Berkeley

The city of Berkeley has many different ordinances that effect property sales. It would be best to contact the city departments individually for the specific property.

Population: 102,743
Households: 44,955
Avg Per Household 2.16
Percent SFH 58.5%
Transfer Tax $15 per thousand of purchase price

POINT OF SALE ORDINANCE – RESIDENTIAL CONSERVATION ORDINANCE (RECO)

RECO applies to all residential structures or units in Berkeley that are sold or are being renovated with a valuation of $50,000 or more. There are specific conservation measures that must be met and an inspection performed prior to the transfer of title. These measures include insulating ceilings and furnance ducts water heaters, hot and cold water pipes; installation of low-flow showerheads and faucets, weatherstripping etc…. An inspection must be done by the Community Energy Services Corporation (CESC). For more information call the Building and Safety Division at 981-7440.

BONDS OR ASSESSMENTS

The city of Berkeley has a number of bonds and assessments. Some of formulated based on the square footage of the structure ; others are based on the square footage of the lot and some are based on the formula multiplied by the real property value. They are grouped below accordingly:

BASED ON THE SQUARE FOOTAGE OF THE STRUCTURE

Street Lighting Assessment square footage X .0108
Parks and Land Assessment square footage X .1118
Library Assessment square footage X .1582
School Assessment square footage X .2607
Paramedic Assessment square footage X .02979

BASED ON SQUARE FOOTAGE OF LOT

Clean Storm Water Assessment square footage X.4 divided by 2,196 X 50

BOND MEASURES G & S

Measure G Real Property Value X .00392
Measure S Real Property Value X .015

RENT CONTROL

Yes. For information, please call Rent Stabilization Program or the Legal Office of the Rent Board –981-7368

LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITY

There is a Rental Property Inspection Program that inspects rental properties for health, safety, and fire violations. Properties are inspected based on complaints from tenants, neighbors, or when deferred maintenance is visible from the street by city officials. Inspection fees, any permits required for repairs, and repairs are the responsibility of the landlord.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

PERMIT DEPTARTMENT (510) 981-7500
POLICE DEPARTMENT (510) 981-5900
FIRE DEPARTMENT (510) 981-3473
ELECTRICITY 1-800-743-5002
SCHOOL DISTRICT (510) 644-6348
WATER (866) 403-2683
GAS 1-800-743-5000
GARBAGE (waste management) (510) 644-8856
RECYCLING (510) 644-8856
RENT STABILIZATION PROGRAM (510) 981-7368

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Last updated on July 8, 2010 - 4:09pm. Originally created on 01/29/2008 - 10:04am.