2019-013 - Re-Authorizing the Residential Tax Abatements and Approving Guidelines and Criteria

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remodeling of a single-family residential structure in an amount that would make the owner eligible for residential tax abatement, then staff will provide applicant with a form application for residential tax abatement. If the applicant for the building permit is not the owner of the real estate and does not make application for residential tax abatement on behalf of the owner, the city staff shall notify the owner (according to Lamar County Appraisal District records) by certified mail, return receipt requested, that residential tax abatement must be filed with the City within ten (10) business days of receipt of the notice. B. If applicant chooses not to apply for residential tax abatement at the time that the building permit is issued, or if the owner fails to respond to the written notice of availability for residential tax abatement, the opportunity for residential tax abatement is waived. City staff shall make a record to reflect owner's election not to participate in the program or to document that owner did not respond to City's notice of opportunity to participate in the residential tax abatement program. The refusal or waiver to participate in residential tax abatement by the owner or applicant shall be binding on subsequent owners of the real property. C. A complete legal description shall be provided. D. Applicant shall complete all forms and information detailed above and submit all forms to the City of Paris Building Official. 2. All information in the application package detailed above will be reviewed for completeness and accuracy. Additional information may be requested as needed. If necessary, applicant will meet with City staff to discuss details of the application and to prepare presentation of the application to the City Council. The application shall designate whether the structure is new or an existing structure and provide an estimate of the value of improvements. 4. If Application for residential tax abatement is approved by staff, Applicant must enter into a tax abatement agreement with the City of Paris and as prepared by the City Attorney. 5. If the Applicant's property is not located within a designated reinvestment zone the application will be rejected and returned to Applicant. The City Council reserves the right to amend the boundaries of a reinvestment zone or to designate new reinvestment zones. The City Council reserves the right to amend these policies and guidelines as needed. VI. LEGAL DOCUMENTATION PREPARATION The City Attorney will be responsible for drafting the Residential Tax Abatement Agreement in accordance with state law and these Guidelines and Criteria. The legal document will include the following: Page 3 of 5