2009 LVAR LOCAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES AND EMERGING ISSUES
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)
COUNTYWIDE REASSESSMENT & “SPOT” REASSESSMENTS
REALTORS® believe that all property tax assessments should be fair, realistic and equitable. LVAR opposes point of sale property tax reassessments and policies which authorize or encourage such reassessments. 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.
Because of the slowing economy and change in home values, LVAR expects a renewed interest among local officials in 2009 to support countywide reassessment and/or reform to the state assessment law. LVAR will continue to support and urge Lehigh and Northampton County officials to conduct an immediate countywide reassessment of all real property. LVAR has adopted, and will be guided by, our policy position statements Point of Sale Reassessments and Countywide Reassessment. Additional policy statements may be adopted as necessary.
Local governments are facing massive budget deficits as a result of the slowing economy, especially due to declining realty transfer tax (RTT) revenue. For those municipalities with the authority to increase the RTT, we anticipate they will attempt to do so or at least look at it closely. Local governments will also look to increase millage rates and other fees (i.e. impact fees; business privilege license fees, pre-sale inspection fees, etc.) to make up the shortfalls. LVAR has adopted, and will be guided by, our policy position statements on Realty Transfer Tax and Impact Fees. Additional policy statements may be adopted as necessary. LVAR will continue monitor tax and fee issues considered by local governments across the Lehigh Valley.
TRANSPORTATION
LVAR believes that safe, convenient and efficient transportation infrastructure enhances the quality of communities, supports property values, and mitigates the effects of traffic congestion that accompany growth. LVAR supports improving mobility in communities so that all citizens have access to transportation means best suited to their needs. In 2009, LVAR expects an increased awareness and support for regional rail in the Lehigh Valley. LVAR examined the impact of commuter rail on housing values, and found a positive correlation. LVAR has adopted, and will be guided by, our policy statement in support of the proposed study of regional rail, which will examine the need for extending rail service to the Lehigh Valley from New Jersey. LVAR will continue to work with interested stakeholders to ensure the rail study becomes a reality.
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 occupancy criteria should be standardized and limited to true health and safety issues. LVAR believes that reasonable criteria, coupled with fair and realistic inspection requirements ultimately result in improved quality and safety of housing in our region. An improved housing stock translates into increased home values and fosters desirable communities in which to live and work.
In 2009, LVAR expects municipalities to begin enforcing and increasing inspection requirements, particularly as they relate to sewer lateral connections, residential rental inspection, and correcting code violations prior to transfer of property. LVAR has adopted, and will be guided by, our policy position statement on Use and Occupancy Ordinances and will monitor local government actions to ensure such ordinances foster rather than inhibit the successful exchange of real property between a buyer and seller.
WORKFORCE / AFFORDABLE HOUSING
In 2009, LVAR expects that addressing affordable / workforce housing will continue to be a priority in the region. However, LVAR expects the direction of the debate and proposed solutions to be different than in years passed as home values have decreased steadily, and increased inventory is giving low to moderate income buyers more opportunities to achieve homeownership. LVAR will continue to develop its Hometown Heroes Program, which will provide need-based financial assistance to police, fire, and emergency service personal to purchase a principal residence.
LVAR will also actively partner with the Lehigh Valley Community Land Trust Task Force to develop permanent affordable housing for income qualified households through the development or redevelopment of land and/or the purchase, rehabilitation of real estate in the Lehigh Valley. Additionally, LVAR will explore and monitor other opportunities to partner with public and private entities to ensure an adequate supply of rental housing and homeownership opportunities in the Lehigh Valley.
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.