HomeMy WebLinkAboutContract 44145 (2)TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED IN A
NEIGHBORHOOD EMPOWERMENT ZONE
113 Thornhill Drive
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 T.M.
Higgins, its duly authorized City Manager, and Sparkle Express, LLC, ("Owner") of property
located at 113 Thornhill Drive, Lot 8R1, Block 2, Martin Place Addition, an Addition to the City
of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, according to the Plat recorded in Cabinet B, Slide 2743, Plat
Records, Tarrant County, Texas,
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 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 neighborhood empowerment zone may enter into agreements abating municipal property
taxes on property in the zone.
C. On July 31, 2001, the City Council adopted basic incentives for property owners
who own property located in a Neighborhood Empowerment Zone, 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
"Neighborhood Empowerment Zone "NEZ Basic Incentives" ("NEZ Incentives"), these were
readopted on May 17, 2011 (Resolution No. 3986). The May 17, 2011 NEZ Incentives are
attached hereto as Exhibit "1" hereby made a part of the Agreement for all purposes.
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
Fax Code, as amended (the "Code").
u2-C1-13 P01.59 IN
Edo �3�G� v Cie C��
E. On December 7, 2010, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 19462
("Ordinance") establishing the Hemphill/Berry area as "Neighborhood Empowerment
Reinvestment Zone No. 7R," City of Fort Worth, Texas ("Zone").
F. Owner owns certain real property located entirely within the Zone and that is more
particularly described in Exhibit 46255, attached hereto and hereby made a part of this Agreement for
all purposes (the "Premises").
G. Owner or its assigns plan to construct an exterior express car wash, more
particularly described in Section 1.1 of this Agreement, on the Premises (the "Project").
H. On November 30, 2012 Owner submitted an application for tax abatement to the
City concerning the Premises (the "Application"), attached hereto as Exhibit "3" and hereby made
a part of this Agreement for all purposes.
I. 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 Ordinance and other applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
J. 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
A 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 an exterior express car wash; and having a construction
cost upon completion of $1,760,000.00 but such minimum construction costs shall be
reduced by any construction cost saving (collectively, the "Required Improvements").
The kind and type of remodel are more particularly described in Exhibit "4". Tarrant
Appraisal District must appraise the property (improvements and land) within 10% of
$1,760,000.00. Owner shall provide a copy of the final construction invoices to City once
the remodel is complete; the construction invoices shall be a part of this Agreement and
shall be labeled Exhibit "5". 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 it are met and the Required Improvements are used for the purposes and in the
manner described in Exhibit "4".
1.2. Completion Date of Required Improvements.
Owner covenants to complete construction %J all %J the Required Improvements by
January 15, 2015 (the "Completion Deadline"). The Required Improvements shall be
deemed complete upon the issuance of a final certificate of occupancy for the Required
Improvements by the Planning and Development Department. Provided however, if the
Owner fails to complete construction of the Required Improvements by the Completion
Deadline or fails to expend at least One Million Seven Hundred Sixty Thousand Dollars
($1,760,000.00) in Construction Costs for the Required Improvements by the Completion
Deadline as provided in Section 1.1 of this agreement; the City shall have the right to
terminate this Agreement by providing written notice to the Owner without further
obligation to the Owner hereafter.
1.3. Use of Premises.
Owner covenants that the Required Improvements shall be constructed and the
Premises shall be continuously used as an exterior express car wash and in accordance
with the description of the Project set forth in the Exhibit "4". 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 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, 2013, and this amount is $0.00 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, except that
such minimum construction costs shall be reduced by construction cost savings,
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. Abatement Limitation.
Notwithstanding anything that may be interpreted to the contrary in this Agreement,
Owner's Abatement in any given year shall be based on the increase in value of the
Premises over its value on January 1, 2013, including the Required Improvements, up to a
maximum of $2,640,000.00. In other words, by way of example only, if the increase in
value of the Premises over its value on January 1, 2013, including the Required
Improvements, in a given year is $2,700,000.00, Owner's Abatement for that tax year shall
be capped and calculated as if the appraised value of the Premises for that year had only
been $2,640,000.00.
2.4. Protests Over Appraisals 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. Term.
The term of the Abatement (the "Term") shall begin on January 1 of the year
following the calendar year in which a final certificate of occupancy is issued for the
Required Improvements ("Beginning Date") and, unless sooner terminated as herein
provided, shall end on December 31 immediately preceding the fifth (5th) anniversary of
the Beginning Date.
2.6. Abatement Application Fee.
The City acknowledges receipt from Owner of the required Abatement application
fee of one half of one percent (.5%) of Project's estimated cost, not to exceed $2,000. The
application fee shall not be credited or refunded to any party for any reason.
3. RECORDS. AUDITS AND EVALUATION OF PROJECT.
3.1. Inspection of Premises.
Between the execution date of this Agreement and the last day of the Term and for
five (5) years after termination ("Compliance Auditing Term"), at any time during
normal office hours throughout the Term and the year following the Term 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. Audits.
The City shall have the right to audit at the City's expense the financial and
business records of Owner that relate to the Project and Abatement terms and conditions
(collectively, the "Records") at any time during the Compliance Auditing Term in order
to determine compliance with this Agreement and to calculate the correct percentage of
Abatement available to Owner. 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 April 1 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. This information shall
include, but not be limited to, the number and dollar amounts of all construction contracts
and subcontracts awarded on the Project.
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 1 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) OWNER 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 sixty (60) 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 twenty (120)
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 twenty (120) 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 Liquidated Damages.
If an Event of Default, which is defined in Section 4.1, has not been cured within
the time frame specifically allowed under Section 4.25 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.
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.
Company may assign this Agreement and all or any portion of the benefits
provided hereunder to an Affiliate without the consent of the City, provided that (i) prior
to or contemporaneously with the effectiveness of such assignment, Company provides
the City with written notice of such assignment, which notice shall include the name of
the Affiliate and a contact name, address and telephone number, and (ii) the Affiliate
agrees in writing to assume all terms and conditions of Company under this Agreement.
For purposes of this Agreement, an "Affiliate" means all entities, incorporated or
otherwise, under common control with Company, controlled by Company or controlling
Company. For purposes of this definition, "control" means fifty percent (50%) or more of
the ownership determined by either value or vote. Company may not otherwise assign
this Agreement or any of the benefits provided hereunder to another party without the
consent of the City Council, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld or
delayed, 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
assignee agrees in writing to assume all terms and conditions of Company under this
Agreement. Any attempted assignment without the City Council's prior written consent
6.
7.
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.
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:
City of Fort Worth
Attn: City Manager
1000 Throckmorton Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Owner:
Mark Tinonga
Sparkles Express, LLC
1505 E. Abram Street
Arlington, Texas 76010
and
Housing & Economic Development Department
Attn: Jay Chapa, Director
1000 Throckmorton Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102
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 "3",
the body of this Agreement shall control. As of January 15, 2013, the City is unaware of
any conflicts between this Agreement and the City's zoning ordinance or other
ordinances or regulations.
7.4. Future Application.
A portion or all of the Premises and/or Required Improvements maybe 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 Mayor and
Council Communication No. C-26061 on January 15, 2013, 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 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 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 %J 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. 5everability.
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.
7.1u. Headings Not Controllinm.
Headings and titles used in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and
shall not be deemed a part of this Agreement.
7.11. 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.
EXECUTED this Lday
Texas.
EXECUTED this�ay of
CITY OF FORT WORTH:
of
Fernando Costa
Assistant City Manager Qb���u��
AV 0000000*
00
E T __� pro Q.A6
ATT S . GA a�
00 0
Ay 0
a a
By., T� n o o°-�
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
Melinda Ramos
Assistant City Attorney
M & C: C-26061
2013, by the City of Fort Worth,
20135 by Mark Tinonga.
Manager,
Express, LLC
STATE OF TEXAS §
COUNTY OF TARRANT §
BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, on this day personally appeared Fernando
Costa, 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 resolution
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.
GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND
(�,➢11,�,1�� , 20130
N ry Public in and for
the State of Texas
L►rvik M
Notary's Printed Name
LINQA M. �IfiRLiNGER
MY COMMISSION EXPIRES
FebTUq 2, 2014
SEAL OF OFFICE this �1� day of
STATE OF TEXAS §
COUNTY OF TARRANT §
BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, on this day personally appeared Mark Tinonga, 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, and in the
capacity therein stated.
GIVEN UNDE MY HAND AND SEAL OF OFFICE this �ay of
siN1YlkA%_ ,2013n
Notary`�'ublic in and fo
The e of Texas =��'""11%; SARAHJ.ODLE
*° ': MY COMMISSION EXPIRES
/ A \ 'eq� November 5 2015
[�..
Notarv's Printed Name
Exhibit 1: NEZ Incentives
Exhibit 2: Property Description
Exhibit 3: Application: (NEZ) Incentives and Tax Abatement
Exhibit 4: Project description including kind, number, and location of the proposed
improvements.
Exhibit 5: Final Construction Invoices
Exhibit 1
CITY OF FORT WORTH
NEIGHBORHOOD 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:
(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 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 378 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 full 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 or Tax Abatement" means a full or partial exemption from City of Fort Worth ad
valorem taxes on eligible real and personal property located in a NEZ for a specified period on
the difference between (i) the amount of increase in the appraised value (as reflected on the
certified tax roll of the appropriate county appraisal district) resulting from improvements begun
after the execution of a written Tax Abatement Agreement and (ii) the appraised value of such
real estate prior to execution of a written Tax Abatement Agreement (as reflected on the most
recent certified tax roll of the appropriate county appraisal district for the year prior to the date
on which the Tax Abatement Agreement was executed).
"Affordable Units" means affordable to persons earning less than 80% Area Median Family
Income (AMFI) as defined by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for
single family housing and under 60% AMP as defined by HUD for rental and multi -family.
"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. 747, Article IV.
Minimum Building Standards Code of the Fort Worth City Code.
Adopted December 7, 2010 1
"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).
"City of Fort Worth Tax Abatement Policy Statement" means the policy adopted by City Council.
"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.
"New Construction" is a newly constructed improvement requiring a permanent foundation. This
excludes accessory structures such as sheds and incidental out buildings.
"Primary Residence" is the residence that has a Homestead Exemption on file with Tarrant
County Appraisal District.
Adopted December 7, 2010 2
"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 %J 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.
111. 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
b. Property is rehabilitated after NEZ designation and City Council approval of the
tax abatement,
c. 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
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
e. 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:
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,
Adopted December 7, 2010 3
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.
B. MULTI -FAMILY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS LOCATED IN A NEZ
1. 100% Abatement for 5 vears.
If an applicant applies for a tax abatement agreement with a term of fiveyears_or
less, this section shall apply.
Abatements for multi -family development projects for up to 5 years are subject to
City Council approval. The applicant may apply with the Housing and Economic
Development Department for such abatement.
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 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.
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
vears, 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 and Economic
Development Department for such abatement.
Adopted December 7, 2010 4
Years 1 through 5 of the Tax Abatement Agreement
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
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 6 through 10 of the Tax Abatement Agreement
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 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
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,
20 utilization of certified minority and women owned business enterprises for an
agreed upon percentage of the total costs for construction contracts;
3. property inspection;
46 commit to hire an agreed upon percentage of Fort Worth residents
Adopted December 7, 2010 5
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
1. 100% Abatement of Citv Ad Valorem taxes for 5 vears
If an applicant applies for a tax abatement agreement with a term of five vears 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 and Economic Development Department for such abatement.
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 shall 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
vears, this section shall apply.
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 Housing and Economic Development Department for
such abatement.
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 December 7, 2010 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,
20 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 IN A NEZ
1. 100% Abatement of City Ad Valorem taxes for 5 vears
If an applicant applies for a tax abatement agreement with a term of five vears or
lessI 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 and Economic
Development Department for such abatement.
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 $200,0000, or
(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.
Adopted December 7, 2010 7
e
2. 1 %-1W/o 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 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 and
Economic Development Department for such abatement.
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. Anew 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 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;
c. Anew 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; 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;
Adopted December 7, 2010
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.
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. A tax abatement shall not be granted for any development project in which a
building permit application, excluding grading and/or demolition, has been filed with
the City's Planning and Development Department. In addition, the City will not abate
taxes on the value of real or personal property for any period of time prior to the year
of execution of a Tax Abatement Agreement with the City.
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
4. Tax Abatements for a new construction project will automatically terminate two
years after Council approval of the tax abatement if a building permit has not been
pulled and a foundation has not been poured.
5. Tax Abatements for a rehabilitation project will automatically terminate two years
after Council approval of the tax abatement if the project is not complete.
6. 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
20 the applicant is not responsible for the tax delinquency for the Property; and
34 the applicant enters into an agreement to pay off the taxes under the
guidelines permitted under state law; and
4m 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 filed 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.
Adopted December 7, 2010 9
7. Projects to be constructed on property to be purchased under a contract for deed
are not eligible for tax abatements.
8. Once a NEZ property owner of a residential property (including multi -family) in the
NEZ satisfies the criteria set forth in Sections III.A, EA. 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.
9. A tax abatement granted under the criteria set forth in Section III. 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 may assign the tax abatement
agreement for the remaining term once the new owner submits an application so long
as the new owner complies with all of the terms of the tax abatement agreement.8 A
property owner/developer of a multifamily development, commercial, industrial,
community facilities and mixed -use development project in the NEZ who desires a tax
abatement under Sections 111,13, C or D must.
a. Satisfy the criteria set forth in Sections III.B, C or D, as applicable, and Sections
III.E.1 E.2; and E3. and
b. File an application with the Housing and Economic Development 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
Adopted December 7, 2010 10
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
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.
13. 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 automatic 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 III.A is
$loom
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.
IV. FEE WAIVERS
A. ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS/PROPERTIES
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 —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 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 December 7, 2010 11
C.
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-up/open 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 Proiect. Before construction, the applicant must
ensure that the proiect is located in the correct zoning district.
DEVELOPMENT FEES
1. 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:
a) All Building Permit related Fees (including Plans Review and Inspections) except as
stated in IV B. 2. below
Plat Application Fee (including Concept Plan, Preliminary Plat, Final Plat,
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
Ordinance Inspection Fees
Consent/Encroachment Agreement Application Fees
Transportation Impact Fees
Urban Forestry Application Fees
Sign Permit Fees
b)
Short
Form
2. Neighborhood Empowerment Zone Fees not waived or reduced as noted in Chapter 7 of
the Fort Worth Code include:
a.) Investigation Fees
b.) Plan Revision Fees
c.) Change of Record Fees
d.) Inspection outside of normal business hours Reinspection Fee
e.) Building Permits where work has not commenced will be charged
3. Other development related fees not specified above will be considered for approval by
City Council on a case -by -case basis.
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.
Adopted December 7, 2010 12
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 Planning and Development Department.
V. RELEASE OF CITY LIENS
A. ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS/PROPERTIES
1. Project must be located in a NEZ.
2. 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 receive a release of
City liens.
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.
4. Projects to be constructed on property to be purchased under a contract for deed are
not eligible for any release of City Liens.
order for on property owner/developer to be eligible to apply for a release of city
liens contained in Section V.B., C., D., and E. fora Project, the property
owner/developer.
a. must submit an application to the City;
bo must not be delinquent in paying property taxes for any property owned by the
owner/developer;
c. 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;
do must not have any City of Fort Worth liens filed against any other property owned
by the applicant property owner/developer. "Liens" includes, but is not limited to,
weed liens, demolition liens, board-up/open structure liens and paving liens; and
e. 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 receive a release of City liens.
6. In order fora Rehabilitation Project to qualify for a release of city liens, the
owner/developer must spend Eligible Rehabilitation costs on the Property of at lease
30% of the Base Value of the Property.
Adopted December 7, 2010 13
7. Liens shall be released once the Project Improvements have been made to the
property.
8. 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.
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 LIENS
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
Adopted December 7, 2010 14
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 Planning and Development 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 Housing and Economic Development Department. The
application fee, review, evaluation and approval will be governed by City of Fort
Worth Tax Abatement Policy Statement for Qualifying Development Projects.
3. All NEZ certifications for incentives will expire after five years.
4. NEZ benefits will continue for certified projects (18) eighteen months after a NEZ is
terminated or the NEZ boundary changed.
B. CERTIFICATIONS FOR APPLICATIONS UNDER SECTIONS III. IV, AND V
1. The Planning and Development Department will review the application for accuracy
and completeness. A complete application must include proof that:
1. The Project is located in a NEZ;
2. The Public Notification Process has been completed as stated in section IX;
3. The project is in compliance with the adopted NEZ plan; and
4. The Council Member for the district in which the project is located has approved the
project.
Once the Planning and Development Department determines that the application is
complete, the Planning and Development 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 III., IV., and V. of this policy, as applicable. Once an
applicant's eligibility is certified, the Planning and Development 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 and Economic Development Department: property tax abatement for
residential properties and multi -family development projects, release of City liens.
b. Housing and Economic Development Department: property tax abatement for
commercial, industrial, community facilities or mixed -use development projects.
c. Planning and Development Department: development fee waivers and release of
City liens.
d. Water Department. impact fee waivers.
e. Other appropriate departments, if applicable.
C. 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.
Adopted December 7, 2010 49
b. For a completed and certified multi -family development project application for
more than five years of tax abatement:
(1) The Housing and Economic Development 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:
(1) 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.
(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. 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 Housing and Economic Development 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 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.
Adopted December 7, 2010 16
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 Planning and 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.
5. Release of City Liens
For certified applications of release of City liens, the Housing and Economic
Development Department will release the appropriate liens on NEZ tax abatement
applicants. The Planning & Development Department will release liens on NEZ basic
incentives applicants.
VII. REFUND POLICY
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.
VI11. OTHER INCENTIVES
A. Plan reviews of proposed development projects in the NEZ will be expedited by the
Planning and Development Department.
Be
The City Council may add the following incentives to a NEZ in the Resolution adopting
the NEZ:
I.
Municipal sales tax refund
2. Homebuyers assistance
3. Gap financing
4. Land assembly
5. Conveyance of tax foreclosure properties
Adopted December 7, 2010 17
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
26 the neighborhood associations or community based organizations registered
with the city that are within 300 feet of the proposed Project. The
measurement of the distance between the proposed project and Neighborhood
Associations or Community Based Organizations shall be along the property
lines of the street fronts and from front door to front door, and in direct line
across the intersections.
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 that are within 300 feet of the proposed
Project, or
2. meeting with the City Council Member for the District the Project is located and
upon the owner/developer providing proof that the owner/developerattempted to
meet with the neighborhood associations and the community based
organizations registered with the city within 300 feet of where the proposed
Project is located and the associations or organizations failed to arrange a
meeting with the owner/developer within two weeks of initial contact.
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 December 7, 2010 18
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 accepted, this policy applies to all development and impact fees
wai
ved 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 qualified 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
8. Street and utility easement vacation application fee.
To take advantage of these waivers, applicants need to obtain a certification letter from
the Planning and Development 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 Planning and Development
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 December 7, 2010 19
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.
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 Planning and Development 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 Planning and Development 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 between this
Adopted December 7, 2010 20
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 December 7, 2010 21
Exhibit 2
Property Legal Description
113 Thornhill Drive, Lot 8R1, Block 2, Martin Place Addition, an Addition to the City of Fort
Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, according to the Plat recorded in Cabinet B, Slide 2743, Plat
Records, Tarrant County, Texas
Exhibit 3
FORT WORT Application No. Z� �--D � ) U
IP
CITY OF FORT WORTH
NEIGHBORHOOD EMPOWERMENT ZONE (NEZ) PROGRAM
PROJECT CERTIFICATION APPLICATION
1. AYYL1l.:Al1VPt C;tiLl..aE L1JT - Ylease 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 the City Fort Worth
❑ Non Refundable Application fee — For all Basic Incentives applications excluding Tax Abatement the
application fee is $25.00. For multifamily, commercial, industrial, commercial facilities, and mixed -use tax
abatement applications: 0.5% of the total Capital Investment of the project, with a $200.00 minimum and
not to exceed $2,000.00; For residential tax abatement applications: $100.00 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 reduced 1 1x17 floor plan, site plan, and site elevation with
a written detailed project description that includes a construction time line
❑ A detailed line item budget showing the cost breakdown for the project
❑ Copy of Incorporation Papers noting all principals, partners, and agents if applicable
❑ Required -Meet 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 or
followed guidelines of NEZ Strategic Plan if a Strategic Plan is in place for the specific NEZ.
❑ 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. [T TAKES 60 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. ALL
BUILDING PERMITS MUST BE PULLED WITHIN THE 12 MONTH PERIOD THAT CERTIFICATION WAS
APPROVED, OR WITHIN THE 12 MONTH PERIOD THAT THE TAX ABATEMENT WAS APPROVED, OR YOU
WILL BE REQUIRED TO REAPPLY FOR NEZ INCENTIVES.
II. APPLICANT /AGENT INFORMATION
1. Applicant: Sparkles Express L L C . Contact Person: Mark Tinonga
3. Address: 1505 E. Abram St. Arlington Tx. 76010
Street City State Zip
4. Phone no.: 81 7 - 2 61- 9 2 7 4 Fax No.: 8174614277
6. Email: mtinonga@autowashservices.com
7. Agent (if any)
8. Address:
Street City State Zip
9. Phone no.: 10. Fax No.:
11. Email:
Revised July 22, 2010 t
FORT WORT
PROJECT EL1CIBiLiTY
Application No.
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 a map showing the location of the project.
Address
Project Location
Zip Code
Subdivision Name
Lot No.
Block No.
Thornhill Dr.
761 15
Martin Place
8 R 1
2
Other properties`owned in
the City of Fort Worth - continue on a separate
sheet and attach
if necessary.
3021 Townsend Dr.76110
Prospect Heights
(37415160,8,22)
28
5917 Forest River
Dr. 76112
Riverbend Esates
9
2
2. For each property listed in Table 1, please check the boxes below to indicate if:
• there are taxes past 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
=M
Boardwup/open
Stucture Liens
__J
IBM
Order of
I Demolition
m
EMEc■�����o��
(Please attach additional sheets of paper as needed.)
If there are taxes due or liens against any property in the City of Fort Worth you rnay not be eligible
for NEZ incentives
Revised July 22, 2010 2
FORT WORTH
3. Do you own other properties under other names? Yes
Y P P
[f
Yes, please specify
S
hine Express LLC
❑No
4. Does the proposed project conform with City of Fort Worth Zoning?
Application No,
Yes ❑ No
[f no, what steps are being taken to insure compliance'1
Project ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
Types Sin a Family Multi- Family Commercial Industrial Community Facilities Mixed -Use
rur
o�vner oeeaIF
❑ Reetai Property
6. Please describe the proposed residential or commercial project: Exterior Express Car Wash _
7. If your project is a commercial, industrial, or mixed -use project, please describe the types of
businesses that are being proposed: Exterior Express Car Wash
8. Is this a new construction or rehab project? ❑ New Construction ❑1�Rehab
9. How much is the total development cost of your project?
10. 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:
Front yard fencing consisting of chain -link or solid material construction; 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.
11. How much is the total square footage of your project? 4,983
square Feet
* If applying for a tax abatement please answer questions 12 —16. If not skip to part III Incentives
12. For a single-family homeownership. mixed -use. or multi-famihv development proiect please fill out
the number of residential unib based on income range of owners or renters in the following table.
Table 3 Number of Residential iTnih send inommip Rwnon of (lwnor. nr i2n..tnr�
Ittconte Ran
*
Number of Units
-_—_--- Petcetrtage
> 80% of AMFI**
At or below 80% of AMFI
Total Units
*AMFI: Area Median Family Income. Please see attachment for income and housing payment guidelines.
13For a multifamily* quar t to be lified fotax ab
. atement, 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. ❑
14. For a commerciol. industrial or community facilities proiect, indicate square footage of non-
residential space.
Revised July 22, 2010 3
FORT WORTH Application No.
15. 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 Itemized BudIrket of the Pro ect
Items Amount . Notes
See attached Schedule
Total
***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).
16. For a commercial. industrial. community facility or mixed -use protect. how many employees will the
project generate? 2 0
17. For a mixed -use nroiect. please indicate the percentage of all uses in the project in the following table.
Table 5 Percentage of Uses in a Mixed -Use Project
Type
Square Footage
Percentage
Residential
Office
Eating
Entertainment
Retail sales
Service
Total
III. INCENTIVES -What incentives are you applying for?
Municipal Property Tax Abatements
Must provide Final Plat Cabinet and Slide for Tax Abatement Cabinet Slide
5 years ❑ More than 5 years
❑Residential owner occupied ❑Residential Rental Property ❑Apartments (5 plus units) ❑ Commercial
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)
❑ Zoning application fee ❑Board of Adjustment application fee
❑ Demolition fee ❑ Structure moving fee
❑ Community Facilities Agreement (CFA) application fee
❑ Street and utility easement vacation application fee
Impact Fee Waivers -The maximum water/wastewater impact fee waiver amount for a commercial, industrial, mixed -
use, or community facility development project is equivalent to the water/wastewater impact fee of two 6-inch meters
L_.I Water (Meter Size _211 (No. of meters —1 �u Transportation
Release of City Liens
❑ Weed liens ❑Paving liens ❑Board up/open structure liens ❑Demolition liens
Revised July 22, 2010 4
Application No,
III. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I hereby certify that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge, I hereby
acknowledge that l 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 wily not be processed. if it is incomplete. I agree to provide any additional
information for determining eligibility as requested by the City.
(PRINTED. OR
Electronic version ofthis form is available on our websites For more information' on the NEZ Program, please visit
our we site at www.foMworthgov.org/planninganddevelopment
For Office Use Only
Application No.lKlMOL:, �k U 0 In which NEZ? I CMphx1\ J t3S K Council District. c(
Application Completed Date (Received Date): jai S f_ a� Conform with Zoning? [ 'es [:]NoType? ElSF ElMultifamily E Commercial ❑ Industrial ❑ Community facilities El Mixed -Use
Construction completion date? ❑ Before NEZ [After NEZ Ownership/Site Control [9] fes Q No
TAD Account No. H WOLDPVLA Consistent with the NEZ plan? Q`Yes No
Meet affordability test? [v0Yes ❑
❑ No Minimum Capital Investment? (y�Yes ❑ No
Rehab at or higher than 30%? [Yes ❑ No Meet mixed -use definition? 20yes ❑ No
Tax current on this property? [v�Yes ElNo Tax current on other properties? Q Yes ❑ No
City liens on this property? City liens on. other properties?
• Weed liens ❑ Yes TNo • Weed liens ❑ Yes D'No
• Board-up/open structure liens ElYes [ZNo • Board-up/open structure liens ElYes Q'lo
• Demolition liens ❑ Yes [TNo • Demolition liens ❑ Yes Z""No
• Paving liens ❑ Yes [9No • Paving liens ElYes Q'No
• Order of 7Yes
lition El Yes 24140 • Order of demolition Yes F No
Certified? ❑ No Certified 6 ' ' j Date certification issued?
If not certified, reason
Referred to: QEconomic Development QHousing QDevelopment ❑Water QCode QTPW
Revised July 22, Z010 g
Exhibit 4
Project Description
Commercial project consisting of a single story car wash building measuring 4300 square feet with
a steel frame, roof, and towers with a glass exterior. Landscaping will consist of trees and shrubs
that are native to the area.
DATE: 1/15/2013 REFERENCE C-26061 LOG NAME: 17NEZ113THORNHILL
NO..
CODE: C TYPE: NON- PUBLIC NO
CONSENT HEARING:
SUBJECT: Authorize Five -Year Tax Abatement Agreement with Sparkle Express, LLC, to Develop
an Exterior Express Car Wash on Property Located at 113 Thornhill Drive in the
Hemphill/Berry Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (COUNCIL DISTRICT 9)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council authorize afive-year Tax Abatement Agreement with Sparkle
Express, LLC, to develop an exterior express car wash on property located at 113 Thornhill Drive in
the Hemphill/Berry Neighborhood Empowerment Zone, in accordance with the Neighborhood
Empowerment Zone Tax Abatement Policy and Basic Incentives.
DISCUSSION:
Sparkle Express, LLC (Property Owner), is the owner of the property described as Lot 8R1, Block 2,
Martin Place Addition, an Addition to the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, according to the
Plat recorded in Cabinet B, Slide 2743, Plat Records, Tarrant County Texas, 113 Thornhill Drive, Fort
Worth, Texas, 76115. The property is located within the Trinity Park Neighborhood Empowerment
Zone (NEZ).
The Property Owner plans to invest an estimated amount of $1,760,000.00 to build an exterior
express car wash (Project). The Housing and Economic Development Department reviewed the
application and certified that the Project met the eligibility criteria to receive a Municipal Property Tax
Abatement. The NEZ Tax Abatement Policy and Basic Incentives includes afive-year Municipal
Property Tax Abatement on the increased value of improvements to the qualified owner of any new
construction or rehabilitation within the NEZ.
Upon execution of the Agreement, the total assessed value of the improvements used for calculating
municipal property tax will be frozen for a period of five years starting January 2014. At this time,
Tarrant Appraisal District has the improvements on the property valued in the amount of
$352,000.00. The owner has demolished the existing building on the property so the pre -improved
value for tax abatement purposes will be $0.00.
The Municipal Property Tax Abatement on the improved value of the Project after construction is
estimated in the amount of $15,048.00 per year for a total amount of $75,240.00 over the five-year
period. However, this estimate may differ from the actual tax abatement value, which will be
calculated based on the Tarrant Appraisal District appraised value of the property.
In the event of a sale of this property, the Tax Abatement Agreement may be assigned to an affiliate
without the consent of the City Council or to a new owner with City Council approval, only if the new
owner meets all of the eligibility criteria as stated in the NEZ Tax Abatement Policy and Basic
Incentives.
This property is located in COUNCIL DISTRICT 9.
FISCAL INFORMATION/CERTIFICATION:
Page 1 of 2
The Financial Management Services Director certifies that this action will have no material effect on
City funds.
TO Fund/Account/Centers
Submitted for City Manager's Office bv:
Originating Department Head:
Additional Information Contact:
ATTACHMENTS
113Thornhill NEZMapsforCouncil.pdf
Rendering.pdf
FROM Fund/Account/Centers
Fernando Costa (6122)
Jay Chapa (5804)
Cynthia Garcia (8187)
Sarah Odle (7316)
Page 2 of 2