[Adopted 10-11-2016 by Ord. No. 1141[1]]
[1]
Editor’s Note: This ordinance also repealed former Article V, Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance, adopted 9-14-1981 by Ord. No. 888.
As used in this article, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings set forth below:
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this section:
DETERIORATED PROPERTY
Any industrial, commercial or other business property owned by an individual, association or corporation, and located in a deteriorating area, as hereinafter provided, or any such property which has been the subject of an order by a government agency requiring the unit to be vacated, condemned or demolished by reason of noncompliance with laws, ordinance or regulations.
IMPROVEMENT
Repair, construction or reconstruction, including alterations and additions, having the effect of rehabilitating a deteriorated property so that it becomes habitable or attains higher standards of safety, health, economic use or amenity, or is brought into compliance with laws, ordinances or regulations governing such standards. Ordinary upkeep and maintenance shall not be deemed an improvement.
LOCAL TAXING AUTHORITY
A county, city, borough, incorporated town, township, institution district or school district having authority to levy real property taxes, specifically Punxsutawney Borough.
MUNICIPAL GOVERNING BODY
A city, borough, incorporated town or township, specifically Punxsutawney Borough.
Any industrial, commercial or business properties within the limits of the Punxsutawney Borough are considered to be deteriorated areas as defined by statute, 72 P.S. § 4725 , and are eligible for tax exemption under this act.
A. 
The amount to be exempted shall be limited to that portion of the additional assessed value attributable to the actual costs of improvements to the deteriorated property.
B. 
The exemption shall be limited to the improvements for which the exemption has been requested and for which a separate tax assessment has been made by the County Board of Assessments Appeals.
C. 
No exemption shall be granted if the property owner does not secure the necessary and proper permits prior to improving the property. No tax exemption shall be granted to the property, as completed, that does not comply with the minimum standards of all applicable building codes, local, state and federal.
A. 
The schedule of real estate taxes to be exempted shall be in accordance with the below portion of improvements to be exempted each year.
Year
Percent of Deduction on Improvements
Percent of Tax Collected on Increased Assessments
1
100
0
2
80
20
3
60
40
4
40
60
5
20
80
6
0
100
B. 
The exemptions from taxes granted under this article shall be upon the property and shall not terminate upon the sale or exchange of said property.
A. 
At the time a building permit for the construction of an improvement is applied for, the Punxsutawney Codes and Zoning Office shall notify the applicant, by a printed notice, of the possibility of a tax exemption under this article. When the building permit is issued, the taxpayer shall apply to the Codes and Zoning Office for such exemption. The application shall be in writing upon forms prescribed by the Borough of Punxsutawney, setting forth the following information:
(1) 
The date the building permit or alteration permit was issued for said improvement.
(2) 
The type of improvement.
(3) 
The summary of the plan of the improvement.
(4) 
The cost of the improvement.
(5) 
Any or all such additional information.
B. 
A copy of the request for exemption shall be forwarded to the Jefferson County Board of Assessment Appeals by the Borough. Upon completion of the improvement, the taxpayer shall notify the Borough and the Jefferson County Board of Assessment Appeals, so that the Board may assess the improvements separately for the purpose of calculating the amount of assessment eligible for tax exemption in accordance with the limits established in this article. The Borough will then obtain from the Board the amount of the assessment eligible for exemption and will notify the taxpayer. The Treasurer is authorized to make refunds, if applicable, only after the Jefferson County Board of Assessment Appeals has notified the Treasurer of its separate assessment upon the improvement for which an exemption is requested. Appeals from the reassessment and the amount eligible for the exemption may be taken by the taxpayer or the Borough as provided by law.
This article shall take effect retroactive to January 1, 2015, and shall remain in effect until otherwise amended or repealed.