Title
Consider a resolution approving the City of Round Rock Facade and Site Improvement Grant Program as a Chapter 380 Economic Development Program.
Body
The primary objective of the Facade and Site Improvement Grant Program is focused on improving the exteriors of buildings within program boundaries to make them more economically viable and visually appealing by repairing replacing, removing, and installing signs and awnings and/or by appropriately renovating the facades of buildings.
To be eligible to apply for a grant under the Facade and Site Improvement Program, the applicant must either be an owner of the building, or a tenant of the building with consent from the owner of the building where the work is to be performed. Grant applications should be submitted for work to be performed costing at least $5,000 and a maximum grant not to exceed $100,000. Other program requirements include a 50/50 match, compliance with all applicable City codes and ordinances as well as other requirements outlined in the program policies and procedures.
The Facade and Site Improvement Program is a reimbursement program meaning applicants must pay all architects, engineers, contractors, suppliers, laborers, and all other costs and expenses in connection with the work before receiving any payment from the City.
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Eligible reimbursement items are expenses incurred in connection with the following improvements:
• Signs (new, repairs, replacement, removal)
• Awnings
• Exterior paint
• Removal/replacement of inappropriate or incompatible exterior finishes or materials
• Brick/stone/masonry
• Structural improvements to the facade
• Exterior lighting detached or attached to the facade
• Pavement, parking lot and sidewalks
• Exterior or patio seating creation
• Landscaping including dumpster screening
The criteria used to review applications for grant funds shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
• The condition of the building where the Work is to be performed;
• The economic impact the project described in the application is anticipated to have on the revitalization and redevelopment of Round Rock;
• Ability of the project described in the application to increase the taxable value of the property where the Work is to be performed and the values of surrounding properties - preference will be given to projects that will contribute additional value to the program boundaries;
• Need for proposed renovations to the building where the Work is to be performed;
• Historical accuracy of the proposed renovations;
• Design quality of the proposed Work;
• Compatibility of the design of the Work to other buildings in the program boundaries and to the City's development goals at the time of the application;
• Proximity of the project described in the application to other development projects (new construction or renovations);
• Number of projects the applicant has already successfully completed; and
• Square footage of the buildings and total property size;
• Such other matters as deemed appropriate by the City Council may be considered on a case-by- case basis.