LOCATION MATTERS.

Standard City Zoning

Before making any financial decisions, check to make sure that your project meets Zoning Code requirements.

The City of Gastonia Zoning Map indicates areas that are zoned for residential, office, commercial, and industrial use. The Zoning Map also indicates historic districts, special corridor districts, and other areas with unique regulations.

Additional requirements for the operation of a business, such as parking, drives, and signage, are included in the Unified Development Ordinance. Properties may need to be rezoned subject to adopted plans, surrounding land use, and development conditions. Most higher-density residential projects require that a property be rezoned.

For more information about the Unified Development Ordinance or to view the official City Zoning Map, click HERE.

The City Zoning map above is interactive for your use.

Opportunity Zones

The Opportunity Zone Program was enacted on Dec. 22, 2017, and unlocks $6 trillion in unrealized capital gains and promotes investments in certain economically distressed communities known as Opportunity Zones.

If you have invested in stocks, real estate, or other assets that have appreciated in value, historically you cannot sell those assets without paying huge taxes.

Now, by investing in a qualified opportunity fund you can sell your appreciated asset, temporarily defer your original capital gain until 2026, and be able to reduce your capital gains expense.

If you are looking to locate in an Opportunity Zone, then we are happy to help you find out if your property qualifies.

The Opportunity Zone map above is interactive for your use.

Municipal Service District (MSD)

The Municipal Services District (MSD) is an area of the city with an additional property tax in order to provide projects or extra services that benefit the properties in the district.

Services provided include (but are not limited to):

• Advocacy

• Economic Development Assistance

• Project Development

• Business Retention and Recruitment

• Administration

• Street and Sidewalk Cleaning

• Safety Enhancement

• Landscaping

• Marketing

• Promotions

• Festivals and Special Events

The MSD map above is expandable for your use.

*The City of Gastonia tax rate is 47 cents per $100 assessment value. Property owners located in the MSD pay an additional 20 cents for a total of 67 cents per $100 valuation for the enhanced services that directly benefit them.

New Market Tax Credits (NMTC)

The New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) Program is part of the Community Renewal Tax Act Relief of 2000 enacted by Congress. The program’s purpose is to spur growth in communities by providing tax incentives to investors who invest in certified Community Development Entities (CDE).

By working with a CDE, developers can receive the NMTC below-market-rate loans for gap financing to fund projects in eligible areas, based on distress data/poverty and unemployment.

In Gastonia, NMTC eligible areas are located west of Cox Road, including the Franklin Urban Sports and Entertainment District and adjacent areas located in the downtown area.

The NMTC map above is expandable for your use.