval of the special valuation application for 317 4th Ave East.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Resolution granting special property tax valuation status for the historic property at 317 4th Ave East.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve t the Resolution granting special property tax valuation status for the historic property at 317 4th Ave East.
Staff Contact:
Marygrace Goddu, Historic Preservation Officer, Community Planning & Development, 360.480.0923
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Special Tax Valuation
The City of Olympia participates in the Washington State Special Tax Valuation program. The program provides owners of designated historic buildings with the opportunity to apply for a property tax revaluation following the completion of approved rehabilitation work. The purpose is to incentivize historic preservation by offsetting the costs to maintain and upgrade older buildings. To qualify for special valuation, the qualified rehabilitation expenses must be equal to or greater than 25 percent of the value of the building, exclusive of land, prior to rehabilitation.
As outlined in OMC 3.60 Special Property Tax Valuation the Olympia Heritage Commission (OHC) performs a full review of each application and its related expenses. The OHC then makes a recommendation to City Council for approval or denial.
The application must be approved or denied by the City Council before December 31, 2021. If approved, the City enters into a ten-year agreement with the property owner to ensure no additional modifications are made that adversely impact the property's historic value without written consent by the City.
The Thurston County Assessor completes the final processing of the special valuation. Beginning in th...
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