Consideration will be given to commercial buildings, including neighborhood-serving commercial spaces. Storefronts may be located within commercial centers, neighborhood shopping centers, and mixed-use developments in the eligible project areas on Main Street.

• Applicants must own the property or currently operate their business at project site
• No other projects must be planned for project site
• Improvements must be visible from the public right-of-way
• Only exterior improvements are eligible for grant funds
• Interior improvements are not eligible for grant funds
• Proposed improvements requiring interior changes are not eligible for grant funds
• Proof of at least three years remaining on tenant lease from application submittal date
• Proof of current City-issued business license in good standing⁶
• Applicants must have no outstanding City code violations⁷

⁶ Business owners/operators who are legal tenants

⁷ If violations exist, the grant recipient must demonstrate how violations will be resolved to the City's satisfaction before project initiation.

Eligible project area on North Main Street

Eligible project area on South Main Street

• Grant recipient is responsible for covering remaining project costs that exceed the City’s total grant award including mechanics and/or materialmens’ liens
• Grant funds are issued on a reimbursement basis
• City reserves the right to define project milestones and reimbursement eligibility
• Use of public funds trigger prevailing wage requirements per the California Department of Industrial Relations(DIR) if the project is a ‘public works’ project and total compensation is $1,000 or more. California wage schedules are available from DIR⁸
• Level 1 grant-funded improvements shall be consistent with City design standards
• Level 2 grant-funded improvements will be in collaboration with the City’s qualified design consultant and consistent with City design standards
• Applicant responsible for obtaining required permits and hiring construction contractors
• Matching funds may include, but not be limited to personal loans or outside investments by submitting banking/financial statements showing available funds
• Recipient shall sign Storefront Improvement Program Participation Agreement to complete the project per the Agreement’s milestone and reimbursement schedule. If improvements are not completed per the Agreement, the City has the right to require a mandatory meeting to resolve such matters.
• Maintain the building and property in good condition for five years from date of project completion to keep the property free from visible defects, deterioration, dirt and debris in compliance with City rules, regulations and ordinances.
• If the business owner relocates to another location, the improvements shall remain with the building and shall not be removed other than for repair.
• Applicant and its contractor(s) shall comply with the City’s insurance requirements
• The City may suspend or terminate the agreement, in whole or in part, if applicant fails to comply with any term of the agreement or with any of the rules, and may declare the applicant ineligible from any further participation in City contracts as provided by law

⁸ Prevailing wage is triggered when construction, alteration, demolition, installation, or repair work done under contract and paid in whole or in part   out of public funds. It can include preconstruction and post-construction activities related to a public works project.

Level 2 Grant recipients will receive design services from a qualified City-retained architectural firm to provide the following services:

• Design Guidance
• Prepare preliminary design concepts and cost estimates
• City staff to assist grant recipient through design approval, construction preparation, and permit processes
• Grant funds can be applied to design consultant fees not otherwise covered by the City
• Consult the Midtown Specific Plan's Design Guidelines (pages 126-140) to develop project plans and drawings regarding:
  • Building Design*
  • Landscaping, Signage** and Lighting
  • Design Guidelines by Building Type

*Improvements to historical structures may require Planning Commission review depending on project scope following review by the Planning Department. ** A master sign program may apply to a commercial building's signage design.

1. Confirm your eligibility
2. Determine grant option
3. Read and review Program Requirements
4. Complete grant application (PDF)
5. Provide a PDF copy of an active City-issued Business License in good standing
6. Provide three images of the existing storefront from three different vantage points
7. Email completed PDF application, business license, and images to the Economic Development Department
8. Economic Development staff will follow up after review of your application

Competitive Selection Criteria

Minimum Passing Score is 55 points out of 85 points

1. City staff will review applications based on the competitive selection criteria listed below
2. Applicant receives notice of approval or denial of grant award

1. Grant recipient will be assigned a City staff member to serve as project manager
2. Grant recipient and City discuss insurance requirements and sign Storefront Improvement Program Participation Agreement
3. Grant recipient, project manager and design consultant meet to develop project plans consistent with state and local codes and ordinances and identify permit processes
4. Project plans, elevations and any revisions shall meet state and local code compliance where applicable
5. Grant recipient shall submit the following:

• Planning Application with Minor Site Development Permit (MSDP) application materials to the Planning Department⁸. Call 408-586-3279 or email The Planning Department for assistance
• If your MSDP is approved by the Planning Department, call 408-586-3240 or email The Building Permit Center to determine the correct Building Permit based on project scope
• Create an ePlan Review account to submit your Building Permit application, plans and supporting documents via your ePlan Review Account
• Read the Permit Application Submittal Requirements on how to prepare and submit a Building Permit Application and submittal documents

6. Building Permit review, decision and issuance

7. Applicant solicits bids from contractor(s) to perform improvements per City-approved Building Permit and Plans⁹

8. Construction begins

9. Grant recipient schedules inspection(s) by a building inspector

10. Certificate of Occupancy issued following successful final inspection by a building inspector

11. Grantee emails full-color, high-resolution images (2 MB or larger) of improved storefront to City-appointed project manager

⁸ Minor Site Development Permit submittal requirements listed on page 5 of Universal Planning Application

⁹ Changes to City-approved Building plans cannot be made without City review and approval

Grant award recipients have up to one year from the date of project approval to complete the improvements per City-approved plans. If work is not completed within this time period, grantees will forfeit their awarded funds unless an extension is granted by the City to complete construction within 60 business days subject to City consideration.

Applicant shall provide documentation to the City within 30 days of completing each project milestone to receive grant funds via reimbursement per the Storefront Improvement Program Participation Agreement. Otherwise, the City will provide applicable fund reimbursements in a lump sum payment. Examples of documentation include:

• Signed itemized bills, original invoices listing itemized work and costs
• Copies of unconditional mechanics' and material men's releases
• Inspection permits
• Photographs of completed work

Grant recipient shall maintain complete and accurate records with regarding project costs and expenses.