The City of Cincinnati provides incentives for developments that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Standards

LEED-CRA Tax Exemption Program (Economic Development Program)

Program: Program offers property tax incentives to encourage new construction and rehabilitation of commercial and multi-unit residential properties (greater than three units) to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (“LEED”) Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum standards. Property tax abatement is available for buildings that meet LEED standards by promoting environmental friendliness through building construction. Neither residential nor commercial LEED projects have to demonstrate financial need to be approved for the tax abatement.  Multi-unit, mixed-use, commercial, and industrial structures are eligible based on the project and an agreement that must be executed before construction begins.

Program Goal: Stimulate revitalization, promote environmental awareness and low-environmental impact development and retain residents. Commercial CRAs for LEED certified development are designed to facilitate the retention and expansion of businesses and the retention and creation of jobs while becoming more environmentally friendly.

Type of Assistance: Tax abatement

Maximum Amount: There is no cap on the maximum market value eligible for abatement for commercial/industrial developments. However, multi-unit residential developments have a market value cap of $500,000 per unit.  The commercial/industrial and multi-unit residential abatement is up to 15 years for new construction and 12 years for renovation.   It is a net 75% exemption after execution of the school board agreement.   A minimum of $40,000 in costs is required.  

Repayment: Tax exemption can be rescinded if contract terms are not met.

Incentives: Developers pay less tax and green design reduces energy costs. Savings can be used for other purposes.

Benefits: The program reduces ongoing operating expenses in commercial projects.   It provides a benefit for companies who adopt environmentally friendly practices through ‘green building’ and encourages businesses to consider and value LEED building standards when locating or expanding within the City of Cincinnati.

Eligibility:  Real property must be within the City of Cincinnati.  Residential, commercial and industrial facilities that are constructed to LEED standards receive an automatic tax abatement.  

Criteria:  Multi-unit housing (four or more units), mixed-use development and commercial development, both rehabilitation and new construction, that meet LEED standards are eligible for an automatic tax abatement.

Evaluation:  Abated properties will be monitored against building code violations, property tax default and contract terms met, i.e. jobs, completion of renovation, etc.

Rates/Fees:  Mixed use, commercial, and multi-unit residential developments have an annual fee of 1% of the annual tax exemption, but not less than $250 or more than $2,500. A $750 application fee is required by the Ohio Department of Development, Office of Tax Incentives.

Approval:  Multi-unit residential, mixed-use, and commercial abatements must be approved by City Council.

Download the Application

Contact: Eric Denson, Senior Development Officer

Phone: (513) 352-4981

Fax: (513) 352-6257

eric.denson@cincinnati-oh.gov