The Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority (the “EDA”) has created and now offers the Fire Suppression Grant, Pilot Program (the “Grant Program”). As part of the City’s Business Retention and Expansion Strategy, the EDA has identified the need to bolster public safety and improve the commercial stock within the city.
Donor Name: City of Columbia Heights
State: Minnesota
City: Columbia Heights
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: Ongoing
Size of the Grant: $15,000
Details:
Many of the older commercial structures throughout the city lack basic fire suppression systems or infrastructure for said systems. As businesses seek to develop in the city, they are limited by code requirements for the instillation of fire suppression systems. These improvements are very costly making it difficult for small businesses to enter and utilize many of the City’s older and smaller commercial spaces. The Fire Suppression Grant, Pilot Program seeks to assist businesses and property owners in partially alleviating the costs of installing fire suppression systems. This program, being initiated by the Community Development Department shall be a pilot program for the remainder of 2022 and 2023.
Funding Information
The Grant Program reimburses businesses or commercial property owners for eligible improvements up to fifty percent (50%) of the total project cost; for a maximum reimbursement of $15,000.The applicant is reimbursed once the improvements are completed in accordance with program guidelines.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be an owner of a commercial property, a commercial tenant with approval from the property owner(s), or a 501(c)(3) organization in the City of Columbia Heights (the “City”) located along 37th Avenue NE, 37th Place NE, 40th Avenue NE, University Avenue NE, or Central Avenue NE between 37th and 47th Avenue NE.
- Applicants must be in good standing with the City, including but not limited to, legally operating with proper licensure; and current on property taxes, utility bills, and special assessments.
- No new construction will be considered under this program.
- The use of the building must be commercial or mixed-use
- Qualifying improvements must exceed $1,000 (see eligible improvements below)
Eligible Improvements
- Fire safety improvements must be completed by a licensed contractor and comply with all permitting and inspection requirements:
- Design & Engineering costs directly associated to the fire sprinkler system installation
- Construction and instillation of a fire line from the main water line to the building
- Fire sprinkler system equipment/installation
- Associated fire alarm systems/installation in conjunction to a fire sprinkler system
Please note: Labor costs of a contractor, including necessary design work are eligible costs for reimbursement but cannot exceed 10% of the construction costs.
For more information, visit City of Columbia Heights.
