Residents of San Diego will decide on June 2 whether to approve or reject the proposed Empty Homes Tax in a Municipal Special Election ballot.
If passed, the tax would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
The San Diego City Council voted in March to place the Empty Homes Tax, officially called Measure A, on the June 2 ballot. The city said the tax is intended to encourage long-term leases and property sales, thereby increasing housing availability. It is also intended to raise funds for municipal services, which would be deposited into the city’s General Fund.
A March memo from the city attorney states that if passed, the bill would impose an $8,000 tax in the first year on all non-primary residences left vacant for more than 182 days, and $10,000 annually in subsequent years. Homes fitting this category owned by a corporate entity would be charged an additional $4,000 the first year and $5,000 annually in subsequent years….