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New Construction Reassessment Exclusions

Some types of new construction are excluded from property tax assessment:

Builders' Inventory Exclusion:

This program excludes from supplemental assessment any newly completed inventory owned by a builder who does not intend to occupy or use the property. In this case, the appraisal of new construction is delayed until certain other events occur.

To receive an automatic builders exemption as provided for in Revenue and Taxation Code section 72.12 (B) (i-iii) the owner of the property must meet the following conditions:

  • The property is subdivided into five or more parcels in accordance with the Subdivision Map Act.
  • A map describing the parcels has been recorded.
  • Zoning regulations that are applicable to the parcels or building permits for the parcels require that, except for parcels dedicated for public use, single-family residences will be constructed on the parcels.

Builders that do not meet the above criteria may still receive the exclusion by filing a claim with the assessor. The claim must be filed with the Assessors Office no later than 30 days after the start of construction. Click HERE to obtain the Builders' Inventory Exclusion form.

In either event, the owner must notify the Assessor within 45 days of leasing or renting the property, or using the property for themselves.

Active Solar Energy System New Construction Exclusion:

The addition of an active solar energy system to an existing structure is excluded from property tax assessment. The term ‘Active solar energy system’ means any system that uses solar devices, which are thermally isolated from living space or any other area where the energy is used, to provide for the collection, storage, or distribution of solar energy.

Such systems may be used for any of the following: (a) domestic, recreational, therapeutic, or service water heating; (b) space conditioning; (c) production of electricity; (d) process heat.

Specifically excluded from this benefit are solar swimming pool heaters or hot tub heaters. Additionally, pipes, ducts, tanks, and other auxiliary equipment used in a solar energy system that also carry or use energy from sources other than solar energy are assessable at 75% of their market value.

Active Solar Energy Systems are NOT excluded from reassessment when property changes ownership.

This program ends January 1, 2017. No application is required; however, if you think property that qualifies for this exclusion was erroneously assessed, contact the Assessor immediately. See the end of this page for contact information. (ref. R&T 73)

Fire Sprinkler, Fire Extinguishing, Fire Detection, and Fire-Related Egress Improvements New Construction Exclusion:

The addition of Fire Sprinkler, Fire Extinguishing, Fire Detection, and/or Fire-related Egress improvements to an existing structure are excluded from property tax assessment. However, such items are NOT excluded from reassessment when property changes ownership. Fire sprinklers installed in newly constructed building are NOT exempt from reassessment.

No application is required; however, if you think property that qualifies for this exclusion was erroneously assessed, contact the Assessor immediately. See the end of this page for contact information. (ref. R&T 74)

Disabled Access New Construction Exclusion:

The disabled access exclusion is available in two formats: one designed for the typical homeowner and the other for commercial property owners.

Disabled Access - Residences Eligible for the Homeowners’ Exemption:

Modifications made in order to make an existing residence more accessible to a severely and permanently disabled person or persons are excluded from reassessment if certain conditions are met. The residence must be eligible for the Homeowners’ Exemption, and the applicant must file a physician’s certification of disability with their application. Swimming pools and spas are excluded from this benefit, although items used to make the pool or spa more accessible would be eligible.

A "severely and permanently disabled person" is defined as any person who has a physical disability or impairment, whether from birth or by reason of accident or disease, that results in a functional limitation as to employment or substantially limits one or more major life activities of that person. The definition also requires that the condition must have been diagnosed as permanently affecting the person's ability to function, including, but not limited to, any disability or impairment that affects sight, speech, hearing, or the use of any limbs.

This benefit applies to any eligible construction completed on or after June 6, 1990. Please note that existing disabled-access accommodations are NOT excluded from reassessment when property changes ownership.

An application for this exclusion must be filed with the Assessor (ref. R&T 74.3). Click HERE to obtain the required form or see the end of this page for contact information.

Disabled Access - Structures Not Eligible For the Homeowners’ Exemption:

Modifications made in order to make an existing structure or commercial property more accessible to disabled persons are also excluded from reassessment if certain conditions are met. An owner must notify the Assessor prior to, or within 30 days of, the completion of any project for making improvements of this nature and state that he or she intends to claim this exclusion.

Please note that previously installed disabled-access accommodations are NOT excluded from reassessment when property changes ownership.

An application for this exclusion must be filed with the Assessor (ref. R&T 74.6). Click HERE to obtain the required form or see the end of this page for contact information.

Earthquake Mitigation/Seismic Retrofit New Construction Exclusion:

Specified seismic retrofitting and earthquake hazard mitigation features that are added to existing buildings may be excluded from reassessment. An owner must notify the Assessor prior to, or within 30 days of, the completion of the construction project that he or she intends to claim this exclusion. The applicant must also certify (or have certified) to the Assessor in writing those portions of any new construction project that are specifically attributable to seismic retrofit or earthquake mitigation technologies.

Please note that previously installed seismic retrofit or earthquake mitigation technologies are NOT excluded from reassessment when property changes ownership.

An application for this exclusion must be filed with the Assessor (ref. R&T 74.5). Click HERE to obtain the required form or see the end of this page for contact information.

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Contacting Us Arrow Madera County Assessor's Office
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Madera, CA 93637
Telephone: (559) 675-7710
Fax: (559) 675-7654
Office Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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