City of Pinellas Park Façade Improvements Reimbursement Grant Program

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1 City of Pinellas Park Application Guidelines and Criteria This packet includes the guidelines and forms required for submitting a Façade Improvements Reimbursement Grant application to the City of Pinellas Park. Façade Improvement Grant Program Application Guidelines and Criteria Map depicting Pinellas Park s Community Redevelopment Area Application Two (2) pages Program Description Form Sample Project Budget form Project Budget Form Affidavit Signed by property owner and notarized Checklist for Façade Improvements Reimbursement Grant Application - Staff Review The review committee for the consists of City staff appointed by the City Manager. The City Manager, Assistant City Manager and staff representatives from the Community Development Department (Building, Planning, and Zoning), Neighborhood Services, and the Community Policing Unit, make up the committee. Committee members meet monthly. Completed application packets are due into the Technical Services Building, ( th Avenue), by 5:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Applications will be accepted while funds remain available. Late submissions will be considered at the next committee meeting, pending availability of funds. City of Pinellas Park 1

2 City of Pinellas Park Guidelines and Criteria 1. Purpose The Pinellas Park Façade Improvement Grant Program was established to encourage business owners within the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) to improve the façades of their business. Improving the physical appearance of buildings within the CRA promotes the attraction and retention of business operation in the Area, halts property value deterioration, promotes economic growth in the Area, and preserves the Area s physical resources. The is a competitive 50:50 match grant program. The Program will match businesses contributions dollar for dollar up to $10, for a single street frontage, and up to an additional $5, for a building on a corner with a second street frontage. The total maximum match amount a business will be awarded from the Program will be $15, to make façade and landscaping improvements. All improvement plans and designs must be approved by the City of Pinellas Park prior to project start up and the applicant will be responsible for obtaining all required permits. Applicants are encouraged to select economical and efficient alternatives when developing their applications. 2. Target Area All proposed façade improvements must be located within the Pinellas Park Community Redevelopment Area. A map is included with this package. 3. Eligibility A. The building must be located in the CRA and used for or intended for commercial purposes. B. The applicant must either have ownership or leasehold rights to an eligible building. Leasehold applicants are required to submit the notarized affidavit signed by the property owner as part of the completed application packet. C. Only independently owned, small businesses or apartment complexes serving low-to-moderately low income residents will be considered for grant funding. D. The Business Tax Receipt for the proposed building must be current. E. Improvements must be made to the exterior of one or more sides of the building visible from a public street or parking lot. F. Property taxes and other city services accounts must be current at the time of approval and funding. G. Façade improvements must comply with the City of Pinellas Park s zoning and land development ordinances and building codes. H. Proposed improvements or repairs must have a useful life of ten or more years. I. Maintenance of the improvements shall be the responsibility of the applicant. J. Applicants may receive façade grant funding only once within a three-year period. City of Pinellas Park 2

3 4. Ineligibility A. Nationally named chain or franchised businesses/retailers will not be considered for match grant funding. B. A business or apartment complex previously funded through this grant program cannot apply for reimbursement funds under this Program for three (3) years from the date on the grant agreement signed by the City Manager or designee. 5. Reimbursement Funds The City of Pinellas Park will consider applications for reimbursement grants of up to fifty (50%) percent of the eligible costs. The maximum match grant shall be $10, toward the first street frontage and $5, toward a second street frontage, for a total award not to exceed $15, for businesses situated on a corner lot with two (2) street frontages; and $10, for businesses with only one street frontage. 6. Eligible Costs It is the intent of this grant program to reimburse a portion of the applicant s expense for exterior cosmetic, non-structural improvements to a structure that will increase aesthetic appeal. Exterior improvements to an existing property within the CRA must improve the appearance of the exterior of the non-residential building. Eligible costs include, but are not limited to, labor, materials, and design assistance for: A. Entryway improvements purposed to meet ADA requirements; B. Exterior lighting (path lights, period lights, architectural enhancement lights); C. Replacement of windows (must meet current safety regulations); D. Entryways and architectural features; E. Renovation or addition of bicycle racks; F. Exterior finishes; G. Secured benches; H. Landscaping projects including: exterior planters, irrigation for landscaping, mulching, tree, shrub, and perennial flower planting; I. Masonry repair and exterior cleaning of the building; J. Building façade restoration and repair; K. New awnings and canopies; L. Entrances and doors; M. Decorative walkways and bollards; N. New signage; O. Demolition/removal of after-installed façades; P. Restoration of vintage elements. 7. Ineligible Costs The following costs are not eligible: A. Resurfacing, resealing, and/or repainting of parking lots (If the parking lot is clearly visible from a street, it will be considered as in-kind match by the applicant); B. Improvements made to an existing sign, awning, graphics; City of Pinellas Park 3

4 C. The cost of turf or sod will not be eligible as match or for reimbursement; D. Routine maintenance expenses. E. Costs for permits are not covered through this grant program. F. This grant program does not fund interior work. 8. Project/Improvements Guidelines A. The building being renovated must be within the Pinellas Park Community Redevelopment Area. B. Buildings being renovated must meet American with Disabilities Act requirements. C. Improvements funded through this program must be on the exterior of a building that is visible from any street, right-of-way, or public parking lot. Grants for renovating frontages on alley ways will not be considered for funding. D. Awarded grantees must submit proof of Commercial General Liability insurance including bodily injury and property damage prior to beginning the project. E. All work must be permitted through the City s Building Department prior to the start of the project and at the expense of the business owner. F. Grant funded projects must comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, building codes, and zoning regulations, G. Florida Statutes and the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board require owners of commercial properties to hire a licensed contractor for any work that requires a permit and inspection. H. The City will reimburse to the awardee, the agreed upon amount (City s share noted in the Grants Approval Letter) after the improvements are completed, have passed inspection, and proof of payment in full, has been received and approved by the City. I. All tasks for the proposed project listed on the grant application must begin after the Grant Agreement is activated. Work started prior to the date on the approval letter will not qualify for reimbursement. J. Improvements must begin within thirty (30) days from the date of the signed Grant Approval Letter. K. Projects must be completed within six (6) months of the signed Grant Approval Letter. L. Reimbursement funds will not be provided for improvements costing less than onethousand dollars ($1,000); the smallest amount awarded in a rebate will be five-hundred dollars ($500). M. A business requesting match dollars for landscaping must agree to maintain the improvements for three (3) years from the project s completion date. N. Landscaping projects must minimally meet the Pinellas Park Land Development Code; O. Program funds can only be used to purchase and place items identified within the approved grant application, once. Repeated requests for similar items will not be granted. P. Material costs and labor of employees are reimbursable; however, documentation must be submitted with the final paperwork showing only the number of hours employees worked on the approved project, the rate of pay to the employees, and social security numbers. Q. Funds cannot be used for maintenance projects. R. Any changes to the scope of work must be approved in writing by the City before work may begin. 9. Availability of Funds Funding for the is based on the City of Pinellas Park s approved budget for each fiscal year, which is October 1 st through September 30 th and available funds are limited. City of Pinellas Park 4

5 City staff make up the review committee for this grant program. The Review Committee meets once a month to review completed applications. Complete application packages received after the second Thursday of the month will be reviewed the following month, pending availability of funds. With limited funds available, it is recommended that applicants submit their applications early as funding will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. 10. Grant Application Process Expenses for projects started before the date of the signed agreement shall not be eligible for grant match or reimbursement. Step 1. The application form may be obtained from the Community Planning Division located at the Technical Services Building. Step 2. Complete the application in its entirety. The following required documents must be submitted as one (1) application packet and in this order: A. Awarded grantees must submit proof of Commercial General Liability insurance including bodily injury and property damage prior to beginning the project B. The completed application; C. A written description of the project plans or scope of work (a form is provided); D. A detailed cost estimate (budget) for all eligible expenses (a budget form is provided); E. A project timeline of activities and completion date(s) (a form is provided); F. A notarized affidavit signed by the property owner granting permission for the project;(if applicant is not the property owner) along with proof of legitimate ownership; G. Documentation that clearly illustrates the visual impact upon the project s completion; H. Two (2) bids from contractors or suppliers; I. Two (2) color photographs of the current state of the building where the improvements will take place; Step 3: Submit the completed application packet by the due date and time to the Community Planning Division Attention: Community Services Technician; at the Technical Services Building, th Avenue, Pinellas Park, FL City offices are open 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m., Monday Friday. Applications can be mailed or delivered. You may also scan the application packet into a pdf document and it to rstephenson@pinellas-park.com. 11. Grant Review Criteria The City staff will review the application packages and return any incomplete, inaccurate, or unsigned applications by US postal service to the applicant with a written explanation. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding. The City reserves the right to deny any project that does not align with the CRA s Design Guidelines. Applications submitted after the deadline may be reviewed with applications at the next month s review, pending the availability of funds. The Review Committee will determine whether the project should receive a grant and determine the amount of the award. In making the decision, the committee will consider the following factors and may give priority to projects that meet the following criteria: Is the proposed project located in the Pinellas Park Community Redevelopment Area? City of Pinellas Park 5

6 Are the entryways in compliance with ADA requirements? If not, will the project s scope of work bring the entryways of the property into compliance with ADA requirements? Will the project positively contribute to the City s assisted redevelopment effort? Will the project ameliorate a blighting influence? Will the project substantially leverage more investments than the required Reimbursement amount of the grant? Will the grant result in an improvement that would not be made otherwise? Does the project comply with the City s land development and zoning codes and ordinances? Upon review of all eligible application packets, City staff will notify the awardees via a Grant Approval Letter. The dated signed letter will serve as the agreement between the grantee and the City of Pinellas Park. The scope of work for the awarded project may begin on the day the agreement is signed. The applicant and contractors must ensure that all work has received permits from the Building Development Division; and that all work complies with the applicable codes and ordinances. Failure to do so will result in the termination of the agreement and no funds will be issued to the awardee from the City. NOTE: Page 8 has a project-specific list of review criteria that can be used to assist applicants with improvement ideas. The list is not all-inclusive. 12. Completion of Work - Reporting Grant awardees will be given six (6) months from the date of the Grant Approval Letter to complete all aspects of their scope of work. It is the awardee s responsibility to contact the Grants Coordinator of any unforeseen issues that may keep the project from being completed by the due date. Grant awardees must submit in writing, to the City, a request for extension within no less than one (1) month prior to the close out date on the Grant Agreement. Failure to contact the City to request an extension will result in termination of the agreement. Prior to receiving a reimbursement, the awardee shall submit to the Community Planning Division: A. Proof that the project has passed the final inspection; B. Copies of invoices, receipts, and proof of payment in full; C. A minimum of two (2) color photographs depicting the completed project; Within ten (10) business days after City staff has determined that all aspects of the agreement have been met, a request for payment will be submitted to the accounting division and payment will be made to the awardee (generally within two weeks). 13. Promotion The City of Pinellas Park reserves the right to use pictures, renderings, videos, or descriptions of the work for any promotional purpose. City of Pinellas Park 6

7 CRITERIA FOR REVIEW Type of Work Architectural Features Entrances, Windows, Doorways, Awnings, and Canopies Application Review Criteria Though identical structures are not the desire or the intent of the City, to build onto that which is attractive is desirable. Such as to key off of the Park Station structure (located at Park Boulevard) is reasonable. Features associated with that structure include the use of decorative bollards; peaked metal rooflines; brick exterior finish; barrier walls; and outside public areas. Aspects of these features texture and style can be incorporated into improvements of neighboring properties. Not that neighboring properties are to resemble each other, but desirable features or concepts can be incorporated. The entrance and windows to a building typically include architectural elements. They are focal points for the structure. The main entrance is seen by motorists as well as pedestrians. Windows can be as noticeable as the entrance. These elements make an impression and they should be complemented by the design features to accent and highlight. Canopies and awnings made of durable materials that provide window and entryway covering are accent features that can be used to accentuate the structure. The accent features should complement the design of the structure and be compatible with the neighborhood. Signage Exterior Finishes (siding, painting, stucco, etc.) Private Sidewalks Leading to Structure Lighting Public Amenities and Art Landscaping and Irrigation All entryway and window elements should be Florida Accessibility Code compliant and meet the State wind load requirements as well as complement the structure design. The use of monument signs or integrating business identification signs into the building façade should be done in such a way that the signs contribute positively to the overall image of the structure. The design should also be compatible with the neighborhood and meet all City codes and ordinances. Exterior finishes are eligible for funding. The design and color should complement the design features of the structure and be compatible with the neighborhood. Sidewalks and pathways shall be designed with special needs populations in mind and meet the Florida Accessibility Code. They must also complement the design features of the structure and be compatible with the neighborhood. Lighting features eligible for funding shall be for enhancement purposes, not primarily security lighting or parking lot lighting unless they are of unique design and provide visual enhancement. The lighting shall be for the highlighting and enhancement of walkways, landscaping, and architectural features of a structure. They should complement the design features of the structure and be compatible with the neighborhood. Other public amenities such as seating, bicycle racks, and art that will enhance the appearance of the property and provide a more appealing/inviting atmosphere for pedestrians and passing motorists. Landscape feature should soften or enhance the façade as well as screen unsightly aspects of a structure. Desired plantings shall include those that are durable to withstand the Florida climate, need little watering, and are low maintenance. City of Pinellas Park 7

8 City of Pinellas Park Façade Improvements Matching Grant Program Application Form Attachment A Office Use Only Date Received Received By: Application # Please complete this form in its entirety and MAIL or bring your application to: City of Pinellas Park, Community Planning Division, th Avenue, Pinellas Park, FL 33781; Attention: Community Services Technician. Telephone: (727) Applicant Name: 2. Business Name: 3. Business s Physical Address (Project Site) (Street) (City) (State) (Zip) 4. Applicant s Mailing Address (If different then Business Address) 6. Applicant is the (Check one) Property Owner Lessee/Tenant (Complete #3) Other (Property owner must sign and have notarized the Affidavit for Building Façade Improvement.) (Street) (City) (State) (Zip) 5. Telephone Number: 7. Have you or anyone else who can claim ownership or other interest in this property/business been awarded a Façade Improvements Grant within the last three (3) years? YES NO (If yes, please explain.) 8. Describe the use of the Proposed Property (What type of Business): 9. Façade Improvement Grant Applicants: Please attach a detailed description of the improvements that are proposed. Attach supporting materials, such as drawings, pictures, etc. which will assist in the review and understanding of your project. a) Amount of Funding Requested: (This can be no more than 50% of the total project cost not to exceed $10,000/1 street storefront or $15,000/2 street storefronts; the minimum requested amount is $500 (total project $1,000) b) Total Cost of Improvements: Please attach the following documents in this order: A) This completed and signed application form (Attachment A); B) A short description of the project for which you ae applying (A Project Description form is included for your convenience [Attachment B]); C) A completed Budget Form with detailed expenses (Attachment C); D) A completed Project Timeline Form of each task to be conducted including start and end dates (Attachment D); E) A notarized Affidavit granting permission from the owner, if the applicant is not the property owner (A sample is included) F) Copy of Registered Deed G) Renderings, Designs, or detailed plans of the proposed project; H) Two (2) bids from licensed contractors or suppliers licensed with Pinellas County. I) Two (2) color photographs of the current state of the building where improvements will take place. J) Awarded grantees must submit proof of Commercial General Liability Insurance including bodily injury and property damage prior to beginning the project. FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS MATCHING GRANT FUND **ONLY COMPLETED APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR FUNDING** City of Pinellas Park Facade Grant Program

9 Applicant(s) initials are required for items 1 8. Applicable Signatures are required for this application to be considered. I (we) the undersigned do hereby acknowledge and/or certify the following: 1. I (we) obtained, reviewed, and clearly understood the Guidelines and Criteria for the Façade Improvements Matching Grant program has been obtained, reviewed, and clearly understood. 2. I (we) understand that the submission of this application does not constitute a guarantee for funding under the Façade Improvements Matching Grant Program; and that it does not create any property, contract, or other legal rights in any person or entity to have the Grantor provide grant funding. 3. If grant funding is approved, a designee(s) of the City of Pinellas Park shall have the right to inspect the work in progress, as well as the completed improvements. 4. If grant funding is approved, I (we) agree to properly maintain the stated improvements for a minimum of three (3) years. 5. I (we) understand any improvement work or costs related to this project that were started or incurred prior to the date of the signed agreement cannot be reimbursed to the applicant. 6. All grant funding is contingent upon the continued availability of grant funds. The City of Pinellas Park reserves the right to decrease funding or cancel the grant program at its sole discretion. 7. The City of Pinellas Park reserves unto itself its absolute right of discretion in deciding whether or not to approve a grant relative to this application. The applicant accepts that all decisions relating to the award of grant funds involve subjective judgments, on the part of the decision-making entity, related to the aesthetics of the proposed project and the granting of award funds for said project. 8. The City of Pinellas Park, its employees and its agents shall be held harmless for any damages, both personal and property, which may result directly or indirectly from any incident associated with subject project of this application both during and after construction, and the City of Pinellas Park, its employees, and its agents shall not be liable for any debts incurred in association with the execution and completion of the subject project of this Application, and further that I (we) the Applicant/Applicants assume all responsibility for any and all of the aforementioned liabilities. I (we) certify that all information is true and accurate to the best of my (our) knowledge, and if approved, work will be completed in accordance with the City of Pinellas park s codes and ordinances and in alignment with the CRA s Design Guidelines. Furthermore, if grant funding is approved, I (we) do hereby grant to the City of Pinellas Park unlimited rights to use photographic images of the proposed property for reporting and marketing purposes. Applicant s Signature Date Co-Applicant s Signature (If applicable) Date Property Owner s Signature (If Different from Applicant) Date City of Pinellas Park Facade Grant Program

10 Attachment C City of Pinellas Park Façade Improvements Matching Grant Program Budget Form Applicant s Name: Property Address: (Site where purposed improvements will take place) Line Item Contractual Services Labor Equipment (windows, bike racks, benches, doors, etc.) Materials (paint, plants, mulch, etc.) Signage Other (Please Explain) TOTAL Requested Amount from the City Amount of Matching Dollars Total Budget Details City of Pinellas Park Facade Grant Program

11 AFFIDAVIT FOR BUILDING FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT I (we) the undersigned attest to my (our) ownership of the property located at and hereby authorize To act as my (our) agent for the limited and express purpose of participating in the Pinellas Park Façade Improvements Reimbursement Grant Program. I (we) have reviewed and approve of the improvements/modifications to be made on the property as proposed in the grant application. Title Holder Signature Date Co-Title Holder Signature Date STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF PINELLAS Sworn to and subscribed before me this day of, 20 by who is personally known to me or has produced as identification. Notary Printed Name Notary Signature My Commission Expires: Commission Number: City of Pinellas Park Facade Grant Program

12 Office Use Only Date/Time Received City Staff Initials City of Pinellas Park Façade Improvements Matching Grant Program Project Description Form - Attachment B Estimated Total Cost of Improvements: $ Project Description: PLEASE INCLUDE A MINIMUM OF TWO QUOTES BY LICENSED CONTRACTORS WITH THIS APPLICATION PACKET City of Pinellas Park Facade Grant Program

13 For Applicant s Reference CHECKLIST FOR FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM REVIEW CRITERIA To be used by Façade Review Committee ITEM DESCRIPTION ACCEPTABLE NOT ACCEPTABLE APPLICATION A1 Complete Application Packet has been submitted A2 Project plans, renderings, etc. have been submitted A3 Project meets the City s eligibility requirements A4 Grant request is within maximum permitted A5 All requested expenses are for eligible costs A6 All forms requiring signatures are signed FAÇADE F1 The architectural character of the building(s) is harmonious with the overall design promoted by the CRA Development Plan F2 Façade materials meet current City codes and ordinances F3 Accent features accentuate and complement the design of the structure and is compatible with the neighborhood F4 Street level windows are transparent F5 F6 F7 F8 Doorways along the street are recessed Modifications from this plan are Florida Accessibility Code compliant as well as complement the structure design Signs contribute positively to the overall image of the structure. The design is compatible with the structure design. All proposed signage meets the City s specifications. Siding, Stucco, and/or painting projects complement the design features of the structure and are compatible with the neighborhood City of Pinellas Park Facade Grant Program

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