Measure 4-247 - Excise tax on homes kept vacant most of the year.

Summary

Amends Astoria Municipal Code to impose an annual excise tax on residential units vacant most of the year. Only residential units with fewer than 183 days of qualifying use per year are subject to the tax. Qualifying use includes occupancy as a primary residence, long-term rental occupancy, offering the unit for long-term rental, operation as a licensed short-term rental, or qualifying use of an accessory dwelling unit on the same property. Tax applies per residential unit and is $3,000 for the first year of vacancy and $6,000 for each consecutive year thereafter. The tax takes effect January 1, 2027. Owners must file annual declarations reporting residential unit use. Provides exemptions for certain periods, including medical care, military service, disaster damage, emergency conditions, probate following the owner's death, permitted rehabilitation, and exempts nonprofit and governmental property owners. Financial hardship exemptions are available. Revenue is deposited in a locally controlled Community Housing Fund and may be used only for affordable or workforce housing, housing assistance, tenant services, and administration and enforcement of the tax.

Measure Details