Site Preparation Assistance Policy 

This policy is intended to increase the potential for sites to attract investment creating new taxable valuation for the City of Urbandale. The policy assists property owners in managing the process to identify and contract with a qualified engineering or planning firm to develop conceptual plans for a development site. 

The policy also provides a mechanism for the City to assist property owners in financing the professional services of an engineering or planning firm to develop conceptual plans for a development site. 

Site Preparation Assistance Policy (PDF)

Site Preparation Assistance Policy Application (PDF)

Urbandale has Tax Increment Finance (TIF) rebate programs for defined districts within the city for projects that add taxable valuation. Below is a brief summary of each program and a link to a helpful informational document. Review this TIF District Map to determine whether your project is located within a TIF District. Incentives for retail and professional service operations investing in Urbandale may be available in certain redevelopment areas. Read this incentive and eligibility overview (PDF) to help determine whether a project may be eligible. When you’re ready please contact City staff to discuss your project and whether it may be eligible for incentives.

Incentives Available in Northwest Market Center

The Standard Incentive provides a 5-year sliding scale tax increment rebate to non-residential/non-retail projects. Download the Standard Northwest Market Center Incentive (PDF)

The Class A Office Incentive provides a 10 year, 90% tax increment rebate for eligible projects. Download the Class A Office Incentive (PDF)

The Redevelopment/Rehabilitation Incentive provides a 3-year, 90% tax increment rebate to eligible projects. Download the Redevelopment/Rehabilitation Incentive (PDF)

The Renaissance Place Incentive provides a 3-year, 90% tax increment rebate to eligible projects located within 500 feet of the Douglas Avenue center-way. Download the Renaissance Place Incentive (PDF)

Incentives Available in Downtown Urbandale

The Standard Incentive provides a 3-year, 90% tax increment rebate to eligible projects. This incentive does not apply to residential uses. Download the Standard Downtown Urbandale Incentive (PDF)

The Downtown Urbandale Assistance Policy is a program to encourage and assist property owners and businesses in downtown Urbandale to make lasting investments to real estate within the area.  Download the Downtown Urbandale Assistance Policy (PDF)

Incentives Available in Westover

The Standard Incentive provides a 5-year sliding scale tax increment rebate to eligible projects. This incentive does not apply to residential uses. Download the Standard Westover Incentive (PDF)

Incentives Available Anywhere in Urbandale

Urbandale has authorized the use of the State of Iowa’s industrial property tax exemption program. Under this program, the actual value added to industrial real estate may be eligible for a partial exemption from real estate taxes for a period of 5 years. Qualifying investments include distribution centers, industrial real estate, research facilities and warehouses. Download the Industrial Property Tax Exemption (PDF)

Note: No project can receive both tax abatement and rebate. 

Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) 

Urbandale’s Revolving Loan Fund provides financial assistance in the form of a repayable low or no-interest loan, to businesses making a capital investment to create new jobs and/or retain existing jobs in Urbandale. Assistance may be available for business startups, expansion or retention, and to businesses that are relocating to Urbandale from outside of the Metro Area. Assistance is based on level of investment, quality of employment, and benefit to the community. Quick Fact Sheet (PDF)

Site Preparation Assistance Policy 

This policy is intended to increase the potential for sites to attract investment creating new taxable valuation for the City of Urbandale. The policy assists property owners in managing the process to identify and contract with a qualified engineering or planning firm to develop conceptual plans for a development site. 

The policy also provides a mechanism for the City to assist property owners in financing the professional services of an engineering or planning firm to develop conceptual plans for a development site. 

Site Preparation Assistance Policy (PDF)

Site Preparation Assistance Policy Application (PDF)