(A) No eligible owner shall receive a grant established by this chapter without a valid certification by the Economic Development Director that the reimbursement of demolition costs for abandoned or blighted property will improve the real estate value of the surrounding real estate.
(B) An eligible owner may qualify for a grant established in this chapter by submitting a written application for it to the city with all the information required by the city, which shall include, without limitation:
(1) Information about the ownership of the real estate including providing a copy of the deed;
(2) Cost estimate for demolition costs;
(3) An explanation for how the demolition meets any of the following factors:
(a) Directly increase future revenue/job creation in the City of Florence;
(b) Significantly decrease blight within the City of Florence; and
(c) The demolition will significantly increase the property tax value.
(C) An application for the grant established in this chapter shall be reviewed by the Director of Administration - City Administrator, and the Director of Business and Community Development of the city for completeness, accuracy and compliance with this subchapter; but the Director of Business and Community Development shall certify that said grant will benefit the citizens of Florence and improve the property values of the City of Florence.
(D) An application shall be submitted with a plan, including purpose of the demolition, use of the property after the demolition, and marketing strategy.
(E) The Administration Department reserves the right to modify, accept, reject, or amend the eligibility and approval of any and all applications to demolish abandoned and blighted structures in accordance with the program guidelines and objectives. Any modifications or amendments will be communicated to the applicants during the review and approval process.
(Ord. O-23-2023, passed 8-8-23)