The Obsolete Property Rehabilitation
Act (OPRA), PA 146 of 2000, as amended, provides property tax exemptions for
commercial and commercial housing properties that are rehabilitated and meet the
requirements of the Act. Properties must meet eligibility requirements including
a statement of obsolescence by the local assessor. The property must be located
in an established Obsolete Property Rehabilitation District. Exemptions are
approved for a term of 1-12 years as determined by the local unit of government.
The property taxes for the rehabilitated property are based on the previous
year's (prior to rehabilitation) taxable value. The taxable value is frozen for
the duration of the exemption. Additionally, the State Treasurer may approve
reductions of half of the school operating and state education taxes for a
period not to exceed 6 years for 25 applications annually. Applications are
filed, reviewed and approved by the local unit of government, but are also
subject to review at the State level by the Property Services Division. The
State Tax Commission (STC) is responsible for final approval and issuance of
OPRA certificates. Exemptions are not effective until approved by the STC.