The Commercial Façade Improvement Program provides Carson business and property owners with matching grants to improve their storefronts and attract new visitors to the City’s major commercial corridors. The grant is available on a first come, first served basis. Grant funds are not guaranteed until a funding agreement is made with the City of Carson. Complimentary architectural services and application assistance will be offered to all qualified projects. Reach out today to find out if your business qualifies!

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 $497,500 on eligible exterior improvements (subject to additional requirements).

Eligible uses of funds:

• Exterior Signs (installation of new or repair or replacement of legally installed and mounted signs; including neon or halo-lit signs);
• Awnings, canopies, or sunshades (installation of new or repair or replacement of fixed metal or fabric awnings), which could include perpendicular wall-mounted castle banners (without signage);
• Painting or exterior surface treatment (stucco, tile, stone, or brick replacement or repair);
• Asphalt paving, replacement or repair of tiles or decorative pavers (not in the public right-of-way); sidewalk or courtyard repaving (not in the public right-of-way);
• Repair or replacement of masonry walls or footings;
• Outdoor lighting (installation of new exterior lighting fixtures; repair or replacement of existing exterior lighting fixtures);
• Installation, repair or replacement of decorative or security fencing;
• Replacement of plate glass windows; re-glazing of windows or change of window mullions with the approval of architectural application by the City;
• Installation or replacement of outdoor landscaping and fountains;
• Design and permit fees associated with the above eligible improvements.

Priority will be given to commercial buildings and centers located on Carson Street, Avalon Boulevard, Main Street, Sepulveda Boulevard, and Figueroa Street. Commercial properties on other major streets will also be considered if they are near intersections of major thoroughfares.

The City is accepting applications from Carson commercial businesses and/or property owners. For any questions, please call James Nguyen at 310-952-1700 ext. 1310, Jacob Collins at 310-952-1700 ext.1327, or email smallbusiness@carsonca.gov and specify the Commercial Façade Improvement Program in the subject line. Prospective applicants can apply now by reviewing program guidelines and filling out the application below:
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


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