Western Avenue Storefront Improvement Grant Program – California - fundsforNGOs

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes offers a Commercial Storefront Improvement Program that provides up to a 50% matching grant to qualified businesses and property owners along the Western Avenue Commercial Corridor for the completion of storefront improvements.

Donor Name: City of Rancho Palos Verdes

State: California

City: Rancho Palos Verdes

Type of Grant: Grant

Deadline: 03/28/2025

Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000

Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned

Details:

The Program provides matching grants to eligible applicants located within the Program Area. The Program match requirement is set at a maximum of 50% of eligible costs. However, the City reserves the right to flex the match requirement on a case-by-case basis. Three tiers of grant funding are available to applicants:

Tier 1: To be used for non-architectural elements such as paint, signage, and awnings. The Program reimburses 50% of the Program Grantee’s cost up to a maximum grant amount of $5,000
Tier 2: May be used for all Tier 1 type improvements as well as additional significant storefront improvements including, but not limited to, structural upgrades, storefront tile or stone accents, complete window replacement, or upgrading entryways for ADA compliance. The Program reimburses 50% of the Program Grantee’s costs up to a maximum grant amount of $10,000
Tier 3: Multiple tenant commercial buildings, consisting of three or more tenants, are eligible for the Program under Tier 3. Grant funds may be used for Tier 1 or Tier 2 type improvements. The Program reimburses 50% of the Program Grantee’s costs up to a maximum grant amount of $20,000.

Eligibility Criteria

Program Area
- Properties eligible for the Program must be located in the Western Avenue Commercial Corridor, including properties zoned for commercial use located within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes along Western Avenue between Westmont Drive (on the north end) and the southerly City boundary just south of Summerland Street (on the south end)
Business Type
- Applicants of the Program must be commercial businesses located within the Program Area
- Franchises and chain retailers are eligible under the Program
Improvements
- Improvements assisted by the Program should enhance or restore the physical condition or appearance of the building. Proposed improvements must be visible from the street. Types of improvements include but are not limited to:
  - Exterior paint
  - Removal of old signs, awnings, and other exterior clutter
  - Repair or replacement of exterior siding, stucco, or other exterior finishes
  - Installation of new entry doors that meet ADA accessibility requirements
  - Repair and replacement of windows
  - Installation of awnings
  - Installation of signs
  - Installation of exterior lighting
  - Installation of permanent landscaping
  - Entire storefront re-facing
  - Remediation of city and state code violations
  - Construction of outdoor dining and gathering spaces
  - Up to $1000 of the requested grant funds may be used for architectural and design services
Improvements must comply with:
- All local, state and federal laws and regulations
- Design Review Requirements
Applicants
- Applicants may be either an owner of, or tenant within, a proposed project. Both the owner and the tenant may apply to the Program if improvements are to different areas of the façade. If the applicant is a tenant, the property owner must also sign the Commercial Storefront Improvement Grant Application
Maintenance Requirements
- Approved applications will require that the applicant enter into a Grant Agreement with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes for a term not to exceed 3 years. The Grant Agreement details the terms and conditions associated with the Program, as well as required future maintenance obligations. Improvements funded through the Program must be maintained for a minimum of 3 years. If the improvements are not maintained, the City may consider this a breach of contract and exercise the option to require the grant funds be returned to the City. The City may also require grant funds be returned if within the 3-year term the property or business is sold or transferred.