In accordance with Title 59.1, Chapter 49, of the Code of Virginia, it is the purpose of this chapter to promote business and industrial growth within the area designated as the Staunton enterprise zone by means of tax incentives, deferrals, grants, and other incentives and initiatives to stimulate real property improvements and new job creation that will serve the best interests of the city of Staunton.
(Code 1985 § 12-191; Ord. 5-24-90; Ord. 3-14-91 § A; Ord. 2006-23; Ord. 2007-06; Ord. 2025-28)
(1) 
The boundaries of the Staunton enterprise zone are as set forth on the map entitled "Staunton Enterprise Zone Map – Effective January 1, 2026," as maintained in the office of the Staunton enterprise zone administrator, the provisions of which map are incorporated fully herein by reference. The Staunton enterprise zone as shown on the map is established and designated effective January 1, 2026, solely for purposes of eligibility for benefits that may be provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia under the applicable provisions of Title 59.1 of the Code of Virginia and implementing regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
(2) 
With respect to the enterprise zone set forth on the map entitled "Staunton Enterprise Zone Map – Effective January 1, 2026" dated January 1, 2026, and the regulations promulgated under SCC § 3.45.030, shall be measured from January 1, 2026.
(3) 
Any application made on or after January 1, 2026, for incentives shall be regarded as an application as to the zone established and the corresponding benefits allowed by the city under the provisions of this chapter in effect for such purposes as of January 1, 2026. Any application made before January 1, 2026, shall be regarded as an application made as to the zone established and the corresponding benefits allowed by the city under the provisions of this chapter in effect for such purposes immediately prior to January 1, 2026. No business firm which received any benefits allowed by the city under the provisions of this chapter in effect for such purposes immediately prior to January 1, 2026, shall be eligible for benefits allowed by the city under the provisions of this chapter in effect as of January 1, 2026, unless and until the business firm satisfies all of the requirements as to the zone established and benefits allowed by the city as of January 1, 2026.
(Code 1985 § 12-192; Ord. 5-24-90; Ord. 3-14-91 § A; Ord. 2-25-93; Ord. 2006-23; Ord. 2007-06; Ord. 2008-28; Ord. 2010-17; Ord. 2025-28)
Regulations and rules prescribing procedures effectuating the purpose of this chapter may be promulgated by the city manager and approved by the city council. Such regulations and rules shall include, but not be limited to, the incentives available to properties located within the Staunton enterprise zone as of January 1, 2026.
(Formerly 3.45.070; Code 1985 § 12-197; Ord. 5-24-90; Ord. 3-14-91 § A; Ord. 2006-23; Ord. 2025-28)
The Staunton department of economic development is hereby designated to administer the enterprise zone with the director of economic development or designee serving as enterprise zone administrator.
(Formerly 3.45.080; Code 1985 § 12-198; Ord. 5-24-90; Ord. 3-14-91 § A; Ord. 6-28-95; Ord. 2006-23; Ord. 2025-28)
Business firms may make application for the various incentives set forth pursuant to the regulations adopted by the city manager and approved by the city council to the enterprise zone administrator on forms provided by the city of Staunton and available at the office of economic development.
(Formerly 3.45.090; Code 1985 § 12-199; Ord. 5-24-90; Ord. 3-14-91 § A; Ord. 2006-23; Ord. 2010-17; Ord. 2025-28)
If any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause, or provision of this chapter be adjudged invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such adjudication shall not operate to affect the validity of any other part hereof.
(Formerly 3.45.100; Code 1985 § 12-200; Ord. 5-24-90; Ord. 3-14-91 § A; Ord. 2006-23; Ord. 2025-28)
This chapter shall terminate, unless continued pursuant to application made to the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Housing and Community Development, on December 31, 2044.
(Formerly 3.45.110; Code 1985 § 12-201; Ord. 5-24-90; Ord. 3-14-91 § A; Ord. 2006-23; Ord. 2010-17; Ord. 2025-28)