With the recent passage of Measure W known as the Oakland Vacant Property Tax, owners of property that goes unused for more than 50 days in the property tax year will be subject to an additional tax.
Starting July 1, 2020, properties deemed to be vacant for more than 50 days will be subject to an additional tax of $3,000 for a condominium, townhouse or duplex unit or $6,000 for a residential, non-residential or otherwise undeveloped property. The first bill will cover the period of July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, for property deemed vacant in 2019. The due dates and manner of payment for the additional tax will coincide with the existing property tax procedures. There will be certain exemptions available for low income households, low income seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Exactly how the city will implement and administer the ordinance remains to be seen. Oakland's Finance Department will be addressing public comments and deliberate the details of the administration of the tax over the first half of 2019. I will keep you apprised of further developments as they unfold.