Art Space Rates Helper

Who is filling this in?

Only the ratepayer, usually the building owner, can apply to WCC. An arts group can fill this in and give the owner the application to send.

An arts group or artistYou want to use an empty space and need the owner to agree. A property owner or their managerYou want to lower rates by letting an arts group use your space.

Your answers are saved in this browser only.

What will the space be used for?

Rates relief depends on how the space is used, not who owns it. The categories are in Schedule 1 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002.

Used by a society or group for the artsA society or association, incorporated or not, using the space for any branch of the arts. This is 50% non-rateable (Schedule 1, Part 2, clause 3). Another category in Schedule 1Some community and charitable uses are also fully or 50% non-rateable. You'll need to name the clause. A commercial or for-profit arts businessFor example a private gallery or studio run to make money for its owners.

Which building is it?

Look up the address on WCC Property Search. The rate account number, valuation number and differential rating category are listed under "Additional details".

WCC Property Search

Street address Does the address have more than one rating account? Buildings with several tenancies or titles often do

Rate account number Valuation number For example, 17240-67400

Differential rating category

How much of the building will the art space use?

Will it use the whole rating unit? Current yearly rates on this account ($) (optional) Used to estimate the saving

Group and owner details

The arts group

Group name

Incorporated? Registration number (optional)

Contact person Email

Phone (optional) Website (optional)

The owner (ratepayer)

Owner name The person, company or trust on the title

Contact person Email

Has the owner agreed?

How will the space be used?

Describe the activity For example studios, exhibitions or workshops, who uses the space and how often

Arrangement with the owner Planned start date (optional)

Does the change of use need a council consent?

WCC sets each property's rating category before the rating year starts on 1 July. A change approved during the year applies from the next 1 July.

If a consent is needed, the owner can apply any time after the consent is lodged, as long as the old use has ended. If no consent is needed, WCC expects to be told before the space opens under the new use.

Which documents can you provide?

WCC will want evidence of how the space is used. Tick the ones you have or can get. They'll be listed in the application.

Signed lease or licence between the owner and the group Owner's written consent to the application Group's constitution or rules showing its arts purpose and that members don't take a private profit Floor plan marking the art space and its area Description of the activity programme, with any photos or press Latest financial statements for the group Details of any fees charged to artists or the public

Result

Summary

Your answers and the result, to keep or share.

Note to the owner

A short email asking the owner to meet. Edit it before you send it.

Show a draft application letter for the owner Email the application to WCC

Art Space Rates Helper

Useful links

Who is filling this in?

What will the space be used for?

Which building is it?

How much of the building will the art space use?

Group and owner details

The arts group

The owner (ratepayer)

How will the space be used?

Which documents can you provide?

Result

Summary

Note to the owner

Application letter

Email it to Wellington City Council

Own an empty building, or looking for space?