Bill Looking to give Homeowners a Tax Break to Capture Rainwater in their Backyards

Senate Constitutional Amendment 9 (SCA 9) is looking to exclude rainwater capture systems from property tax reassessments starting in 2019. New construction, renovation, new ownership and some purchases for a home require a property tax reassessment, which usually increases a tax bill. The proposal, introduced by state Senator Steve Glazer (D-Orinda), could encourage homeowners to collect rainwater and could make its way onto the 2018 statewide ballot. Senator Glazer stated,

It’s not an invisible occurrence when the rain comes to see water you could utilize at your home disappearing down the gutters.

Glazier’s office believes that California homeowners could see savings up to a couple hundred dollars a year off their property tax bill, depending on the type of capture system they install. Currently under state law, certain types of seismic retrofits, additions and improvements such as solar capture systems, modifications for disability access and fire sprinklers are already exempt from new construction classification. The Senate has already approved the bill and if the Assembly approves the bill before Jan. 25th, then SCA 9 would appear on the June 2018 ballot. However, if it passes after that date, it would be placed on the November 2018 ballot. It’s a novel idea that, if passed, would provide homeowners with a chance to install a rainwater capture system without having to worry about potentially paying more in property taxes.

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