72 Pa. Stat. § 4728.102

Current through Pa Acts 2024-53, 2024-56 through 2024-111

Section 4728.102 - Definitions

The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Affordable housing unit."

(1) A multiunit residential dwelling where at least 30% of the residential units meet all of the following:

(i) Are rent-restricted.

(ii) Are occupied by an individual or family whose income is not more than 60% of area median income.

(2) The term includes single family residences that are subject to deed restrictions and occupied by an individual or family whose income is not more than 60% of the area median gross income.

"Area median income." The median household income within the boundaries of a local taxing authority.

"Blighted property." The term shall have the same meaning as defined in 1 Pa.C.S. § 1991 (relating to definitions).

"Deteriorated area." An area designated by a municipal corporation which consists of blighted property.

"Dwelling unit." A house, apartment, or group of rooms intended for occupancy as separate living quarters by family or other groups or a person living alone, containing a kitchen or cooking equipment for the exclusive use of the occupants.

"Homestead." As follows:

(1) A dwelling used as a home which is occupied by a taxpayer as a primary residence.

(2) The term includes:

(i) A mobile home which is assessed as realty for local property tax purposes and the land on which the mobile home is situated and other similar living accommodations, including a part of a multidwelling or multipurpose building and a part of the land upon which the multidwelling or multipurpose building is built to the extent that the eligible taxpayer is chargeable by a local taxing authority for property taxes.

(ii) A premises occupied by an eligible taxpayer if the eligible taxpayer is required by law to pay a property tax by reason of the taxpayer's ownership or rental of, include a possessory interest in, the dwelling, land or both. As used in this subparagraph:

(A) The term "by law" shall not include a contractual obligation between the eligible taxpayer and a person who would otherwise be responsible to a local taxing authority for the payment of the tax.

(B) An owner shall include a person in possession under a contract of sale, deed of trust, life estate, joint tenancy or tenancy in common.

"Improvement." Repair, construction or reconstruction, including alterations and additions, having the effect of rehabilitating a blighted property so that the blighted property becomes habitable or attains higher standards of safety, health, economic use or amenity, or is brought into compliance with laws, ordinances or regulations governing safety, health, economic use or amenity standards. The term shall not include ordinary upkeep and maintenance.

"Local taxing authority." A county, city, borough, incorporated town, township, institution district or school district having authority to levy real property taxes.

"Low-income taxpayer." A taxpayer whose income does not exceed the maximum annual income allowable for an eligible claimant to participate in the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Needs Enhancement Tier (PACENET).

"Municipal code." A building, housing, property maintenance, fire, health or other public safety ordinance, related to the use or maintenance of real property, enacted by a municipality. The term does not include a subdivision and land development ordinance or a zoning ordinance enacted by a municipality.

"Municipal corporation." A city, borough, incorporated town or township.

"Property maintenance code." A municipal ordinance which regulates the maintenance or development of real property. The term includes a building code, housing code and public safety code.

"Real estate taxes." A tax on a homestead imposed or authorized to be imposed by a local taxing authority.

"Rent-restricted." The maximum rent an owner may charge for a unit does not exceed 30% of the adjusted income of a family or taxpayer whose annual income is less than or equal to 60% of the area median gross income.

"Serious violation." A violation of a State law or a municipal code that poses an immediate imminent threat to the health and safety of a dwelling occupant, an occupant in a surrounding structure or a passerby.

"Special tax provision." The standards and qualifications provided under this act to establish the eligibility for and the refund or forgiveness of a portion of the taxpayer's real estate tax liability.

"Subject property." Real property subject to real estate taxes within the boundaries of a local taxing authority.

"Substantial step." An affirmative action as determined by a property code official or officer of the court on the part of a property owner or managing agent to remedy a serious violation of a State law or code, including, but not limited to, physical improvements or repairs to the property, which affirmative action is subject to appeal in accordance with applicable law.

"Tax Reform Code of 1971." The act of March 4, 1971 ( P.L. 6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971.

"Taxpayer Relief Act." The act of June 27, 2006 (1st Sp.Sess., P.L. 1873, No.1), known as the Taxpayer Relief Act.

72 P.S. § 4728.102

Added by P.L. TBD 2022 No. 58, § 102, eff. 9/9/2022.