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1. If my property is in an Urban Renewal Area, do I need approval from the Urban Renewal Authority before I make aesthetic changes to my property?

Yes, any physical changes to a building or other exterior changes or improvements within the Urban Renewal Areas must be reviewed by LURA to ensure that they meet the highest standards of architectural design. Use this Architectural Review Application to apply for approval for your exterior change/modification. Physical changes, include, but are not limited to, new buildings, building additions or renovations, signs, exterior paint, paving, site plans, demolitions, changes in roof materials, or fencing. Other improvements include, but are not limited to, patio and landscaping improvements. View the Urban Renewal Areas Map

2. Where are Lafayette’s Urban Renewal Areas located?

The first area is located along Public Road from Spaulding Street to Baseline and continues west along the south side of Baseline Road almost to U.S. Highway 287. This area also includes East Simpson Street from Public Road to Michigan Avenue. The second urban renewal area is located along South Boulder Road between U.S. Highway 287 and South Public Road. Urban Renewal Areas Map

3. Is the use I am considering for my property permitted within the Urban Renewal Areas?

Please refer to the use chart to verify whether a particular use is permitted in the Urban Renewal Area. For more information about where the two Urban Renewal Areas are located, please see the
Urban Renewal Map. Use Chart for Urban Renewal

4. What is Urban Renewal's Vision for downtown?

In 2011, LURA adopted a Downtown Vision Plan to set forth policies for the future of downtown and to outline a strategy to continue the area’s revitalization. Since that time, LURA has accomplished a number of recommendations in the Vision. See LURA's Progress on the Downtown Vision

Downtown Vision
Downtown Vision Appendix A, Market Analysis
Downtown Vision Appendix B, Zoning and Parking Recommendations
Downtown Vision Appendix C, Fiscal Analysis
Downtown Vision Appendix D, Public Outreach Process During 2011 Downtown Vision

5. What has the Urban Renewal Authority accomplished since its inception in 1999?

Urban renewal funds and efforts have supported a number of projects in Lafayette. Projects include:

• An old Conoco gas station at the corner of Spaulding Street and Public Road was demolished in 2006, and an attractive commercial property was built in its place.
  
• Urban renewal funds and a grant from the state Department of Local Affairs created our popular Festival Plaza area in the heart of Old Town.
  
• LURA funds assisted in the redevelopment of a childcare center on Baseline Road
  
• Funds also helped construct a new building parapet on a downtown commercial building and to add awnings, outdoor patio spaces and other improvements to commercial buildings in the downtown core.
  
• LURA supported the redevelopment of the Countryside Village Shopping Center by spearheading changes to the shopping center covenants.
  
• A number of recommendations within the 2011 Downtown Vision plan have been accomplished since its adoption. Downtown Vision Progress
  

6. How is the Urban Renewal Authority funded?

When the Urban Renewal Areas were created, a base tax valuation for taxes generated within the districts was established. Taxes collected above and beyond the base are distributed to the Urban Renewal Authority rather than the government entities that would otherwise receive them. This means that property and business owners do not pay any additional taxes to support the Urban Renewal Authority, and that the taxes generated above the base go toward financing and supporting redevelopment and revitalization efforts in the districts.

Amended 2015 Budget (and Budget Resolution for 2014 Carryover)

7. Does the Urban Renewal Authority offer redevelopment incentives or other financial assistance for properties within Urban Renewal?

LURA does not have a specific incentive program. Rather, LURA tailors incentives/assistance based on individual circumstances and individual projects. In general, property owners and business owners approach City staff regarding specific projects and whether LURA would be willing to assist financially in the project. The Authority then considers the requests.