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The following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
“BLIGHTED OR ABANDONED BUILDING.” The primary building on a parcel of real estate that is in a dilapidated, unsafe, and unsightly condition.
“DEMOLITION COSTS.” All costs incurred to demolish all or part of the blighted or abandoned building, including the cost to clear the site. Cost does not include permit and/or demolition fees or environmental reports.
“ELIGIBLE OWNER.” Any owner of real estate within the City of Florence improving property within the City of Florence.
“GRANT.” A fund allocation to reimburse the documented cost of demolition, covering the first $10,000 of demolition cost. Beyond this initial $10,000 amount, the city will match one-half of the total demolition cost, with a maximum out-of-pocket limit set at $40,000 for the city.
(Ord. O-23-2023, passed 8-8-23)
(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)
(A) A property owner with a qualifying property and demolition proposal may be reimbursed for up to 100% of the demolition costs, up to a maximum of $10,000.
(B) If the demolition costs exceed $10,000, the property owner may be reimbursed an additional 50% of the demolition costs, up to a maximum total reimbursement by the city of $40,000.
(C) If the total demolition cost is $60,000.
(1) The first $10,000 is covered by the city. (The remaining amount to be considered for the matching grant is $50,000 ($60,000 - $10,000).
(2) The city's additional contribution would be 50% of $50,000, which is $25,000.
(3) The city's total contribution would be $35,000 ($10,000 + $25,000).
(4) Thus, the applicant's responsibility for the demolition costs would be $25,000, calculated as the remaining amount ($60,000 - $35,000) after the city's contribution of $35,000 is deducted.
(5) Other examples:
Example 1 | Demolition Cost | City’s Responsibility | Applicants Respon sibility |
1 | $10,00 0 | $10,00 0 | $0 |
2 | $60,00 0 | $35,00 0 | $25,00 0 |
3 | $150,0 00 | $40,00 0 | $110,0 00 |
(Ord. O-23-2023, passed 8-8-23)
To apply for the economic incentive and grant program, the property owner must submit the following information to the Director of Business and Community Development:
(A) A completed application form;
(B) A copy of the deed for the property;
(C) A description of the reasons the property should be demolished;
(D) A description of the future plans for the property, including future redevelopment plans and marketing strategy if proposing to sell; and
(E) A cost estimate for the proposed demolition (for pre-approval) and a copy of the receipts for demolition costs (for reimbursement).
(Ord. O-23-2023, passed 8-8-23)