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Local Tax Assistance

Historic Landmark Designation Tax Abatement

Buildings receiving a local Historic Landmark Designation are eligible for a 50% abatement of city taxes for a period of 15 years. The preliminary application is available from the Historic Landmark Commission at 940-349-7732 or click here to download. This application must be approved by the Historic Landmark Commission and City Council. Please call 940-349-7732 for more information on requirements.

Historically Significant Structure Abatement

The City Council passed an ordinance for Historic Structure Property Tax Abatement in January 1998 (#98-116) to provide tax incentives for rehabilitation to bring downtown buildings into compliance with the Downtown Property Appearance Guidelines.

The application is available from the Historic Landmark Commission at 940-349-7732 or click here to download. This application must be approved by the Historic Landmark Commission and City Council. Once approved, it is the property owner's responsibility to request the abatement from the Denton Central Appraisal District each year.

Eligibility:

  1. Buildings 50 years old or older within established target area
  2. Exterior rehabilitation over $20,000 or 25% of the most recent tax valuation of building, whichever is less
  3. Rehabilitation plans approved for compliance with Downtown Property Appearance Guidelines

Process:

  1. Submit application to:

    Julie Glover
    Historic Preservation Officer
    City of Denton Downtown Development
    215 E. McKinney
    Denton, TX 76201
    Fax 940-349-7206
    Email: julie.glover@cityofdenton.com

  2. Wait for approval through the Historic Landmark Commission and City Council
  3. Building improvements must meet the Downtown Property Appearance Guidelines
  4. Apply each year through the Denton Central Appraisal District for the abatement

Tax Increment Financing

Chapter 311 of the Texas Tax Code Tax Increment Financing provides funding for improvements to infrastructure within a designated area. This initiative helps to improve the area's appearance in order to allow current businesses to continue to progress while attracting prospective businesses. This incentive entails the City of Denton taking the amount of increased revenue from the pre-determined base year in district taxes and reinvesting it in the district in order to make improvements.

Eligibility: This incentive is not yet available; however, the Downtown Development Office is currently working on establishing tax increment financing district. It is expected to be in place by Summer 2007. See our Projects page for more information.

Sales Tax Refund : Chapter 380 LGC

A Sales Tax Refund allows for the return of a portion of the sales tax revenue within the district in order to encourage businesses to make needed improvements. The City of Denton may consider providing a grant based on new sales tax revenues generated by a company or development.

Eligibility: Determined on a case-by-case basis. For more information, contact the City of Denton Economic Development Department at 940-349-7776.

Signage, Paint and/or Facade Improvement Grant

Downtown Development has a small grant fund to assist with signage, paint and/or facade improvements. It is on a "first-come-first-served" basis; there is $3500 in the fund and new grant funds become available on Oct. 1 of each year. The grant is a 50/50 match up to $500. For instance, if you pay $1000 for a sign or facade improvement, you can apply for a $500 grant.

Eligibility: The Facade Grant Program has its own application and guidelines. Click here for more information.

Downtown Incentive Grant Reimbursement Program

The City of Denton has a reimbursement grant program to assist downtown projects with facade improvements, roof and foundation repair, new signs and awnings, reimbursement of impact fees, and utility upgrade costs. Click here for more information.