A business enterprise located within a Cuyahoga County Enterprise Zone is eligible for negotiated tax incentives for new investment. Currently there are twenty-six (26) enterprise zones designated in Cuyahoga County municipalities which include: Bedford, Bedford Heights, Berea, Brook Park, Cuyahoga Heights, Euclid, Garfield Heights, Glenwillow, Highland Heights, Highland Hills, Maple Heights, Mayfield Heights, Newburgh Heights, North Olmsted, North Royalton, Oakwood, Olmsted Falls, Parma, Richmond Heights, Shaker Heights, Solon, South Euclid, Strongsville, Valley View, Walton Hills and Westlake.
Business Requirements
- Businesses must apply directly to the municipality which is the site of the new investment. Local governments can grant exemptions of up to seventy five percent (75%) on eligible new investments. The term of these incentives can be for up to ten (10) years. Once an agreement is negotiated between the company and the municipality, the agreement must be approved by the Board of Cuyahoga County Commissioners. The project cannot begin prior to the Commissioners' approval.
- The companies are required to negotiate and execute a Workforce Cooperation Agreement with the County, which designates the County as the first source of referral for mutually agreed entry-level positions at the company.
- All intra-state relocations require a relocation waiver issued by the Ohio Department of Development. A letter from the mayor of the exited community is required on intra-county relocations.
- Fees include a one time application fee of $750.00 payable to the Ohio Department of Development. There is also an annual monitoring fee charged by the municipality and split with the County. This fee is equal to one percent (1%) of the taxes exempted, minimum $500 and not to exceed $2,500 per year for the life of the agreement.
Application Materials
Ohio Department of Development EZTI Application
Contact Information
Arnold Lockett
Development Finance Analyst
Cuyahoga County Department of Development
112 Hamilton Ct., Fourth Floor Annex Bldg.
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: (216)443-3159 Fax: (216) 348-4479
alockett@cuyahogacounty.us