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Council weighs Neighborhood Empowerment Zone policy that would waive fees and allow lien releases for qualified rehab
Summary
Council discussed a proposed citywide Neighborhood Empowerment Zone policy that would allow targeted zones and modest incentives — primarily permit fee waivers and lien releases for projects meeting a 20% investment threshold — and asked staff to clarify eligibility (exterior/aesthetic improvements, lien mechanics) and return with revised language for council consideration.
Tony McElwain, director of development services, briefed the council on Jan. 5 about a proposed Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ) policy using Chapter 3.78 of the local government code as the statutory framework. McElwain said the policy would be a citywide enabling document: the council would later designate specific NEZ target areas and could add incentives as allowed by state rules.
Under the policy presented, eligible projects would need to demonstrate a minimum 20% investment based on appraisal‑district valuation to qualify for permit‑fee waivers and, in some…
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