STOREFRONT IMPROVEMENT

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 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.
  • 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

Background


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.

Grant Funding

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.

Eligibility

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.

Application Process


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.


Additional Incentives
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.