Boulder to Vote on $4,000 Excise Tax on Vacant Homes (Measure 2J)

Boulder voters are scheduled to vote on Measure 2J on November 3rd. This measure proposes a $4,000 excise tax on homes that remain vacant for more than 183 days annually. The tax targets properties bought by individuals who are not primary residents or who do not rent them out. The city estimates that between 500 and 4,000 homes are vacant for longer than six months each year, representing 1% to 8% of the housing stock.

The proposal draws on successful vacancy tax models implemented in Berkeley, Oakland, and Vancouver. The city argues that vacant homes contribute to issues such as lack of neighbors and missed economic activity in local businesses. If passed, the tax would apply to properties bought by individuals who are not primary residents.

Oakland, Larkspur, and San Francisco are involved in discussions regarding the potential implementation of a vacant property tax, drawing lessons from past tax experiences and successful models.