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HomeMy WebLinkAboutContract 34676 Cl7Y WCREYARYr CONTRACT No. STATE OF TEXAS § COUNTY OF TARRANT § TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED IN A NEIGHBORHOOD EMPOWERMENT ZONE 1436 Sierra Estate Tr. This TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is entered into by and between the CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS (the "City"), a home rule municipal corporation organized under the laws of the State of Texas and acting by and through Dale Fisseler, its duly authorized Assistant City Manager, and ,Sierra Vista, L.P. ("Owner"), a Texas Limited Partnership, Vertex Investments, Inc. General Partner, acting by and through Michael J. Mallick, its duly authorized President. The City Council of the City of Fort Worth("City Council") hereby finds and the City and Owner hereby agree that the following statements are true and correct and constitute the basis upon which the City and Owner have entered into this Agreement: A. Chapter 378 of the Texas Local Government Code allows a municipality to create a Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ) if the municipality determines that the creation of the zone would promote: 1. The creation of affordable housing, including manufactured housing in the zone; 2. An increase in economic development in the zone; 3. An increase in the quality of social services, education, or public safety provided to residents of the zone; or 4. The rehabilitation of affordable housing in the zone. B. Chapter 378 of the Texas Local Government Code provides that a municipality that creates a NEZ, may enter into agreements abating municipal property taxes on property in the zone. C. On July 31, 2001, the City adopted basic incentives for property owners who own property located in a NEZ, stating that the City elects to be eligible to participate in tax abatement and including guidelines and criteria governing tax abatement agreements entered into between the City and various third parties, titled "NEZ Basic Incentives" ("NEZ Incentives"), these are readopted on October 4, 2005 (M&C G-14947). The October 4, 2005 NEZ Incentives are attached hereto as Exhibit "A" hereby made a part of the Agreement for all purposes. OFRCIA WORD C . D. The NEZ Incentives contains appropriate guidelines and criteria governing tax abatement agreements to be entered into by the City as contemplated by Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code, as amended(the "Code"). E. On January 21, 2003, the Fort Worth City Council adopted Ordinance No. 15411 (the "Ordinance") establishing "Neighborhood Empowerment Reinvestment Zone No. 8,"City of Fort Worth, Texas (thee "Zone"). F. Owner owns certain real property located entirely within the Rolling Hills NEZ and that is more particularly described in Exhibit"B", attached hereto and hereby made a part of this Agreement for all purposes (the "Premises"). G. Owner or its assigns plan to construct the Required Improvements, as defined in Section 1.I of this Agreement, on the Premises to be used for as a single-family residence to be that will be owner occupied. (the "Project"). H. On January 10, 2005, Owner submitted an application for NEZ incentives and an application for tax abatement to the City concerning the contemplated use of the Premises (the "Application"), attached hereto as Exhibit "C" and hereby made a part of this Agreement for all purposes. I. The City Council finds that the contemplated use of the Premises, the Required Improvements, as defined in Section 1.1, and the terms of this Agreement are consistent with encouraging development of the Zone in accordance with the purposes for its creation and are in compliance with the NEZ Incentives, the Resolution and other applicable laws,ordinances, rales and regulations. J. The City Council finds that the terms of this Agreement, and the Premises and Required Improvements, satisfy the eligibility criteria of the NEZ Incentives. K. Written notice that the City intends to enter into this Agreement, along with a copy of this Agreement, has been furnished in the manner prescribed by the Code to the presiding officers of the governing bodies of each of the taxing units in which the'Premises is located. NOW, THEREFORE, the City and Owner, for and in consideration of the terms and conditions set forth herein, do hereby contract,covenant and agree as follows: 1. OWNER'S COVENANTS. 1.1. Real Property Improvements. Owner shall construct, or cause to be constructed, on and within the Premises certain improvements consisting of a single-family residence (collectively, the "Required'Improvements"), (i) of at least 1200 square feet of living space in size with 3 bedrooms and one and one-half baths, and (ii) Having an appraised value of$80,000.00, as determined by an independent appraiser (collectively-, the "Required- Improvements"). Owner shall provide a survey of the completed home showing Required Improvements before the home is sold. The parties agree that the final survey shall be a part of this Agreement and shall be labeled Exhibit E. Minor variations, and more substantial variations if approved in writing by both of the parties to this Agreement, in the Required Improvements from the description provided in the Application for Tax Abatement shall not constitute an Event of Default, as defined in Section 4.1, provided that the conditions in the first sentence of this Section 1.1 are met and the Required Improvements are used for the purposes and in the manner described in Exhibit"D". 1.2. Completion Date of Required Improvements. Owner covenants to substantially complete construction of all of the Required Improvements within two years from the issuance and receipt of the building permit, unless delayed because of force majeure, in which case the two years shall be extended by the number of days comprising the specific force majeure. For purposes of this Agreement, force majeure shall- mean an event beyond Owner's reasonable control, including, without limitation, delays caused by adverse weather, delays in receipt of any required permits or approvals from any governmental authority, or acts of God, fires, strikes, national disasters, wars, riots and material or labor restrictions and shortages as determined by the City of Fort -Worth in its sole discretion, which shall not be unreasonably withheld; but shall not include construction delays caused due to purely financial matters, such as, without limitation, delays in the obtaining of adequate financing. 1.3. Use of Premises. Owner covenants that the Required Improvements shall be constructed and the Premises shall be sold so that it is continuously used as the primary residence of the Home Buyer in accordance with the description of the Project set forth in the Exhibit "D". In addition, Owner covenants that throughout the Term, the Required Improvements shall be operated and maintained for the purposes set forth in this Agreement and in a manner that is consistent with the general purposes of encouraging development or redevelopment of the Zone. 2. ABATEMENT AMOUNTS,TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Subject to and in accordance with this Agreement, the City hereby grants to Owner a real property tax abatement on the Premises, the Required Improvements, as specifically provided in this Section 2 ("Abatement"). "Abatement" of real property taxes only includes City of Fort Worth-imposed taxes and not taxes from other taxing entities. 2.1. Amount of Abatement. The actual amount of the Abatement granted under this Agreement shall be based upon the increase in value of the Premises and the Required improvements over their values on January 1, 2006,the year in which this Agreement was entered into: One Hundred percent (100%) of the-increase in value from the construction of the Required Improvements. If the square footage requirement and the appraised value of the Required Improvements are less than as provided in Section 1.1 of this Agreement, Owner shall not be eligible to receive any Abatement under this Agreement. 2.2. Increase in Value. The abatement shall apply only to taxes on the increase in value of the Premises due to construction of the Required Improvements and shall not apply to taxes on the land. 2.3. Term of Abatement. The term of the Abatement ("Term") shall begin on January 1 of the year following the calendar year in which a Required Improvement is sold to a Home Buyer to be used as its primary residence ("Beginning Date") and, unless sooner terminated as herein provided, shall end on December 31 immediately preceding the fifth (P) anniversary of the Beginning Date. Upon the sale to a Home Buyer, City shall certify *that the Required Improvements have been completed in satisfaction of the terms of the agreement. However, the Compliance Auditing Term will begin on the date this agreement is executed and will end on the expiration fate of the Term. 2.4. Protests Over Api2raisals or Assessments. Owner shall have the right to protest and contest any or all appraisals or assessments of the Premises and/or improvements thereon. 2.5. Abatement Application Fee. The City acknowledges receipt from Owner of the required Abatement application fee of $100.00 per single family house. The application fee shall not be credited or refunded to any party for any reason. a • h r h 3. RECORDS CERTIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF PROJECT. 3.1. Inspection of Premises. Between the execution date of this Agreement and the last day of the Term, at any time during construction of the Required Improvements and following reasonable notice to Owner,the City shall have and Owner shall provide access to the Premises in order for the City to inspect the Premises and evaluate the Required Improvements to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Owner shall cooperate fully with the City during any such inspection and/or evaluation. 3.2. Certification. Owner shall certify annually to the City that it is in compliance with each applicable term of this agreement. The City shall have the right to audit at the City's expense the Required Improvement with respects to the specifications listed in Exhibit D. Owner must provide documentation that Owner is using the Required Improvements as its primary residence (collectively, the "Records") at any time during the Compliance Auditing Term in order to determine compliance with this Agreement. Owner shall make all applicable Records available to the City on the Premises or at another location in the City following reasonable advance notice by the City and shall otherwise cooperate fully with the City during any audit. 3.3. Provision of Information. On or before February I following the end of every year during the Compliance Auditing Term and if requested by the City, Owner shall provide information and documentation for the previous year that addresses Owner's compliance with each of the terms and conditions of this Agreement for that calendar year. Failure to provide all information within the control of Owner required by this Section 3.3 shall constitute an Event of Default,as defined in Section 4.1. 3.4. Determination of Compliance. On or before August I of each year during the Compliance Auditing Term, the City shall make-a decision and rule on the actual annual percentage of Abatement available to Owner for the following year of the Term and shall notify Owner of such decision and ruling. The actual percentage of the Abatement granted for a given year of the Term is therefore based upon Owner's compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement during the previous year of the Compliance Auditing Term. 4. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. 4.1. Defined: Unless otherwise specified herein, Owner shall be in default of this Agreement if(i) Owner fails to construct the Required Improvements as defined in Section 1.1.; (ii) ad valorem real property taxes with respect to the Premises or the Project, or its ad valorem taxes with respect to the tangible personal property located on the Premises, become delinquent and-Owner does not timely and properly follow the legal procedures for protest and/or contest of any such ad valorem real property or tangible personal property taxes or (iii) HOME BUYER DOES NOT USE THE PREMISES AS PRIMARY RESIDENCE ONCE THE ABATEMENT BEGINS, (iv) HOME BUYER DOES NOT COMPLY WITH CHAPTER 7 AND APPENDIX B OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH (collectively, each an "Event of Default"). 4.2. Notice to Cure. Subject to Section 5, if the City determines that an Event of Default has occurred, the City shall provide a written notice to Owner that describes the nature of the Event of Default. Owner shall have ninety (90) calendar days from the date of receipt of this written notice to fully cure or have cured the Event of Default. If Owner reasonably believes that Owner will require additional time to cure the Event of Default, Owner shall promptly notify the City in writing, in which case (i) after advising the City Council in an open meeting of Owner's efforts and intent to cure, Owner shall have one hundred eighty (180) calendar days from the original date of receipt of the written notice, or(ii) if Owner reasonably believes that Owner will require more than one hundred eighty (180) days to cure the Event of Default, after advising the City Council in an open meeting of Owner's efforts and intent to cure, such additional time, if any, as may be offered by the City Council in its sole discretion. 4.3. Termination for Event of Default and Payment of Liauidated,Dama es. If an Event of Default which is defined in Section 4.1 has not been cured within the time frame specifically allowed under Section 4.2, the City shall have the right to terminate this Agreement immediately. Owner acknowledges and agrees that an uncured Event of Default will (i) harm the City's economic development and redevelopment efforts on the Premises and in the vicinity of the Premises; (ii) require unplanned and expensive additional administrative oversight and involvement by the City; and (iii) otherwise harm the City, and Owner agrees that the amounts of actual damages there from are speculative in nature and will be difficult or impossible to ascertain. Therefore, upon termination of this Agreement for any Event of Default, Owner shall not be eligible for the Abatement for the remaining Term and Owner shall pay the City, as liquidated damages, all taxes that were abated in accordance with this Agreement for each year when an Event of Default existed and which otherwise would have been paid to the City in the absence of this Agreement. The City and Owner agree that this amount is a reasonable approximation of actual damages that the City will incur as a result of an uncured Event of Default and that this Section 4.3 is intended to provide the-City with compensation for actual damages and is not a penalty. This amount may be recovered by the City through adjustments made to Owner's ad valorem property tax appraisal by the appraisal district that has jurisdiction over the Premises. Otherwise, this amount shall be due, owing and paid to the City within sixty (60) days following the effective date of termination of this Agreement. In the event that all or any portion of this amount is not paid to the City within sixty (60) days following the effective date of termination of this Agreement, Owner shall also be liable for all penalties and interest on any.outstanding amount at the statutory rate for delinquent taxes, as determined by the Code at the time of the payment of such penalties and interest(currently, Section 33.01 of the Code). 4.4. Termination at Will. If the City and Owner mutually determine that the development or use of the Premises or the anticipated Required Improvements are no longer appropriate or feasible, or that a higher or better use is preferable, the City and Owner may terminate this Agreement in a written format that is signed by both parties. In this event, (i) if the Term has commenced, the Term shall expire as of the effective date of the termination of this. Agreement;' (ii) there shall be no recapture of any.taxes previously abated; and (iii) neither party shall have any further rights or obligations hereunder. 4.5. Sexually oriented Business &Liquor Stores or Package Stores. a. Owner understands and agrees the City has the right to terminate this agreement if the Project contains or will contain a sexually oriented business. b. Owner understands and-agrees that the City has the right to terminate this .agreement as determined in City's sole discretion if the Project contains or will contain a liquor store or package store. 5. EFFECT OF SALE OF PREMISES. Except for an assignment to HMH Lifestyles, L.P., or any other builder or developer approved by the Housing Department Director, or Owner's first mortgagee or to a homebuyer who will use the Required Improvements as its .primary residence or the homeowner's mortgagee which City Council hereby agrees to, this Abatement cannot.be assigned without the prior consent of the City Council, which_ consent shall not be unreasonably withheld provided that(i)the City Council finds that the proposed assignee is financially capable of meeting the terms and conditions of this Agreement and (ii) the proposed purchaser agrees in writing to assume all terms and conditions of Owner under this Agreement. Owner may not otherwise assign, lease or convey any of its rights under this Agreement. Any attempted assignment without the City Council's prior consent shall constitute grounds for termination of this Agreement and the Abatement granted hereunder following ten(10)calendar days of receipt of written notice from the City to Owner. Upon assignment to Owner's first mortgagee, or to a homebuyer who will use the Required Improvements as its primary residence or the homeowner's_ mortgagee, Owner shall have no further obligations or duties under this agreement. In addition, upon assignment to any other entity with the written consent of City Council, Owner shall have no further duty or obligation under this agreement. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT BE EXTENDED IN THE EVENT OF A SALE OR ASSIGNMENT. THE FAILURE OF OWNER TO SEND THE CITY NOTIFICATION OF THE SALE OF THE REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS AND EXECUTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH THE NEW OWNER WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF THE REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS SHALL RESULT IN THE AUTOMATIC TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT. THE NOTICE AND EXECUTED ASSIGNMENT MUST BE SENT TO THE CITY BY CERTIFIED MAIL OR BY HAND DELIVERY. b. NOTICES. All written notices called for or required by this Agreement shall be addressed to the following, or such other party or address as either party designates in writing, by certified mail,postage prepaid, or by hand delivery: City: Owner: City of Fort Worth Sierra Vista, L.P. Attn: City Manager Vertex Investments, General Partner 1000 Throckmorton St. 3715 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth,TX 76102 Fort Worth,TX 76107 and Housing Department Attn: Jerome Walker 1000 Throckmorton Fort Worth,TX 76102 7. MISCELLANEOUS. 7.1. Bonds. The Required Improvements will not be financed by tax increment bonds, This Agreement is subject to rights of holders of outstanding bonds of the City. 7.2. Conflicts of Interest. Neither the Premises nor any of the Required Improvements covered by this Agreement are owned or leased by any member of the City Council, any member of the City Planning or Zoning Commission or any member of the governing body of any taxing units in the Zone. 7.3. Conflicts Between Documents. In the event of any conflict between the City's zoning ordinances, or other City ordinances or regulations, and this Agreement, such ordinances or regulations shall control. In the event of any conflict between the body of this Agreement and Exhibit "D",the body of this Agreement shall control. 7.4. Future Application. A portion or all of the Premises and/or Required Improvements may be eligible for complete or partial exemption from,ad valorem taxes as a result of existing law or future legislation. This Agreement shall not be construed as evidence that such exemptions do not apply to the Premises and/or Required Improvements. 7.5. City Council Authorization. This Agreement was authorized by the City Council through approval of Mayor and Council Communication No.0-21313 on February 21, 2006, which, among other things, authorized the City Manager to execute this Agreement on behalf of the City. 7,5. Estoppel Certificate. Any party hereto may request an estoppel certificate from another party hereto so long as the certificate is requested in connection with a bona fide business purpose. The certificate, which if requested will be addressed to the Owner, shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, statements that this Agreement is in full force and effect without default (or if an Event of Default exists, the nature of the Event of Default and curative action taken and/or necessary to effect a cure), the remaining' term of this Agreement, the levels and remaining term of the Abatement in effect, and such other matters reasonably requested by the parry or parties to receive the certificates. 7.7. Owner Standing. Owner shall be deemed a proper and necessary party in any litigation questioning or challenging the validity of this Agreement or any of the underlying laws, ordinances, resolutions or City Council actions authorizing this Agreement, and Owner shall be entitled to intervene in any such litigation. 7.8. Venue and Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas and applicable ordinances, rules, regulations or policies of the City. Venue for any action under this Agreement shall lie in the State District Court of Tarrant County, Texas. This Agreement is performable in Tarrant County,Texas. 7.9: Recordation. A certified copy of this Agreement in recordable form shall be recorded in the Deed Records of Tarrant County, Texas. 7.10. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired. 7.11. Headings Not Controllin . Headings and titles used in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not be deemed a part of this Agreement. 7.12. Entirety of Agreement. This Agreement, including any exhibits attached hereto and any documents incorporated herein by reference, contains the. entire understanding and agreement between the City and Owner, their assigns and successors in interest, as to the matters contained herein. Any prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreement is hereby declared null and void to the extent in conflict with any provision of this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be amended unless executed in writing by both parties and approved by the City Council. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be considered an original, but all of which shall constitute one instrument. CITY SY'7 EXECUTED this jc6ay of 200 ; by the City of Fort Worth., Texas. EXECUTED thisday of_C)QQ6QA , 2006, by Sierra Vista, L.P., Vertex Investments, General Partner. CITY OF FORT WORTH: By: By: Dale Fisseler Mich Mallick Assistant City Manager Pr ent5' ATTEST: By:Ey� City Secretary APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY: By. eann Guzman Assistant City Attorney M& C: C-21313 OFIIA NCNB C CIIkK STATE OF TEXAS § COUNTY OF TARRANT § BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, on this day personally appeared Dale FisseIer, Assistant City Manager of the CITY OF FORT WORTH, a municipal corporation,known to me to be the person and officer whose name is subscribed to the foregoing-instrument, and acknowledged to me that the same was the act of the said CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS, a municipal corporation, that he was duly authorized to perform the same by appropriate Mayor and Council Communication of the City Council of the City of Fort Worth and that he executed the same as the act of the said City for the purposes and consideration therein expressed and in the capacity therein stated. GIV ER MY HAND AND SEAL OF OFFICE this 297 day of 2006.r �ii3lYpr � ANA L. 6RISENO Notar Public in and for Notary Public y * SSTATE OF TEXAS the State of Texas 4, ' My corm.Exp.011/612007 �xti:sxSc�S Notary's Printed Name STATE OF TEXAS § COUNTY OF TARRANT § BEFORE ME,the undersigned authority, on this day personally appeared Michael R. Mallick of Sierra Vista, L.P., a Texas Limited Partnership, Vertex Investments, General Partner, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged to me that he executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein expressed, in the capacity therein stated and as the act and deed of Sierra Vista, L.P., a Texas Limited Partnership, Vertex Investments, General Partner. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF OFFICE this Cyt qday of an V"o IN 2006. Notary Public i4nd for Yp Mindy mast" the State of Texas 14ry Commission Expires • Nwernbe:l3,2007 Notary's PrintkV Name Exhibit A: NEZ Incentives Exhibit B: Property Description Exhibit C: Application: (NEZ)Incentives and Tax Abatement Exhibit D: Project description including kind, number and location of the proposed improvements. Exhibit E: Final Survey and Independent Appraisal Exhibit "A'' CITY OF FORS'WORTH NEIGbBORHOOD EMPOWERMENT ZONE (NEZ) TAX ABATEMENT POLICY AND BASIC INCENTIVES I. GENERAL PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES Chapter 378 of the Texas Local Government Code allows a municipality to create a Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ) when a "...municipality determines that the creation of the zone would promote: (2) the creation of affordable housing, including manufactured housing, in the zone; (3) an increase in economic development in the zone; (4) an increase in the quality of social services, education, or public safety provided to residents of the zone; or (5) the rehabilitation of affordable housing in the zone." The City, by adopting the following NEZ Tax Abatement Policy and Basic Incentives, will promote affordable housing and economic development in Neighborhood Empowerment Zones. NEZ incentives will not be granted after the NEZ expires as defined in the resolution designating the NEZ. For each NEZ, the City Council may approve additional terms and incentives as permitted by Chapter 375 of the Texas Local Government Code or by City Council resolution. However, any tax abatement awarded before the expiration of a NEZ shall carry its Ball term according to its tax abatement agreement approved by the City Council. As mandated by state law, the property tax abatement under this policy applies to the owners of real property. Nothing in the policy shall be construed as an obligation by the City of Fort Worth to approve any tax abatement application. II. DEFINITIONS "Abatement" means the full or partial exemption from City of Fort Worth ad valorem taxes on eligible properties for a period of up to 10 years and an amount of up to 100% of the increase in appraised value (as reflected on the certified tax roll of the appropriate county appraisal district) resulting from improvements begun after the execution of the tax abatement agreement. Eligible properties must be located in the NEZ. "Base Value" is the value of the property, excluding land, as determined by the Tarrant County Appraisal District, during the year rehabilitation occurs. "Building Standards Commission" is the commission created under Sec. 7-77,,Article IV. Minimum Building Standards Code of the Fort Worth City Code. "Capital Investment" includes only real property improvements. such as new facilities and structures, site improvements, facility expansion, and facility modernization. Capital Investment does NOT include land acquisition costs and/or any existing improvements, or personal property (such as machinery, equipment, and/or supplies and inventory). Adopted October 4, 2005 1 "City of Fort Worth Tax Abatement Policy Statement"means the policy adopted by City Council on February 29, 2000. "Commercial/Industrial Development Project" is a development project which proposes to construct or rehabilitate commercial/industrial facilities on property that is (or meets the requirements to be) zoned commercial, industrial or mixed use as defined by the City of Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance. "Community Facility Development Project"is a development project which proposes to construct or rehabilitate community facilities on property that allows such use as defined by the City of Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance. "Eligible Rehabilitation" includes only physical improvements to real property. Eligible Rehabilitation does NOT include personal property (such as furniture, appliances, equipment, and/or supplies). "Gross Floor Area" is measured by taking the outside dimensions of the building at each floor level, except that portion of the basement used only for utilities or storage, and any areas within the building used for off-street parking. "Minimum Building Standards Code"is Article IV of the Fort Worth City Code adopted pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, Chapters 54 and 214. "Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)"and "Women Business Enterprise (WBE)"is a minority or woman owned business that has received certification as either a certified MBE or certified WBE by either the North Texas Regional Certification Agency (NTRCA) or the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDot), Highway Division. "Mixed-Use Development Project" is a development project which proposes to construct or rehabilitate mixed-use facilities in which residential uses constitute 20 percent or more of the total gross floor area, and office, eating and entertainment, and/or retail sales and service uses constitute 10 percent or more of the total gross floor area and is on property that is (or meets the requirements to be) zoned mixed-use as described by the City of Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance. "Multi-family Development Project" is a development project which proposes to construct or rehabilitate multi-family residential living units on property that is (or meets the requirements to be)zoned multi-family or mixed use as defined by the City of Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance. "Project" means a `Residential Project" "Commercial/Industrial Development Project""Community Facility Development Project" "Mixed-Use Development Project", or a "Multi-family Development Project." "Reinvestment Zone" is an area designated as such by the City of Fort Worth in accordance with the Property Redevelopment and Tax Abatement Act codified in Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code, or an area designated as an enterprise zone pursuant to the Texas Enterprise Zone Act, codified in Chapter 2303 of the Texas Government Code. Adopted October 4,2005 2 III. MUNICIPAL PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS A. RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES LOCATED IN A NEZ® FULL ABATEMENT FOR 5 YEARS 1. For residential property purchased before NEZ designation, a homeowner shall be eligible to apply for a tax abatement by meeting the following: a. Property is owner-occupied and the primary residence of the homeowner prior to the final NEZ designation. Homeowner shall provide proof of ownership by a warranty deed, affidavit of heirship, or a probated will, and shall show proof of primary residence by homestead exemption; and a. Property is rehabilitated after NEZ designation and City Council approval of the fax abatement. b. Homeowner must perform Eligible Rehabilitation on the property after NEZ designation equal to or in excess of 30% of the Base Value of the property; and c. Property is not in a tax-delinquent status when the abatement application is submitted. 0. For residential property purchased after NEZ designation, a homeowner shall be eligible to apply for a tax abatement by meeting the following: c. Property is constructed or rehabilitated after NEZ designation and City Council approval of the tax abatement; d. Property is owner-occupied and is the primary residence of the homeowner. Homeowner shall provide proof of ownership by a warranty deed, affidavit of heirship, or a probated will, and shall show proof of primary residence by homestead exemption; e. For rehabilitated property, Eligible Rehabilitation costs on the property shall be equal to or in excess of 30% of the Base Value of the property. The seller or owner shall provide the City information to support rehabilitation costs; f. Property is not in a tax-delinquent status when the abatement application is submitted; and g. Property is in conformance with the City of Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance. 3. For investor owned single family property, an investor shall be eligible to apply for a tax abatement by meeting the following: Property is constructed or rehabilitated after NEZ designation and City Council approval of the tax abatement; For rehabilitated property, Eligible Rehabilitation costs on the property shall be equal to or in excess of 30% of the Base Value of the property; Property is not in a tax-delinquent status when the abatement application is submitted; and Property is in conformance with the City of Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance. B. MULTI-FAMILY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS LOCATED IN A NEZ 9. 100%Abatement for 5 years. If an applicant applies for a tax abatement agreement with a term of five years or less, this section shall apply. Adopted October 4, 2005 3 Abatements for multi-family development projects for up to 5 years are subject to City Council approval. The applicant may apply with the Housing Department for such abatement. - The applicant must apply for the tax abatement and be approved by City Council before construction or rehabilitation is started. In order to be eligible for a property tax abatement upon completion, a newly constructed or rehabilitated multi-family development project in a NEZ must satisfy the following: At least twenty percent (20%) of the total units constructed or rehabilitated shall be affordable (as defined by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) to persons with incomes at or below eighty percent (80%) of area median income based on family size and such units shall be set aside for persons at or below 80% of the median income as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. City Council may waive or reduce the 20% affordability requirement on a case-by-case basis; and (a) For a multifamily development project constructed after NEZ designation, the project must provide at least five (5) residential living units OR have a minimum Capital Investment of$200,000; or (b) For a rehabilitation project, the property must be rehabilitated after NEZ designation. Eligible Rehabilitation costs on the property shall be at least 30% of the Base Value of the property. Such Eligible Rehabilitation costs must come from the rehabilitation of at least five (5) residential living units or a minimum Capital Investment of$200,000. 2. 1%-100%Abatement of City Ad Valorem taxes up to 10 years If an applicant applies for a tax abatement agreement with a term of more than five years, this section shall apply. Abatements for multi-family development projects for up to 10 years are subject to City Council approval. The applicant may apply with the Housing Department for such abatement. The applicant must apply for the tax abatement and be approved by City Council before construction or rehabilitation is started. Years 1 through 5 of the Tax AbatementAgreement Multi family projects shall be eligible for 100% abatement of City ad valorem taxes for years one through five of the Tax Abatement Agreement upon the satisfaction of the following: At least twenty percent (20%) of the total units constructed or rehabilitated shall be affordable (as defined by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) to persons with incomes at or below eighty percent (80%) of area median income based on family size and such units shall be set aside for Adopted October 4, 2005 4 persons at or below 80% of the median income as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. City Council may waive or reduce the 20% affordability requirement on a case-by-case basis; and a. For a multi-family development project constructed after NEZ designation, the project must provide at least five (5) residential living units OR have a minimum Capital Investment of$200,000; or , b. For a rehabilitation project, the property must be rehabilitated after NEZ designation. Eligible Rehabilitation costs on the property shall be at least 30% of the Base Value of the property. Such Eligible Rehabilitation costs must come from the rehabilitation of at least five (5) residential living units or a minimum Capital Investment of$200,000. Years 6 throu h 10 of the Tax Abatement reement Multi-family projects shall be eligible for a 1%-100% abatement of City ad valorem taxes for years six through ten of the Tax Abatement Agreement upon the satisfaction of the following: a. At least twenty percent (20%) of the total units constructed or rehabilitated shall be affordable (as defined by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) to persons with incomes at or below eighty percent (80%) of area median income based on family size and such units shall be set aside for persons at or below 80% of the median income as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. City Council may waive or reduce the 20% affordability requirement on a case-by-case basis; and 1. For a multi-family development project constructed after NEZ designation, the project must provide at least five (5) residential living units OR have a minimum Capital Investment of$200,000; or 2. For a rehabilitation project, the property must be rehabilitated after NEZ designation. Eligible Rehabilitation costs on the property shall be at least 30% of the Base Value of the property. Such Eligible Rehabilitation costs must come from the rehabilitation of at least five (5) residential living units or a minimum Capital Investment of$200,000. b. Any other terms as City Council of the City of Fort Worth deems appropriate, including, but not limited to: 1. utilization of Fort Worth companies for an agreed upon percentage of the total costs for construction contracts; 2. utilization of certified minority and women owned business enterprises for an agreed upon percentage of the total costs for construction contracts; 3. property inspection; 4. commit to hire an agreed upon percentage of Fort Worth residents 5. commit to hire an agreed upon percentage of Central City residents 6. landscaping; 7. tenant selection plans; and 8, management plans. C. COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS LOCATED IN A NEZ Adopted October 4, 2005 5. 1. 100%Abatement of City Ad Valorem taxes for 5 years„ If an applicant applies for a tax abatement agreement with a term of five years or less, this section shall apply. Abatements for Commercial, Industrial and Community Facilities Development Projects for up to 5 years are subject to City Council approval. The applicant may apply with the Housing Department for such abatement. The applicant must apply for the tax abatement and be approved by City Council before construction or rehabilitation is started. In order to be eligible for a property tax abatement, a newly constructed or rehabilitated commercial/industrial and community facilities development project in a NEZ must satisfy the following: a. A commercial, industrial or a community facilities development project constructed after NEZ designation must have a minimum Capital Investment of $75,000; or b. For a rehabilitation project, it must be rehabilitated after NEZ designation. Eligible Rehabilitation costs on the property small be at least 30% of the Base Value of the property, or$75,000, whichever is greater. 2. 1%-100%Abatement of City Ad Valorem taxes up to 10 vears If an applicant applies for a tax abatement agreement with a term of more than five years, this section shall ap iy, Abatements agreements for a Commercial, Industrial and Community Facilities Development projects for up to 10 years are subject to City Council approval. The applicant may apply with the Economic and Community Development Department for such abatement. The applicant must apply for the tax abatement and be approved by City Council before construction or rehabilitation is started. Years 1 through 5 of the Tax Abatement Agreement Commercial, Industrial and Community Facilities Development projects shall be eligible for 100% abatement of City ad valorem taxes for the first five years of the Tax Abatement Agreement upon the satisfaction of the following: a. A commercial, industrial or a community facilities development project constructed after NEZ designation must have a minimum Capital Investment of $75,000; or b. For a rehabilitation project, it must be rehabilitated after NEZ designation. Eligible Rehabilitation costs on the property shall be at least 30% of the Base Value of the property, or$75,000, whichever is greater. Adopted October 4,2005 6 Years 6 through 10 of the Tax Abatement Agreement Commercial, Industrial and Community Facilities Development projects shall be eligible for 1%-100% abatement of City ad valorem taxes for years six through ten of the Tax Abatement Agreement upon the satisfaction of the following: - a. A commercial, industrial or a community facilities development project constructed after NEZ designation must have a minimum Capital Investment of $75,000 and must meet the requirements of subsection (c) below ; or b. For a rehabilitation project, it must be rehabilitated after NEZ designation. Eligible Rehabilitation costs on the property shall be at least 30% of the Base Value of the property, or $75,000, whichever is greater and meet the requirements of subsection (c) below. c. Any other terms as City Council of the City of Fort Worth deems appropriate, including, but not limited to: 1. utilization of Fort Worth companies for an agreed upon percentage of the total costs for construction contracts; 2. utilization of certified minority and women owned business enterprises for an agreed upon percentage of the total costs for construction contracts; 3. commit to hire an agreed upon percentage of Fort Worth residents; 4. commit to hire an agreed upon percentage of Central City residents; and 5. landscaping. D. {MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS LOCATED 1N A NEZ 1. 100%Abatement of City Ad Valorem taxes for 5 years If an applicant applies for a tax abatement agreement with a term of five years or less this section shall apply. Abatements for Mixed-Use Development Projects for up to 5 years are subject to City Council approval. The applicant may apply with the Housing Department for such abatement. The applicant must apply for the tax abatement and be approved by City Council before construction or rehabilitation is started. In order to be eligible for a property tax abatement, upon completion, a newly constructed or rehabilitated mixed-use development project in a NEZ must satisfy the following: a. Residential uses in the project constitute 20 percent or more of the total Gross Floor Area of the project; and b. Office, eating and entertainment, and/or retail sales and service .uses in the' project constitute 10 percent or more of the total Gross Floor Area of the project; and (1) A mixed-use development project constructed after NEZ designation must have a minimum Capital Investment of$200,000; or E ,41L � � Adopted October 4, 2005 7 �ITY � �� � FT. � , TEX. (2) For a rehabilitation project, it must be rehabilitated after NEZ designation. Eligible Rehabilitation costs on the property shall be at least 30% of the Base Value of the property, or$200,000, whichever is greater. 2. 1%-100% Abatement of City Ad Valorem taxes up to 10 years If an applicant arlies for a tax abatement agreement with a term of more than five years, this section shall apply. Abatements agreements for a Mixed Use Development projects for up to 10 years are subject to City Council approval. The applicant may apply with the Housing Department for such abatement. The applicant must apply for the-tax abatement before construction or rehabilitation is started and the application for the tax abatement must be approved by City Council. Years 1 through 5 of the Tax Abatement Agreement Mixed Use Development projects shall be eligible for 100% abatement of City ad valorem taxes for the first five years of the Tax Abatement Agreement upon the satisfaction of the following: a. Residential uses in the project constitute 20 percent or more of the total Gross Floor Area of the project; and b. Office, eating and entertainment, and/or retail sales and service uses in the project constitute 10 percent or more of the total Gross Floor Area of the project; and c. A new mixed-use development project constructed after NEZ designation must have a minimum Capital Investment of$200,000; or for a rehabilitation project, it must be rehabilitated after NEZ designation. Eligible Rehabilitation costs on the property shall be at least 30% of the Base Value of the property, or $200,000, whichever is greater. Years 6 through 10 of the Tax Abatement Agreement Mixed Use Development projects shall be eligible for 1-100% abatement of City ad valorem taxes for years six through ten of the Tax Abatement Agreement Upon the satisfaction of the following: a. Residential uses in the project constitute 20 percent or more of the total Cross Floor Area of the project; and b. Office, eating and entertainment, and/or retail sales and service uses in the project constitute 10 percent or more of the total Gross Floor Area of the project; c. A new mixed-use development project constructed after NEZ designation must have a minimum Capital Investment of$200,000; or for a rehabilitation project, it must be rehabilitated after NEZ designation. Eligible Rehabilitation costs on the Adopted October 4, 2005 8 property shall be at least 30% of the Base Value of the property, or $200,000, whichever is greater; and d. Any other terms as City Council of the City of Fort Worth deems appropriate, including, but not limited to: - 1. utilization of Fort Worth companies for an agreed upon-percentage of the total costs for construction contracts; 2. utilization of certified-minority and women owned business enterprises for an agreed upon percentage of the total costs for construction contracts; 3. property inspection; 4. commit to hire an agreed upon percentage of Fort Worth residents 5. commit to hire an agreed upon percentage of Central City residents 6. landscaping; 7. tenant selection plans; and 3. management plans. E. ABATEMENT GUIDELINES 1. If a NEZ is located in a Tax Increment Financing District, City Council will determine on a case-by-case basis if the tax abatement incentives in Section III will be offered to eligible Projects. Eligible Projects must meet all eligibility requirements specified in Section Ill. 2. If a Project is located in the Woodhaven Neighborhood Empowerment Zone, in order to be considered "eligible" to apply for a tax abatement under this Policy, the Woodhaven Community Development Corporation and the Woodhaven Neighborhood Association must have submitted a letter of support for the Project to the City of Fort Worth 3. In order to be eligible to apply for a tax abatement, the property owner/developer must: a. Not be delinquent in paying property taxes for any property owned by the owner/developer, except that an owner/developer may enter into a tax abatement agreement with the city of Fort Worth for a specific Project if: 1. the Project meets NEZ tax abatement criteria; and 2. the applicant is not responsible for the tax delinquency for the Property; and 3. the applicant enters into an agreement to pay off the taxes under the guidelines permitted under state law; and 4. the tax abatement shall provide that the agreement shall take effect after the delinquent taxes are paid in full b. Not have any City of Fort Worth liens fled against any property owned by the applicant property owner/developer. "Liens" include, but are not limited to, weed liens, demolition liens, board-up/open structure liens and paving liens. 4. Projects to be constructed on property to be purchased under a contract for deed are not eligible for tax abatements. Adopted October 4, 2005 9 5. Once a NEZ property owner of a residential property (including multi-family) in the NEZ satisfies the criteria set forth in Sections IIIA, E.1. and E.2. and applies for an abatement, a property owner may enter into a tax abatement agreement with the City of Fort Worth. The tax abatement agreement shall automatically terminate if the property subject to the tax abatement agreement is in violation of the City of Fort Worth's Minimum Building Standards Code and the owner is convicted of such violation. 6. A tax abatement granted under the criteria set forth in Section Ill. can only be granted once for a property in a NEZ for a maximum term of as specified in the agreement. If a property on which tax is being abated is sold, the City will assign the tax abatement agreement for the remaining term once the new owner submits an application. 7. A property ownerldeveloper of a multifamily development, commercial, industrial, community facilities and mixed-use development project in the NEZ who desires a tax abatement under Sections III.B, C or D must: a. Satisfy the criteria set forth in Sections 111.13, C or D, as applicable, and Sections I I I E.1 E.2; and E3. and b. File an application with the Housing Department, as applicable; and c. The property owner must enter into a tax abatement agreement with the City of Fort Worth. In addition to the other terms of agreement, the tax abatement agreement shall provide that the agreement shall automatically terminate if the owner receives one conviction of a violation of the City of Fort Worth's Minimum Building Standards Code regarding the property subject to the abatement agreement during the term of the tax abatement agreement; and d. If a property in the NEZ on which tax is being abated is sold, the new owner may enter into a tax abatement agreement on the property for the remaining term. S. If the terms of the tax abatement agreement are not met, the City Council has the right to cancel or amend the abatement agreement. In the event of cancellation, the recapture of abated taxes shall be limited to the year(s) in which the default occurred or continued. 9. The terms of the agreement shall include the City of Fort Worth's right to: (1) review and verify the applicant's financial statements in each year during the life of the agreement prior to granting a tax abatement in any given year, (2) conduct an on site inspection of the project in each year during the life of the abatement to verify compliance with the terms of the tax abatement agreement, (3) terminate the agreement if the Project contains or will contain a sexually oriented business (4 terminate the agreement, as determined 'in City's sole discretion, if the Project contains or will contain a liquor store or package store. 10. Upon completion of construction of the facilities, the City shall no less than annually evaluate each project receiving abatement to insure compliance with the terms of the agreement. Any incidents of non-compliance will be reported to the City Council. On or before February 1st of every year during the life of the agreement, any individual or entity receiving a tax abatement from the City of Fort Worth shall Adopted October 4,2005 10 provide information and documentation which details the property owner's compliance with the terms of the respective agreement and shall certify that the owner is in compliance with each applicable term of the agreement. Failure to report this information and to provide the required certification by the above deadline shall . result in cancellation of agreement and any taxes abated in the prior year being due and payable. 11. If a property in the NEZ on which tax is being abated is sold, the new owner may enter into a tax abatement agreement on the property for the remaining term. Any sale, assignment or lease of the property which is not permitted in the tax abatement agreement results in cancellation of the agreement and recapture of any taxes abated after the date on which an unspecified assignment occurred. F. APPLICATION FEE 1. An application fee of$25.00 for all basic incentives, excluding tax abatements. 2. The application fee for residential tax abatements governed under Section IIIA is $100. 3. The application fee for multi family, commercial, industrial, community facilities and mixed-use development projects governed under Sections III.B., C. and D., is one- half of one percent (0.5%) of the proposed Project's Capital Investment, with a $200 minimum not to exceed $2,000. The Application Fee shall not be credited or refunded to any party for any reason. IIA. FEE WAIVERS A. ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTSIPROPERTIES 1. City Council shall determine on a case-by-case basis whether a Project that will contain or contains a liquor store or package store is eligible to apply for a fee waiver. 2. If a Project is located in the Woodhaven Neighborhood Empowerment Zone, in order to be considered "eligible" to apply for a fee waiver under this Policy, the Woodhaven Community Development Corporation and the Woodhaven Neighborhood Association must have submitted a letter of support for the Project to the City of Fort Worth. 3. Projects to be constructed on property to be purchased under a contract for deed are not eligible for development fee waivers. 4. In order for a property owner/developer to be eligible to apply for fee waivers for a Project, the property owner/developer: a. must submit an application to the City; b. must not be delinquent in paying property taxes for any property owned by the owner/developer or applicant; Adopted October 4, 2005 11 c. must not have any City liens filed against any property owned by the applicant property owner/developer, including but not limited to, weed liens, demolition liens, board-uplopen structure liens and paving liens; and d. of a Project that will contain or contains a liquor store, package store or a sexually oriented business has received City Council's determination that the Project is eligible to apply for fee waivers. Approval of the application and waiver of the fees shall not be deemed to be approval of _any aspect of the Project._ Before construction, the applicant must ensure that the project is located in the correct zoning district. B. DEVELOPMENT FEES Once the Application for NEZ Incentives has been approved and certified by the City, the following fees for services performed by the City of Fort Worth for Projects in the NEZ are waived for new construction projects or rehabilitation projects that expend at least 30% of the Base Value of the property on Eligible Rehabilitation costs: 1. All building permit related fees (including Plans Review and Inspections) 2. Plat application fee (including concept plan, preliminary plat, final plat, short form replat) 3. Board of Adjustment application fee 4. Demolition fee 5. Structure moving fee 6. Community Facilities Agreement{CFA} application fee 7. Zoning application fee 8. Street and utility easement vacation application fee 9. Ordinance Inspection Fees 10. Consent/Encroachment Agreement Application Fees Other development related flees not specified above will be considered for approval by City Council on a case-by-case basis. C. IMPACT FEES 1. Single family and multi-family residential development projects in the NEZ. Automatic 100%waiver of water and wastewater impact fees will be applied. 2. Commercial, industrial, mixed-use, or community facility development projects in the NEZ. a. Automatic 100% waiver of water and wastewater impact fees up to $55,000 or equivalent to two 6-inch meters for each commercial, industrial, mixed-use or community facility development project. b. If the project requests an impact fee waiver exceeding $55,000 or requesting a waiver for larger and/or more than two 6-inch meter, then City Council approval is required. Applicant may request the additional amount of impact fee waiver through the Housing Department. Adopted October 4,2005 12 V. RELEASE Or CITY LIENS A. ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTSIPROPERTIES = 1. City Council shall determine on a case-by-case basis whether a Project that will contain or contains a liquor store or package store is eligible to apply for a fee waiver. 2. if a Project is located in the Woodhaven Neighborhood Empowerment Zone, in order to be considered "eligible"to apply for release of city liens under this Policy, the Woodhaven Community Development Corporation and the Woodhaven Neighborhood Association must have submitted a letter of support for the Project to the City of Fort Worth—however, once the NEZ Plan is submitted for the Woodhaven NEZ, this will no longer be required. 3. Projects to be constructed on property to be purchased under a contract for deed are not eligible for any release of City Liens. 4. In order for a property ownerldeveloper to be eligible to apply for a release of city liens contained in Section V.B., C., D., and E. for a Project, the property ownerldeveloper: a. must submit an application to the City; b. must not be delinquent in paying property taxes for any property owned by the ownerldeveloper; b. must not have been subject to a Building Standards Commission's Order of Demolition where the property was demolished within the last five (5) years; c. must not have any City of Fort Worth liens filed against any other property owned by the applicant property ownerldeveloper. "Liens" includes, but is not limited to, weed liens, demolition liens, board-up/open structure liens and paving liens; and d. of a Project that contains or will contain a liquor store, package store or a sexually oriented business has received City Council's determination the Project is eligible to apply for release of City liens. 5. In order for a Rehabilitation Project to qualify for a release of city liens, the ownerldeveloper must spend Eligible Rehabilitation costs on the Property of at lease 30% of the Base Value of the Property. 6. Liens shall be released once the Project Improvements have been made to the property. 7. Any liens filed after the initial certification of the property shall not be released. B. WEED LIENS The following are eligible to apply for release of weed liens: 1. Single unit owners performing rehabilitation on their properties. 2. Builders or developers constructing new homes on vacant lots. 3. Owners performing rehabilitation on multi-family, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, or community facility properties. Adopted October 4, 2005 13 4. Developers constructing new multi family, commercial, industrial, mixed-use or community facility development projects. C. DEMOLITION LIENS Builders or developers developing or rehabilitating a property for a Project are eligible to apply for release of demolition liens for up to $30,000. Releases of demolition liens in excess of$30,000 are subject to City Council approval. D. BOARD—UPIOPEN STRUCTURE MENS The following are eligible to apply for release of board-up/open structure liens: 1. Single unit owners performing rehabilitation on their properties. 2. Builders or developers constructing new single family homes on vacant lots. 3. Owners performing rehabilitation on multi-family, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, or community facility properties. 4. Developers constructing multi-family, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, or community facility projects. E. PAVING LIENS The following are eligible to apply for release of paving liens: 1. Single unit owners performing rehabilitation on their properties. 2. Builders or developers constructing new homes on vacant lots. 3. Owners performing rehabilitation on multi-family, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, or community facility properties. 4. Developers constructing multi-family, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, or community facility projects. VI. PROCEDURAL STEPS A. APPLICATION SUBMISSION 1. The applicant for NEZ incentives under Sections III. IV., and V. must complete and submit a City of Fort Worth "Application for NEZ Incentives" and pay the appropriate application fee to the Housing Department, as applicable. 2. The applicant for incentives under Sections III.C.2 and D.2 must also complete and submit a City of Fort Worth "Application for Tax Abatement" and pay the appropriate application fee to the Economic Development Office. The application fee, review, evaluation and approval will be governed by City of Fort Worth Tax Abatement Policy Statement for Qualifying Development Projects. S. CERTIFICATIONS FOR APPLICATIONS UNDER SECTIONS III. IV, AND V 1. The Housing Department will review the application for accuracy and completeness. Once the Housing Department determines that the application is complete, the Housing Department will certify the property ownerldeveloper's eligibility to receive tax abatements and/or basic incentives based on the criteria set OFFICIAL 11C® D Adopted-October 4, 2005 14 C1ff SEil"J^1IEMY FT. MUTH, fix. forth in Section III., IV., and V. of this policy, as applicable. Once an applicant's eligibility is certified, the Housing Department will inform appropriate departments administering the incentives. An orientation meeting with City departments and the applicant may be scheduled. The departments include: = a. Housing Department: property tax abatement for residential properties and multi- family development projects, release of City liens. b. Economic Development Office: property tax abatement for commercial, industrial, community facilities or mixed-use development projects. a. Development Department: development fee waivers. b. Water Department: impact fee waivers. c. Other appropriate departments, if applicable. 2. Once Development Department, Water Department, Economic Development Office, and/or other appropriate department receive a certified application from the Housing Department, each departmentloffice shall fill out a "Verification of NEZ Incentives for Certified NEZ Incentives Application" and return it to the Housing Department for record keeping and tracking. A. APPLICATION REVIEW AND EVALUATION FOR APPLICATIONS 1. Property Tax Abatement for Residential Properties and Multi-family Development Projects a. For a completed and certified application for no more than five years of tax abatement, with Council approval, the City Manager shall execute a tax abatement agreement with the applicant. b. For a completed and certified multi-family development project application for more than five years of tax abatement: (1) The Housing Department will evaluate a completed and certified application based on: (a) The project's increase in the value of the tax base. (b) Costs to the City (such as infrastructure participation, etc.). (c) Percent of construction contracts committed to: (i) Fort Worth based firms, and (ii) Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs). (d) Other items which the City and the applicant may negotiate. (2) Consideration by Council Committee. Based upon the outcome of the evaluation, Housing Department may present the application to the City Council's Economic Development Committee. Should the Housing Department present the application to the Economic Development Committee, the Committee will consider the application at an open meeting. The Committee may: (a) Approve the application. Staff will then incorporate the application into a tax abatement agreement which will be sent to the City Council with the Committee's recommendation to approve the agreement; or (b) Request modifications to the application. Housing Department staff will discuss the suggested modifications with the applicant and then, if the Adopted October 4, 2005 15 requested modifications are made, resubmit the modified application to the Committee for consideration; or (c) Deny the application. The applicant may appeal the Committee's finding by requesting the City Council to: (a) disregard the Committee's finding and (b) instruct city staff to incorporate the application into a tax abatement agreement for future consideration by the City Council. (3) Consideration by the City Council The City Council retains sole authority to approve or deny any tax abatement agreement and is under no obligation to approve any tax abatement application or tax abatement agreement. The City of Fort Worth is under no obligation to provide tax abatement in any amount or value to any applicant. a. Effective Date for Approved Agreements All tax abatements approved by the City Council will become effective on January 1 of the year following the year in which a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is issued for the qualifying development project (unless otherwise specified in the tax abatement agreement). Unless otherwise specified in the agreement, taxes levied during the construction of the project shall be due and payable. 1. Property Tax Abatement for Commercial, Industrial, Community Facilities, and Mixed-Use Development Projects a. For a completed and certified application for no more than five years of tax abatement, with Council approval, the City Manager shall execute a tax abatement agreement with the applicant. b. For a completed and certified application for more than five years of tax abatement: (1) The Economic Development Office will evaluate a completed and certified application based on: (a) The project's increase in the value of the tax base. (b) Costs to the City (such as infrastructure participation, etc.). (c) Percent of construction contracts committed to: (i) Fort Worth based firms, and (ii) Minority and Women owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs). (d) Other items which the City and the applicant may negotiate. (2) Consideration by Council Committee Based upon the outcome of the evaluation, the Economic Development Office may present the application to the City Council's Economic Development Committee. Should the Economic Development Office present the application to the Economic Development Committee, the Committee will consider the application at an open meeting. The Committee may: (a) Approve the application. Staff will then incorporate the application into a tax abatement agreement which will be sent to the City Council with the Committee's recommendation to approve the agreement; or Adopted October 4, 2005 16 (b) Request modifications to the application. Economic Development Office staff will discuss the suggested modifications with the applicant and then, if the requested modifications are made, resubmit the modified application to the Committee for consideration; or (c) Deny the application. The applicant may appeal the Committee's finding by requesting the City Council to: (a) disregard the Committee's finding and (b) instruct city staff to incorporate the application into a tax abatement agreement for feature consideration by the City Council. (3) Consideration by the City Council The City Council retains sole authority to approve or deny any tax abatement agreement and is under no obligation to approve any tax abatement application or tax abatement agreement. The City of Fort Worth is under no obligation to provide tax abatement in any amount or value to any applicant. c. Effective Date for Approved Agreements All tax abatements approved by the City Council will become effective on January 1 of the year following the year in which a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is issued for the qualifying development project (unless otherwise specified in the tax abatement agreement). Unless otherwise specified in the agreement, taxes levied during the construction of the project shall be due and payable. 3. Development Fee Waivers a. For certified applications of development fee waivers that do not require Council approval, the Development Department will review the certified applicant's application and grant appropriate incentives. b. For certified applications of development fee waivers that require Council approval, City staff will review the certified applicant's application and make appropriate recommendations to the City Council. 4. Impact Fee Waiver a. For certified applications of impact fee waivers that do not require Council approval, the Water Department will review the certified applicant's application and grant appropriate incentives. b. For certified applications of impact fee waivers that require Council approval, the Water Department will review the certified applicant's application and make appropriate recommendations to the City Council. 1. Release of City Liens For certified applications of release of City liens, the Housing Department will release the appropriate liens. VII. REFUND POLICY in order for an ownerldeveloper of a Project in a NEZ to receive a refund of development fees or impact fees, the conditions set forth in the Refund of Development and Impact Fee Policy, attached as Attachment "A", must be satisfied. Adopted October 4, 2005 17 l/ill. OTHER INCENTIVES A. Plan reviews of proposed development projects in the NEZ will be expedited by the Development Department. B. The City Council may add the following incentives to a NEZ in the Resolution adopting the NEZ: 1. Municipal sales tax refund 2. Homebuyers assistance 3. Gap financing 4. Land assembly 5. Conveyance of tax foreclosure properties 6. Infrastructure improvements 7. Support for Low Income Housing Tax Credit(LIHTC) applications 8. Land use incentives and zoning/building code exemptions, e.g., mixed-use, density bonus, parking exemption 9. Tax IncFement Financing (TIF) 10. Public Improvement District (PID) 11. Tax-exempt bond financing 12. New Model Blocks 13. Loan guarantees 14. Equity investments 15. Other incentives that will effectuate the intent and purposes of NEZ. 1X. Public Notification a. Subject to subsection (b), in order for an owner/developer to apply to receive any incentives provided for under the NEZ Tax Abatement Policy and Basic Incentives, an ownerldeveloper must meet with the following persons and organizations to discuss the Project: 1. the Council Member for the District the Project is located; and 2. the neighborhood associations or community based organizations registered with the city in the NEZ the Project is located. b. Subsection (a) shall be satisfied upon: 1. the ownerldeveloper meeting with the City Council Member for the District the Project is located and the neighborhood associations or community based organizations registered with the city in the NEZ the Project is located; or 2. meeting with the City Council Member for the District the Project is located and upon the owner/developer providing proof that the ownerldeveloper attempted to meet with the neighborhood associations and the community based organizations registered with the city in the NEZ the Project is located and the associations or organizations failed to arrange a meeting with the ownerldeveloper within two weeks of initial contact. c. The Public Notification Process listed in (a) and (b) above shall only apply to NEZs in which the City Council has not approved a NEZ Strategic Plan. Once the a NEZ Strategic Plan has been approved for the particular NEZ, no public notification shall be Adopted October 4,2005 18 required for NEZ Incentives so long as the Project meets the criteria outlined in the relevant NEZ Strategic Plan. X. Ineligible Projects The following Projects or Businesses shall not be eligible for any incentives under the City' of Fort Worth's Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ) Tax Abatement Policy and Basic Incentives: 1. Sexually Oriented Businesses 2. Non-residential mobile structures Adopted October 4,2005 19 ATTACHMENT A REFUND OF DEVELOPMENT AND IMPACT FEES POLICY Purpose This refund policy is for the purpose of establishing the conditions under which the City may refund development and impact fees, normally waived through the Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ). Applicability Unless expressly excepted, this policy applies to all development and impact fees waived by the City through the NEZ. Under the NEZ Tax Abatement Policy and Basic Incentives, City Departments are authorized to waive impact and development fees foruag_ lified projects located in a designated NEZ. The impact fees include only water and sewer impact fees, up to $55,000 for commercial, industrial, mixed-use or community facilities projects. The development fees that can be waived through the NEZ include: 1. All building permit fees (including Plans Review and Inspections) 2. Plat application fee (including concept plan, preliminary plat, final plat, short form replat) 3. Board of Adjustment application fee 4. Demolition fee 5. Structure moving fee 6. Community Facilities Agreement (CFA) application fee 7. Zoning application fee 6. Street and utility easement vacation application fee. To take advantage of these waivers, applicants need to obtain a certification letter from the Housing Department. Conditions for Refunds- The City will consider refunds only when circumstances beyond the developers control prevent them from obtaining the qualification letter from the Housing Department. A property owner and/or developer may qualify for a refund if the proposed development project meets all criteria to receive a fee waiver under the NEZ Tax Abatement and Basic Incentives Policy and: a. The owner and/or developer was not made aware of the NEZ incentives at the time the fees were paid; or b. The owner and/or developer was mistakenly told that his/her property was not in a designated NEZ; or Adopted October 4, 2005 20 c. The owner and/or developer has put funds in an escrow account with a City Department white awaiting a decision from the City Council about his/her project; or d. City Council authorizes a City Department to issue a refund to the owner/developer. Refund Charge A refund charge will be assessed to help defray administration cost associated with the processing of refund check. The charge shall be 20% of the amount of the refund. This charge will be automatically deducted from the total refund amount. Statute of Limitations Any request, action or proceeding concerning the refund of fees normally waived through the NEZ must be filed within ninety days following the date that the fees were paid. An applicant who does not submit a refund request within 90 days of the transaction shall not qualify for a refund. To obtain a refund the applicant needs to: submit a NEZ application to the Housing Department for determination of the eligibility for NEZ fee waivers, and submit a written request to the Department in which the fees were paid. Upon receiving a confirmation from the Housing Department that the project meets all NEZ fee waiver criteria, that Department shall process the request based on the qualifications discussed in this policy. Exemptions The provisions of this policy do not apply to: a. Fees that are not waived through the NEZ program; and b. Taxes and special assessments; and c. City liens such as mowing, board-up, trash, demolition and paving liens. An applicant shall not qualify for any refund if: a. The applicant was made aware of the NEZ incentives before he/she pays the fees; or b. The applicant does not meet the requirements for NEZ incentives at the time he/she paid the fees; or c. The applicant paid the fees before the refund policy was put in place; or d. The applicant paid the fees before the designation date of the NEZ. Disclaimer In the event of any conflict between the City's ordinances or regulations and this policy, such ordinances or regulations shall control. In the event of any conflict betmo Ibis O FlC11141 REC0 D Adopted October 4, 2005 21 policy and other policies or regulations adopted by the City Department issuing the refund, such department policies or regulations shall control. The City reserves the right to deny any or all request for refunds. Adopted October 4,2005 22 Exhibit B Properly_LeLal Description 1436 Sierra Estate Tr., Block F, Lot 41, Sierra Vista Addition in the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, and as shown on the Plat recorded in Cabinet A, Slide No. 10693, = Plat Records of Tarrant County, Texas. Exhibit 1@0 FORT WORT Application No. CITY OF FORT NORTH NEIGHBORHOOD EMPOWERMENT ZONE (NEE) PROGRAM PROTECT CERTIFICATION APPLICATION- FORM"C" FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS I. APPLICATION CHECK LIST Please submit the following documentation: ❑ A completed application form ❑ A list of all properties owned by the applicant,owner,developer,associates,principals,partners,and agents in Fort Worth ❑ Application fee—cashier's check or money order payable to the City of Fort Worth(For tax abatement applications only.For multifamily,commercial,industrial,commercial facilities,and mixed-use tax abatement applications: 0.5%of the total Capital Tnvestment of the project,not to exceed$1,000.00;For single family tax abatement applications: $25 per house) ❑ Proof of ownership,such as a warranty deed,affidavit of heirship,or a probated will OR evidence of site control,such as option to buy(A registered warranty deed is required for tax abatement application.) ❑ Title abstract of the property(only if applying for release of City liens) ❑ A completed set of development plans,project description and development budget or contractor's quote ❑ Met with the Councilmember and Neighborhood&other Organizations representing the NEZ as outlined in the Public Notice requirement of the NEZ Policy and Guidelines revised April 6,2004. ❑ Copy of Incorporation Papers noting all principals,partners,and agents ❑ Support letter from Woodhaven Neighborhood Association and Woodhaven Community Development Corporation(For projects located in Woodhaven NEZ only) INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED FOR CERTIFICATION UNTIL ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS SHOWN IN THE ABOVE CHECKLIST ARE SUBMITTED WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER THE APPLICATION IS RECEIVED. YOU MUST APPLY FOR TAX ABATEMENT BEFORE ANY BUILDING PERMITS ARE ISSUED FOR YOUR PROPERTY AND BEFORE ANY IMPROVEMENTS ARE MADE TO YOUR PROPERTY. IT TAKES 30 TO 90 BUSINESS DAYS TO COMPLETE THE TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENT APPROVAL PROCESS AFTER THE ISSUANCE OF NEZ CERTIFICATION DEPENDING ON THE COMPLEXITY OF YOUR PROJECT. H. APPLICANT/AGENT INFORMATION 1. Applicant: Sierra Vista,L.P. 2. Contact Person: Deanna Boaz 3. Address: 3715 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth TX 76107 Street City State Zip 4. Phone no.: 517-763-0700 5. Fax No.: 817-763-9155 6. Email: dboaz(aa�malliclmroup.com and michael(u,mallic ron1}com 7. Agent(if any) N/A 8. Address: Street City State Zip 9. Phone no.: 10. Fax No.: 11. Email: If you need further information or clarification,please contact Jamie Warner at(817)392-7507 or Sarah Odle at(817)392-7316. Revised Sentember 20.2004 1 FURT WORTH Application No. PROJECT ELIGIBILITY 1. Please list down the addresses and legal descriptions of the project and other properties your organization owns in Fort Worth. Attach metes and bounds description if no address or legal description is available. Attach an exhibit showing the location of the project. Table 1 Proper Ownershi Address Zip (Project Location Code Subdivision Name Lot No. Block No. See attached Final flat Other properties owned in the City of Fort Worth -continue on a separate sheet and attach if necessary. (Please attach additional sheets of paper as needed.) 2. For each properties listed in Table 1,please check the boxes below to indicate M. • there are taxes due; or • there are City liens; or • You (meaning the applicant, developer, associates, agents, principals) have been subject to a Building Standards Commission's Order of Demolition where the property was demolished within the last five years. Table 2 Property Taxes and City Liens Address Property City Liens on Property Taxes Weed Board-up/Open Demolition Paving Order of Due Liens Stucture Liens Liens Liens Demolition NIA © ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Li ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ (Please attach additional sheets of paper as needed.) Revised Sentemher 20. 2004 FORT WORT Application No. 3. Do you own other properties under other names? X Yes ❑No If Yes,please specify Vertex Asset Partners,L.P. 4. Does the proposed project conform with City of Fort Worth Zoning? X Yes ❑No If no, what steps are being taken to insure compliance? 5. Project Type: X ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Single Multi- Commercial Industrial Community Mixed-Use Family Family Facilities 6. If your project is a commercial, industrial, or mixed-use project, please describe the types of businesses that are being proposed: 7. Is this a new construction or rehab project? X New Construction ❑Rehab 8. How much is the total development cost of your project? 232 SF residences starting at$80,000.00 9. Will the eligible rehabilitation work* equal to at least 30% of the Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD) assessed value of the structure during the year rehabilitation occurs? ❑Yes ❑No * Eligible rehabilitation includes only physical improvements to real property. It does NOT include personal property such as furniture, appliances, equipment, and/or supplies. Total eligible rehabilitation costs shall equal to or exceed 30%of the TAD appraised value of the structure during the year rehabilitation occurs. 10. How much is the total square footage of your project? Minimum 1,200-see square feet amached 11.For a single family homeownership,mixed-use,or multi-family development project,please fill out the number of residential units based on income range of owners or renters in the following table. Table 3 Number of Residential Units and Income Range of Owners or Renters -- - .. x -Nib of �ri�t�: fry F R�`k' ��i�fag� �"'";CE: corn ltri :c YyYu '; w t 1 c .. ,�S k" ; >80%of AMFI** At or below 80%of AMFI **AMFI:Area Median Family Income. Please see attachment for income and housing payment guidelines. 12. For a multifamily project to be qualified for tax abatement, at least 20% of total units shall be affordable to families at or below 80% of AMFI. Check the box if you are requesting a waiver of this requirement. ❑ 13. For a commercial, industrial or community facilities project, indicate square footage of non- residential space. Commercial Industrial Community Facilities square feet square feet square feet PLEASE ANSWER QUESTIONS NO.14 TO NO. 16 ONLY IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR TAX ABATEMENT. Revised Rentember Vin. 2004 3 FORT FORTH Application No. 14. How much will be your Capital Investment"* on the project? Please use the following table to provide the details and amount of your Capital Investment(Attached additional sheets if necessary). Table 4 Ca ital Investment of the Project Ttems ►mount; -Not I :rt,..i• ***Capital Investment includes only real property improvements such as new facilities and structures,site improvements, facility expansion, and facility modernization. Capital Investment DOES NOT include land acquisition costs and/or any existing improvements,or personal property(such as machinery,equipment,and/or supplies or inventory). 15. For a commercial, industrial, community facility or mixed-use proiect, how many employees will the project generate? 16. For a mixed-use prosect,please indicate the percentage of all uses in the project in the following table. Table 5 Percentage of Uses in a Mixed-Use Project :.: S.cywkre,sl oo# ;r 1'ercetei�#ge ., Residential Office Eating Entertainment Retail sales Service -:...n> _ -- -- .. .. ='Tw�1�}1�-:�.�5�. .. i -1�w'TS�; .w,- �F'_ '�� 7TY .ta.i'_X��� •4 's� . ti' III. INCENTIVES 1.What incentives are you applying for? Municipal Property Tag Abatements Must provide Final Plat Cabinet and Slide for Tax Abatement Cabinet A Slide 10693, 10694 X 5 years ❑ More than S years Development Fee Waivers ❑ All building permit related fees(including Plans Review and Inspections) ❑ Plat application fee (including concept plan,preliminary plat,final plat, short form replat) ❑ Board of Adjustment application fee ❑ Demolition fee ❑ Structure moving fee ❑ Community Facilities Agreement(CFA)application fee ❑ Zoning application fee ❑ Street and utility easement vacation application fee Impact Fee Waivers ❑ Impact fee Meter Size No. of meters? Release of City Liens ❑ Weed liens ❑ Paving liens ❑ Board up/open structure liens ❑ Demolition liens Revised September 20,2004 4 FLIRT WORT Application No. II1. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I hereby certify that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I hereby acknowledge that I have received a copy of NEZ Basic Incentives,which governs the granting of tax abatements, fee waivers and release of City liens, and that any VIOLATION of the terms of the NEZ Basic Incentives or MISREPRESENTATION shall constitute grounds for rejection of an application or termination of incentives at the discretion of the City. I understand that the approval of fee waivers and other incentives shall not be deemed to be approval of any aspect of the project. I understand that I am responsible in obtaining required permits and inspections from the City and in ensuring the project is located in the correct zoning district. I understand that my application will not be processed if it is incomplete. I agree to provide any additional information for determining eligibility as requested by the City. Deanna BoazGj�e�I&AO, !b b(o (TYPED NAME) (AUTHORIZED Si ATURE) (DATE) .lease raail.al '�vot��- app ion ,;i� �.• ;�-; f _ i# . fi. c�ti ��Fih..l€lazt�r�ia+g D) iirlAwnt :. I tool; 'Phi�-knint,N)'RA ret, l.-)r- h,-'rie. s `61112, 39 4328 _ Electronic version of this form is available by request. Please call 817-392-•7507 to request a copy. For more information on the NEZ Program,please visit our web site at www.fortworthgov.org/housing. For Office Use Only Application No. In which NEZ? Council District Application Completed Date(Received Date): Conform with Zoning? ❑Yes ❑No Type? ❑SF ❑Multifamily ❑Commercial ❑Industrial ❑ Community facilities ❑Mixed-Use Construction completion date? ❑Before NEZ❑After NEZ Ownership/Site Control ❑Yes❑No TAD Account No. Consistent with the NEZ plan? ❑Yes ❑No Meet affordability test? ❑Yes ❑No Minimum Capital Investment? ❑Yes ❑No Rehab at or higher than 30%? ❑Yes ❑No Meet mixed-use definition? ❑Yes ❑No Tax current on this property? ❑Yes ❑No Tax current on other properties? ❑Yes ❑No City liens on this property? City liens on other properties? • Weed liens ❑Yes ❑No • Weed liens ❑ Yes ❑No • Board-up/open structure liens ❑Yes ❑No • Board-up/open structure liens ❑Yes ❑No • Demolition liens ❑Yes ❑No • Demolition liens ❑Yes ❑No • Paving liens ❑Yes ❑No • Paving liens ❑Yes ❑No • Order of demolition ❑Yes ❑No • Order of demolition ❑Yes ❑No Certified? ❑Yes ❑No Certified by Date certification issued? If not certified,reason Referred to: ❑Economic Development ❑Housing []Development ❑Water ❑Code ❑TPW Revised September 20,2004 5 Exhibit"D" Proiect Deseri tion Single Family Residence Minimum 1 car 200 square foot garage behind the front building face of the residential structure Minimum 3 bedrooms Minimum 1 V2 bathrooms A selection of floor plans Minimum 1200 square feet living space Landscape requirements. Front and side yards will be sodded and all lots will have a minimum of 2 trees.