CITY – Berkeley

The city of Berkeley has many different ordinances that effect property sales. It would be best to contact the city departments individually for the specific property.

Population 102,743; Households: 46,875; Average Persons Per Household: 2.19; Percent Single Family Housing: 58.5% TRANSFER TAX - $15 per thousand of purchase price.

POINT OF SALE ORDINANCE – RESIDENTIAL CONSERVATION ORDINANCE (RECO)- RECO applies to all residential structures or units in Berkeley that are sold or are being renovated with a valuation of $50,000 or more. There are specific conservation measures that must be met and an inspection performed prior to the transfer of title. These measures include insulating ceilings and furnance ducts water heaters, hot and cold water pipes; installation of low-flow showerheads and faucets, weatherstripping etc…. An inspection must be done by the Veteran’s Assistance Center inspectors. For more information call the Building and Safety Division at 883-6544.  

BONDS OR ASSESSMENTS - The city of Berkeley has a number of bonds and assessments. Some of formulated based on the square footage of the structure ; others are based on the square footage of the lot and some are based on the formula multiplied by the real property value. They are grouped below accordingly:

BASED ON THE SQUARE FOOTAGE OF THE STRUCTURE

Street Lighting Assessment – square footage X .0108                  Parks and Land Assessment - square footage X .0724

Library Assessment - square footage X .0877                                School Assessment - square footage X .0992

Paramedic Assessment – square footage X .0186

BASED ON SQUARE FOOTAGE OF LOT

Clean Storm Water Assessment – square footage X.4 divided by 2,196 X 50

BOND MEASURES G & S

Measure G - Real Property Value X .00392

Measure S - Real Property Value X .015

RENT CONTROL – Yes. For information, please call Rent Stabilization Program – 644-6128 or the Legal Office of the Rent Board – 644-7714

LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITY – There is a Rental Property Inspection Program that inspects rental properties for health, safety, and fire violations. Properties are inspected based on complaints from tenants, neighbors, or when deferred maintenance is visible from the street by city officials. Inspection fees, any permits required for repairs, and repairs are the responsibility of the landlord.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Permit Department – 883-6555                                            Fire Department – 981-3473

Building Department – 883-6544                                        Waste Management – 644-8856

Police Department – 981-5900                                            Recycling Program – 644-8856

Rent Stabilization Program – 644-6128                             

 Gas & Electricity –1-800-743-5000                                     Water – 835-3000

Berkeley Unified School District –644-6348

For additional information, link to the City of Berkeley's web site at: www.ci.berkeley.ca.us