Nearly two years ago, Cleveland announced it would offer a 100% property tax abatement for new homes built to allow people to age in place.
But the program has been slow to take hold. City officials said no project has received final approval for the abatement, which eliminates property taxes for 15 years on new homes worth up to $450,000. That may be because the program is new or because the list of requirements for a home to qualify is long.
Officials told Signal Cleveland that only two projects are currently under construction, and two others are still in planning stages.
What does it mean to age in place?
Many people want to stay in their home as they get older rather than moving to assisted living or a nursing facility. This is called aging in place. Living at home as you age offers emotional comfort, independence and familiarity, according to the National Institute on Aging.
A 2021 AARP survey found that about 75% of Americans over the age of 50 would like to stay in their current homes or communities for as long as possible. Aging in place requires planning and building homes that remain safe and manageable as residents’ needs change.
The latest census data shows that Cleveland is now one of only three U.S. metropolitan areas with more than 1 million residents where older adults outnumber children for the first time. Today, more than a third of Cleveland residents are over the age of 50, and the aging population is only growing, according to current trends.
The city’s Age-Friendly Cleveland 2025-2028 Action Plan cites the growing number of seniors over 60 and calls for action steps to meet their needs, including more age-friendly housing. The tax abatement was seen as a way to spur more development of homes safe for seniors.
Who is eligible for the property tax abatement?
The city tax abatement applies to new construction of single-family homes or properties in Cleveland with up to three units. For multi-unit properties, all units must fully comply with the program’s accessibility and age-in-place criteria to qualify. Smaller home improvements or partial renovations do not qualify.
The city outlines 66 mandatory technical requirements for a property to be considered an age-in-place residence. City officials say they have been meeting directly with applicants, architects and an ADA compliance specialist to help interpret requirements and review plans. Homes must meet all 66 design requirements — partial compliance does not qualify for tax abatement.
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For example, homes must have at least one no-step entry, ensuring that residents using walkers or wheelchairs can enter without barriers. Inside, doorways must be at least 36 inches wide, allowing for easy movement between rooms. And in the bathroom — often the most hazardous space — slip-resistant flooring and reinforced walls for grab bars are required to prevent falls and support long-term safety.
The work must also comply with the city’s Green Building Standard, ensuring that improvements meet sustainability and energy-efficiency goals.
All construction work must be completed under a valid building permit issued by the City of Cleveland Department of Building and Housing. Projects with improper or inaccurate permits—for example, if the listed project cost or scope does not match the actual work completed—are not eligible. The permit also requires a Certificate of Occupancy upon completion.
Why are there so few participants?
The bar is high. The 66 accessibility design standards, paired with the city’s energy efficiency standards, are intended to ensure safety and long-term accessibility, city officials said, but they also add costs that can deter homeowners and small developers.
The city doesn’t have any pre-approved designs or drawings available. Instead, the city provides technical specifications that applicants must meet, leaving the responsibility for interpreting and implementing them to architects and builders.
How do I apply?
Before starting a project, architectural drawings and a completed age-in-place criteria checklist must be submitted to the city. Processing time may vary depending on season and volume, according to city officials.
Upon completion of the project, Cleveland’s Tax Abatement Office will review all submitted materials and require an on-site inspection before granting final approval.