3 minute read
Public Policy
District of Columbia
REALTORS® Testify at Monumental D.C. Rent Control Hearing
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The DC Association of REALTORS ® (DCAR) testified at a recent hearing on a bill that would renew rent control in the District, stating that the policy should not be expanded. Those in favor of the policy argued that current rent control policies should be expanded to include those who own fewer than five units, amongst other changes.
By contrast, DCAR proposed a five-year extension of current rent control policies, as well as the creation of a task force that would collect data and suggest alternate solutions to the affordable housing problem in the city. This issue is expected to gain significant traction in the next few months, as the current policies are set to expire at the end of 2020. DCAR will remain at the table representing the interests of small housing providers as the issue moves forward.
Montgomery County and Maryland
2019 GCAAR President Koki Adasi Testifies Against New Tax Legislation
On December 3, 2019, GCAAR President Koki Adasi testified at the Montgomery County Council against Bill 34-19, Development Impact Taxes—Affordable Housing. If passed, Bill 34-19 would apply a new impact tax and a new excise tax on a teardown property where 51% or more of the structure is demolished.
The testimony points out flaws behind the legislation, including how much revenue the taxes would bring in. GCAAR has objected to the categorization of taxation on teardowns as a “loophole” that needs closing. Bethesda Magazine covered the public hearing, citing GCAAR’s opposition:
Koki Adasi, representing the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS ® , said teardown homes were deliberately left untaxed because they didn’t require additional infrastructure. “What this goal seems to miss is that the playing field was tiered specifically to address each type of housing and its impact, then tax them appropriately,” Adasi said.
The legislation now moves to the Council’s Government Operations (GO) Committee. The GO Committee will hold a work session to discuss the bill for further review. GCAAR will continue to keep our members updated on this important issue.
Montgomery County Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules Now In Effect Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 19-01, adopted on July 23, 2019, went into effect on Tuesday, December 31, 2019. The ZTA eased many of the County’s requirements for accessory apartments (sometimes referred to as accessory dwelling units, or ADUs). GCAAR supported the legislation and worked to move it forward. Allowing more ADUs and removing some of the permitting hurdles will add to the limited affordable housing stock in the area, as well as provide an additional revenue source for homeowners. GCAAR also made sure to advocate for more enforcement to ensure a smooth transition and to keep in mind the impacts these may have on already density-burdened areas. While this law applies countywide, many of the county’s municipalities abide by their own zoning codes and therefore operate with different registration guidelines. Any property owner located in one of Montgomery County’s municipalities who is interested in ADU policy should check with their city/town governing body. Units previously licensed with DHCA as an “accessory apartment” will be reclassified as an ADU.
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