As used in this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
ACTUAL VALUE ADDED: The actual value added as of the first year for which the exemption is received, except actual value added by improvements to machinery and equipment means the actual value as determined by the assessor as of January 1 of each year for which the exemption is received.
DISTRIBUTION CENTER: A building or storage used primarily for the storage of goods which are intended for subsequent shipment to retail outlets. "Distribution center" does not mean a building or structure used primarily for any of the following purposes: to store raw agricultural products, by a manufacturer to store goods to be used in the manufacturing process, for the storage of petroleum products or for the retail sale of goods.
NEW CONSTRUCTION: New buildings and structures and new buildings and structures which are constructed as additions to existing buildings and structures. "New construction" does not include reconstruction of an existing building or structure which does not constitute complete replacement of an existing building or structure or refitting of an existing building or structure unless the reconstruction of an existing building or structure is required due to economic obsolescence and the reconstruction is necessary to implement recognized industry standards for the manufacturing and processing of specific products and the reconstruction is required for the owner of the building or structure to continue to competitively manufacture or process those products, which determination shall receive prior approval from the city council upon the recommendation of the Iowa development commission or its successor.
NEW MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT: New machinery and equipment assessed as real estate pursuant to the code of Iowa, as amended, unless the machinery or equipment is part of the normal replacement or operating process to maintain or expand the existing operational status.
RESEARCH SERVICE FACILITIES: A building or group of buildings devoted primarily to research and development activities, including but not limited to the design and production or manufacture of prototype products for experimental use and corporate research services which do not have a primary purpose of providing on site services to the public.
WAREHOUSE: A building or structure used as a public warehouse for the storage of goods pursuant to the code of Iowa, as amended, except it does not mean a building or structure used primarily to store raw agricultural products or from which goods are sold at retail. (1978 Code §32.1-32; amd. 1994 Code)