Community Development Programs

1. The goals of the RZ parallel the overall city plan which calls for a developed and attractive main street area, and adjacent areas for an industrial site for light industry, enhanced health maintenance facility, opportunities for a new retail and service businesses and hospitality district. This development includes:
   • (from executive summary of City Plan) – To maintain a strong Main Street business sector
   • (from Retail Trades Strategic Plan) – To refurbish storefronts
   • (from Retail Trades Strategic Plan) – To fill vacant buildings
2. The identified projects will be initiated and/or completed at a rate averaging about one per year. These include:
   • Some buildings that may have to be demolished and replaced with newer structures;
   • New structures on vacant blocks that fit into the overall development plan for the city
   • Renovation of buildings, particularly on Main Street to provide a better business atmosphere in the downtown area.
3. The Hazen RZ will be set up for 15 years.
4. There are 21 potential projects identified. Other properties may be added.
5. Incentives including tax abatements and potential interest buy-downs will be utilized.
6. The RZ board along with the assistance of Hazen Community Development, Inc. will work with the applicant on an incentive package.

1. THE PROJECT WILL QUALIFY FOR COMMERCIAL RZ BENEFITS FOR EXISTING, RENOVATED OR EXPANDED BUILDINGS, IF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE MET:
• Project is consistent with the goals and objectives of the RZ.
• The rehabilitation includes sufficient exterior improvement to eliminate deteriorating conditions.
• The reinvestment on renovation totals no less than 50 percent of the current true and full value of the building.
• The improvements must comply with state building, energy, and handicap accessibility codes.
• The investment is not simply a restructuring of ownership.
2. THE PROJECT WILL QUALIFY FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSE RZ BENEFITS FOR RENOVATED OR EXPANDED, IF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE MET
• Project is consistent with the goals and objectives
• The rehabilitation includes sufficient exterior improvement to eliminate deteriorating conditions.
• The reinvestment on renovation totals no less than 20 percent of the current true and full value of the building.
• The improvements must comply with state building, energy, and handicap accessibility codes.
• The resident is the primary resident. An individual taxpayer’s primary place of residence is the person’s true, fixed and permanent home and is the place to which, whenever absent, the taxpayer intends to return.
• The investment is not simply a restructuring of ownership.
• The homeowner applicant must sign a statement indicating the applicant is the primary resident of the property
3. THE PROJECT WILL QUALIFY FOR NEW BUILDING AND ADDITION RZ BENEFITS FOR IF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE MET
• The Project is consistent with the goals and objectives.
• The Structure meets the State building and energy code.
4. TENANTS WILL QUALIFY FOR A ZONE PROJECT IF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE MET:
• The tenant must rent new or expanded space in the zone
• The tenant starts a business in the zone
• The tenant is leasing commecial space in a building that has been approved as a zone project.

Selection Process

1. Initially, the RZ Committee will have targeted specific sites for qualification review
2. Individual applications will also be accepted from those properties not listed initially by the RZ committee.
3. Quarterly and/or special meetings of the RZ board will be announced and open to the public.
4. Proposed projects will be reviewed by the RZ committee, HCD and City Planner.
5. The Hazen RZ board will discuss the individual projects and debate the merit and conformance with the City Strategic Plan. The board will make a recommendation to the Hazen City Commission.
6. The city will then have to approve and certify that the project is a RZ project.
7. The City Commission will provide final approval of projects during their regularly scheduled public meetings.