Anyone here donate Real Estate for charitable deduction and how did it work out?

[ultrarunner]

Family has a small city paved and fenced parking lot leftover from the auto dealership days going back to 1942

It’s been rented with city rental business license to a state and city licensed car dealer for overflow parking since the family left the auto business.

The city has informed me via certified Mail the parking lot can no longer be used to store vehicles with storage being any vehicle there for more than 72 hours.

In 21 days the violation admin fee of $3800 kicks in and then $100 per day for the first 7 days and the $200 for the next 7 days, etc.

Appealling comes with appeal filing fee of several thousand dollars.

The commercial Real Estate Market is down 60% and if the property is vacant a $6,000 annual extra vacancy tax kicks in.

The family members in their late eighties want me to buy them out but why?

What about donating to a charity for tax write offs?

Several Realtors say it’s about 18 months to sell as no one will buy without city entitlements in hand…

 

[Oaktree]

Curiously, did you have someone in mind to donate this property to? The way you describe, it's a bit of a white elephant. If you can find an organization that will take it, that sounds like the best solution.

What's the city's rationale for not allowing vehicles to be stored there anymore, or are they being pricks just because they can?

 

[oosik]

Ultrarunner - are you sure that property is not in or around my little town. Sounds like an action they would initiate. Screwed if you do - screwed if you don't.

I donated my 2005 Ford F-150 to the local Salvation Army. Got sick and tired of taking it to the dealership for repairs. They were overjoyed to receive it. They have folks who can do the repairs themselves and then sell it. I got a tax write off - they earned some $$$. A win - win situation.

There is a gov organization - Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge - that, for years, has been bugging me to donate my property to them - when I croak. I haven't heard from them for a few years. Mayhaps, they finally got the word - NO.

Government is an organization that know no end to their greed. No compassion for those they are charged to serve. Will never take their boot off your neck.

 

[Runner]

Curiously, did you have someone in mind to donate this property to? The way you describe, it's a bit of a white elephant. If you can find an organization that will take it, that sounds like the best solution.

What's the city's rationale for not allowing vehicles to be stored there anymore, or are they being pricks just because they can?

This is just a guess, but sometimes the zoning of property can be changed such that an existing use might be "nonconforming", but it is allowed to continue as long as owned and used by original business. However, if the original use (business) stops using the property for a given period of time or sells the property, they lose the right for nonconforming use and you have to comply with current zoning rules.

 

[Snobdds]

Rent it to a food truck for $100 per month.

That is basically a donation and write off the difference between fair market value and rent on the taxes.

There is always a way around .gov's pettiness.

 

[Runner]

Rent it to a food truck for $100 per month.

That is basically a donation and write off the difference between fair market value and rent on the taxes.

There is always a way around .gov's pettiness.

Makes you want to erect the biggest, ugliest piece of artwork possible right in the middle of the site....

 

[workinonit]

There's a great idea. An ugly piece of artwork and 5 food trucks.

 

[Snobdds]

Someone did it...

 

[gstrom99]

The city has informed me via certified Mail the parking lot can no longer be used to store vehicles with storage being any vehicle there for more than 72 hours.

What changed? Maybe you can quit claim the lot to the dealer that's been renting it? Like for a dollar.

Then they can fight it out with the city/zoning board...

 

[2manyrocks]

On what basis did the city say it can no longer be used for that purpose? If the lot has been used for the same purpose and hasn't changed, the city shouldn't be able to do that unless they gave notice of a change in zoning and then changed the rules on you by following the correct procedures without your objection.

This is an instance where you should consult a local zoning attorney.

I'd say the family members want you to buy them out so they have the $ and you have the problem.

Would the car dealership want to buy it?