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Goals
The goals of the Storefront Improvement Program are to:
* Work in partnership with the private sector to stimulate private investment
in the City's older neighborhoods
* Generate additional revitalization by focusing the investment on visible
improvements
* Beautify the districts so that they positively reflect on neighboring residential
areas
* Increase business by generally making the district more attractive.
In doing so, the City has instituted some basic design parameters, which include:
* respect for the original features of the building including the use of color
and suitable materials
* limiting additional signage by incorporating it into the building's design
* use of suitable landscaping that will aid in the preservation of community
scale and character
The SIP originated in 1986, and while the extent of the program's use has
varied with the ups and downs of the economy, it has generally been very well
received by small business and is viewed in the areas it serves as a successful
program in the Office of Small Business (OSB).
The SIP was funded initially by Industrial Development Bond (IDB) proceeds
and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) monies. Because CDBG is difficult
to use for construction costs, it was used for architect and estimator fees
while IDB proceeds were used for the matching grants against hard costs expended
by applicants. In 1995, the City Council adopted the Small Business Enhancement
Program (SBEP), funded by the business tax certificate fees levied on small
businesses. SBEP provided a more stable funding source fro both hard and soft
costs of storefront improvements.
The City matches one dollar for every two invested by the property or business
owner, if the facade improvement is approved before and after construction.
To help ensure a quality project, the City provides up to 10 hours (up to
$750) of professional architectural design assistance at no cost to the applicant.
Once the construction is completed and reviewed, the City will reimburse the
applicant for one third of the cost of the construction up to a maximum rebate
of $5,000.
Buildings on major commercial
streets located in existing and proposed Business Improvement Districts, Redevelopment
Areas, and Community Development Corporation Areas are eligible. This Includes
businesses in the El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement District.
There are nine steps to each Storefront Improvement Program
1. The business or property owner submits an application and two 8X10 color
photos of the buildings to the program manager.
2. The program manager sends a letter informing the applicant that the was
received and that a meeting will be set up within two weeks.
3. At the initial meeting with the program manager, the applicant gives a
$250 "good faith" deposit, to be returned upon completion of the
project.
4. The architect prepares and provides a conceptual design to the applicant.
5. Upon concurrence on the design between the applicant and the program manager,
the applicant obtains construction bids.
6. Upon receiving all the required paperwork, the program managers prepares
the SIP contract and secures all required signatures.
7. The applicant begins construction, with up to one year to complete the
project.
8. Upon completion of the construction, the applicant submits final invoices
with matching check copies, two 8X10 "after" photos, and the business's
federal tax ID or Social Security number.
9. The applicant is given a check for the eligible rebate amount.
A $250 deposit is required with a completed storefront improvement program
application. The deposit is refundable upon the successful completion of an
approved renovation project.
The City also offers two additional ways in which an applicant can increase
his/her rebate to 50 percent of the project costs with a maximum rebate of
$7,500. A total of 15 hours (up to $1,150) of architectural assistance are
also available if the building or business incorporates:
" Historic Preservation: Provided the building is architecturally significant
and is restored to the original design.
" Public Art: qualifies buildings if a significant part of the project
includes public art.
