Title
Discuss and provide direction on the Demolition/Rebuild Program.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Mayor Terry Lynne, Mayor Pro Tem Tina Bennett-Burton
BACKGROUND:
In 2009, the City Council approved a resolution to allow residents of Farmers Branch to demolish and rebuild their existing homes with cash and property tax incentives. The resolution was later amended to include builders and developers as eligible for the incentive.
Current incentives depend on property assessed value and range from a $30,000 cash grant to up to seven (7) years of city property tax rebate. The City Council must review and approve all applications.
As part of our ongoing evaluation of the Demo/Rebuild program, staff reached out to several experienced builders for feedback, including Todd Bonneau, Rick and Beth Davis, Mike Kleber, and Tom Cusick. The builders expressed that they felt comfortable with the proposed figures and found them to be reasonable within the context of the program. Their responses highlighted three key areas of focus:
• Program Simplification: The current structure is overly complex and difficult to explain. Builders emphasized the need for a simpler, more accessible process that can be easily understood by all participants.
• Fairness and Equity: There is strong support for establishing a clear and consistent standard for total taxable value increases. This would ensure that homeowners better understand the program’s requirements and receive equitable incentives based on their investment.
• Program Reach: Builders encouraged the city to promote the use of the program in other neighborhoods.
This agenda requires the City Council to provide direction to the staff.
DISCUSSION:
Options for consideration:
A. Consider a cash grant of $10,000 or $20,000
B. Consider a property tax rebate for 3 years or 4 years
C. No change to the existing program.
DISTRICT:
Citywide
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Draft- Demolition Rebuild Information
2. Reference Presentation- January 21, 2025, City Council Meeting
3. Reference Presentation- April 29, 2025, City Council Meeting
4. Presentation