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2. 
4. Class 6/8 Application and Requirements

   The Class 6/8 tax incentive is an economic development offered by the Cook County Assessor's Office, which provides a real estate tax reduction incentive for construction of new or existing industrial and commercial development. The goal is to attract new industry, stimulate expansion and retention of existing industry, and increase employment opportunities.  

   The City of Oak Forest shall consider each application on its own merit, the benefit to the community and completeness of information.  

   It is important to note that the City of Oak Forest does not grant reclassification incentives.  This is a Cook County incentive that the city may support.  When submitting a request for support, please submit one reproducible copy of the required information and documents. 

   If you have questions regarding the application, please contact Assistant Community Development Director Paul Ruane at 708-444-4848.

   Read the eligibility guidelines.

6. General Instructions

   • Applicant is required to meet with staff prior to completing an application.
   • Fill out the application completely. If any questions are unanswered or required documents not submitted, an explanation of omissions must be included.

   Conditions for City Support

   1. The proposal must satisfy all applicable Cook County criteria for the approval of a Class 6/8 incentive.
   2. The proposal must be consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Economic Incentive Policy.
   3. The petitioner shall agree to develop, operate, and maintain the Subject Property in compliance with all codes and ordinances of the City of Oak Forest.
   4. The applicant shall make every attempt, where feasible, to employ locally and utilize local businesses.
   5. The city’s support of a particular Class 6/8 request shall be tied to a specific business(es) that will occupy the subject property and benefit from the Class 6/8 property classification. The applicant’s business is intended to so operate at the subject property during the life of the Class 6/8 exemption.
   6. During the life of the Class 6/8 schedule, the applicant shall agree not to seek a property tax protest and/or reduction.
   7. At any time during the life of the property under a Class 6/8 designation, should the taxpayer request a reduction in value by the way of PTAB, specific objection, or Certificate of Error, the taxpayer must give notice to all taxing bodies one month prior to filing for such reduction. If the taxpayer fails to give notice as stated above, the taxpayer shall withdraw its appeal.
   8. All Cook County prevailing and living wage requirements are met.

   Class 6/8 Review Process

   1. Application: Applicant must submit a completed application package which incorporates and addresses all of the requested information and includes a completed Cook County application. By submitting this application, the applicant agrees to the conditions for city support.
   2. Administrative Review: Staff shall review the request. If it is determined that the application is complete and has merit, a notice of future meetings at which the application will be discussed will be sent to all impacted taxing bodies.
   3. Economic Advisory Council: All Cook County tax incentive requests must be reviewed by the Economic Advisory Council. The council will make a will make a recommendation to the City Council to either support or reject the request. The City Council will have the final decision in granting support.
   4. City Council Action: The City Council will be presented with a resolution for action. The resolution will be presented to the council in the affirmative and in support of the incentive application. However, the request can still be denied.

   Required Information

   The applicant shall adequately and completely submit the following requested information:

   1. City of Oak Forest Application
   2.  Copy of Cook County Application
   3. Property information including plat of survey, Parcel Identification Number (PIN), tax bill for the current year and previous ones (one minimum).
   4. The purchase price of the property, provide documentation.
   5. Verification as to the length of time the property has been vacant.
   6. Submit a tax impact table showing the projected taxes that would be paid if the 6/8 is granted for the life of the reclass; The property taxes that would be paid if the property is reused without the 6/8, and the property taxes if the property was vacant over the life of the 6/8.
   7. Narrative addressing the following:
      1. Explanation of need for the 6/8 incentive. This should be in quantifiable terms including a “but for” explanation of need and how the reduction in taxes for the term is need to support the project, any improvement costs, and the overall business operations.
      2. Description of business operations. (Including but not limited to: types of products, hours of operation, company promotional information, existing locations, etc.)
      3. Description of property and existing condition. Include building and/or lot size
      4. Detailed description of what improvements are needed to make the site usable. Additional improvements may be required by the city to secure occupancy.
      5. Description of what economic and non-economic benefits the community will receive for the term of the incentive. This should be presented in quantifiable terms.
      6. Summary of the employment impact of the development.
      7. An identification of how the business will build on the resources, materials and workforce of the local community shall be submitted. If application is for a renewal or extension of an existing 6/8 incentive the information provided must indicate the benefits (both economic and non-economic) that the community has already received under the existing 6/8 incentive.
10. Business Name*
11. Owner/Chief Officer
13. House Number:*
14. Street Name:*
15. Street Type:*
16. Apt Number:
18. City:*
19. State:*
20. Zip:*
24. Contact Person
25. Email
27. Phone 1
28. Phone 2
30. House Number:*
31. Street Name:*
32. Street Type:*
33. Apt Number:
35. City:*
36. State:*
37. Zip:*
41. Copy of Cook County Application
42. Plat of Survey
44. PIN(S)
46. Tax Bill - Current
47. Tax Bill - Previous
49. Verification of Length of Vacancy
51. Purchase Price of Property
52. Summary of Property Taxes
54. Narrative

58. We hereby request consideration of our Class 6/8 Tax Incentive Application and ask that the City of Oak Forest support our reduced assessed valuation.  We have read and agreed to the general conditions for a 6/8 application request and certify that all statements and information supplied is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

60. AGREEMENT:  By signing this Electronic Signature Acknowledgment Form, I agree that my electronic signature is the legally binding equivalent to my handwritten signature. Whenever I execute an electronic signature, it has the same validity and meaning as my handwritten signature. I will not, at any time in the future, repudiate the meaning of my electronic signature or claim that my electronic signature is not legally binding.

    Electronic Signature:

62. Please type your First and Last Name:*
63. Date:*
    Date:
65. Legal Signature:*

    1. I Understand

    I understand that checking this box constitutes a legal signature confirming that I acknowledge and warrant the truthfulness of the information provided in this document.

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67. 1. Receive an email copy of this form.
68. Email address

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