Lake Tahoe's new tax plan could hit thousands of empty-home owners
Mountain town South Lake Tahoe wants to tax its 7000 seasonal homes that stay empty half the year. Local officials hope this $3000 yearly fee will help with housing needs
In the snow-covered mountain paradise of South Lake Tahoe a new tax idea is making waves among second-home owners. The citys upcoming ballot includes Measure N - a tax-related proposal thats getting lots of attention from property owners
The alpine-resort community faces an interesting situation: almost half of its homes stay empty most of the year (about 7000 properties to be exact). Local officials think its time these seasonal residents chip-in more - theyre asking for a flat-rate $3000 yearly fee for houses that dont see people around for more than 6 months
The tax plan puts two important things against each other — the rights of folks who own vacation homes and the towns need for year-round housing. Its creating quite a buzz in this laid-back resort area where snow-capped peaks meet crystal-clear waters; many property owners say its not fair while others think its time for change
The measure would affect any house thats empty more than half the year (specifically speaking 182 days). This rule would touch lots of those picture-perfect cabins and lake-view properties that sit quiet through long winter months or empty summer seasons
