Historically Significant Structures
In recognition of the educational and cultural value of the city's historically significant structures, City Council enacted an ordinance allowing a partial exemption of real estate taxes.
Historically Significant Rehabilitated Structures
Partial Real Estate Tax Exemption
Shall be applied to the increase in assessed value resulting from the rehabilitation of an existing, qualified structure. The exemption shall not apply to new construction.
Eligibility
- The structure shall be listed on the Virginia Beach Historical Register or be a structure eligible for listing on the register, and for which an application for inclusion on the register is pending at the time rehabilitation commences.
- The structure shall be no less than 50 years of age at the time the application is made.
Exemption for Rehabilitated Residential Structures
- The exemption shall be in the amount equal to the greater of the initial increase in the assessed value of the structure resulting from the rehabilitation as determined by the real estate assessor, or an amount equal to 50% of the qualifying cost of the rehabilitation.
- The exemption shall run with the land for 15 years.
- No increase in assessment occurring after the first year of such rehabilitation exemption shall qualify for an increase in such exemption.
- In the event of a decrease in the property's assessed value after the first year of any rehabilitation exemption, the exemption shall be based on the difference in taxes computed on the base value and the decreased assessed value of the property.
Exemption for Rehabilitated Commercial or Industrial Structures
- The exemption shall be an amount equal to 50% of the qualified costs of rehabilitating the structure; provided, however, that the amount of the exemption shall not exceed the amount of the assessment of the structure at any time after its rehabilitation.
- The exemption shall run with the land for 15 years.
- For any rehabilitation project to qualify for this exemption, the rehabilitation project costs must amount to at least 25% of the structure's assessed value immediately prior to the rehabilitation work.
- Allowable costs are specified in City Code Section 35-80.1, in paragraph (g), sub-paragraph (1).
Exemption for Rehabilitated Hotel or Motel Structures
- The exemption shall be in an amount equal to 90% of the total assessed value of the rehabilitated structure, not to exceed the increase in the assessed value resulting from the rehabilitation of the structure as determined by the real estate assessor.
- The exemption shall run with the land for 25 years.
Application for Exemption
Application for a partial exemption for the rehabilitation of a historically significant structure must be filed prior to the commencement of any rehabilitation work for which exemption is sought. At the same time an application is made for a building permit to rehabilitate such a structure, the owner of such structure shall file forms with:
- Office of the Real Estate Assessor
(757) 385-4601 - Department of Planning & Community Development
(757) 385-4621