HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 05-24 Amending the Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program GuidelinesReso. No. 05-24, Item 5.3, Adopted 02/06/2024 Page 1 of 2
RESOLUTION NO. 05 – 24
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
AMENDING THE COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM
GUIDELINES
WHEREAS, the City Council has identified economic development as a priority in the City
of Dublin’s Strategic Plan; and
WHEREAS, on December 20, 2011, the Dublin City Council enacted Resolution 216-11 to
establish the Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program (Program) and subsequently
revised the Program on June 21, 2016 through Resolution 103-16; and
WHEREAS, the Program extends an opportunity to commercial property owners or long-
term lease tenants to seek reimbursement for specific improvements to commercial building
facades within the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan area and the stretch of Dublin Boulevard
between Village Parkway and Dougherty Road; and
WHEREAS, the Program also provides architectural design services to approved
applicants for exterior commercial building façade improvements; and
WHEREAS, Staff desires to make non-substantive modifications to the Program
guidelines, to clarify that the installation of non-affixed structures (such as signage) is an eligible
use of grant funds and that the program budget should adhere to the limits set during the annual
budget process, ensuring it does not exceed the maximum amount established within the fiscal
year budget cycle.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dublin amends
the Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program Guidelines attached hereto as Exhibit A.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is authorized to execute and make
any necessary, non-substantive changes to carry out the intent of this Resolution.
{Signatures on the following page}
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Reso. No. 05-24, Item 5.3, Adopted 02/06/2024 Page 2 of 2
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 6th day of February 2024, by the following
vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Hu, Josey, McCorriston, Qaadri and Mayor Hernandez
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
______________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
City Clerk
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Exhibit A
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I.PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program (“Program”) is an endeavor of the City of
Dublin to leverage public funds and private investment to enhance the physical appearance and
economic vitality of commercial businesses in the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan Area and the
segment of Dublin Boulevard between Village Parkway and Dougherty Road.
The Program offers two types of façade improvement grants, as well as up to a maximum of ten
hours of architectural fees or five hours of design assistance to help cover design costs. The
Program runs concurrent to the City’s fiscal year schedule (July 1 – June 30). The Program features
open enrollment; applications shall be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
The long-term objective is to upgrade the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan Area and the segment
of Dublin Boulevard between Village Parkway and Dougherty Road by improving the physical
appearance of the area, encouraging the retention of existing businesses, increasing property
values, tenant stability, and lease rates for the property. The program also seeks to fund
improvements that create outdoor dining or gathering spaces to promote activity in the
downtown.
II.PROGRAM COMPONENTS
A.Architectural Design or Design Assistance
The City will provide architectural design services to approved applicants, up to a
maximum of ten hours, for exterior commercial building façade improvements. The City
will also reimburse applicants for the services of a professional designer (for
paint/signage/awnings selection) for up to five hours.
B.Façade Improvement Grants
i.Mini-Grant – This grant provides for reimbursement of up to Five Thousand dollars
($5,000) for commercial building façade improvements with no match
requirement. Projects must be completed within 12 months of grant approval or
Building Permit issuance.
ii.Matching Grant – This grant provides a reimbursable matching grant of two-thirds
(66%) of eligible project costs, up to a maximum determined by the Fiscal Year
budget cycle annually. The total cost of the improvement work must be more than
Five Thousand dollars ($5,000). Receipt of a matching grant requires the approved
applicant to contribute a minimum of one-third of the total cost of the façade
improvement costs. Projects must be completed within 18 months of Building
Permit issuance.
Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program
Guidelines
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Attachment 3
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Grant proceeds are to be used for labor and materials directly related to the façade
construction. Tools may not be purchased with grant funds, but tool rental is allowable.
Program funds are to be used for exterior building improvements rather than simple
routine maintenance.
All improvements completed through the Façade Improvement Program are “public
work” as that term is used in Section 1720 of the California Labor Code. In accordance with
Labor Code section 1720 et seq., prevailing wages shall be paid for all façade
improvements. Use of volunteer labor is not allowed. All estimates and payments for
construction and installation of façade improvements shall include prevailing wages, and
shall otherwise comply with the provisions of Sections 1773.8, 1775, 1776, 1777.5, 1777.6
and 1813 of the California Labor Code and all other applicable laws and regulations with
respect to prevailing wages. Participants in the program are responsible for ensuring that
the improvements are in compliance with the Prevailing Wage Law.
Disbursement of grant proceeds to approved applicants will be in a reimbursement
payment issued after City deems the project complete, and upon the submission of
invoices and proof of payment and subject to approval of those invoices and proofs of
payment by City staff. Construction shall be completed within 120 days after the City
issued Notice to Proceed. If the project extends beyond the scheduled completion date,
prior staff approval is required.
This program is primarily geared toward commercial property owners. However, business
owners who have long-term leases (five or more years) wishing to participate in the Façade
Improvement Program may also apply. Applications for business owners will be reviewed
on a case-by-case basis.
C. Fee Exemption
Applicants for this program are exempt from planning and building permit fees by the City
Manager, who is authorized to waive City fees associated with this program. This fee
exemption does not apply to fees mandated by the State of California including, but not
limited to, the Strong Motion Instrument program fee and the California Green Building
fees.
III. ELIGIBILITY
A. Eligible Applicants/Areas
Owners or long term tenants* of commercially zoned property located within one of the
following areas are eligible to apply for assistance:
1. Downtown Dublin Specific Plan area, or
2. Segment of Dublin Boulevard between Village Pkwy and Dougherty Rd.
*Tenants with long-term leases (five or more years remaining on the lease at the time a Program
application is submitted) must have the property owner’s written consent before any
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improvements are made. In addition, the grant application must be signed by the property owner.
Properties are eligible for grants once every 10 years.
B. Eligible Types of Improvements
All improvements shall conform to City Building Codes, Zoning Ordinance, and applicable
Design Guidelines. Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to:
• Removal of old signs, awnings and other exterior clutter
• Exterior painting
• Repair or replacement of exterior siding (including the construction of new façade
elements and architectural details)
• Installation of new entry doors that meet ADA accessibility requirements
• Installation of display windows
• Installation of new canvas awnings over windows and entries
• Installation of new signs
• Installation of new exterior lighting
• Installation of permanent landscaping
• Installation of a non-affixed structure, such as signage
• Exterior mandatory Title 24 upgrades
• Construction of outdoor dining or gathering spaces
Additional improvements that are deemed to be consistent with the intent of the program will be
reviewed and approved/disapproved on a case-by-case basis by the Economic Development
Director.
IV. Grant Process
A. Submit an application for grant funds. Submit a completed application detailing all
exterior improvements and an itemized estimate of the total project cost. Be as specific as
possible. The project list may contain improvements beyond what would be funded by the
grant. Projects that include conceptual architectural plans shall be considered favorably.
All proposed façade projects/remodels must be approved by the Community Development
Director prior to being accepted into the program.
B. Informational Meeting. Applicants will meet with representatives from Planning &
Building to review the entitlement process & building permit process and to answer any
questions that the businesses may have.
C. City Staff will review grant applications. Staff will review the application with the
business owner, discuss the scope of work, determine a timeline and review the
remaining process for the grant.
D. Council Economic Development Committee will consider request and select grant
awardees. Selection preference will be provided to projects which create new outdoor
dining and activity spaces.
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E. Grant funds reserved. Upon approval of a grant application, including scope of work and
timeline, an agreement will be signed between the applicant and City.
F. Planning Approval. If planning approval is required, the applicant is responsible for
submitting project plans prepared by a licensed architect through the Planning Division.
G. Building Permit Approval. If a Building Permit is required, the applicant is responsible
for submitting plans that meet all Code requirements through the Building Division.
H. Complete Work. After receiving all required approvals and permits the applicant shall
complete the improvements within twelve (12) months for Mini-Grants and eighteen (18)
months for Matching Grants. The applicant shall be responsible for contacting City staff
to request an extension if necessary. An extension is not guaranteed.
I. Submit invoices, receipts, and proof of payment. The applicant shall save all
documentation as required and submit within 30 days of project completion or Building
permit final.
V. FUNDING
Funding for this Program is appropriated by the Dublin City Council as part of its annual budget
process. There is no guarantee of the amount of funds that will be appropriated each year. Funds
for the Program are available on a first come, first served basis. If funds are exhausted at the time
of application submittal, staff will retain the application. If additional funds become available,
staff will contact applicants in the order applications were received.
A. Grant Amounts
Eligible property owners or tenants who propose façade improvements can apply for one
of two grants.
1. Mini-Grant
This grant provides reimbursement for commercial building façade improvements
to approved applicants in the amount of up to Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000), with
no match requirement.
2. Matching Grant
This grant provides reimbursement to approved applicants for a reimbursable
matching grant of two-thirds (66%) of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of
Seventy Thousand Dollars ($70,000). The total cost of the façade remodel must be
more than Five Thousand dollars ($5,000). Receipt of a Matching Grant requires
the applicant to contribute one-third of the total cost of the façade remodel, and to
document its expenditures.
The City of Dublin reserves the right to cancel or modify this Program at any time prior to
grant approval, without notice. Continuation of the Program is subject to sufficient
funding as appropriated by the Dublin City Council.
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VI. IMPLEMENTATION WORK
All improvements shall conform to the City of Dublin Building Codes, Zoning Ordinance, and
applicable Design Guidelines. Proposed façade remodels are required to comply with Chapter
8.104 of the Site Development Review Chapter of the Zoning Ordinance. Project improvements
commenced prior to the City’s issuance of a Notice to Proceed are not eligible for this Program.
City staff will be available to work with approved applicants to assist in the coordination of the
project. City staff will carry out periodic inspections.
I, ___________________________________ have read and received a copy of these guidelines.
_________________ ____________________________________
Date Signature
Printed Name
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