HomeMy WebLinkAboutContract 36967T
CON RACT No Y k o
;EMENT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED IN A
OOD EMPOWERMENT ZONE
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 Waterview Estates, L.P. ("Owner"), a
Texas Limited Partnership by and between Pars Investments, Inc. L.P., a Texas Limited
Partnership, General Partner, and Woodhaven Custom Homes, L.L.C., Limited Liability Company
General Partner, acting by and through Mark Johns, 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;
iieconomic evelopment the zone;
2. An ncrease n din
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
that creates a NEZ, may enter into agreements abating municipal property taxes
on property in the zone.
Local Government Code provides that a municipality
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 May 15, 2007 (M&C G-15726). The May
15, 2007 NEZ Incentives are attached hereto as Exhibit "A" hereby made a part of the
Agreement for all purposes.
and criteria overning ax
D, The NEZ Incentives contains
be entered into by theeC tysas contemplated by Chapter
abatement agreements to
312 of the Texas Tax Code, as amended (the "Code").
E. On February 3, 2004, the Fort Worth City Council adopted Ordinance No. 15854
(the "Ordinance") establishing "Neighborhood Empowerment Reinvestment
Zone No. 16," City of Fort Worth, Texas (the "Zone").
F. Owner owns certain real property located entirely within the Lake Arlington 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 1.1 of this Agreement, on the Premises to be used for as a single-family
residence that will be owner occupied. (the "Project").
H. On August 13, 2004, 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
NEZ
purposes for its creation ande laws ordinanceser leshanderegulations.ntives, the
Resolution and other applicab
e in compancwit
d, 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,tsn
has been furnished in the manner prescribed by the Code
to the presiding officers of the governing bodies of each of the taxing unii
which the Premises is located.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City and Owner, in
follwsn of the terms and
covenant and a
conditions set forth herein, do hereby contract, agree as o:
1, OWNER'S COVENANTS.
1.1. Real Property Improvements.
Owner shall construct, or cause to be constructed, on each lot within the Premises
for which tax abatements are requested, certain improvements consisting of a single-
family residence (collectively, the "Required Improvements"), of at least 1200 square
feet of living space in size with 3 bedrooms and one and one-half baths, with 70%
as dermined
y an
mortared brick and having an appraised value
re $Imp00000, ents")te owne rshall
"Required
independent appraiser (collectively, the R q1
provide a survey of the completed home shonI after the salewing Required .rovements before the
The parties grree that
home is sold and a copy of the independent appraisal
the final survey and independent appraisal shall o be
a part of this subst ntial vaat ons Agreement f appr ved be
labeled Exhibit E. Minor variations, and m
writing by both of the parties to this Agreement, Abat Abatement shall not constitutte an Event
description provided in the Application for Tax
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. t;om iecion ila�c �� x... ----
Owner covenants to substantially complete construction of all of the Required
Improvements wpermi
ithin one year from the issuance and receip
in which case the two yea sesh shall beexttended
unless delayed because of force majeur , of
by the number of days comprising the specific t force beyondeure.owner's reasonable purposes
s control,
Agreement, force majeure shall mean an even y
sed adverse weather, delays in receipt of any
including, without limitation, delays caub rnmental authority, or acts of God, fires,
required permits or approvals from any government shortages as
strikes, national disasters, wars, riots and material
1 soleor abor discretiontlons which
ofnot be
determined by the City of Fort Worthpurely
unreasonably withheld, but shall not include construction
delayselays caused inobtaining
of tadequate
financial matters, such as, without limitation, y
financing.
1.3. Use of Premises.
Owner covenants all
that the Required Improvements shall be construcLe
rimary residence of the
Premises shall be sold so thaNt�tri the descr ption of the Projecis continuously used as the t set forth in the Exhibit
Home Buyer in accordance
In addition, Owner covenants that throughout the Tenn, the Required
in this
Ipurposes set forth
mprovements shall be operated and maintained for the teneral purposes of encouraghe e
Agreement and in a manner that is consistent wit g
development or redevelopment of the Zone.
2, AIiA 1 L' lYlL' lr 1 hiriv �. • - -- --
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.
p Abatement" of real property taxes only includes City of Fort
this Section 2 ("Abatement"). "
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
in value of the Premises and the Required Improvements over
based upon the increase
7, the year in which this Agreement was entered into:
their values on January 1, 200
One Hundred percent (100%) of the increase in value from the
construction of the Required Improvements.
If the square footage requirement and the
of this Agreement�Owner hallnot
Improvements are less than as provided in Section
be eligible to receive any Abatement under this Agreement.
2.2. Increase in Value.
The abatement shall apply only to taxes and shall not apply to axesr onithe
ses
due to construction of the Required Improvements
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 (5`h) 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 A raisals or Assessments.
Owner shall have the right to protest
thereon test any or all appraisals or
assessments of the Premises and/or improvements
2.5. Abatement Annlication Fee*
receipt from Owner of the required Abatement app
The City acknowledges lication
fee of $25.00 per single family house. The application fee shall not be credited or refunded
to any party for any reason.
3.
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
mprovements to ensure
the City to inspect the Premises adconditionsluate the Required of this Agreement. Owner shall cooperate
compliance with the termss
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
Owner is using the Required Improvements as its primary
provide documentation that
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
ity following
Records available to the City on the Premisesshall aotherwhlocationer C
se cooperate fully with the City
reasonable advance notice by the City t an
and
during any audit.
3.3. Provision of Information.
On or before February 1 following the end of every year during the Compliance
Auditing Term and if requested by the City,
Owner
er'sshall
compl compliance with each oft e
documentation for the previous year that addresses
terms and conditions of this Agreement for that calendar year.
ithin the control of Owner required by thi
Failure to provide all information ws
Section 3.3 shall constitute an Event of Default, as defined in Section 4.1.
3.4. Determination of Compliance.
liance
ting Term� the
On or before August 1 of each yeareduring 1 amualthe ppercen ages of Abatement
City shall make a decision and rule on t
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 Owners compliance with the terms and conditions of
this Agreement during the previous year of the Compliance Auditing Term.
to EVENTS OF DEFAULT.
4.1. Defined.
Unless otherwise specified herein, Owner shall be in default of this Agreement igr 1 mentf ad
Owner fails to construct the Required Improvements
he Prem s ssor thedefineProjectd in e or its ad valorem
valorem real property taxes with respect to
taxes with respect to the tangible personal property located on the Premises, become
perly follow the legal procedures for protest
delinquent and Owner does not timely and pro
and/or contest of any such ad valorem real property or tangible personal property taxes or
(iii) HOME BUYER DOES NOT USE THE BEGINS, (MISES AS PRIMARY
HOME BUYER DOES
RESIDENCE ONCE THE ABATEMENT
NOT COMPLY WITH CHAPTER 7 AND APPENDIX (collectively, Oeach
Ean "Event nO°
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FOR WORTH
Default").
4.2. Notice to Cure.
Subject to Section 5, if the City determines that an Event of Default has occurred,
tcribthe City shall provide a written notice to owner
a hadtadssfromeSthe date ofthe nature � ece pthe E vent of this
Default. Owner shall have ninety (90) calendar y
wner reasonably
written notice to fully cure or have cured the
vcure t eDefa
Event of Deent of t. ifOfault, Owner shall
believes that Owner will require additional timeto
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 iii caner
wner will require more than one hundred eighty (180) days to
reasonably believes that O
cure the Event of Default, after advising the Corte fany,
in an open meeting as may be offered by the City
efforts and intent to cure, such additional t
Council in its sole discretion.
4.3.
If an Event of Default which is defin ed4.2 the C tys hallbhavecther ght to
the time frame specifically allowed under Section
terminate this Agreement immediately. y's eracknowledges and agrees onomic development and that an uncured
redevelopment
Event of Default will (i) harm the City s economic
efforts on the Premises and in the vicinity of the Premises; (ii) require unplanned and
expensive additional administrative oversigh�a d i volveme
amount no by
damagesdthere
otherwise harm the City, and Owner agrees that
from are speculative in nature and will beEvent or impossible to ascertain. Therefore,
of Default, Owner hall not be eligible
upon termination of this Agreement for anyy
for the Abatement for the remainig Term anOw
ner
this Agreement�for as leachdyear
damages, all taxes that were abated In accordance
been
d to the
when an Event of Default existed and which otherwise w erlagreeethat this amount Csta
in the absence of this Agreement. The City a
reasonable approximation of actual damages th4t3the s City will incur as a result of an
intended to provide the City with
uncured Event of Default and that this Section
compensation for actual damages and is not a penalty. valorem amount property tax appraisal by he
the City through adjustments made to Owners p this amount shall be
appraisal district that has jurisdiction over the Premises. Otherwise,
ectiv
due, owing and paid to the City within of
sixty (60 ent that lldor anays oll following
of thithe s amountisen t
termination of this Agreement. I th s foe ev llow ng the effective date of termination of this
paid to the City within sixty (60) y
nalties and interest on any outstnding
Agreement, Owner shall also be liable for all pas determined by the Code at the time of
amount at the statutory rate for delinquent taxes,
ies and interest (currently, Section 33.01 of the Code)&
the payment of such penalt
4.4. Termination at Will.
If the City and Owner mutually determine that the development or use of the
Premises or the anticipated Required Improvementsare no longer Crt and Ownerappropriate
terminate 1 his
or that a higher or better use is preferable, the Y if the Term
Agreement in a written format that is sig Selo b he effective date ofboth parties. Inithe termination of this
has commenced, the Term shall expire a
Agreement; (n) there shall be no recapture of any taxes previously abated; and (iii)
neither party shall have any further rights or obligations hereunder.
4.5.
a, Owner understands and agrees the City has the right to terminate this
ell
agreement if the Project contains o and ac�eeslthatn a sthe City has the exually oriented rght to terminate this
b. Owner understand g
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 Woodhaven Homes, L.P., or any other builder or
developer approved by the Housing Departmentr ents as
Director� or
emO smpr'maryresidence o� the
a homebuyer who will use the Required p
homeowner's mortgagee which City Council herebyagrees
is to5 this Abatement cannot be
which consent shall of be
assigned without the prior consent of the City
unreasonably withheld provided that (i) the City Council finds that the proposed assignee is
i) the
financially capable of meeting the terms and conditions rand is Ageement of a nerlunder
proposed purchaser agrees in writing to assume rights
this Agreement. Owner may not otherwise assign, lease or out the Cityonvey Council's prior y of sconsent ushall
this Agreement. Any attempted assignment with tY
constitute grounds for termination of this Agreement
andnotit from the Cnty to OwneTanted reunder
following ten (10) calendar days of receipt of written
6.
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 u der this agreemehe written nt, of City Council, Owner
shall have no further duty or obligation
C7
J
F THIS
THE FAILURE OF OWNER TO SEND THE I AND EXECUTION -t-v TION OF THE
SALE OF THE REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS
ASSIGNMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT OWNERSHIP NEWTH THE OWNER
HER
WITHIN 30
DREQUIRED
DAYS OF THE TRANSFER OF
IMPROVEMENTS SHALL RESULT IN THE ECUTOED ASSIGNMENT MUST BE
NATION OF
THIS AGREEMENT. THE NOTICE AND
SENT TO THE CITY BY CERTIFIED MAIL OR BY HAND DELIVERY.
NOTICES.
All written notices called for or required by this Agreement shall be addressed to
the following, or such other party or address either party designates in writing, by
certified mail, postage prepaid, or by hand delivery:
City:
City of Fort Worth
Attn: City Manager
city
Throckmorton St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102
and
Housing Department
Attn: Jerome Walker
1000 Throckmorton
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Owner:
Waterview Estates, L.P.
Pars Investment, Inc., General Partner
3901 Airport Freeway, Suite 200
Bedford, TX 76021
7. MISCELLANEOUS.
7,1, Bonds.
The Required Improvements will not be financed by tax increment bonds. This
if outstanding bonds of the City.
Agreements subject to rights of holders o
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
mission or any member of the governing body of any taxing
City Planning or Zoning Com
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, hesuch bod ordinances
Agieem ntlandns shall
Exhibit
control. In the event of any conflict betweenY
"D", the body of this Agreement shall control.
7.4. Future Application.
le
A portion or all of the Premises and/oraloremuta es as improvementsired a result of existing elaw lbor
for complete or partial exemption from ad v
This Agreement shall not be construed as evidence that such
future legislation.
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.C-22333 on November 21, 2007, which, among other
things, authorized the City Manager to execute this Agreement on behalf of the City.
7.6. Estoppel Certificate.
Any party hereto may request an estoppel certificate from another party hereto so
long as the certificate is requested in connection to theh a ona Ownler,de sshallein cude� sebut not
certificate, which if requested will be addressed
necessarily be limited to, statements that
exhsts the nature of the Eventforce
of Defaulteffect and
without default (or if an Event of Default ,
of this
curative action taken and/or necessary to effecthe Abatement i n effect, nand such other
Agreement, the levels and remaining term
matters reasonably requested by the party 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,
the State Distror icies of the City. Venue for any
c tlCourt of Tarrant County, Texas.
action under this Agreement shall lie
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.
is held to
al or
If any provision of this Agreement the remaining invalid, g hall not in any way
the validity, legality and enforceability of g provisions
be affected or impaired.
7.11, Headinis Not Controlling.
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
erest, as to the matters
between the City and Owner, their assigns and successors in int
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.
be amended unless executed in writing by both parties and
This Agreement shall not
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.
EXECUTED this 24 day of�� , 2008, by the City of Fort Worth,
Texas.
EXECUTED this day of , 2008, by Waterview Estates, L.P.,
Pars Investment, Inc., General Partner.
CITY OF FORT WORTH:
By:
Mehrdad Moayedi
President
AT'TES T
At PRQVED A5 TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
By:
Charlene Sanders
Assistant City Attorney
r ����� � C �o22S1'f
M & C: —�T
7
-;oil; s,
STATE OF TEXAS §
COUNTY OF TARRANT §
;Z
��' BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, on this day personally appeared . .
gcr 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.
UNDER MY HAND
, 2008.
r
Notary Public in and for
the State of Texas
Notary's Printed Name
AND SEAL OF OFFICE this day of
NOTARY pUBLIC
STATE OF TEVVS
My Comm Exp.12-14-2 009
STATE OF TEXAS §
COUNTY OF TARRANT §
BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, on this day personally appeared Mehrdad Moayed1 of
Waterview Estates, L.P., a Texas Limited Partnership, Pars Investments, Inc., General Partner,
is subscribed to the foregoing instrument, and
known to me to be the person whose name
acknowledged to me that he executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein
ity therein stated and as the act and deed of Waterview Estates, L.P., a
expressed, in the capac
Texas Limited Partnership, Pars Investment, Inc., General Partner.
GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND
B� me), dh✓7 I .2008.
Notary Public in and for
the State of Texas
Notary's Printed Name
of
SEAL OF OFFICE this 1 a day
°`°3
L?,l1ftA VIAYI� ID
/JIB tvfy Conjmision upires
Atli / 14, 2003
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 FORT WORTH
NEIGHBORHOOD EMPOWERMENT ZONE (NEZ)TAXABATEMENT POLICY AND BASIC
INCENTIVES
I. GtNt1WL ruRrv.��. r,•�• .• --- - -
o create a
Chapter 378 of the Texas Local Government Code allows dmunicipality
thattthe creation
Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ) when a ...murnc p yete mines
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."
The City, by adopting the following NEZ Tax Abatement Policy and Basic Incentives, will
promote affordable housing and economiche NEZ expires nt ln Neighborhood as defined in the Eesol mpowermentlion designating.
Zonese
NEZ incentives will not be granted after p additional terms and incentives as
the NEZ. For each NEZ, the City Council may approve
permitted by Chapter 378 of the Texas Local Government
expirati expiration NEZ shall carry or by City 'lits fulluterm
However, any tax abatement awarded before the
according to its tax abatement agreement approved by the City Council.
atement under this policy applies to the owners of
As mandated by state law, the property tax ab
real property. Nothing in the policy shall be construed as an obligation by the City of Fora Worth
to approve any tax abatement application.
11. DEFINITIONS
"Abatement" means the full or partial eo ns and an amount f uup o 100% of the nc ease in
eligible properties for a period of up to 1 year
appraised value (as reflected on the certified
approprof the'taxcabatementaagreelment
resulting from improvements begun afte the execution
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
and facility modernization. Capital Investment
structures, site improvements, facility expansion, on,
costs and/or any existing improvements, or personal property
does NOT include land acquisition
lies and inventory).
(such as machinery, equipment, and/or supp
Adopted 5-15-2007 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
ial, industrial or mixed use as defined by the City of Fort
requirements to be) zoned commerc
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.
l property. Eligible
"Eligible Rehabilitation" includes . only physical improvements to rea
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 thathas Texas received Regional Certification rtification as either a certified Certification Agency (NTRCA) of the Texas
or certified
WBE by either the North
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 suchby the
codified of Fort
Worth
of accordance
with the Property Redevelopment and Tax Abatement Act
he 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 5-15-2007 2
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
b. Property is rehabilitated after NEZ designation and City Council approval of the
tax abatement. fter NEZ
c. Homeowner must perform Eligible Rehabilitation on the property a
designation equal to or in excess of 30% of the Base Value of the property; and
d. Property is not in a tax -delinquent status when the abatement application is
submitted.
2. For residential property purchased after NEZ designation, a homeowner shall be
eligible to apply for a tax abatement by meeting the following:
a. Property is constructed or rehabilitated after NEZ designation and City Council
approval of the tax abatement;
b. 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;
c. 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;
d. Property is not in a tax -delinquent status when the abatement application is
submitted; and
rmance with the City of Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance.
e. Property is in confo
3. For investor owned single family property, an investor shall be eligible to apply for a
tax abatement by meeting the following:
a. Property is constructed or rehabilitated after NEZ designation and City Council
approval of the tax abatement;
b. 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;
c. Property is not in a tax -delinquent status when the abatement application is
submitted; and
d. Property is in conformance with the City of Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance.
MULTI -FAMILY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS LOCATED IN A NEZ
1. 100%Abatement for 5 years.
less this section shall apply.
Adopted 5-15-2007
subj
UP
o 5
Abatements for multifamily development projects for the Hous ars are
artmenttfo�
City Council approval. The applicant may apply
withsuch 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
incomes at or below eighty percent (80%) of area
Development) to persons with
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 amulti-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 this section shall apphi.
Abatements for multi -family development projects Wp to 10 yearsing Departmenttfo0
City Council approval. The applicant may apply with
the such abatement.
The applicant must apply for the tax abatement and be approved by City Council
before construction or rehabilitation is started .
Years 1 tnrou n c ui a IC 11 aA MuaL�, I 1..1 06 • • • --. � -
Multi -family projects shall be eligible for 1000/o 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
t or below eighty percent (80
Development) to persons with incomes a%) of area
median income based on family size and such units shall be set aside for
Adopted 545-2007 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
est at,
least
of five
(5) r sidential living units OR have a
minimum Capital In must be rehabilitated after NEZ
b. For a rehabilitation project, the property
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
abiliiof of at least five (5) residential living units or
a minimum Capital Investment
Years 6 throu h � u or me � ax ru4«�- ---• . _ .. _
Multi -family projects shall beel eibl of°the 1Tax Abatement Agreement u upon orthe
taxes for years six through
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
ust be rehabilitated after NEZ
2. For a rehabilitation project, the property
s on the property shall be at least
designation. Eligible Rehabilitation cost
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 $200,0 t Worth deems appropriate, .
b. Any other terms as cityCouncil of the cityof For
including, but not limited to:
1. utilization of Fort Worth companies for an agreed upon percentage of the total
costs for construction contracts;
20 utilization of certified minority and women owned business enterprises for an
agreed upon percentage of the total costs for construction contracts;
30 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;
70 tenant selection plans; and
8. management plans.
C, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND
PROJECTS LOCATED IN A NEZ
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT
F
less this section snau appiv.
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 projectit must berehabilitated
be t east 30% of the Base Value of
Rehabilitation costs on theproperty
the property, or $75,000, whichever is greater.
2. 1
Years this section shall appiv.
Abatements agreements for a Commercial, Industrial and Community Facies
Development projects for e Economic to 10 ars are and Commuect to nity y Development lDepartment for
applicant may apply with th
such abatement.
The applicant must apply for the tax abatement and be approved by City Council
before construction or rehabilitation is started.
Years 1 throu h 5 of the � aX HvaiCi i ici IL ���•-• •-
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, must be
be at east 30°0 od after NEZ f the BasenVal Eligible
ebof
Rehabilitation costs on theproperty
the property, or $75,0002 whichever is greater.
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 valo ton of the following:ix through ten of
the Tax Abatement Agreement upon the
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;
3v commit to hire an agreed upon percentage of Fort Worth residents;
4w commit to hire an agreed upon percentage of Central City residents;
and
5. landscaping.
D. MIXED -USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS LOCATED IN A NEZ
1.
less this section sna�� apply.
Abatements for Mixed -Use Development Projects ts� th the Hous ngsDepartmenttfo�
City Council approval. The applicant may apply
such abatement.
I for the tax abatement and be approved by City Council
The applicant must apply
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, e of the total Gross Floor Area of the project;.
project constitute 10 per
and
(1) A mixed -use development project constructed after NEZ designation must
have a min_ Capital Investment of $200,000; or
Adopted 5-15-2007 7
(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.
years this section snail apu�
to
Abatements agreements for a Mixed Use Development projecti f withpthe 1Housing
are subject to City Council approval. The applicant may apply
Department for such abatement.
The applicant must apply for the tax he tax abatement musttement before y be l approved on or rehabilitation
is started and the application for
Council.
Years 1 throu h 5 of the Tax HpaLeme� �► � ���
Mixed Use Development projects shs lobthe l'Tax Abatem0en�t Agreement upon the
valorem taxes for the first five year
satisfaction of the following:
a. Residential uses in the project constitute 20 percent or more of the total Gross
Floor Area of the project; an
b. Office, eating and entertainment,
morend/or retail sales and of the total Gross Floor Area of the project;
proce uses in the
ject constitute 10 percent o
and
c. A new mixed -use development project ent of $200,000;eor forer NEZ a rehabilitation designation
project, it
have a minimum Capital Investm
ible Rehabilitation costs on the
must be rehabilitated after NoEZodf the Basgnati e Value of the property, or $200,000,
property shall be at least 30 /o
whichever is greater.
Years 6 throu h 10 of the i ax Hoaten �C� �� ��, �•
Mixed Use Development projects shtelnbof thelTax Abatem0e/nt Agreement upoln the
valorem taxes for years six through
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 otal G oss Floor Area of the project e
project constitute 10 percent or more of the t
c. Anew mixed -use development project constructed 0 000 or forer NEZ a rehabilitation designation must
it
have a minimum Capital Investment of $200,000;
must be rehabilitated after NEZ designation. Eligible Rehabilitation costs on the
Adopted 5-15-2007 8
E.
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:
1s 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;
3a property inspection;
4. commit to hire an agreed upon percentage of Fort Worth residents
58 commit to hire an agreed upon percentage of Central City residents
6. landscaping;
70 tenant selection plans; and
80 management plans.
ABATEMENT GUIDELINES
1. If a NEZ is located in a Tax Incremen' nc eDn'tivres in ISe tionnllll will bet
toffered
on a case -by -case basis if the tax abatement
to eligible Projects. Eligible Projects must meet all eligibility requirements specified
in Section III.
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
rporation and
Woodhaven Community Development Coort forte Project to
Neighborhood Association must have submitted a letter of supp
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 Wrth abatement co tenor a specific Project if:
1. the Project meets NEZ to
nd
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 erty owned b the
b. Not have any City of Fort orthe enLiefile,,
applicant property owner/dev p includet but are any pot 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
ts
not eligible for tax abatemen.
Adopted 5-15-2007
owner of a residential property (including multi -family) in the
5. Once a NEZ property NEZ satisfies the criteria set forth in Sections III.A, 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 of the City of
f Fort
property subject to the tax abatement agreementhe
t ►s ►n violation
Worth's Minimum Building Standards Code and the owner is convicted of such
violation.
d under the cfotr a maximoum termrth in ection of as Islpecified my
be
6. A tax abatement grantethe
granted once for a property in a NEZ
agreement. If a property on which tax islbeing
e blateodce theis dnew o ner, the City dt
subm tsan
tax abatement agreement for the rema g
application.
7. A property owner/developer of a multifamily developm nn the NEZ who t, commercial, ►desires Ia
community facilities and mixed -use development prof
ect 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
III.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
ent, the Fort Worth. In adment
dition to the other agreem nt hallgreern automatically terminateeif the
agreement shall provide that the ag
ion of a violation of the Cisub e
of Fort Worth's Minimum
owner receives one convictct to the abatement
Building Standards Code regarding the property j
agreement during the term of the tax abatement agreement; and
d. If a property in the NEZ on which tax is being abated
►s sold, the n ew owfor the remaining term may
enter into a tax abatement agreement on the property
ty Council
8. If the terms of the tax abatement agreement agreement. ln he event t met, the lof cancellation, the
as the
right to cancel or amend the abatement
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 includestatements the ltyn each yeaof Fort rthduri g right
the life of review
the
and verify the applicants financial s iven year, 2 conduct an on site
agreement prior to granting a tax abatement urin any the life of the abatement to verify
inspection of the project in each y g
3 terminate the
compliance with the termscontainseorawill abatement
sexually agreement,
orient d business (4
agreement if the Project
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
tto insure will be reportliance ed to the City Council with the terms f the
agreement. Any incidents of non comp)
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 5-15-2007
10
F
IV.
owner's
provide information and document
compliance with the terms of thetagreement eemch epropertytails the ent and shallertify that the
respective
owner is in compliance with each applicable term of the agreement. Failure to report
he required certification by the above deadline s
this information and to prhall
ovide t
d any taxes abated in the prior year being due
result in cancellation of agreement an
and payable.
11. If a property in the NEZ on which tax o being abated is erty for the,remaining may
terme new . Any
enter into a tax abatement agreement o wh which is not permitted in the tax abatement
sale, assignment or lease of the property
agreement results in cancellation of the
agree
abated after the date on which an unspecified assignment occurredment and ure of any taxes
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 III.A is
$loom
and
3. The application fee for multi -family, commer ndler Sections III B.mC sand D , ss one -
mixed -use development projects governed u
:)posed Project's Capital Investment, with a $200
half of one percent (0.5%) of the pr
The Application Fee shall not be credited or
minimum not to exceed $2,000.
refunded to any party for any reason.
FEE WAIVERS
ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTSIPROPERTIES
case basis whether a Project that will
1. City Council shall determine on a c r package store is eligible to apply for a fee
contain or contains a liquor store or
waiver.
2. If a Project is located in the Woodhaven Neighborhood Empowerment Zone, in order
I for a fee waiver under this Policy, the Woodhaven
to be considered "eligible" to apply
Community Development Corporation and the Woodhaven
for e NeighborhoodProject to the City of Fort
Association must have submitted a letter of support
Ian is submitted for the Woodhaven NEZ, this will
Worth —however, once the NEZ P
no longer be required.
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
owner/developer:
Project, the property
a. must submit an application to the City;
Adopted 5-15-2007
11
b. must not be delinquent in paying property taxes for any property owned by the
owner/developer or applicant; property owned by the applicant
c. must not have any City liens filed against any prop y
property owner/developer, including but not limited to, weed liens, demolition
liens, board-up/open structure liens and paving liens; and
ackage store or a sexually
d. of a Project that will contain or contains a liquor store, p
ity Council's determination that the Project is
oriented business has received C
eligible to apply for fee waivers.
g, DEVELOPMENT FEES
Once the Application for NEZ Incentives has been approved and certified by the City, the
1 of Fort he NEZ
following fees for services performed by the rehabilitation projector
thatrth f
ects expendt at east
are waived for new construction erortlects or on Eligible Rehabilitation costs:
30% of the Base Value of the property
1. All building permit related fees (including Plans Review and Inspects plat, short form
2. Plat application fee (including concept plan, preliminary plat,
replat)
3. Board of Adjustment application fee
4. Demolition fee
5. Structure moving fee application fee
6. Community Facilities Agreement (CFA)
7. Zoning application fee application fee
8. Street and utility easement vacation
g. Ordinance Inspection Fees Application Fees
10. Consent/Encroachment Agreement
p Other development related fees 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.
t fees
o or
a. Automatic 100% waiver of water ande chtcommerc al,ewater cindustrial; t mixed -use or
equivalent to two 6-inch meters for
community facility development project.
b. If the project requests an impact fee
6-inch meter, then City Council approval waiver exceeding $55,000 or is
waiver for largerg a
and/or more than
Adopted 5-15-2007
12
required. Applicant may request the additional amount of impact fee waiver
through the Housing Department.
V, RELEASE OF CITY LIENS
A.
ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS/PROPERTIES
tha Project that will
City Council shall determine on a case -by -case basis wheer for a fee
contain or contains a liquor store or package store is eligible to apply
waiver.
ne, in
If a Project is located in the Woodhaven Neigho liens under this nPol� y, theorder
to be considered eligible eof c
to apply for release Y
Woodhaven communithe Woodhaven
y
must havetsubm submitted Corporatioa and t
letter of support for the Project to
Neighborhood Associ
the City of Fort Worth —however, once the NEZ Plan is submitted for the Woodhaven
NEZ, this will no longer be required.
Projects to be constructed on property to be purchased under a contract for deed are
not eligible for any release of City Liens.
3
4.
ert owner/developer to be eligible to apply for a release of city
In order for a prop y
liens contained in Section V.B., C., D., and E. for a Project, the prope y
owner/developer:
a. must submit an application to the City;
taxes for any property owned by the
b. must not be delinquent in paying property
owner/developer;
b. must not have been subject to a Building
twith Standards
eClast five (5) years; tler o
Demolition where the property was demolished
c. must not have any City of Fort Worth liens erfiled1e ns"r includes,st any tbut s not limited to,
y ow
by the applicant property owner/deve p
weed liens, demolition liens, board-up/open structure lienspackage tore orla sexually
do of a Project that contains or will contain a liquor store, p g
oriented business has received City Council's determination the Project is eligible
to apply for release of City liens.
In order for a Rehabilitation Project to Rehabilitafy tion �osts onr a ease the Property of at lease
f city liens, the
owner/developer must spend Eligible R
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.
13
Adopted 5-15-2007
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 new multi -family, commercial, industrial, mixed -use or
community facility development projects.
C. DEMOLITION LIENS
Builders or developers developing or for uto$3000 Releases of demolition
rehabilitating eligible
s in
apply for release of demolition liens p royal.
excess of $30,000 are subject to City Council app
D. BOARD-UPIOPEN STRUCTURE LIENS
The following are eligible to apply for release of board-up/open structure liens:
1. Single unit owners performing rehabilitation on their properties.
ltso
2. Builders or developers constructing new single
fa ily home
commercial, n vacant industrial trial,omixed-use,
3. Owners performing rehabilitation on mutY
or community facility properties.
-family, commercial, industrial, mixed -use, or
4. Developers constructing multi
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.
i-family, commercial, industrial, mixed -use,
4. Developers constructing multor
community facility projects.
EDURAL STEPS
AJ
APPLICATION SUBMISSION
The applicant for NEZ incentives under Sections III. IV., and V. musthe a plate r ate
submit a City of Fort Worth Application for NEZ Incentives" and pay pp p
application fee to the Housing Department, as applicable.
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.
2
CERTIFICATIONS FOR APPLICATIONS UNDER SECTIONS III. IV, AND V
1. The Housing Department will review the application for accuracy and
Adopted 5-15-2007
14
completeness. Once the Housing Department determines that the application is
complete, the Housing Department will certify the property owner/developer's
eligibility to receive tax abatements and/or basic incentives based on the criteria set
forth in Section Ill., 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.
c. Development Department: development fee waivers.
d. Water Department: impact fee waivers.
e. 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 department/office 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.
Co 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
Adopted 5-15-2007 15
(b) Request modifications to the application. Housing Department 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 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.
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.
2. rty Tax Abatement for Commercial, Industrial, Community Facilities, and
Prope
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 at 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:
Adopted 5-15-2007
(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. 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 appeal the Committee's finding
(c) Deny the application. The applicant may
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*
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 econstruction of the project shall beent). Unless otheise 'fied in due andhpayable merit, taxes
levied during th
3. Development Fee Waivers
a. For certified applications of development fee waivers that do not require Counoil
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
review the certified applicant's application and make
approval, City staff will rev
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.
5. Release of City Liens
For certified applications of ,release of City liens, the Housing Department will release
the appropriate liens.
VII. REFUND POLICY
Adopted 5-15-2007 17
In order for an owner/developer 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.
VIII. 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 Increment 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.
IX. 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 owner/developer 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 owner/developer 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
mberf �� t thhe e orict the Project is located and
wner/develope attempted to
upon the owner/developer providing p o
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.
owner/developer within two weeks of initial contact.
Adopted 5-15-2007 18.
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
required for NEZ Incentives so long as the Project meets the criteria outlined in the
relevant NEZ Strategic Plan.
X. Ineligible Proiects
The following Projects or Businesses shall not be eligible for any incentives under the Cityof
Fort Worth's Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ) Tax Abatement Policy and Basic
Incentives:
1. Sexually Oriented Businesses
2. Non-residential mobile structures
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 for gualified 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)
1 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.
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 5-15-2007 20
c. The owner and/or developer has put funds in an escrow account with a City
Department while 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.
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 riot 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 between this
Adopted 5-15-2007 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.
Exhibit B
Property Description
5436 Grenada Drive; Lot 245 Block 3; Waterfront at Enchanted Bay; an Addition to the
City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, according to the plat recorded and filed in
Cabinet A; Slide No. 11723, Plat Records, Tarrant County, Texas.