In Berkeley, 9 parcel taxes pay for the City’s schools, teachers, school buildings, libraries, parks, and the City’s fire/emergency response.

Without voter approval, the City imposes tax on average square footage of condos in a building, not actual square footage. In this manner, some condo owners pay for much less square footage than they have. Other condo owners pay for more than their fair share on their property tax bill each year.

In this condo complex, last year Unit L sold. It has 2570 ft2. Unit F is now for sale and has 1461 ft2. Unit B and C have 1147 ft2.

Unit L should pay parcel taxes of $3593 per year. Unit F should pay $2041 per year. Unit B and C should pay parcel taxes of $1604 per year. Instead, each of the 11 condos pays $2272 per year.

Each condo pays for 1625 ft2. Voters did not approve this unfair tax assessment. State law prohibits unfair tax assessments. Condo buyers should demand a tax correction before they purchase.