§ 1-188. Eligible projects and application requirements.

(1)

Eligible building projects.

(a)

To be eligible for the program, renovations and improvements to existing buildings or construction of new buildings shall be within the geographic boundaries of the district described above.

(b)

Buildings to be restored and renovated, if more than sixty (60) years old, of architecture typical of historic buildings in Gulfport, plans or certifications should be presented for review to establish that the building is being restored to resemble its original exterior design and architecture unless justifiable reason for changes in appearance from the original is given. For new building structures or renovation of buildings less than sixty (60) years old, to the extent feasible, the building exteriors should comply with city architectural standards in effect and should be built or restored to be in harmony with downtown historical or typical buildings and with the smart code plan then in effect.

(2)

Investment value required.

(a)

To be eligible for tax exemption under the program, the improvements to the structure, not to include personal furnishings or personal property shall exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) in increased assessment of improvements.

(b)

For a new structure to be eligible for tax exemption under the program, the new improvements, not to include personal furnishing or personal property, shall exceed one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000.00) in increased assessment for improvements.

(3)

Government codes and regulations. For structures to be approved for tax exemption under this program they shall be in compliance with all applicable building and zoning codes, and any and all applicable federal, state or local environmental or use regulations.

(4)

Applications.

(a)

After enactment application forms may be obtained from, and completed forms submitted to, the Department of Economic Development, City of Gulfport, or such other office of the city as may be hereafter designated by the mayor.

(b)

Applications for tax exemptions under this program shall be submitted for process and city council approval no earlier than sixty (60) days prior to application of a building permit, and no later than sixty (60) days after completion of the building project.

(c)

The governing authority may order such other uniform application or approval requirements as it deems proper from time to time to determine eligibility for the tax exemption to meet the purposes, goals and intentions of this division.

(5)

Severability. If any provision or clause of this division is determined to be legally unenforceable, and if the division can be properly amended by removal of the unenforceable part, it shall be severed from the ordinance and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

(6)

Conflicting ordinances. Any ordinance or provision related to the district or any part of the district herein provided for in conflict with this division is hereby repealed and this division shall control.

(Ord. No. 2580, Art. IV(§§ 4.1—4-6), 3-18-08)