Village property owners or business owners (with property owner consent) can receive up to a 50% reimbursement of total project costs for façade improvements. The maximum award for an approved façade improvement to a storefront visible from Big Basin Way is $5,000. Exterior improvements to storefronts in the Village Commercial District that are visible from Big Basin Way are eligible for the program. Projects range from new paint, installation of an awning, to landscaping.
To receive grant money, participants must submit an application and project proposal to the City. If the project meets necessary requirements and funding is available, then the project will be approved by the City Council Village Ad Hoc Committee and staff will notify the applicant if any permits or approvals need to be obtained. Façade improvements must be completed within 1 year of project approval and original receipts for all project expenses (labor, materials, etc.) are required for reimbursement. Village Façade Improvement Program funds are distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis.
- Exterior improvements, visible from Big Basin Way
- Painting, signage, lighting, and exterior repair projects that follow Village Design Guidelines
- Addition of shade feature to storefronts, particularly awnings
- Landscaping that beautifies Big Basin Way streetscape
- Improvements that enhance design elements and architectural features, such as inlaid tile, brick, decorative cornices, enhanced doors or window treatments
Examples of Approved Projects:
- New exterior paint Installation or replacement of canvas awning
- Improvements to sidewalk seating areas, including landscaping
- New signage or improvements to existing signage Enhancements to doors and windows, including new trim
- Installation of exterior planter boxes
Proposals for the following are not eligible:
- Improvements that are outside of the Village Commercial District or not visible from Big Basin Way
- Upgrades to electrical, gas, heating, or telecommunications Interior improvements, including carpet, tile, and partition walls
Program Requirements:
- Submission of a completed Façade Improvement Application, including estimates, timeline, photographs, and property owner permission, to the City of Saratoga Façade Improvement Program
- Applicants other than the property owner (i.e. current business owner) must provide property owner consent
- Up to 50% of project costs can be reimbursed through the Village Façade Improvement Program
- Grants are not awarded in amounts greater than $5,000
- Project must be completed within 1 year of project approval Project must receive all appropriate and necessary permits or permissions
- After application approval, program participants may still be required to obtain approvals or permits from City of Saratoga
- To receive reimbursements after project completion, program participant must submit original receipts for all project expenses (labor, materials, etc.), photos of finished project, and review of project goals listed in application
How to Apply:
- Submit one (1) original and two (2) copies of the completed application, along with photos of the proposed project location and property owner consent (if necessary)
- If grant money is available, the application will be reviewed to determine if the project is eligible for the Village Façade Improvement Program Once eligibility is established, projects will be considered and approved by the City Council Village Ad Hoc Committee
- Upon approval, staff will inform the applicant if permits, site plan, or any other documents are required and a Façade Improvement Program Agreement will be executed between the City of Saratoga, business owner, and property owner—if applicant is separate from the property owner
- To receive grant money, the project must be completed within 1 year of project approval as stated in the Program Agreement
- Funds are available on a first-come-first serve basis
No single parcel with multiple tenants may take up more than 33% of the total available Façade Improvement Funds for any given fiscal year. Individual property owners and/or business owners may apply for the Façade Improvement Program for consecutive years, as long as program requirements are met.
For more information:
Crystal Morrow
Saratoga City Manager's Office
13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070
Phone: (408) 868-1275
Email:
cmorrow@saratoga.ca.us
