Chapter 1.5. Tax Exemption Of Housing Authority Property of California Health And Safety Code >> Division 24. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 1.5.

It has been found and declared in the Housing Authorities Law and the Housing Cooperation Law (a) that there exist in the State housing conditions which constitute a menace to the health, safety, morals and welfare of the residents of the State; (b) that these conditions necessitate excessive and disproportionate expenditures of public funds for crime prevention and punishment, public health and safety, fire and accident prevention, and other public services and facilities; (c) that the public interest requires the remedying of these conditions by the creation of housing authorities to undertake projects for slum clearance and for providing safe and sanitary dwelling accommodations for persons who lack sufficient income to enable them to live in decent, safe and sanitary dwellings without overcrowding; and (d) that such housing projects are for public uses and purposes and are governmental functions of state concern. As a matter of legislative determination, it is hereby found and declared that the property and bonds of a housing authority are of such character as shall be exempt from taxation.

The property of an authority is exempt from all taxes and special assessments of the State or any city, county, or political subdivision of the State. In lieu of such taxes or special assessments the authority may agree to make payments to any city, county, or political subdivision of the State for services, improvements, or facilities furnished by such city, county, or political subdivision for the benefit of a housing project owned by the authority; but in no event shall such payments exceed the estimated cost to such city, county, or political subdivision of the services, improvements, or facilities.

The bonds of an authority are issued for an essential public and governmental purpose, and, together with interest thereon and income therefrom, are exempt from all taxes.