It is the policy of the City of Wichita to provide for deferral of payment of special assessments based on eligibility criteria set out in Ordinance 43-977, 43-321 and CO 139. The length of time and number of times that a project can be deferred depends on the type of deferral being sought.
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The City Council may authorize and provide for a delay in the payment of special assessments for the cost of constructing public improvements in unplatted and undeveloped areas of the City. Undeveloped areas must meet the following criteria in order to be considered for an agricultural deferral:
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The area included in the improvement district must be in excess of 2 ½ acres;
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The area must not be platted;
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The land is primarily used for agricultural purposes;
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The land must have a population density of less than one family per acre; and
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The land is not served by such public improvement.
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The landowner applying for an agricultural deferral must complete an Application for Agricultural Deferral.
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Once an application is received, an agenda report is prepared for Council approval of the delay in assessments.
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Upon approval, the City Clerk, on behalf of the Debt Management Office, will file a notice with the Register of Deeds a list of all special assessments that have been delayed and identify which property and the general nature of the improvement.
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Agricultural deferrals can be extended for one ten-year period following the initial 15 year bond period assuming that 50% of the land remains unplatted or undeveloped.
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If the property is sold or if any of the above stated conditions no longer apply, all special assessments become due and payable.
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