[Ord. 940, 12/17/2003, § 1]
This Part shall be known as the "Forest Hills Borough LERTA Tax Abatement Program."
[Ord. 940, 12/17/2003, § 1]
1. 
As used in this Part, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
ASSESSMENT OFFICE
The entity responsible for determining real estate assessments in Allegheny County.
BOROUGH
The Forest Hills Borough.
BOROUGH COUNCIL
The Council of the Forest Hills Borough.
DETERIORATED PROPERTY
Any industrial, commercial or other business property owned by an individual, association or corporation, and located in a deteriorating area, as set forth in LERTA, 53 P.S. § 4724, 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 and/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 high 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.
LERTA
The Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act, 53 P.S. § 4722 et seq., as amended.
QUALIFIED PROPERTY
Property which meets the definitional, physics and geographical requirements for exemption from real estate taxation as set forth in LERTA, and which is located within the tax abatement area.
TAX ABATEMENT AREA
That certain area of the Borough in which the assessed valuation of improvements to properties are exempt from real property taxation under LERTA pursuant to the provisions of Forest Hills Borough Resolution No. 1019.
2. 
Any and all terms and phrases not specifically defined herein shall be defined in accordance with the definitions set forth in LERTA.
[Ord. 940, 12/17/2003, § 1]
In accordance with the provisions of Borough Resolution No. 1019, adopted by the Borough Council, the entire deteriorated area as described in the said Resolution is established as a tax abatement area. The provisions of the said Resolution and its exhibits are hereby incorporated by reference as fully as if set forth at length herein.
[Ord. 940, 12/17/2003, § 1]
1. 
Any owner of qualified property (the "property owner") may apply for and receive a real estate tax abatement to the extent of the assessed valuation attributable to the actual cost of new construction or improvements to qualified property as follows:
A. 
Abatement Period. The abatement of real estate taxes for each qualified property shall be limited to a period not to exceed five years. The abatement period shall commence in the tax year immediately following the year in which the eligible new construction or improvement is completed. For purposes of this section, eligible new construction or improvement shall be deemed complete upon the issuance of an occupancy permit for the same.
B. 
Abatement Amounts. The abatement of real estate taxes for each qualified property shall be limited to the following percentages, in the years noted, of the assessed value of improvements to qualified property, as determined by the assessment office.
(1) 
First Year: 100%.
(2) 
Second Year: 80%.
(3) 
Third Year: 60%.
(4) 
Fourth Year: 40%.
(5) 
Fifth and Final Year: 20%.
C. 
Impact of Real Estate Sale. The abatement from real estate tax authorized under this Part shall be upon the qualified property and shall not terminate upon the sale or exchange of the subject real estate.
[Ord. 940, 12/17/2003, § 1]
1. 
Within 30 days of the date of issuance of a building permit, the owner of qualified property desiring abatement of real estate tax shall file an application for abatement in writing with the Borough, on a form provided by the Borough, with a copy delivered to the assessment office.
2. 
The property owner must certify the following information on the form provided:
A. 
The date the building permit was issued.
B. 
The type of construction, reconstruction or improvement for which the abatement is requested.
C. 
The location of the qualified property to be constructed, reconstructed or improved.
D. 
The summary of the plan or plans of construction, reconstruction or improvement.
E. 
The actual cost of construction, reconstruction or improvement.
3. 
Upon application, an inspection may be made by the assessment office for purposes of determining the assessed valuation attributable to the construction, reconstruction or improvement; and the amount thereby eligible for abatement under this Part.
4. 
After the assessment office notifies the Borough of the amount of the assessed valuation attributable to the construction, reconstruction, or improvement, and eligible for abatement, the Borough, through its Tax Collector, shall apply the property millage to the assessed valuation eligible for abatement and shall determine the maximum amount of tax eligible for abatement. The Borough shall promptly notify the property owner of the amount of tax to be abated.
[Ord. 940, 12/17/2003, § 1]
No tax abatement shall be granted under this Part if the improvements to the qualified property do not comply with all requirements of the Forest Hills Borough Code of Ordinances, and all other ordinances, rules, regulations, statutes and other applicable laws.
[Ord. 940, 12/17/2003, § 1]
The Borough Manager may issue reasonable regulations, subject to approval by Borough Council, governing the administration of this Part. The Borough shall cooperate with the other taxing districts in adopting and implementing such regulations.
[Ord. 940, 12/17/2003, § 1]
The Borough may enter into agreements with the Allegheny County and Woodland Hills School District to further implement the provisions of this Part.