An enterprise zone is an Oregon State designated area to encourage business investment in that area through property tax relief. Eligible businesses are usually traded sector (non-retail) businesses and they can receive up to 15 years of tax abatement for all newly developed or new to Oregon equipment. Application must be submitted before any construction begins.

Standard Program

In exchange for locating or expanding into any enterprise zone, eligible (generally non-retail) businesses receive total exemption from the property taxes normally assessed on new plant and equipment. Subject to local authorization, timely filings and criteria the benefits include:

• Construction-in-Process Enterprise Zone Exemption—For up to two years before qualified property is placed in service, it can be exempt from local taxes, which can cover more property than the regular exemption for commercial facilities under construction.
• Three to five consecutive years of full relief from property taxes on qualified property, after it is in service.
• Depending on the zone, local incentives also may be available.

Grants Pass Urban Boundary Enterprise Zone was adopted August 2018.

Standard Enterprise Exemption (3 Years)

• Enter into a 1st-source agreement with local job training providers
• Have no concurrent job losses outside the zone boundary
• Increase full-time, permanent employment of the firm by the greater of 1 new job or 10% increase in employment
• Maintain this minimum employment level during the exemption period

Extended Enterprise Exemption (Up to 5 Years)

• Compensation of new workers must be at or above 150% of the county average wage
• Written agreement with the local zone sponsors

For more information concerning this program contact 

• Susan Seereiter, Business Advocate at 541-450-6014 or 
• Enterprise Zone Manager Colleen Padilla, Executive Director of Southern Oregon Economic Development Inc. (SOREDI) 541-773-8946

Business Oregon

To find out more about Enterprise Zones, go to the following page on the Business Oregon website:

http://www.oregon4biz.com/Oregon-Business/Tax-Incentives/Enterprise-Zones/