Municipal Restoration Zone Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Municipal Restoration Zone's general questions and answers section.  We hope you find them helpful and informative.  If you don't find the answer to your question, e-mail Kelly Trevino at the City of Fresno Downtown and Community Revitalization Department or call (559) 621-8426.

Download a PDF version of Frequently Asked Questions.

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What is the Incentive Period?How do I know if my business is located in the MRZ?How do I know if my business qualifies as an Eligible New Business?How do I know if my business qualifies as an Eligible Expanding Business?What is an Eligible Business Property?If I moved by business from another city into the MRZ, would I qualify?If I moved my existing business from another area of Fresno into the MRZ, would I still qualify?I have an employee who lived in the MRZ when I first hired him, but he has since moved out. Am I still eligible for the hiring credit, or will I have to pay it back?What if an employee who lived elsewhere when I hired him moved into the MRZ after hire? Would that employee qualify for the hiring credit?I just found out about the benefits of the MRZ and have already paid full price for my building permit fees. Can I get a refund?For which building permit fees may I receive a reduction?For which development entitlement fees may I receive a reduction?How do I apply for the MRZ?I still have questions. Is there someone who chan explain this to me in further detail?
What is the Incentive Period?  
Each Incentive Period runs according to the fiscal year, July 1 through June 30.  The initial Incentive Period is July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.  The program sunsets on June 30, 2021.


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How do I know if my business is located in the MRZ?  
If your business is located in the City limits and is south of McKinley and west of Peach, you are most likely in the MRZ.  Try our Incentive Zones Address Locator to find out what zones your business is in.  Contact the Downtown and Community Revitalization Department if you are unsure.
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How do I know if my business qualifies as an Eligible New Business?  
If you are a commercial, industrial, retail or other legitimate business that on or after July 1, 2006 established a business location within the MRZ boundaries, you most likely qualify.
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How do I know if my business qualifies as an Eligible Expanding Business?  
If you are a commercial, industrial, retail, or other legitimate business and have expanded your physical facilities within the MRZ by at least 20 percent (based on useable square footage for business operations), or have increased the number of employees filling full-time jobs by at least 20 percent, you probably qualify.
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What is an Eligible Business Property?  
An Eligible Business Property is real property within the MRZ, which the new or expanding business occupies under either (a) an ownership interest, or (2) a long term lease (not less than five years), and which is propertl zoned for, or for which the business holds a conditional use permit, that permits the physical business facilities on, and the business activities of the business on the real property.
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If I moved by business from another city into the MRZ, would I qualify?  
Yes!  You would qualify as an Eligible New Business.
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If I moved my existing business from another area of Fresno into the MRZ, would I still qualify?  
Yes!  You would qualify as an Eligible New Business.
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I have an employee who lived in the MRZ when I first hired him, but he has since moved out. Am I still eligible for the hiring credit, or will I have to pay it back?  
Yes, you are still eligible.  This credit is based on the employee's address at the time of hire.  It does not matter if they move out at a later date.
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What if an employee who lived elsewhere when I hired him moved into the MRZ after hire? Would that employee qualify for the hiring credit?  
No.  The credit is based on the employee's address at the time of hire.
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I just found out about the benefits of the MRZ and have already paid full price for my building permit fees. Can I get a refund?  
Yes.  If you paid your fees prior to submitting your application for eligibility,  you may obtain a reimbursement.  Simmply contact the Downtown and Community Revitalization Department for the forms you need.
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For which building permit fees may I receive a reduction?  
You can receive reductions on Building Plan Checks; Building Permits; Electrical Permits; Plumbin Permits; Mechanical Permits; and Permit Inspections.
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For which development entitlement fees may I receive a reduction?  
You can receive reduction on Rezone; Subdivision; Parcel Map; Conditional Use Permit (CUP); Site Plan Review; Variance; Lot Line Adjustment; Minor Deviation; and Environmental Analysis.
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How do I apply for the MRZ?  
After the Qualifying Event, each business must fill out an Application to Determine Eligibility. Then, during the Filing Period - October 1 through June 1 following the June 30 end of the Incentive Period - apply for the specific refunds or credits you're entitled to.

Click here for more details.

Applications are available online or at the City of Fresno Downtown and Community Revitalization Department located at 2600 Fresno Street, Room 2156-02.


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I still have questions. Is there someone who chan explain this to me in further detail?  
Yes.  E-mail Kelly Trevino at the City of Fresno Downtown and Community Revitalization Department or call (559) 621-8426.
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