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Lavonia Rural Zone

Since its creation in 2017, this initiative has provided tax credits to individuals creating jobs and making qualifying investments within historic downtown areas that have been designated as Rural Zones. Each designation lasts for five years, and activities to begin earning tax credits in Lavonia began on Jan. 1, 2022. 

The program includes the following Georgia state income tax incentives which are utilized for job-creation activities, investment in downtown properties, and renovation of properties. The credits can be layered, but none are available without the job creation element being present.

The Job Tax Credit is equivalent to $2,000 per year for each new full-time equivalent job for up to 5 years. The Investment Credit is equivalent to 25% of the purchase price of a property within the designated Rural Zone (not to exceed $125,000). The Rehabilitation Credit is equivalent to 30% of the qualified rehabilitation costs of a building located within a designated Rural Zone (not to exceed $150,000).

For more information about Lavonia's Rural Zone, please contact the Downtown Development Authority at 706-356-1926 or dda@lavoniaga.gov

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Facade Grant Cheat Sheet

The Grant Process

 

1. Submit a Façade Grant application
A completed application and professional estimate for the proposed work must be submitted.
 

2. Receive a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
Before the grant can be approved, the proposed exterior work must first be reviewed and approved by the Lavonia Historic Preservation Commission.
The Historic Preservation Commission meets on the first Wednesday of each month.

3. DDA Board Review and Approval
After the COA has been approved, the Façade Grant application can then be presented to the Downtown Development Authority Board for consideration.
A COA approval does not automatically mean the Façade Grant is approved. 
The DDA Board must separately approve the grant funding.


4. Complete the Approved Work
After receiving all required approvals, the project may be completed according to the approved plans.
 

5. Submit for Reimbursement

The Façade Grant is a dollar-for-dollar matching reimbursement grant.

Grant funds are paid after the approved project is completed and the required documentation has been submitted.

 


Important to Know
 

  • This is not an immediate approval process.

  • several weeks to a few months.Depending on when applications are submitted in relation to meeting dates, the full process may take

  • Do not assume grant funding has been approved until you receive official DDA Board approval.

  • Work completed before receiving the required approvals may not qualify for reimbursement.

  • $1,000The maximum grant award is

  • Grant funds may only be used for eligible exterior improvements.

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