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These bills may cost you Continued from page 1 It will be presented in two parts with the second installment in next month’s Federal Hillsider. Here is part one of the list: 1. Bill No. 08-0044 Zoning Variances Description: Developers, when applying for a change in zoning to accommodate their projects, must include sealed architect’s plans and aerial photos. Status: In committee. FHNA’s take: Developers hate this Bill. It requires them to submit specific plans for analysis and comment from “immediate stakeholders” at public hearing before the Board of Municipal Zoning Appeals. At the moment no such requirement exists. This inevitably leads to conflict. 2. Bill No. 08-0058 Tax Credits for Buildings with Energy-Saving Devices Description: This law would provide a capped five-year city tax credit for buildings with solar panels or other energy-efficient appliances. Status: In committee. FHNA’s take: Tax incentives for sustainable building practices seem like a good policy but “green” building practices in
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August 2009
One bill would let owners easily create multiple-family homes in Federal Hill. an urban, infill environment might present some unique challenges as it relates to historic preservation issues. 3. Bill No. 08-0042 Disclosures on the Sale of Residential Property Description: This bill would require home sellers to disclose of zoning-related information when selling their houses. Status: In committee, with amendments pending. FHNA’s take: Realtors hate this bill. It creates more work and potential liability for them and for their clients. No more caveat emptor. Potential buyers will be entitled to know more about the home they are considering, how it’s zoned, and whether or not it is located in a city preservation district or an urban renewal area. 4. Bill No. 08-0043 R-8 Conditional Use Conversions Description: Many Baltimore rowhomes are zoned R-8, and most home rehabbers
who want to convert a single home into multiple condominium units must apply for a “conditional use” permit to do so. This bill would eliminate condominium conversions for R-8, but allow them for less dense residential zoning areas like R-7. Status: In committee. FHNA’s take: Many blocks in Federal Hill are zoned R-7. This bill would allow all of the homes on these blocks to be converted “by right” to multiple-family dwellings. Scary to those who prefer to live in a neighborhood comprised of predominantly single-family homes. A godsend to anyone who frets over the declining value of their R-7 zoned single-family house. 5. Bill No. 08-0097 Tax Disclosures on Sale of Residential Property Description: This bill would require home sellers to disclose the estimated yearly property taxes and assessments on their residential property. Status: Enacted. FHNA’s take: This law will undoubtedly have a chilling effect on an already down market. Too bad this bill wasn’t passed into law 20 years ago. 6. Bill No. 08-0163 Live Entertainment Continued on page 10
A TO Z REPAIRS HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Exterior and Interior Painting / Drywall / Carpentry Decks / Gutters / Power Wash / Floors / Bathrooms Tiles / Kitchens / Clubrooms Residential or Commercial Work
For all your home or business repairs, call Del Lair at 410-467-2000 Maryland Home Improvement Commission License No. 66090
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