[Ord. No. 2021-2, 3-2-2021]
This Chapter shall be known and may be cited and referred to as the Blighting and Redevelopment Procedures Chapter."
[Ord. No. 2021-2, 3-2-2021]
The following terms, whenever used or referred to in this Chapter shall, unless a different intent clearly appears from the context, be construed to have the following meanings :
AREA
That portion of the City which the Board of Aldermen has found or shall find to be blighted, so that the clearance, replanning, rehabilitation, or reconstruction thereof is necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Chapter. Any such area may include buildings or improvements not in themselves blighted, and any real property, whether improved or unimproved, the inclusion of which is deemed necessary for the effective clearance, replanning, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of the area of which such buildings, improvements or real property form a part.
BLIGHTED AREA
Those portions of the City which the Board of Aldermen shall determine that, by reason of age, obsolescence, inadequate or outdated design or physical deterioration, have become economic and social liabilities and that such conditions are conducive to ill health, transmission of disease, crime, or inability to pay reasonable taxes.
BOARD OF ALDERMEN
The Board of Aldermen of the City of Bel-Ridge, Missouri.
CITY
The City of Bel-Ridge, Missouri.
CITY CLERK
The City Clerk of the City of Bel-Ridge, Missouri.
CORPORATION
An urban redevelopment corporation organized under and pursuant to the provisions of the Urban Redevelopment Corporations Law.
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
That contract or agreement entered between the City and corporation pursuant to an approved development plan.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
A plan, together with any amendments thereto, for the development of all or any part of a blighted area, which is authorized by the Board of Aldermen by ordinance.
MAYOR
The Mayor of the City of Bel-Ridge, Missouri.
PERSON
Any individual firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation, whether organized for profit or not (except an urban redevelopment corporation organized pursuant to the provisions of the Urban Redevelopment Corporations Law), estate, trust, business trust, receiver or trustee appointed by any State or Federal court, syndicate, or any other group or combination acting as a unit and shall include the male as well as the female gender and the plural as well as the singular number.
REAL PROPERTY
Shall include lands, buildings, improvements, land under water, waterfront property and any and all easements, franchises and hereditaments, corporeal or incorporeal, and every estate, interest, privilege, easement, franchise and right therein or appurtenant thereto, legal or equitable, including restrictions of record created by plat, covenant or otherwise, rights-of-way, and terms for years.
REDEVELOPMENT
The clearance, replanning, reconstruction or rehabilitation of any blighted area, and the provision for such industrial, commercial, residential, or public structures and spaces as may be appropriate, including recreational and other facilities incident or appurtenant thereto.
REDEVELOPMENT AREA
That portion of an area encompassed by a development plan.
REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
A specific work or improvement to effectuate all or any part of a development plan.
URBAN REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS LAW
Chapter 353 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, as amended.
[Ord. No. 2021-2, 3-2-2021]
In order to be considered hereunder a proposed development plan must be submitted in conformance with this Chapter and within the time period established for such submission. Such time period shall not be less than thirty (30) days nor more than ninety (90) days following publication of such notice. Any such published notice which specifies that municipal finance incentives shall be considered by the City and otherwise meets the requirements of this Section shall be sufficient. Nothing herein shall prevent the Board of Aldermen from requiring additional information in a particular request for proposals or from modifying these requirements for a particular redevelopment area or project.
[Ord. No. 2021-2, 3-2-2021]
A. 
Any corporation may submit to the City Clerk a proposed development plan, along with fifteen (15) copies thereof, for the redevelopment of a redevelopment area, together with evidence that it is a corporation in good standing, lawfully organized and existing under the Urban Redevelopment Corporations Law, and a filing fee as set forth in Section 145.060 hereof. The development plan shall contain the following:
1. 
Legal Description. The development plan shall contain a legal description of the redevelopment area by metes and bounds or other definite designation.
2. 
Description Of The Project. The development plan shall contain a description of the project including a list of properties in the area to be acquired by the corporation; a list of structures proposed to be demolished; a description of any new construction proposed in the area, if any, including a statement of the type, number and character of each new industrial, commercial, residential or other building or improvement to be erected or made; a description of any building renovation proposed, if any, including any proposed repairs or alterations to such buildings; and a proposed timetable for implementing the acquisition, demolition, new construction or rehabilitation. If the project is to be developed in phases, the development plan shall provide a separate description for each phase.
3. 
Property For Public Agencies. The development plan shall contain a statement of those portions, if any, of the blighted area which are proposed to be sold, donated, exchanged or leased to a board of education, public library board, art museum board or other public agency, and an outline of the terms of such proposed sale, donation, exchange or lease.
4. 
Zoning Changes. The development plan shall contain a statement of the proposed changes, if any, in zoning ordinances or maps, necessary or desirable for the redevelopment, and its protection against blighted influences.
5. 
Street Changes. The development plan shall contain a statement of the proposed changes, if any, in streets or street levels, any proposed street closings, and any changes which would have to be made to streets adjoining or near the redevelopment project, including a plan for financing these changes.
6. 
Dwelling Accommodations. The development plan shall contain a statement of the character of the existing dwelling accommodations, if any, in the blighted area, and the approximate number of families residing therein, together with a schedule of the vacancies in such accommodations, if any, together with the rental demanded therefor.
7. 
Housing And Business Relocation. The development plan shall contain a statement of the housing accommodations available in other locations and in the City for those persons who will be displaced by the redevelopment project. The development plan shall set forth a feasible plan for the relocation of all residents and businesses displaced, including adequate reimbursement for reasonable relocation costs.
8. 
Changes Outside Of Redevelopment Area. The development plan shall contain a statement of any projects or relocations outside of the redevelopment area which would be initiated due to the redevelopment project.
9. 
Utility Changes. A statement of the changes, if any, which will be required in utility sources to accommodate the redevelopment project and changes, if any, in utility lines, easements or location.
10. 
Financing. The development plan shall contain a detailed statement of the proposed method of financing the redevelopment, including evidence satisfactory to the Board of Aldermen that sufficient funds or securities to acquire and clear the land involved are available from such equity and/or other funds, and that there are sufficient assurances that the redevelopment project will be further financed to completion. Such evidence shall include any commitments for leases or purchases, but in any event shall include evidence of marketability of the redevelopment project.
11. 
Management. The development plan shall contain a statement of the persons who it is proposed will be active in or associated with the management of the redevelopment project during a period of at least one (1) year from the date of the approval of the development plan.
12. 
Eminent Domain On Behalf Of Proponents Of The Development Plan. The development plan shall contain a statement giving the legal description of the real property, if any proposed to be purchased or acquired by eminent domain by the City on behalf of the proponents of the development plan and the reasons why the aid of the City is sought for this purpose.
13. 
Assignment Of Development Plan. Appropriate control shall be provided over the right of assignment of a development plan to any other entity in order that the Board of Aldermen will be assured that the intention and purpose of the redevelopment project will, in fact, be carried out.
14. 
Other Information. The development plan, and any application to the City for approval thereof, may also contain such other statements or exhibits as may be deemed relevant by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen or by the proposer thereof.
15. 
Economic Impact On Tax Base. If the corporation is requesting tax abatement pursuant to Section 145.110 hereof, the development plan shall contain a statement showing the economic impact of the proposed redevelopment project and its effect upon the existing tax base of the redevelopment area and shall project over the life expectancy any increases or decreases in assessed valuation as a result of the redevelopment project. Such statement shall provide in detail, the terms requested, and the net present value of any revenue lost to each taxing jurisdiction during the life of the project.
16. 
Relocation Plan. The development plan shall contain a detailed relocation plan which complies in all respects with the requirements set forth in Section 523.200, et. seq., RMSo., as amended, including the name of the individual or corporation that will manage the relocation arrangements.
[Ord. No. 2021-2, 3-2-2021]
A. 
Any application for approval of a development plan must be supported by factual and sufficient evidence of blight so that the Board of Aldermen can make a finding that the redevelopment area is a blighted area.
B. 
If the City's eminent domain authority is proposed to be used, then evidence must be sufficient for the Board of Aldermen to:
1. 
Individually consider each parcel of property in the proposed redevelopment area with regard to whether the property meets the definition of a blighted area; and
2. 
Find that a preponderance of the proposed redevelopment area is blighted.
[Ord. No. 2021-2, 3-2-2021]
No proposed development plan shall be accepted for filing unless it is accompanied by a non-refundable filing fee to the City of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) to be used by the City to defray expenses connected with the evaluation and review of the proposed development plan. The corporation shall pay, when due and payable, all such other fees, licenses and other charges required by the ordinances of the City applicable to such corporation or the redevelopment project to be undertaken.
[Ord. No. 2021-2, 3-2-2021]
A. 
Promptly upon the filing of a development plan, the City Clerk shall distribute copies thereof to the Mayor, Board of Aldermen, and the City Attorney. The Mayor and Board of Aldermen shall review the development plan to determine whether it complies with the requirements of this Chapter and the comprehensive plan of the City. If the development plan fails to comply with the terms of this Chapter, the City Clerk shall notify the corporation in writing of the rejection of the development plan and shall state the reasons for such rejection.
B. 
If the Mayor and Board of Aldermen determines that the development plan complies with the requirements of this Chapter and the comprehensive plan the City Clerk shall notify the Board of Aldermen which shall consider the development plan in accordance with Section 145.080 hereto.
C. 
If the development plan fails to conform to the comprehensive plan, the City may consider an amendment to the comprehensive plan prior to or concurrently with approval of a development plan.
[Ord. No. 2021-2, 3-2-2021]
A. 
Following receipt of notice to proceed from the City Attorney, the City Clerk shall publish notice in a paper of general circulation, which shall serve as notice to all interested parties in the proposed development plan that a public hearing will be held on a date and time certain, provided that the public hearing shall not be held less than fifteen (15) days nor more than thirty (30) days following publication of the notice provided for in this Section. The public hearing on the ordinance approving the development plan with the City shall be held for the purpose of stimulating comment by those to be affected by such development plan.
B. 
In the event a proposed development plan provides for tax abatement or exemption as authorized by the Urban Redevelopment Corporations Law, the City shall furnish each political subdivision whose boundaries for ad valorem taxation purposes include any portion of the real property to be affected by such tax abatement or exemption with a written statement of the impact on ad valorem taxes such tax abatement or exemption will have on such political subdivisions and written notice of the hearing to be held as provided for in Subsection (A) above. The written statement and notice required by this paragraph shall be mailed to each political subdivision by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested at least fifteen (15) days prior to the hearing, and shall include, but need not be limited to, an estimate of the amount of ad valorem tax revenues of each political subdivision which will be affected by the proposed tax abatement or exemption based upon the estimated assessed valuation of the real property involved as such property would exist before and after it is developed. At the public hearing, all political subdivisions described in this Section shall have the right to be heard on such grant of tax abatement or exemption.
C. 
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Board of Aldermen may, in its discretion, waive any irregularity or omission in any proposed development plan at any time after the filing thereof (including the time after approval of a development plan).
[Ord. No. 2021-2, 3-2-2021]
A. 
After the public hearing has been held upon a development plan, the Board of Aldermen may, by ordinance:
1. 
Unconditionally approve the plan and authorize and direct the Mayor on behalf of the City to enter into a development agreement with the proposer thereof; or
2. 
Approve the development plan subject to such conditions, exceptions or restrictions as the Board may deem to be in the public interest.
If the Board of Aldermen conditionally or unconditionally approves the development plan, the approval ordinance shall also provide for expiration of development rights, including the rights of tax abatement, in the event of failure of the corporation to acquire ownership of property within the area of the development plan. Such ordinance shall provide for a duration of time within which such property must be acquired, and may allow for acquisition of property under the plan in phases.
[Ord. No. 2021-2, 3-2-2021]
A. 
In any ordinance approving a development plan, the Board shall make the following findings and declarations:
1. 
That the area included within a development plan is a blighted area, and that the clearance, redevelopment, replanning, rehabilitation, or reconstruction thereof is necessary for the public convenience and necessity.
2. 
That, if a corporation requests the City to acquire all or any part of the real property within a blighted area by exercise of the power of eminent domain, such acquisition by the exercise of the power of eminent domain is for the public convenience and necessity.
3. 
That approval of the development plan and construction of the redevelopment project is necessary for the preservation of the public peace, property, health, safety, morals, and welfare.
[Ord. No. 2021-2, 3-2-2021]
A. 
The Board of Aldermen may, in its sole discretion, grant tax abatement to any corporation submitting a development plan in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter; provided, however, that any such grant of tax abatement shall not exceed the limitations set forth in this Section 145.110.
1. 
The real property of a corporation acquired pursuant to this Chapter shall not be subject to assessment or payment of general ad valorem taxes imposed by the City, or by the State or any political subdivision thereof, for a period of not in excess of ten (10) years after the date upon which such corporation becomes owner of such real property, except to such extent and in such amount as may be imposed upon such real property during such period measured solely by the amount of assessed valuation of the land, exclusive of improvements, acquired pursuant to this Chapter and owned by such corporation, as was determined by the county assessor for taxes due and payable thereon during the calendar year preceding the calendar year during which the corporation acquired title to such real property; and the amounts of such tax assessments shall not be increased during such period so long as the real property is owned by an urban redevelopment corporation and used in accordance with the development plan authorized by Board of Aldermen.
2. 
In the event, however, that any such real property was tax exempt immediately prior to ownership by any urban redevelopment corporation, such assessor shall, upon acquisition of title thereto by the corporation, promptly assess such land, exclusive of improvements, at such valuation as shall conform to but not exceed the assessed valuation made during the preceding calendar year of other land, exclusive of improvements, adjacent thereto or in the same general neighborhood, and the amount of such assessed valuation shall not be increased during the period set pursuant to Subsection (A)(1) of this Section so long as such real property is owned by such corporation and used in accordance with the development plan and approved by the Board.
3. 
For the next ensuing period not in excess of fifteen (15) years, ad valorem taxes upon such real property shall be measured by the assessed valuation thereof as determined by such assessor upon the basis of not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the true value of such real property, including any improvements thereon, nor shall such valuations be increased above fifty percent (50%) of the true value of such real property from year to year during such next ensuing period so long as the real property is owned by the corporation and used in accordance with an authorized development plan.
4. 
After a period totaling not more than twenty-five (25) years, such real property shall be subject to assessment and payment of all ad valorem taxes, based on the full true value of the real property, provided that after the completion of the redevelopment project as authorized by law or ordinance whenever any corporation shall elect to pay full taxes, or at the expiration of the period, such real property shall be owned and operated free from any of the conditions, restrictions or provisions of this Section, the approving ordinance and any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this Chapter.
5. 
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, payments in lieu of taxes may be imposed by contract between the City and the corporation which receives tax abatement or exemption on property pursuant to the Urban Redevelopment Corporations Law. Such payment shall be made to the collector of revenue of St. Louis County by December 31 of each year that payments are due. The Board of Aldermen shall furnish the collector a copy of such contract requiring payment in lieu of taxes. The collector shall allocate all revenues received from such payment in lieu of taxes among all taxing authorities whose property tax revenues are affected by the exemption or abatement on the same pro rata basis and in the same manner as the ad valorem property tax revenues received by each taxing authority from such property in the year such payments are due.
[Ord. No. 2021-2, 3-2-2021]
A. 
Upon enactment into law of an ordinance approving a development plan, the City shall enter into a development agreement with the corporation pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this Chapter and the ordinance approving the development plan. The form of said development agreement shall be approved by the City Attorney or special counsel.
B. 
A copy of the development agreement between the City and the corporation for carrying out the development plan shall be recorded by the corporation in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of St. Louis County and proof of such recording shall be filed with the City Clerk prior to the issuance of any building or demolition permits for such work in the redevelopment area. True copies of the development plan authorized by the Board of Aldermen by ordinance shall be retained with the authorizing ordinance by the City Clerk.
[Ord. No. 2021-2, 3-2-2021]
A. 
Building Permits. In the event an ordinance approves a development plan for a redevelopment area, the City shall not issue a building permit for construction in the redevelopment area unless the building plans are found to be in substantial compliance with the approved development plan, as amended, modified, or changed by ordinance. The provisions of this paragraph shall be enforceable as long as the property in question is receiving tax abatement pursuant to an approved development plan.
B. 
Investigation. It shall be the duty of the City Clerk, after a development plan has been authorized by the Board of Aldermen to investigate and determine from time-to-time during construction of the redevelopment project whether the corporation undertaking such development plan is fully complying with the provisions thereof and its development agreement with the City, in the manner and at the times fixed therein for the performance of the various phases thereof.
C. 
Time Extension. The Board of Aldermen may for good cause shown grant to a corporation operating under an approved development plan an extension of time in which to complete the redevelopment project, or any phase, stage, or portion thereof.
[Ord. No. 2021-2, 3-2-2021]
Whenever any person operating under an approved development plan does not substantially comply with the development plan and/or development agreement within the time limits and in the manner for the completion of each stage thereof as therein stated, reasonable delays caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond his/her control alone excepted, or shall do, permit to be done, or fail or omit to do anything contrary to or required of him/her by this Chapter, or shall be about to do so, permit to be done, or fail or omit to have done, then any such fact may be certified by the City Clerk to the City Attorney, who may and is hereby authorized to commence a proceeding in the circuit court in the name of the City to have such action, failure or omission or threatened action or omission stopped, prevented or rectified by injunction or otherwise, or in the name of the City to bring an action for damages against the corporation for breach of any of the provisions of the development plan; provided that, if the Mayor and Board of Aldermen shall determine that a corporation has abandoned construction before completion of the project in accordance with the terms of an approved development plan, the real property included in the plan shall, from that date, be subject to assessment and payment of all ad valorem taxes based on the true full value of such real property.
[Ord. No. 2021-2, 3-2-2021]
No corporation whose development plan has been approved by the Board of Aldermen shall violate Section 353.010, RSMo., et seq., regarding issuance of debt, net earnings, and/or the limitation of earnings.
[Ord. No. 2021-2, 3-2-2021]
The provisions of the Urban Redevelopment Corporations Law are hereby accepted and shall apply to all persons and corporations operating under this Chapter, insofar as the same may be applicable thereto.
[Ord. No. 2021-2, 3-2-2021]
In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by this Chapter, the day of the act or event after which the designated period of time begins to run is not to be included. The last day of the period so computed is to be included, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, in which event the period run until the end of the next day which is neither a Saturday, Sunday nor a legal holiday.