Facade Grant Program and Application

Application Documents

Facade Grant Online Application
Facade Grant Application - Fillable Form

Reimbursement Documents

Facade Reimbursement Request Certification

PURPOSE

The Leeds Redevelopment Authority (RDA) recognizes the positive impact that individual façade improvements can have on the overall appearance, quality, and vitality of the city’s commercial district. The Commercial Façade Grant Program was created to help the private sector make these desired exterior improvements. The RDA reserves the sole right to amend, modify, add to, or delete any part or subpart of this program. Determining eligibility and priority for assistance is at the discretion of the RDA. 
 
ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

Approved projects can receive reimbursements after project completion in the form of a matching grant of up to 50 percent of the actual improvement costs, up to a maximum grant of $3000.00.
 
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Existing structures currently zoned commercial and in current commercial use or planned for commercial use within the corporate limits of the Leeds RDA are eligible for the grant. The exterior of the property must meet all Leeds RDA Codes and Ordinances. If a violation is present, the breach must be corrected prior to the disbursement of grant monies.

Eligible applicants include the owner of a commercial building or business within the RDA district. All applications must be signed by the property owner.

Financial assistance is available to business or property owners for no more than $3000.00 every three years per building.

The RDA determines eligibility and priority of assistance at its discretion and is subject to the availability of funds. The RDA may approve grants of less than $3,000.00.

All property taxes of the building must be current. There must not be any IRS tax liens attached to the property. 
 
ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS

Work that qualifies for assistance includes improvements to the exterior of a building visible from a named street. Alleyways do not meet this requirement. Applicants must plan to install at least $500.00 of material improvements (excluding installation to qualify. Work must be completed within one year of receiving the grant award. The Leeds RDA is not obligated to reimburse any approved application for reimbursement one year after the original approval of the grant application or exterior appearance, whichever date is later.
 
 

ELIGIBLE USES

  • Significant façade repair and treatment
  • New window systems or frame replacement and repair (excluding broken glass)
  • Exterior Doors
  • Awnings (without signage)
  • Exterior lighting
  • Restoration of original architectural features
  • Exterior building materials for building additions
  • Other permanent exterior improvements to the property are consistent with the architectural integrity of the building

INELIGIBLE USES

  • Working capital
  • Property acquisition
  • Equipment or inventory acquisition
  • Refinancing of existing debt or private funding
  • Interior remodeling
  • Sprinkler systems
  • Resurfacing parking lots
  • Replacement of private sidewalks
  • Architectural design fees or other plan preparation costs
  • Building permits and related costs
  • Signage of any kind
  • Landscaping of any kind


 DESIGN EVALUATION

The Leeds RDA will handle design evaluation and approval. This process may require the applicant to undergo an external appearance review by the Leeds RDA's Architectural Review Committee.
 
APPLICATION AND APPROVAL PROCESS

Submission and approval of a complete grant application are required prior to the start of any improvements eligible for assistance. The application will be considered by the RDA. An applicant’s attendance at the RDA meeting is not required but encouraged as part of the application review process. The RDA typically meets quarterly.

Proposed improvements must be completed, and the business must be operational within one year of grant approval by the RDA. 
 
REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS

Once work is completed, the applicant will submit copies of paid invoices from all contractors, proof of payment (copies of cancelled checks or credit card receipts), and photos of all improved facades to the RDA. The Inspection Services Department will review the completed project to ensure that the work was performed as outlined in the application and is in compliance with Leeds City Code. If all requirements are met, reimbursement will be paid.