§ 9-238. Property owned by community association

   (a) "Community association" defined. -- In this section, "community association" means:

   (1) a neighborhood organization that:

      (i) is comprised of city blocks of at least 25 households or 25% of the households of a local neighborhood consisting of 40 or more individual households, whichever is less, as defined by specific geographic boundaries in the bylaws or charter of the association;

      (ii) is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code;

      (iii) requires as a condition of membership, the voluntary payment of monetary dues or membership fees at least annually; and

      (iv) is organized and operated for one or more of the following purposes:

         1. relief of neighborhood tensions;

         2. prevention of community deterioration;

         3. provision of relief to the poor, underprivileged, or distressed;

         4. preservation of historic areas;

         5. community revitalization; or

         6. promotion of the common good and social welfare of the people of the community; or

   (2) an umbrella organization that:

      (i) consists of coalitions of several neighborhood organizations as described in paragraph (1) of this subsection; and

      (ii) addresses issues that affect broad areas of the county or municipal corporation where the umbrella organization is located.

(b) Grant of tax credit requirements. -- The Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City or the governing body of a county or municipal corporation may grant, by law, a property tax credit under this subsection against the county or municipal corporation property tax imposed on personal property that is owned by a community association for a taxable year, if:

   (1) the community association was in existence as of the first day of the taxable year for which the credit under this section is to be allowed;

   (2) the community association is in good standing, if it is organized as a Maryland corporation; and

   (3) the personal property is valued at $ 8,000 or less.

HISTORY: 2000, ch. 403.