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August Newsletter:
Local:
City of Norco – The City of Norco just passed a new ordinance requiring a minor site plan for any building over 120 square feet and under 860 square feet. Anything larger than 860 square feet will require a conditional use permit. Both will require the property owner to go before the Planning Commission for approval. The cost will be based on 1% of the square footage of the building being constructed. In addition, all structures will require detailed drawings to be submitted to the Building Department. We did get some concessions from the City regarding pens and corrals which will not be subject to this new ordinance. The City has agreed to establish detailed guidelines to help property owners comply with this new ordinance which should save both time and money.
State:
The State of California still has not passed a budget. The budget shortfall is $19 billion. Several proposals are on the table to solve the budget deficit. C.A.R.’s head lobbyist is very concerned that a state wide service tax will be the primary vehicle that state legislators will try to use to close the budget gap. The Governor has recently said California has a service economy and that many service oriented businesses do no pay their fair share. This concept is very attractive to cities and counties as this service tax would help them solve their budget problems as well. The current sales tax for our county is 8.75%. Our services in providing sales of real estate would be taxed, as well as escrow services, title services, appraisal services, termite inspection services as well as other inspection services, etc. As an example on the sale of a $300,000 home the additional cost in taxes would amount to more than $2,000!!
AB 1178 – This bill is on the governor’s desk awaiting his signature to be enacted into law. This is a C.A.R. sponsored bill to help sellers not to be charged an anti-deficiency fee by the lenders on short sales.
AB 1427 (Vacant Property Ordinance) – This bill is also on the governor’s desk awaiting his signature. This would help make cities and counties accountable for very high fees for abandoned vacant properties on repairs. They would have to be actual or reasonable costs.
Federal:
Congress is on recess at this time. N.A.R. is diligently working on the provision in the health care bill passed earlier this year that would require a 1099 be given for any work over $600.00. If not changed then agents and brokers would be forced to keep detailed records for any work done on a listing and give a 1099 to each and every person who worked on the property. N.A.R believes there is a good chance to overturn this provision.
Please set aside September 30th for a Corona City Council Candidate Forum to be held at our regular Thursday morning meeting starting 8:30 am. Also, at our October 14th meeting we will also be hosting a School Board Candidate Forum. The caliber of our publicly elected officials and the policies of those who run our City Council and our School Board does affect the community we live in and our ability to have a vibrant and attractive city that people desire to live in.
Kathy Walker,
Government Affairs Director
(951) 256-6281
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