LVAR LOCAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES – 2008
The Lehigh Valley Association of REALTORS® (LVAR) seeks to introduce and support local legislation that will preserve the rights of private property ownership, encourage home ownership, promote the free enterprise system, protect property values, and promote smart growth policies that encourage responsible development. With that in mind, the LVAR Government Affairs Committee, along with staff, has identified the following local legislative ordinances as priorities. (Listed in alphabetical order)
LVAR opposes the imposition of impact fees under any condition. Although impact fees are authorized by law in Pennsylvania, REALTORS® believe that impact fees ultimately increase the cost of housing because actual costs are passed on to the consumer through increased lot and/or housing prices. In 2008, LVAR will continue to monitor municipal Impact Fee proposals.
Lehigh Township – Resolution 2007-1 of 2007 (Traffic Impact Fees)
The Lehigh Township Board of Supervisors has decided to enact an Impact Fee Ordinance. Pennsylvania Act 209 requires that prior to adopting an Impact Fee Ordinance, the Township must create a Transportation Impact Fee Advisory Committee to develop the land use assumptions and conduct a roadway sufficiency analysis study. The Township Supervisors officially created this Committee when they adopted Resolution 2007-1 on January 23, 2007. The Resolution appointed nine individuals to the Committee for a one-year term. The Resolution preliminarily sets the traffic impact fee on developers at $1,000 per “anticipated peak hour trip” caused by the new development. A recommendation from the Advisory Committee is expected in the summer of 2008. LVAR will continue to monitor this issue closely
POINT OF SALE PROPERTY TAX REASSESSMENTS
REALTORS® believe that all property tax assessments should be fair, realistic and equitable. The Lehigh Valley Association of REALTORS® (LVAR) opposes point of sale property tax reassessments and policies which authorize or encourage such reassessments. In 2008, LVAR will continue to monitor the proposals and actions of school districts and municipalities who are currently or are considering conducting point of sale reassessments. LVAR will actively support state legislation to stop this practice from occurring.
USE AND OCCUPANCY ORDINANCES
LVAR supports the development and enforcement of reasonable use and occupancy criteria for all types of real property. We believe that reasonable criteria, coupled with fair and realistic inspection requirements ultimately result in improved quality and safety of housing in our region. Improved housing stock translates into increased home values and fosters desirable communities in which to live and work.
Allentown City –Residential Resale Inspection Ordinance (Bill No. 109)
The City of Allentown adopted a residential resale inspection ordinance requiring inspection of all residential properties in the City prior to transfer of title. The City believes that this proposal is necessary to upgrade the safety and quality of the housing stock in Allentown. LVAR agrees and believe this type of inspection Ordinance in Allentown is long overdue. LVAR worked closely with the City to provide constructive comments to ensure that the concerns of the real estate industry as well as real estate consumers were considered and protected. LVAR supports the Ordinance as adopted by City Council on December 19. In 2008, LVAR will closely monitor the implementation of the Ordinance to ensure it is effective.
Is there a local ordinance impacting the real estate industry that you think LVAR should be monitoring? Click here to download the Municipal Issues Form. Simply fill out and fax or e-mail it to Ryan Conrad, LVAR Government Affairs Director.