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Council hears 'Vacant to Vibrant' rebate pilot to encourage reuse of vacant commercial space
Summary
Staff proposed a pilot program that would rebate up to 50% of city permit fees and construction use tax (maximum $10,000 per project) to incentivize businesses to occupy and revitalize vacant commercial and industrial spaces; staff outlined eligibility, tiered scoring and next steps toward a resolution.
Senior project manager Isabella Nunez presented a pilot ‘‘Vacant to Vibrant’’ permit fee and use‑tax rebate program intended to reduce commercial vacancies and encourage investment in Lafayette.
Nunez said the rebate would cover up to 50% of city building permit fees and applicable use taxes on construction materials, with a default maximum rebate of $10,000 per project; the city manager may approve larger awards or greater percentages for projects that offer significant public benefit. The rebate excludes utility and county fees and is paid on a reimbursement basis after final inspection and certificate of occupancy.
Eligible projects include tenant improvements, core‑and‑shell buildouts and new commercial construction. Applicants must apply before starting work; leases must be at least three years if applicable. Nunez described a five‑criteria internal scoring rubric (business use type, sales‑tax potential, vacancy duration, highest‑and‑best use, catalytic impact) and three rebate tiers tied to rubric scores.
Councilors asked whether need‑based points could be added to favor small businesses that could not otherwise proceed; Nunez said staff can incorporate financial need into the rubric. Council also requested evidence from peer cities (Erie, Superior, Lewisville) about program impact; staff said they would reach out.
Next steps: If council supports the pilot concept, staff will bring a formal resolution and program details for consideration.
