Maryland § 9-238

§ 9-238.

    (a)    In this section, “community association” means:

        (1)    a neighborhood organization that:

            (i)    is comprised of city blocks of at least 25 households or 25% of the households of a local neighborhood consisting of 40 or more individual households, whichever is less, as defined by specific geographic boundaries in the bylaws or charter of the association;

            (ii)    is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code;

            (iii)    requires as a condition of membership, the voluntary payment of monetary dues or membership fees at least annually; and

            (iv)    is organized and operated for one or more of the following purposes:

                1.    relief of neighborhood tensions;

                2.    prevention of community deterioration;

                3.    provision of relief to the poor, underprivileged, or distressed;

                4.    preservation of historic areas;

                5.    community revitalization; or

                6.    promotion of the common good and social welfare of the people of the community; or

        (2)    an umbrella organization that:

            (i)    consists of coalitions of several neighborhood organizations as described in paragraph (1) of this subsection; and

            (ii)    addresses issues that affect broad areas of the county or municipal corporation where the umbrella organization is located.

    (b)    The Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City or the governing body of a county or municipal corporation may grant, by law, a property tax credit under this subsection against the county or municipal corporation property tax imposed on personal property that is owned by a community association for a taxable year, if:

        (1)    the community association was in existence as of the first day of the taxable year for which the credit under this section is to be allowed;

        (2)    the community association is in good standing, if it is organized as a Maryland corporation; and

        (3)    the personal property is valued at $8,000 or less.