Measure Z

Benicia Real Property Transfer Tax

Measure Z would establish a real property transfer tax to primarily ensure newly constructed property sales contribute to maintaining city services and infrastructure. The tax will not apply to existing homes that sell for $2 million or less, but apply to other property sales at rates of:

  • 0.004 for sales $2,000,000 or less, 
  • 0.006 for sales $2,000,001 - $10,000,000, and 
  • 0.008 for sales over $10,000,000. 

Measure Z can only be approved if the voters approve Measure Y. If Measure Y passes, the City will have the authority to impose a real property transfer tax that exceeds the tax rates in the City’s current ordinance, conditioned on Measure Z also passing. Measure Z requires approval by a majority of voters voting on the measure to pass.

Fiscal Impact: Measure Z will raise $230,000 annually, until ended by voters.

See Endorsements for Measure Z
Background

The City is currently a general law city, governed by the laws of the State of California relating to general law cities. One of those general laws, California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 11911, authorized the City’s current real property transfer tax rate of $0.275 for each $500.00 or fractional part of $500.00. If Measure Y passes, the City will have the authority to impose a real property transfer tax that exceeds the tax rates in the City’s current ordinance, conditioned on Measure Z also passing.  

Proposal

If approved, Measure Z would adopt the City of Benicia Real Property Transfer Tax Ordinance. A companion measure, Measure Y, is also being presented on the November 3, 2026, ballot. Measure Y, if approved, would adopt the City of Benicia Charter which gives the City new power over municipal affairs to enact a system for the imposition, levy and collection of a real property transfer tax.  The adoption of the Charter is legally necessary to allow the City to enact a real property transfer tax which is a tax imposed when real property is sold. Measure Z can only be approved if the voters approve Measure Y. 

Because this measure does not legally restrict the use of tax revenue to any specific purposes, it is classified as a “general tax,” not a “special tax.”  As a general tax, the funds would go to the City's general fund, and be used for any valid municipal government purpose including roads, infrastructure, facilities, Police, Fire, and other City services.

Source: Impartial Analysis of Measure Z

Solano County Election Resources