Lien Forgiveness Programs

Commercial Lien Forgiveness Incentive Program

This incentive will allow forgiveness for certain liens imposed by the City for the public purpose of facilitating substantial investment, improvements and blight abatement to eligible properties.

To be considered the property must meet all the following:

• Commercial property use
• Liens must exceed $5,000
• Applicant must provide a letter verifying financial need
• Improvements to the property must further objectives in the Economic Development Strategic Plan, Urban Land Institute Report, Council goals, or other related City plans as well as bring site into compliance
• Improvements will have significant effect on the neighborhood and encourage additional investment
• Applicant must demonstrate ability to undertake and complete improvements
• No Applicant is eligible who has caused, maintained, or allowed the violations, fines, fees or liens at the subject property

An application must be submitted to the Economic Development Department for review of eligibility. If eligible, the applicant will proceed to negotiations with City staff to determine criteria for the project.  City Manager approval is then required; City Council approval is required when lien totals exceed the current Council limit.

Liens will only be forgiven if the improvements are completed upon City inspection and the property is maintained. If subject property meets all requirements listed within the agreement, at the end of a five-year monitoring period, the applicant may request the City remove the applicable lien from the property.

Commercial Lien Forgiveness Incentive Program - Application

Commercial Lien Forgiveness Incentive Program - Policy

Residential Neighborhood Reinvestment Program

This reinvestment tool promotes neighborhood revitalization. Property owners may apply for this program when the City has imposed fines for non-compliance with municipal codes on residential properties. The program will allow forgiveness of certain liens for eligible properties.

Criteria for eligibility:

• Single-family residence
• Demonstrate cost of penalties prevents the rehabilitation
• Penalties must exceed $15,000
• Provide documentation verifying financial burden
• Improvements to the property must further objectives in the Economic Development Strategic Plan, Urban Land Institute Report, Council goals, or other related City plans
• Property must be brought into compliance
• Improvements will have significant positive effect on neighborhood
• Improvements must be completed in 12 months
• No Applicant is eligible who has caused, maintained, or allowed the violations, fines, fees or liens at the subject property

An application must be submitted to the Economic Development Department for review of eligibility with consultation and coordination with the Neighborhood Services Division.  If eligible, the applicant will proceed to negotiations with City staff and outline terms and amount to be forgiven.  City Manager approval is then required; City Council approval is required when lien totals exceed the current Council limit.  

Penalties will only be forgiven if the improvements are completed and inspection by the City is finalized.

Residential Neighborhood Reinvestment Program - Brochure

Residential Neighborhood Reinvestment Program - Guidelines

External Links

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This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 8/14/2017