Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Request by Bryan & Rebecca Johnson for Approval of a Preservation Level Historic Neighborhood Improvement Zone Program Tax Exemption (Level III) for the Property Located at 504 N Church Street
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in Downtown McKinney
MEETING DATE: January 15, 2026
DEPARTMENT: Development Services - Planning Department
CONTACT: Rayna Alam, Historic Preservation Planner
Cassie Bumgarner, Planning Manager
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Staff recommends approval of the request.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• The applicant requests approval of a Preservation level HNIZ Program tax exemption for the property located at 504 N Church Street.
• To be eligible for a tax exemption incentive under the HNIZ Program, residential properties must meet the minimum eligibility requirements of the program, along with specific criteria for the requested incentive level.
• Staff has reviewed the request and has found that it meets the minimum eligibility requirements of the HNIZ Program for a Preservation Level exemption (Level III).
• Specifically, the criteria for a Preservation Level incentive are as follows:
o The residential structure is at least 40 years old.
§ The home was built circa 1922.
o The owner receives a Letter of Eligibility from the City of McKinney verifying that the proposed improvements qualify for a rehabilitation incentive.
§ The Letter of Legibility was issued on December 4, 2025.
o A minimum investment of $5,000 in building improvements for the property has been demonstrated within 12 months of receipt of Letter of Eligibility.
§ Within the last 12 months, the owners have completed rehabilitation efforts to the structure, totaling $5,800, including:
o AC Replacement
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• The Historic Neighborhood Improvement Zone (HNIZ) Program was established in 2008 for the purpose of preserving the city’s unique and historic neighborhoods while encouraging property owners to maintain and/or rehabilitate residential properties and structures.
• The HNIZ Program includes a three-tiered incentive structure whereby residential properties that meet specified criteria are eligible to receive ad valorem tax exemptions on city taxes for a designated period of time.
• To be eligible for an HNIZ Program incentive, the following minimum general requirements apply:
o The property shall be located within the HNIZ Program area.
o The property shall be owner-occupied and shall maintain a homestead exemption from the Collin Central Appraisal District for the life of the incentive period.
o Verified, eligible improvements shall have received all necessary permits and approvals, including COAs.
o The structure, accessory structures, grounds, property elements and building elements with their materials and finishes have been maintained in good repair and in operable condition.
o There are no pending code violations.
o The total ad valorem taxes owed to the city must be current and paid on time.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• A Preservation Level incentive carries a 30% exemption from city ad valorem taxes for a period of ten years.
• In order to limit potential budgetary concerns, the HNIZ Program has an annual aggregate cap of $500,000 for the total amount of city ad valorem taxes that can be exempted in any budget year.
• Under the current program, Staff estimates that the total amount of ad valorem tax revenues being forgone is approximately $314,469.