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

[California]

Ultrarunner, sounds like you need a lobbyist.

Or else a consult with someone who worked in that department for a long time, and can explain what is needed to get what you want.

When I worked in a Large Public Agency it was occasionally necessary to go into a branch and drag them step by step through what should be their routine process - based on understanding that process better than some timid clerk there who was bogged down afraid to do anything.

 

[ultrarunner]

I continue to think consulting with an attorney who has actually dealt with them may still be a good idea, particularly if there are procedures with deadlines you have to meet in order to preserve your rights to an appeal. Even if Pacific Legal Foundation is unable to take your case, they may be able to refer you to another lawyer.

Pacific Legal is overwhelmed… plenty of crazy things going on to pick and choose.

My visits to city hall show just how broken things really are here.

Can it turn around??? I guess anything is possible.

We had a 65 year old Doctor decide to retire in 2020 when Covid shut everything down.

He is still getting tax bills for a business he closed over 4 years ago… every time he thinks he is done 6-9 months it starts all over again.

How does one prove their business or practice no longer exists?

My thoughts are back to making a charitable donation and be done with it…

The sticky part is the vehicles belong to the renter so I have no legal right to go in and remove them…

 

[ultrarunner]

Ultrarunner, sounds like you need a lobbyist.

Or else a consult with someone who worked in that department for a long time, and can explain what is needed to get what you want.

When I worked in a Large Public Agency it was occasionally necessary to go into a branch and drag them step by step through what should be their routine process - based on understanding that process better than some timid clerk there who was bogged down afraid to do anything.

Im good at presenting face to face but this virtual meeting stuff isn’t working for me…

 

[2manyrocks]

Have you looked through this webpage to see what procedures you need to follow? Private Property Complaints and Code Enforcement Services

And this form to submit updated photos that the property has been cleaned up of graffiti? https://cao-94612.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/documents/Property-Owner-Certification-August-2024.pdf

 

[ultrarunner]

Have you looked through this webpage to see what procedures you need to follow? Private Property Complaints and Code Enforcement Services

And this form to submit updated photos that the property has been cleaned up of graffiti? https://cao-94612.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/documents/Property-Owner-Certification-August-2024.pdf

I have the form but not submitted because the vehicles remain and the renter has no intentions of removing as he has a business license from the city issued after zoning check.

The entire graffiti amounted to size of my palm and the inspector has acknowledged it’s ok now via e-mail…

The same email in which he again stated vehicles over 72 hours constitute zoning violation.

On a side note I appreciate all the advice given…

Logic should prevail but just asking for zoning to officially comment requires a $486.85 fee…

A hearing is easily 3k in fees.

Appeal to planning commission can be many times that.

 

[2manyrocks]

So what did the inspector say in reply to your saying that use of the property for car parking over 72 hours is grandfathered based on 80 years of prior use? If the tenant were actually paying the rent, there would be more funds available to use to fight the inspector. But if the property is really suited for this use, what else would you do with the property if you end up not being able to continue renting it to any car dealer?

 

[ultrarunner]

The field inspector reiterated automotive not allowed since Master Plan Zoning changed... so doubled down.

The head of code enforcement said he would have to look into it but is very busy as city is short staffed.

Great question as the entire parcel is paved and has large Car Dealer Monument sign plus small sales office, wash and detail rack, washroom and small detached tool shed with a bench and room for motor oil cases, batteries, floor jack, battery charger, etc.

City wants redevelopment away from automotive... all the four lane arteries are now two since bike lanes are a priority.

The development sought is ground floor retail and residential upper floors...

Nearby is a 200 unit building going in that blew past all the city height requirements... it's been 5 years under construction...

 

[paulsharvey]

The field inspector reiterated automotive not allowed since Master Plan Zoning changed... so doubled down.

The head of code enforcement said he would have to look into it but is very busy as city is short staffed.

Great question as the entire parcel is paved and has large Car Dealer Monument sign plus small sales office, wash and detail rack, washroom and small detached tool shed with a bench and room for motor oil cases, batteries, floor jack, battery charger, etc.

City wants redevelopment away from automotive... all the four lane arteries are now two since bike lanes are a priority.

The development sought is ground floor retail and residential upper floors...

Nearby is a 200 unit building going in that blew past all the city height requirements... it's been 5 years under construction...

So, I don't know how it's done out there, but was the site unoccupied for a year? That often triggers being brought to current rules, and no longer grandfathered in. As would a change in use. The logic of the 1 year, is that is automatically a change in use, IE-vacant paved parcel, to parking. Not arguing for or against, just the way things work in many cases.

 

[2manyrocks]

Unless you have a workable plan to convert the property into generating income for another permitted purpose, I'd be concerned whether the city is trying to procedurally trying to prevent you from continuing a grandfathered use.

From afar, it seems like you need to weigh the cost of appeal using a zoning attorney against the cost of turning the property into something else that would generate rental income.

 

[ultrarunner]

So, I don't know how it's done out there, but was the site unoccupied for a year? That often triggers being brought to current rules, and no longer grandfathered in. As would a change in use. The logic of the 1 year, is that is automatically a change in use, IE-vacant paved parcel, to parking. Not arguing for or against, just the way things work in many cases.

2019 average 40-45 vehicles at any one time.

During the severe SF Bay Area Covid lockdown as low as 3 vehicles and now only 6...

The area is full of vacant commercial not able to with survive the extended lock down or survived and crime closed the doors.

The auto market has has so many twists and turns... he was able to sell inventory quickly that proved hard to replace...

Now used auto prices are soft and he is very careful what he stocks... 3 of the 6 are Mercedes and the other are BMW and a Lincoln.