City of Columbus

2018 Program Guidelines For additional information, please contact:
Michelle Castrogiovanni      
Office: 614-645-3219   
Email:  MRCastrogiovanni@Columbus.gov 

The core principle of The City of Columbus’ housing abatement policy is to foster private sector investment to build mixed income neighborhoods. 
Community Investment Area (CRA) designations approved by City Council are listed below. Each CRA area has various expiration dates and terms.  The program is delineated into two distinct categories, those created prior to July 1994 ("pre-1994") and those created after the law changes went into effect after July 1994.  Click  here to find out if your property is located within an eligible CRA.

Post 94 CRA – NEW CHANGES The City’s existing post-1994 Community Reinvestment Areas will be divided into three categories based on the evaluation of six distress criteria.  Click here to learn more.
The distress criteria represent a mixture of indicators that are measured over a period of time and as a snapshot in time, to give the most accurate picture of neighborhood growth.
All categories will be reevaluated every three years to capture the most accurate and real time changes occurring in the neighborhood.

MARKET READY: (Areas meeting 1-2 distress criteria) Click here  to learn more and download an application.
AC HUMKO CRA
Fifth by Northwest CRA
Short North CRA

READY FOR REVITALIZATION:    (Areas meeting 2-4 distress criteria) Click here  to learn more and download an application.
Hilltop CRA 
Livingston and James CRA 
Milo Grogan CRA 
Near East CRA 
North Central CRA 
Southside CRA 
Weinland Park CRA

READY FOR OPPORTUNITY: (Areas meeting 5-6 distress criteria) Click  here to learn more and download an application.
Franklinton CRA
Linden CRA 

Legacy CRA Easton Square Place CRA
Jeffery Residential CRA
For a single-family application to Easton Square Place OR Jeffery Residential, click here
For a multi-family application to Easton Square Place OR Jeffery Residential, click here

TAX BENEFIT All property owners will continue to pay existing taxes on the property PRIOR to the improvements. The abatement is on the IMPROVED VALUE ONLY. A builder of new homes will not get the tax benefit; all benefit goes to the owner of the property.
The neighborhoods and schools will also benefit. The schools will continue to receive the current, existing property taxes.
Property tax exemptions will be based on increased valuation of the property, due to significant improvements.
EXISTING PROPERTY TAXES WILL CONTINUE TO BE PAID

To apply for a CRA tax incentive: Certification consists of a two-phase application process:  Phase 1 (Pre-construction) and Phase 2 (Post Construction).  Both applications must be submitted to complete the application process even if the project has been completed.

* CURRENTLY THERE IS NO COST TO SUBMIT A RESIDENTIAL TAX APPLICATION*

Please mail or submit in-person ORIGINAL applications to: 
 
DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING DIVISION
ATTN: MICHELLE CASTROGIOVANNI, RESIDENTIAL TAX INCENTIVE PROGRAM
111 N.FRONT ST, 3RD FL
COLUMBUS,OH  43215
 
City staff will email acknowledgment of receipt and then will notify applicant of deficiency list or confirmation of Conditional or Final approval.  A complete and accurate application will increase the efficiency of the approval. 
After the improvements are completed, the City of Columbus certifies the completed work to the Franklin County Auditor. The Auditor makes a determination of the increase in value and tax amounts. The value of the increase will be exempted from property tax. For questions regarding specific abatement values please contact the Franklin County Auditor's office at  www.franklincountyauditor.com.

Housing Contact Info Housing Division
Office : 614-645-7896
Email: Housing_Division

Intake Line
Office : 614-645-8526 
Email: Home_Safe_And_Sound  

Franklin County Auditor 
Franklin County Recorder's Office 
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 
OHFA 
Homeport Downpayment Assistance 
ECDI IDA Program