Address
3814 Harrison Avenue, Cheviot, Ohio 45211
City of Cheviot Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) Property Tax Abatement Program
The CRA Program is designed to encourage economic development by providing property tax exemptions to owners who renovate existing buildings or construct new ones while creating new jobs. The City of Cheviot offers up to 50% property tax abatement on new improvements for up to 15 years, with terms negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Final abatement values are based on improvements as determined by the Hamilton County Auditor.
Eligibility:
- Projects must create net new jobs.
- Typically, projects involve a minimum investment of $500,000.
- Properties must be located within the CRA business district.
How it Works:
- Property owners submit a CRA tax abatement application to the City before starting construction.
- Approval typically takes about 3 months.
- Abatement terms are negotiated based on the value of improvements.
Example Calculation:
If a property owner invests $500,000 in a commercial renovation with 50% abatement for 15 years:
| Item | Amount |
| Market value of new investment (building only) | $500,000 |
| Assessed value (35%) | $175,000 |
| Commercial property tax rate | 0.093588484 |
| Property tax on new investment | $16,378 |
| Annual abatement at 50% | $8,189 |
| Total abatement over 15 years | $122,835 |
Cheviot Plans and Studies
Recent Planning and Analysis Efforts:
- 2022: A Market Analysis: 3625 Harrison Avenue – Urban Fast Forward
- 2021: Activating the City of Cheviot’s Commercial Business District – Hamilton County Planning + Development
- 2021: A Housing Strategy for Cheviot – Hamilton County Housing Action Planning Team
- 2019: ULI Cheviot TAP (Technical Assistance Panel) Final Report – Urban Land Institute
- 2016: Cheviot Housing Survey – Cheviot Consulting Staff
- 2010: Streetscape and Cemetery Plan – Meisner & Associates
Highlights:
- Housing Survey (2016): Provides a detailed overview of Cheviot’s housing stock, informing future housing strategies.
- Streetscape and Cemetery Plan (2010): Adopted by City Council with incremental implementation. Completed and ongoing improvements include:
- Hanging flower baskets along Harrison Avenue
- Decorative fencing in front of the cemetery
- Renovation of Pioneer Park across from the cemetery
Grants and Community Improvements in Cheviot
Over the past 10 years, the City of Cheviot has received over $3 million in grant funding to support community improvements.
2022
- Facade Improvement Program (Commercial Zones): $150,000
2021
- Cappel Building Purchase: $350,000
- LED Streetlights on Harrison Avenue: $26,000
- Ohio EPA Grant – Two Blink Charging Stations (Harrison Ave. Parking Lot): $16,397
- Cheviot Housing Action Plan: Selected as one of six communities in Hamilton County for housing action plan development. Recommendations implemented by Hamilton County Planning + Development, LISC, and Community Building Institute (funding amount not specified)
2020
- State Capital Improvement Grant – Harvest Home Lodge Improvements: $100,000
- CARES Act Funding (through Hamilton County): $124,000
- WiFi in parks and business district
- Support for restaurants and bars (street furniture, DORA components, awnings)
- Strategic Steps to Grow Cheviot’s Business District Project: $27,500
2019
- Urban Land Institute Technical Study (Hamilton County Planning + Development): $20,000
2018
- OPWC & CDBG – Trevor/Alma Street Construction: $500,000
- WeThrive Grant: $7,500
- NatureWorks Grant – Splash Park: $136,000
2017
- OPWC & MRF – Westwood Northern Blvd., School Section Rd., Washington Ave. Reconstruction: $1.338 million
2016
- CDBG – Frances Avenue Reconstruction: $150,000
- Duke Energy HCDC Small Business Improvement Program: $20,000
2015
- NatureWorks Grant + 25% Matching – Harvest Home Playground Improvements: $56,328
- CDBG – Harvest Home Park Public Pool Repairs & Park Enhancements: $60,000
2014
- Interact for Health – 12-Station Fitness Trail Completion at Harvest Home Park: $15,800
2013
- Port Authority – Condemned Commercial Building Demolition: $30,000
- CDBG Façade Improvement Grant Program: $25,000
- CDBG – Revamped Tennis Courts: $25,000
- Cheviot Savings Bank – Pioneer Park: $15,000
- KaBoom Playground Maintenance Grant: $750
Grant Funding Sources:
- CDBG: Community Development Block Grant funds
- USDA: United States Department of Agriculture
- OPWC: Ohio Public Works Commission
- MRF: Municipal Road Fund
Cheviot DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area)
The City of Cheviot adopted a DORA on October 6, 2020. A DORA, or Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, is authorized under Ohio Revised Code 4301.82 and allows communities to create designated areas where patrons of participating establishments can enjoy alcohol outdoors in a controlled, safe environment. The DORA enhances the economic vitality of local businesses and creates a unique experience for residents and visitors.
How DORA Works
- Patrons may take an open container of alcohol purchased from a permitted Cheviot DORA establishment and walk within the DORA boundaries.
- Drinks must be served in special Cheviot DORA cups, which are only available at participating licensed DORA establishments.
- Outside alcohol is prohibited; only drinks purchased from permitted Cheviot DORA businesses are allowed.
- DORA cups must be emptied before entering another DORA-permitted establishment.
- Beer, wine, and liquor are all allowed in Cheviot DORA cups.
- DORA boundaries are clearly marked with signs stating:
“DORA Boundary – City of Cheviot – NO ALCOHOL BEYOND THIS POINT”
Signs are posted at every street exiting the DORA area.
DORA Hours of Operation
- Monday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – Midnight
- Friday – Sunday: Noon – Midnight
