The Great Update Rebate

Plano City Council empowered the Neighborhood Services Department to create a program to assist Plano homeowners with the financial burden of caring for older homes in the City. More than $2,500,000 has been dedicated to this program since inception (2014), which will be distributed to program participants in the form of a rebate. Enter your address on the interactive map to see if your property is eligible for The Great Update Rebate program.

Eligible Properties 

  • Single family houses, duplexes, townhouses and condominiums qualify
  • House is 35 years or older
  • Any occupancy and ownership qualifies (Owner-occupied, tenant-occupied, or vacant)
  • Current on taxes and insurance
  • The County Appraisal District (CAD) appraised market value of the property must be less than or equal to 85% of the FHA single-family mortgage limit for Collin County for the current year. Year 2018 FHA limit of $386,400 * 85% = $328,440 maximum property value for 2018.

Eligible Improvements 

  • Both interior and exterior improvements qualify, with exceptions noted below under “INELIGIBLE”
  • Minimum property improvements must be at least 10% of the CAD appraised market value or $20,000, whichever is less. For example, a $150,000 property must have a minimum investment of $15,000 to qualify. A $250,000 property must have a minimum investment of $20,000 to qualify.
  • Qualified updates may start only after receiving a Notice To Proceed from the City (this includes deposits, down payments and purchased items).
  • Complete within three months of start, although extensions are allowed with demonstrated need
  • Must result in a livable unit
  • Repairs to individual condominium units not covered by the property owner association
  • Landscaping is eligible only per plan approved by the City’s Landscape Architect

INELIGIBLE Improvements 

  • New pools, hot tubs, spas and water features
  • Any landscaping plan that includes the following:
    • Plants that are not native or naturalized; prefer Texas Smartscape plants
    • Irrigation system that does not allow plants to become established under current water restrictions at the time of plan approval; may require drip irrigation or soaker hoses
  • Repair or replacement of sprinkler systems lacking digital controllers with functional rain and temperature sensors
  • Detached accessory structures
  • Garage enclosures
  • Carports
  • Exterior improvements or other items covered by the HOA for condominium units
  • Any project started before receiving your Notice to Proceed is ineligible for the rebate (this includes deposits, down payments and purchased items)

Rebate

  • $5,000 limit per property per 12 months (from the date of the Notice to Proceed letter)
  • 25% rebate on exterior improvements
  • 10% rebate on interior improvements
  • All improvements must be completed once agreement is signed, or the project is wholly disqualified; no partial rebates
  • To request the rebate check, please submit the required forms and documents as listed in theRebate Request Checklist.