This specialized tool gives property owners access to additional financing for qualifying energy efficient and renewable energy building improvements by levying a special tax assessment against their property in cooperation with the City of Cincinnati Energy Special Improvement District (“ESID”) — managed by the Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority. Property owners petition the City to levy the special assessment against their property. The Department of Community and Economic Development ("DCED") is responsible for reviewing the materials submitted by applicants and advancing legislation for PACE assessments to City Council.

​

Goal​

 

The goal of PACE is to encourage and incentivize clean energy property investments by businesses and developers.

​

Who Can Apply?

​

• Business Owners

• Developers

• Sustainable/Green-Building Developers 

• Non-Profit Developers, Community Development Corporations

 

Overview of Process

 

Interested petitioners should complete an Initial Eligibility Form with Ohio PACE (as outlined out in the OHPACE Brochure found at the link below) to determine if their property and “energy project” is eligible. If it is, the petitioner works with an Ohio PACE registered contractor to identify and quantify eligible energy savings improvements, ultimately completing an Energy Project Summary Form, followed by an Energy Project Application -- both of which go to Ohio PACE. Ohio PACE works to prepare the required legal documentation, which DCED helps review. DCED also collects a PACE Project Intake Form from the petitioner. Following final approval from relevant City department, legislation is drafted and sent to City Council. Once passed by Council, the City of Cincinnati Energy Special Improvement Board convenes to vote to add the subject property to the ESID, after which petitioners will likely close on financing. The special assessment is then added to the eligible property’s tax bill and funding is made available to finance the energy project, allowing installation of the eligible improvements to begin.