Business Façade Improvement Program

Transcription

1 Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Municipal Office th Avenue South Bag Service 399, Fort Nelson, BC V0C 1R0 Tel Fax Business Façade Improvement Program Purpose The physical environment in which we live and work has a great effect on us. A community that is more appealing and interesting to the eye gives its residents a greater sense of place. The program is aimed to provide grant funding to business owners to improve retail and commercial building frontages. It is envisioned that the program will help enhance the community as an appealing, interesting, and friendly place to do business, visit and live. By facilitating improvements to business façades, business areas can become more appealing to consumers, thereby increasing the marketability of commercial spaces, assisting in business retention and providing a better sense of pride within the community to retain both current and future residents. Timeframe and Dates Applications will be accepted in a first come order. Applications will then be approved by a committee of Northern Rockies staff, a representative of the Chamber of Commerce and a member of Council. Projects must be able to prove work started by July 31 st If work has not been started the allocated grant funding may be redistributed. All projects must be complete and verification of expenses and payment must be submitted to the NRRM by October 31 st Grant Amount Eligibility The program can provide grants for up to 50% to a maximum of $5,000 per business. Eligible Properties Existing buildings and properties with in the Commercial Development Permit Areas as per Northern Rockies Official Community Plan bylaw #64, Includes Downtown commercial, Gateway commercial & Highway Commercial Development Permit Areas, please see map attachment. A business can only receive the maximum grant of $5,000 once.

2 Eligible Applicants You must be either the property owner or business owner (if the applicant is the business owner, the property owner must approve the application in writing and confirm that all improvements are to be paid for by the applicant); All property taxes pertaining to the property are fully paid and current; There must be a current, valid business licenses for the property (unless otherwise exempt); There must be no outstanding building permits, stop work orders, or development permit condition requirements outstanding; and You have not already received a grant under this program for the subject property to the maximum of $5,000. Ineligible Applicants Residential homes located in the designated commercial area are not eligible; Municipally owned buildings; Properties outside the specified area (as defined in the community s program guidelines); Non-operating business (the business must be in operation); and Eligible Façade Improvements Eligible improvements may consist of but are not limited to: Exterior lighting (new but not replacement) Exterior architectural features Exterior surfaces and details (decorative details, moldings, trims etc.) Windows (only if part of larger enhancements, no stand-alone window replacement) New siding Façade painting Entrances and doorways (if part of larger enhancements) Awnings Signage attached to façade or directional signage at the discretion of the approving committee to a maximum of $500. Ineligible Façade Improvements The following are improvements are ineligible: Routine maintenance Structural repairs Roofs Patios Impermanent fixtures Interior improvements Any improvements not visible from the public right of way Construction of additions, accessory buildings or new buildings Any improvements that have been started prior to application approval

3 Eligible Costs/ Expenses Direct project labour costs Design, architectural or engineering fees (related to facade only) Contractor fees Rental of tools and equipment Project related materials and supplies Ineligible Costs/ Expenses Staff wages and/or benefits Expenses related to improvement to the building façade not visible from the public right of way Utilities (hydro, gas etc.) Non-permanent fixtures (benches, planters, patios, patio heaters etc.) Landscaping Paving Fencing Wheelchair ramps Equipment purchased GST/PST Duties Shipping cost Permit fees Façade improvements expenses started prior to application approval Application and Program Process 1. Read the program guide for details on eligibility and application requirements. 2. Apply for all necessary permits including development permit, building permit, and /or sign permit. 3. Once permits have been approved, submit a complete Business Façade Improvement Program application to the Municipal Office. 4. A committee consisting of Northern Rockies staff, a representative from the Chamber of Commerce and a Councilor will approve or reject applications based on eligibility requirements, the scope of the project and funding availability. 5. Once the application has been approved the applicant will be contacted to come in and sign a Letter of Understanding which will detail the façade improvement project including all relevant attachments included in application (drawings, color swatches, etc), total cost, anticipated completion date, and the amount of the grant offered. 6. Project construction can start providing all other necessary permits have been acquired. 7. Projects must be able to prove work started by July 31 st Upon project completion, business owner must provide verification of expenses and payments and after pictures to the NRRM.

4 9. Northern Rockies staff will verify that the completed project renovations meet the details and requirements in the Letter of Understanding and will then approve reimbursement. 10. Reimbursement cheque will then be prepared and mailed to the business owner. 11. Business owner will be asked to provide a testimonial for year-end reporting and program evaluation. 12. At the end of each fiscal year the NRRM will publish a thank you and congratulations to the participating businesses of that year in the local newspaper.

5

6 Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Municipal Office th Avenue South Bag Service 399, Fort Nelson, BC V0C 1R0 Tel Fax Business Façade Improvement Program: Grant Application Applicant Name: Mailing Address: Building Address: Phone: Property Owners Name: Letter of Authorization Attached: Yes No Phone: PROJECT DESCRIPTION

7 Proposed Start Date: Planned Completion Date: Estimated Total Project Cost: Design/Architectural $ Mechanical/Electrical $ Structural $ Materials/ Supplies $ Other $ PROJECT COST BREAKDOWN Costs (estimates) APPLICANT CHECKLIST Property Taxes Paid Utility Taxes Paid License Fees Paid Required Permits Approved ATTACH TO APPLICATION Photos of Existing Conditions Detailed Specifications and Associated Costs Cost Estimates from Contractors Drawings, Materials, and Colour Samples Property Owners Authorization TERMS AND CONDITIONS I,, of have read the complete (Applicant) (Business/Building) application and concur with and give my consent to the work proposed in the application. I assume all responsibility for obtaining appropriate architectural drawings, building permits and inspections, and hiring of contractors as necessary. I agree not to involve the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) in any legal action between myself and any contractors, estimators, employees, workers or agents arising from or out of the Business Façade Improvement Program. I give consent to the NRRM to make all inspections necessary to confirm that the approved plans are implemented in accordance with expected standards. Payment of approved grants will be made upon the applicant providing proof of final completion of the proposed improvements along with verifications of expenditures and proof of final inspection (when required). Signature: Date: Printed Name:

8 Letter of Authorization Date: Property Information (as indicated on BC Land Title Certificate) Civic Address: Description: Lot/Parcel Plan Dist. Lot Folio Number ( ) Parcel ID (PID) - Legal I am the owner of the above referenced property and hereby authorize: Representative/Contact: Of: Tel. No. Please check where applicable To represent me in an application for: Building Permit Application Demolition Permit Application Sign Permit Application Land Use Application Business Façade Improvement Program Other (please specify) To review civic files and obtain copies of: Civic files Specific Property Information as per a PIR Other Owner s Information Name: Telephone # Date: Signature: Address: