The Commercial Façade Improvement Program provides Carson business and property owners with matching grants to improve their storefronts and enhance the City’s major commercial corridors.

Under the Commercial Façade Improvement Program, tenants and/or property owners may qualify for a reimbursement grant of $2,500 to $25,000 for storefront aesthetic improvements. A dollar-for-dollar matching is required for amounts over $2,500. For owners of multi-tenant centers, the maximum grant is $250,000 based on a total expenditure of no less than $500,000 on eligible exterior improvements subject to additional requirements.

Examples of eligible funded improvements include:

• Window and door replacements, including awnings and sunshades
• Decorative outdoor fixtures including lighting
• Courtyard decorative pavers, masonry walls and footings
• ADA improvements, access ramps and signage
• Asphalt paving and restriping
• Exterior treatments, repairs, or replacement (paint, stucco, brick, or stone)
• Decorative fencing and walls
• Outdoor landscaping or replacement to drought-tolerant
• Design and permit fees associated with above eligible improvements

Additionally, the focus of this program are commercial buildings and centers in the following areas: Carson Street, Avalon Boulevard, Main Street, Sepulveda Boulevard, and Figueroa Street. Commercial properties on major streets will be considered if they are near the intersections of the major thoroughfares.

The City is accepting applications from Carson commercial businesses and/or property owners.  For any questions, please call 310-952-1700 ext. 1310 or smallbusiness@carsonca.gov and specify the Commercial Façade Improvement Program in the subject line. Prospective Applicants can apply now by reviewing program guidelines and fill out the application at:
Program Guidelines and Application (English)
Program Guidelines and Application (Spanish)

Example Scenario of Match and Funding Requirements for Illustration Purposes

The following is an example used to illustrate a hypothetical business applying for funding under the Commercial Façade Improvement Program:

Carson Restaurant ABC is located on and is facing Carson Street. The business owners are looking to invest $50,000 in new windows, doors, paint and other eligible exterior storefront improvements. The business owners apply to the Commercial Façade Improvement Program and submit all required documents.

The City then reviews and confirms that Carson Restaurant ABC is eligible for funding. Carson Restaurant ABC enters into Façade Improvement Agreement with the City. The Agreement is fully signed by both parties, and now Carson Restaurant ABC is eligible to receive funding. Carson Restaurant ABC completes the work totaling $50,000 and provides evidence to the City that work has been performed and paid to the contractor. The City reviews the evidence and approves the reimbursement payment of $25,000 (i.e. dollar-for-dollar matching) to the Carson Restaurant ABC. The dollar-for-dollar matching requirement is met.

Project Highlight: Yellow Basket (22300 Avalon Boulevard)

Yellow Basket restaurant has been in business in Carson for over 30 years. In 2018, the City provided financial assistance to the restaurant in the amount of $95,000 for exterior aesthetic improvements to the building. The owner of the business contributed over $100,000 towards exterior improvements and additional funds towards interior improvements. The investment was transformational and resulted in a curb appealing business to attract new customers while providing a modern-day dining experience.

Before Photo


After Photo


Additional Resources:
Commercial Façade Improvement Program Flyer (English)
Commercial Façade Improvement Program Flyer (Spanish)
Commercial Façade Improvement Program Guidelines and Application (English)
Commercial Façade Improvement Program Guidelines and Application (Spanish)