IMPROVE THE EXTERIOR APPEARANCE OF YOUR BUSINESS
It has been proven that commercia ldevelopment that is inviting in appearance will attract more customers. The customer equates the appearance of a business with
the quality of service that they can expect to receive once inside. Improvements to the exterior of your businesses helps to increase profits,
while eliminating blight and making the area more attractive.
The Commercial Improvement Program is funded through the Community Development Block Grant Target Program. The program was designed to improve the physical condition of
the existing commercial buildings located in the CDBG Target Areas. Through these improvements, the City hopes to stimulate economic growth and improve the visual quality of
existing commercial properties that will encourage residents and visitors alike to patronize the great places within the City to shop and work.
ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS
The following is a list of eligible improvements you may want to consider for the exterior of your business.
- Primarily Exterior Painting & Stucco
- Attached Signage
- New Store Front
- Awnings
- Architectural Detailing
- Parking Stalls (where such improvements may improve disabled access)
Before:
After:
FACADE IMPROVEMENT ASSISTANCE
Assistance ranges from Small Facade Rehabilitation Projects to Substantial Commercial Rehabilitation Projects. These programs are available to both property owners and tenants,
(with owner consent). See target area maps below.
CDBG Target Areas:
Map 1: Main and Carson St.
Map 2: Avalon and Sepulveda Blvd.
Map 3: Santa Fe and Carson St.
Facade Improvement Assistance
Grant Amounts
Substantial Rehabilitation Assistance
Grant Amounts
EASY STEPS TO GET STARTED
- Evaluate your storefront and determine a plan of action. Complete an application and submit a current photo (digital or printed) of your existing storefront.
- Staff will review your application and determine if it’s an eligible project.
- The city of Carson will inspect your business and determine the scope of work based on your request and program guidelines.
KEY INCENTIVES
- Owner/Tenant only needs to match 5 to10% of the requested grant amount.
- No Architectural Costs, if the City's architect is used. All architectural designs will be reviewed by city's architect.
- Title and recording fees are paid by city of Carson.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Projects must conform to the City's design guidelines. A professional architect/designer must be involved in the project design.
Projects must conform to the City's Zoning Code and Planning Ordinances.
Contractors must bid the job according to the City guidelines. All permits are the responsibility of the property owner.
Federal and/or local funds are used for the program. Whenever such funds are used, either in whole or in part, Davis-Bacon and/or State prevailing wages (whichever is higher)
must be paid for all onsite construction labor relating to the project.
The Federal Davis-Bacon Act requires the payment of prevailing wage rates (which are determined by the U.S. Department of Labor) to all laborers and mechanics
on Federal government construction projects in excess of $2,000.00. Construction includes alteration and/or repair, including painting and decorating of
public buildings or public works, including private projects using Federal funds.