The goals of the program are:
1. To create an inviting visual atmosphere in the Central Business District.
2. To retain and expand essential services and retail offerings.
3. To promote new business development.
4. To reverse the community's population decline.
5. To expand affordable housing options within the zone.
6. To provide reinvestment in the area that will spur further community development.
The following may qualify as Renaissance Zone projects:
For Existing Buildings Renovated or Expanded for Commercial Purposes
The project shall qualify by meeting the following criteria:
- The project is consistent with the goals and objectives of the program
- Proposed capital improvements must substantially improve the life expectancy of the property.It includes, but is not limited to, replacement or updating of roof, foundation, structure, siding, windows, doors, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems.It does not include new floor covering, window treatment, wall coverings, cabinets or furnishings.
- Reinvestment totals no less than 50 percent of the current true and full valuation of the building
- Improvements must comply with applicable codes
- The investment is not simply a restructuring of ownership
The community incentive offered on approved Renaissance Zone projects in this category may include a property tax exemption of up to 100 percent for five years on the value associated with the improvements.
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Existing Building Renovated or Expanded for Residential Purposes
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The project shall qualify by meeting the following criteria:
- The project is consistent with the goals and objectives of the program
- Proposed capital improvements must substantially improve the life expectancy of the property.It includes, but is not limited to, replacement or updating of roof, foundation, structure, siding, windows, doors, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems.It does not include new floor covering, window treatment, wall coverings, cabinets or furnishings.
- Reinvestment totals no less than 20 percent of the current true and full valuation of the building
- Improvements must comply with applicable codes
- The property is the taxpayer's primary residence.
- The investment is not simply a restructuring of ownership
The community incentive offered on approved Renaissance Zone projects in this category may include a property tax exemption of up to 100 percent for five years on the value associated with the improvements.
New Construction of Commercial or Residential Structures or Additions
The project shall qualify by meeting the following criteria:
- The project is consistent with the goals and objectives of the program
- The new structure complies with applicable codes
The community incentive offered on approved Renaissance Zone projects in this category may include a property tax exemption of up to 100 percent for five years on both commercial and residential projects. Commercial projects will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine if there are substantial public investment required resulting from the commercial project. As with all approved Zone projects, the City reserves the right to grant property tax exemptions less than the maximum amounts stated.
Purchases of Commercial or Residential Properties
The project shall qualify by meeting the following criteria:
- The project is consistent with the goals and objectives of the program
- The structure complies with applicable codes
- The investment is not simply a restructuring of ownership
For approved residential zone project purchases, the City may grant up to a 100 percent property tax exemption for five years. Commercial property purchases may qualify for a 5-year tax exemption to be determined on a case by case basis by the City of Crosby. However, in the case of business transfers each project will be analyzed to determine what is required to enable the successful transfer of business ownership.
Leasing of Commercial Property
Tenants shall qualify for a zone project if any of the following criteria is met:
- The tenant is leasing commercial space in a building that has been approved as a zone project
- The tenant leases new or expanded space in the zone
- The tenant starts a new business in the zone
- Other lease opportunities shall be looked at on a case by case basis
Approved projects in this category will be eligible for business income exemptions, not property tax exemptions.
The application process to receive approval for zone project status follows:
1. An application will be submitted to the JDA Director.
2. The JDA Director will review the application for completeness and will gather any additional information needed for decision-making. The JDA Director will conduct verifications required to comply with the program rules and policies.
3. The JDA Director will forward the application to the Planning Commission and City Auditor for their review. The application will also be forwarded to ND Department of Commerce for comment.
4. The Planning Commission will review the application and provide a recommendation to the City Council. Review of the project will take place at an official Planning Commission meeting that is open to the public. Public hearings on applications will be held if the Planning Commission feels there is a need to obtain further information from the public.
- The City Council will approve or disapprove the application and submit their determination to the ND Department of Commerce to have the project certified as a zone project.
State Renaissance Zone Act Tax Incentives Guideline
North Dakota Tax Department Renaissance Zone information
North Dakota Department of Commerce Renaissance Zone Information
Crosby Renaissance Zone Development Plan-2023
Crosby Renaissance Zone Map- 2023
City of Crosby Renaissance Zone Application