Aurora Tax Abatements & Developer Incentives

Taxation and Finance Colorado 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 09, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Developers planning projects in Aurora, Colorado should understand municipal tax abatements, incentive programs, and the local application process to secure public support or financing. This guide summarizes eligibility, typical documentation, steps to apply, enforcement risks, and where to find official forms and contacts on Aurora government sites.

Early consultation with Aurora Economic Development reduces delays.

Eligibility & Common Incentives

Aurora offers several local economic tools that may support development, including urban renewal/TIF, negotiated abatements tied to redevelopment, and other incentives administered or coordinated by city economic development entities. Specific program availability and eligibility requirements are published by the City of Aurora and related authorities; consult those pages for current zones and criteria[1].

  • Typical deadlines: vary by program and project timeline.
  • Common requirements: redevelopment plan, financial pro forma, site control, and community benefit commitments.
  • Tools frequently used: Tax Increment Financing (TIF), negotiated tax agreements, and fee waivers.

Application Process

Applications are generally handled through Aurora's economic development office or the designated urban renewal authority; proposals typically require a written application, supporting financials, and presentation to a review board or council. Early pre-application meetings are recommended to confirm program fit and timelines[2].

  1. Prepare project summary, development budget, and community benefits statement.
  2. Request a pre-application meeting with Aurora Economic Development or AURA.
  3. Submit formal application and attend review/hearing if required.
  4. Negotiate terms, conditions, and any reimbursement or abatement schedule.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and penalties for violations of incentive agreements or municipal code provisions are governed by the City of Aurora and any authority that executed the incentive (for example, an urban renewal authority). Monetary fine amounts and escalation schedules are not uniformly listed on a single incentive page and must be confirmed in the specific agreement or the municipal code cited by the city; where amounts or procedures are absent on an official page, this guide notes that they are "not specified on the cited page" and points to the controlling source[3].

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; refer to the project agreement or Aurora municipal code.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence handling is defined in agreements or code and is not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: may include repayment obligations, repayment schedules, rescission of abatements, court collection actions, or administrative orders.
  • Enforcer: City of Aurora departments such as Finance, Economic Development, or the Aurora Urban Renewal Authority depending on the instrument; contact details are on city pages.
  • Appeals/review: appeal procedures and time limits depend on the ordinance or agreement terms; if not specified on a program page, the municipal code or the agreement should be consulted for exact deadlines.
Penalty amounts and appeal deadlines are set in the governing agreement or municipal code and may vary by project.

Applications & Forms

Some incentive programs use published application forms or templates; others require a proposal letter and supporting exhibits. Where forms exist, they are hosted on Aurora official pages or provided by the administering authority. If a form is not published for a specific program, the administering office accepts a proposal packet as described on the program page[1].

  • Form names/numbers: not universally standardized across programs; check the program page or contact Economic Development.
  • Fees: program fees and administrative costs are listed per program or not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: typically electronic to the economic development office or via the urban renewal authority; confirm on the program page.
If no form is posted, submit a complete proposal packet and request an intake meeting.

How-To

  1. Identify the incentive program that fits your project and review eligibility criteria.
  2. Schedule a pre-application meeting with Aurora Economic Development or AURA.
  3. Assemble the application packet: project summary, pro forma, site control proof, and community benefits.
  4. Submit the application and attend required hearings or negotiations.
  5. Finalize and sign any incentive agreement, noting compliance, reporting, and repayment terms.

FAQ

What types of incentives does Aurora offer?
Aurora offers tools such as tax increment financing, negotiated abatements through redevelopment agreements, and other local incentives; availability varies by project and zone.
Where do I submit an application?
Submit to Aurora Economic Development or the administering urban renewal authority; program pages provide submission instructions and contact points.
What happens if I breach an incentive agreement?
Remedies can include repayment, rescission, fines, or legal action; specific penalties and appeal rights are set in the agreement or municipal code.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with a pre-application meeting to confirm program fit.
  • Read incentive agreements carefully for compliance and repayment clauses.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Aurora Economic Development - Incentives and Programs
  2. [2] Aurora Urban Renewal Authority information
  3. [3] Aurora Municipal Code (Municode) - Code of Ordinances

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