Bill > H2866

This bill amends Massachusetts law to create a new chapter, Chapter 61C, that classifies and provides tax benefits for "Urban Public Access Land." The key provisions are: - Defines Urban Public Access Land as land over 5,000 sq ft that is retained in a natural, wild, or open condition and is open to public access, used for urban agriculture or silviculture, or used for recreation and available to the general public. - Requires the land to be valued and assessed based solely on its use as Urban Public Access Land, not its fair market value, and caps the assessed value at 25% of fair market value. - Provides a lower tax rate on Urban Public Access Land, either the commercial property rate or the open space rate if the city accepts that provision. - Establishes procedures for applying for and maintaining the Urban Public Access Land classification, including notification requirements if the land is to be sold or converted to other uses. - Imposes a conveyance tax and roll-back taxes if the land is sold or converted to non-qualifying uses within 10 years of first being classified. - Allows the city a right of first refusal to purchase the land if the owner intends to sell it for non-qualifying uses. The overall goal is to provide tax incentives to encourage the preservation and public use of open, natural, and recreational lands in urban areas.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H2866