|
Although we will accept donations of buildable lots and process
them as described for non-buildable lots, we also hold conservation easements on these properties and allow the donor to retain ownership.
We seek the donation of conservation easements on developable, environmentally-sensitive land. If the lot is of interest to
the SCLT, it must be inspected by a Board member and scored according to the guidelines in the policies and procedures manual.
The lot will also be photographed, as we need a record of the conditions prior to any action by the SCLT. Conservation easements
require an appraisal of the property value before and after the easement is in effect. The donor must pay the cost of
the appraisal.
A conservation easement allows the donor to retain ownership and control of the property but forever
prevents any unauthorized development or clearing. Easements reduce the value of the property because the right to develop
has been transferred to the SCLT. As a charitable organization (501©3), we hold easements in perpetuity and become partners
with the property owner to ensure adherence to the terms of the easement. Conservation easement donations are fully deductible
as a charitable donation for both federal and state taxes. Generally, the tax deduction is equal to the difference in the
appraised value of the property before and after the easement. As a result of recent Tax Court decision, the county property
tax after a conservation easement is reduced to the level of non-buildable land.
If you have a developable lot suitable for our conservation easement program, we encourage you to read our Policies
and Procedures for Conservation Easements in our Policies section. If, after reading this document, you are interested
in donating an easement to the SCLT, please email or mail the legal description of the property (lot, block, etc.), to us along with a copy of the deed, if available.
We will be pleased to work with you to answer any questions that you have. Any land offered to the SCLT for consideration
must be free of all legal and financial encumbrances.
|
