This part of the Guide describes the Alberta assessment legislation which applies to the valuation of hotel and motel properties.  Part 12 provides a review of case law considering the valuation of these property types.

Ad valorem assessment systems are a hybrid between generally accepted appraisal principles and legislated provisions which may alter the application of appraisal principles.  It is for this reason that assessors need to be cognizant of the legislation that governs assessments.  In the Province of Alberta, the primary legislative direction for the valuation of hotel and motel properties is found in the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 2000, M-26 (“MGA”) and Alberta Regulation 220/2004 - Matters Relating to Assessment and Taxation Regulation (“MRAT”).  As one would expect, legislation is subject to change and needs to be checked before annual assessments are prepared.

It is worth noting at this juncture that this Guide is just that and it does not have the force of law.  [Grid Developments Ltd. v. Brooks (Town), [2004] A.M.G.B.O. No. 60, DL 038/04;  Chip REIT Holdings No. 27 Ltd v. Grande Prairie (City), [2004] A.M.G.B.O. No. 100, MGB 047/04]  The Guide must be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with the MGA and MRAT.