An enterprise zone is an economic development tool that allows a community to partner with the State to offer local and state tax and regulatory benefits to new or expanding businesses in distressed areas. Any block group within the State of Texas that has a poverty rate of at least 20%, as determined by the U.S. Census Bureau during each decennial census is a state enterprise zone. The block group will remain an enterprise zone until it no longer qualifies, as a result of a subsequent decennial census.

The City of Baytown has passed Ordinance No. 9718 electing to participate in the Texas Enterprise Zone Program, and the local incentives offered are as follows:

• Tax Abatement. The City may abate taxes on the increase in value of real property improvements and eligible personal property that is located in an enterprise zone or that is for a state-designated enterprise project. The level of abatement shall be based upon the extent to which the business receiving the abatement creates jobs for qualified employees, as such term is defined by the Act, and in accordance with the City of Baytown Tax Abatement Policy, which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein for all intents and purposes.
• Industrial District Agreements. The City may offer an industrial district agreement to qualified new development, expansion or rehabilitation projects.
• Waiver of Permit Fees. The City may waive or refund any and all building permit fees due or paid for qualified new development, expansion or rehabilitation projects.
• Waiver of Water and Sewer Tapping Fees. The City may waive or refund any and all water and sewer tapping fees due or paid for qualifies new developments or redevelopment projects involving qualified buildings within the zone.
• One Stop Permitting. The City may allow all permit applications supporting materials to be tendered to the Director of Planning and Development Services for distribution to the appropriate city departments.
  For more information regarding local incentives contact the Planning and Development Service Department at 281-420-5394 or for information regarding State incentives visit the Texas Economic Development web site at www.tded.state.tx.us/TexasEnterpriseZone