Local Option – Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems

Program Overview

Implementing SectorState
CategoryFinancial Incentive
StateColorado
Incentive TypeProperty Tax Incentive
AdministratorDepartment of Local Affairs, Local Governments
Start Date8/3/2007
Expiration Date7/1/2017
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Solar Photovoltaics, Wind (All), Biomass, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Wind (Small)
Applicable Sectors Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Agricultural, Multifamily Residential
Incentive AmountVaries (local option)
Maximum IncentiveVaries (local option)

Summary

Colorado enacted SB07-145 in April 2007, authorizing counties and municipalities to offer property or sales tax rebates or credits to residential and commercial property owners who install renewable energy systems on their property. 

Local governments can enact incentive payments or property tax rebates under certain circumstances related to economic development. A county, municipality, or special district can enter into negotiations for an incentive payment with owners of new business facilities. A county, municipality, or special district may also negotiate an incentive payment or credit with owners of existing business facilities, located in their jurisdiction, based on verifiable documentation demonstrating that there is a substantial risk that the owner of the existing business facility will relocate it out of state. The incentives cannot exceed 100 percent of the personal property taxes paid to the county, municipality, or special district. For agreements made prior to August 6, 2014, the agreement cannot last more than ten years. For agreements made after August 6, 2014, the agreement may not last longer than thirty-five years, §§ 30-11-123, 31-15-903, and 32-1-1702, C.R.S.

Other local renewable energy incentives may exist. Contact your local county or municipality for more information.

Websites for many Colorado cities can be found at the Colorado Municipal League website, www.cml.org.

Websites for Colorado counties can be found at the Colorado Counties, Inc. website, www.ccionline.org.

Authorities

NameCRS § 30-11-107.3
Date Enacted04/16/2007
Effective Date08/03/2007
NameCRS § 31-20-101.3
Date Enacted04/16/2007
Effective Date08/03/2007
NameCRS § 32-1-1702