Mission
To be proactively involved in all current and new development in Federal Hill South and surrounding areas. In order to maintain the short and long term business and development goals of the neighborhood, this committee voices opinions and concerns through the Baltimore City Planning, Zoning and Neighborhood offices, Baltimore Development Corporation and directly with developers.
Activities
In addition to monthly Committee meetings, members of this Committee also attend zoning hearings at City Hall, attend development proposal meetings and City Think Tank sessions as well as meet with community developers and local business people to hear needs and concerns.
Property Tax Assessment
For those of you who were unable to attend our informational seminar on how to make an appeal, and for those who still have questions, here are a few main points. This information is based on the Board’s understanding, and we recommend that you seek final and professional information from the DAT website, www.dat.state.md.us or call 410-767-1184.
On your assessment notice, Box #4 indicates your New Market Value, according to the assessor. When you make an appeal, this is the number you are appealing.
On the letter you received with your assessment, you may
check off the boxes for the Property Worksheet and Sales/Analysis Listing
that were used by the assessor on your property—these will be sent
to you free of charge.
If you feel it is appropriate to appeal, you must send your form by February
10th. If you choose Option #2 “Personal Hearing w/ Assessor,”
statistically this way provides the best results for property owners.
You may also choose an “Alternate Location,” as we are establishing
near by locations, including the Light Street library, so residents do
not have to go downtown for their hearing. Once you send your appeal,
you will receive a notice from the DAT indicating the time and place of
your hearing.
You should bring comparable property assessments with you when you appeal (you may indicate addresses on your appeal form for $1 each) and you may show that your property was over-valued based on deficiencies you are aware of in your home that the assessor overlooked. For example, number of bathrooms and fireplaces, whether you have a rehab, drywall, a basement, central air, parking pad or roof deck.
Box #1 indicates your base assessment, also your 2002 taxable assessment. In 2002, City residents paid $2.38 for every $100 of the taxable assessment. That rate is re-determined by the City Council each year, and the new rate will be reflected on your June 2003 property tax bill.
If you qualify for the Homestead Credit, Box #1 should not be more than 4 percent higher than your base assessment. Baltimore City currently has a 4 percent cap on how much your taxes may increase each year. To qualify for the Homestead Credit, your home must be your principal residence (“yes” indicated in the box on your Notice) and any improvements should not exceed $50,000 since the last cycle. The credit does not apply if you purchased your home in the prior fiscal year. Questions should be directed to 410-767-1184.
Helpful Links
Maryland State Tax Credit Program http://www.marylandhistoricaltrust.net/
Baltimore Housing Code Enforcement http://www.baltimorehousing.org/index/inspections.asp
Baltimore Guidelines for Rowhouse Additions http://www.baltimorecity.gov/government/planning/images/rehab-additions.pdf
Baltimore Zoning Code http://cityservices.baltimorecity.gov/charterandcodes/Code/Art%2000%20-%20Zoning.pdf
Join the Zoning and Development Committee
To join this committee, contact Chair Brandon Nevers at bnevers@gmail.com