New housing incentive program offered

Posted 1/8/19

In an effort to encourage more housing developments within the community, Rochelle’s City Council approved a new incentive programs to those who build a new home in 2019.

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New housing incentive program offered

Posted

ROCHELLE – In an effort to encourage more housing developments within the community, Rochelle’s City Council approved a new incentive programs to those who build a new home in 2019.

In the past 10 years, on average, the city has permitted just three to four new homes each year.

“We are aware of the need for more housing in our community and this program is one way the city can encourage that growth,” mayor Chet Olson said.

First, the city will waive building permit, sewer connection and electric connection fees for all new construction single-family homes. The savings per house would average around $400 for the building permit, depending on the square footage, $700 for the sewer connection fee, and $50 for the electric connection fee, for a total of $1,150 per dwelling.

“The increased Equalized Assessed Value for all taxing bodies will likely outweigh the permitting cost, which is positive news for all local taxpayers,” city manager Jeff Fiegenschuh said.

The city will also reimburse individuals who construct new single-family homes and pay the city’s share of real estate property taxes for tax years 2018, 2019 and 2020. The reimbursements will only be paid to individuals who maintain tax liability for newly constructed single-family homes within the city who demonstrate that they (or their mortgage company) have paid 2018, 2019 and/or 2020 real estate property taxes in full, and who certify that they have no prior year property taxes outstanding.

“The city has enjoyed incredible industrial growth over the past decade and it is time now to focus on growing our residential options,” community development director Michelle Pease said. “We believe the increased Equalized Assessed Value for all taxing bodies will outweigh the permitting cost.”

Contact Pease at 815-561-2073 or mpease@rochelleil.us for more information.