Assessment for improvements

The cost of improvement projects are shared between the adjacent owners and the City. The amount shared is dependent upon the type of improvement as well as the zoning of the area.

Prior to Council meeting at a Court of Revision to address local improvement projects, affected owners are sent a Notice of Assessment for the project. The "Notice of Assessment" is a notice and not a bill. The notice advises owners of the estimated cost and details of the proposed work as well as the time and date of the Court of Revision.

Billing for the project will only occur after the project is completed.

The cost to each property owner is dependent upon:

• the linear footage of their lot that is adjacent to the improvement (also know as the assessable length)
• the type of improvement project
• the zoning of their property

Relief

In certain situations assessment to owners maybe reduced because "relief" has been applied. "Relief" (reduction in the assessable length) are provided to owners under the following circumstances.

Corner properties where the improvement is along the longer side of the property, may be eligible for flankage relief:

• for residentially zoned properties, 75%
• relief for multi-family-family. commercial, or industrial zoned properties, 25% relief

Lots that are an abnormal shape may be eligible for some sort of relief. When the assessment notices are being prepared and there are unusual lots adjacent the project, each of these lots are reviewed and staff will apply the maximum deduction.

Owners of an unusual shaped lot could call the Local Improvement office at 604-873-7206 to determine if they qualify for relief or what is their assessable length. Properties that are eligible for adjustments may include for example:

• shallow lots (less than 100 ft. long) or
• triangular shaped lots
• truncated shaped lots

Special Relief

In situation where the affected property is used for residential purposes and is owner occupied but located in an industrial or commercial area, the owners may be eligible for “Special Relief.” Staff review such properties to determine eligibility and will provide instructions and required documentation to be completed by the owner.

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