The City of Novato is now accepting applications for the 2nd round of the Downtown Business/Property Improvement Program (IP).
Donor Name: City of Novato
State: California
City: Novato
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 04/10/2023
Details:
The Downtown Business/Property Improvement Program (IP) is designed to support private investment in their downtown properties in order to preserve them for commercial uses, especially retail. The goal is to encourage economic development and enhance the physical appearance and commercial viability of downtown businesses.
The IP is an incentive program that offers property and business owners matching grant reimbursements for improvements to the façades, access, interiors and infrastructure of commercial buildings in Novato.
Program Goals
Grants will be awarded to projects that City of Novato Economic Development staff determines best fulfill the following goals:
- Support the City’s broader economic development goals as approved by the City Council
- Enhance the appearance of retail corridors and/or preserve/restore valuable historical features
- Add long-term value to the property upon which the improvements are constructed
- Contribute to the viability of Downtown
Program Funding Guidelines
Program funds are distributed as matching grant reimbursements. The City will consider and may award matching grants of up to 50% of the eligible costs actually expended by the applicant. Grant funds are paid only as a reimbursement and are paid only upon completion of construction and issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Prior to the disbursement of grant funds, the Applicant must provide proof that the contractor has been paid in full and all Program Requirements of the IP have been met. The City reserves the right to approve, partially fund or reject any application for funding at its sole discretion. In the event that grant requests exceed the available funding, the City further reserves the right to prioritize those projects that result in the greatest combined benefits to the citizens of Novato.
Eligible Project Expenses
IP Project work may include the following:
- Landscaping
- Exterior Lighting
- Awnings/canopies
- Windows, doors and safety grilles
- Restoration of historical façade features
- Demolition and shell reconstruction
- Restoration of interior historical features
- Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, sprinklers, and HVAC upgrades
- Hazardous materials abatement (e.g., asbestos removal)
- Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Permit fees are eligible to be reimbursed with IP grant funds.
Program Requirements
The following Program Requirements must be met to participate in the IP:
- Applicant properties must be located within the boundaries of the Downtown Business Improvement District;
- Applicant properties must have no pending code violations;
- All applicants who are not property owners must provide a letter from the property owner stating (1) their knowledge of the applicant’s intent to participate in the program and (2) their consent for the improvements to the property;
- All projects must comply with City design standards and be approved by City staff. After the IP application is submitted, no design changes can be made without prior approval of the appropriate review authority or City Staff if no land use review is required;
- All contractors hired by IP grantees are required to be licensed contractors. The grantee (or their contractor) will also be required to show proof of minimum insurance requirements, including listing the City as an additional insured with certificates and endorsements in a form acceptable to the City;
- Applicants must ensure that all required permits are obtained;
- Grantees will be required to continuously maintain, at their expense, the improvements made as a result of their IP participation for the duration of their tenancy/ ownership of the premises.
For more information, visit City of Novato.
