Property taxation: new construction exclusion: fire protection devices.

The California Constitution generally limits ad valorem taxes on real property to 1% of the full cash value of that property. For purposes of this limitation, "full cash value" is defined as the assessor's valuation of real property as shown on the 1975–76 tax bill under "full cash value" or, thereafter, the appraised value of that real property when purchased, newly constructed, or a change in ownership has occurred. Pursuant to an authorization in the California Constitution, existing law excludes from classification as "newly constructed" the construction or installation of any fire sprinkler system, other fire extinguishing system, fire detection system, or fire-related egress improvement that is constructed or installed in an existing building, as specified. This bill would expand this exclusion to include the construction or installation of any fire sprinkler system, other fire extinguishing system, and fire detection system in a new building, as defined, the construction or installation of which is completed on or after January 1, 2012. This bill would require the county assessor to administer this expansion, as provided, and to reduce the base year value of the new building by the value of the fire sprinkler system, other fire extinguishing system, and fire detection system, as specified. By imposing new duties on county assessors, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions. Section 2229 of the Revenue and Taxation Code requires the Legislature to reimburse local agencies annually for certain property tax revenues lost as a result of any exemption or classification of property for purposes of ad valorem property taxation. This bill would provide that, notwithstanding Section 2229 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, no appropriation is made and the state shall not reimburse local agencies for property tax revenues lost by them pursuant to the bill. This bill would take effect immediately as a tax levy.