Stamps v. Board of Supervisors

The assessor of the City and County of San Francisco assessed the possessory interest of real party in interest, as lessee of the land and improvements of the Sutter-Stockton garage, at $1,138,000. Upon application of lessee corporation to the supervisors of the city and county, sitting as a board of equalization, the assessment was reduced to zero. Plaintiff, as a taxpayer, sought relief by mandamus. The trial court issued peremptory writ requiring the board to restore the assessment. The board and lessee appeal.

The garage was built upon land owned by the city, and was financed by bonds…