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19-1513 Building Facade Improvement Grant ProgramRESOLUTION NO. 19-1S13 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LONGWOOD, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR A BUSINESS FAt ADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE WHEREAS, the City has deemed it desirable to establish the Business Facade Improvement Grant Program in order to improve certain buildings along key commercial corridors within the City, promote and attract businesses, and act as a catalyst to further investment, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LONGWOOD, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: SECTION I. That a 'Business Facade Improvement Grant Program" as depicted in "Exhibit A," which is hereto attached as if fully contained herein, be adopted. SECTION II. Conflicts. All Resolutions or parts of Resolutions in conflict with any of the provisions of this Resolution are hereby repealed. SECTION III. Severability. If any Section or portion of a Section of this Resolution proves to be invalid, unlawful, or unconstitutional, it shall not be held to invalidate or impair the validity, force, or effect of any other Section or part of this Resolution. SECTION IV. Effective Date. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and adoption. PASSED AND RESOLVED this 21st day of October, 2019, by the City Commission of the City of Longwood, Florida. CITY OF LONGWOOD Matthew Morgan, Mayor Resolution No. 19-1513 Page 1 of 2 ATTEST: i e e on , FCRM City Clerk Approved as to form and legality for the use and reliance by the City of Longwood, only. v-! Daniel W. 6OWy,,OtrAttorney Resolution No. 19-1513 Page 2 of 2 The City of Longwood established the Business Facade Improvement Grant Program to provide a financial incentive to property and business owners to renovate and reinvest in the exterior of their business or commercial property. The Business Fagade Improvement Grant provides for a reimbursement grant up to $10,000 for eligible exterior improvements with the applicant providing a matching amount of 50% of the total project amount. Program Intent and Evaluation Criteria • The intent of this program is to provide assistance to small business owners and property owners to improve certain buildings within the City to promote and attract businesses, and act as a catalyst to further investment • The result of each grant should be to update facades in a manner that is both functional and modern Project Eligibility • The business must have a Future Land Use of Infill and Mixed Use, with a non-residential use adjacent to and visible from SR 434, Ronald Reagan Blvd., Hwy. 17-92, or Dog Track Road • Project cost must exceed $2,500 of eligible improvements to be considered for the facade grant • Work must result in a combination of significant exterior visual improvements further described in "Eligible World' below • Only one (1) grant can be obtained per physical address within a ten (10) year period. • Residential properties, national corporate franchises, government offices and agencies, prohibited or legally non -conforming businesses, non -profits and properties exempt from property taxes are all ineligible for consideration under this program • Historic District businesses are not eligible for consideration under this program, but may utilize the Historic District Grant Program • Business tenants in a multi -tenant property may apply to the program as long as the tenant has a clearly definable independent entrance into the storefront that is clearly visible from public rights -of -way (ex. strip -mall tenants) • Multi -tenant property owners may still apply if they meet all other eligibility requirements, and if no other tenant on the property has utilized the program Eligible Work • Primary improvements include the rehabilitation of exterior facades, to include at least 2 of the following activities: o Rehabilitation of storefronts including masonry work, painting, ledges, gutters, and downspouts, and window/door installation or replacement o Canopies and awnings o Upgraded, code -compliant signage when paired with other exterior improvements and the removal of all non -conforming signage o Additions or expansions that improve the overall appearance of the property or building o Exterior lighting • Secondary improvements may be included as part of an application and may make up part of the Total Project Amount, but shall make up no more than 25% of the total project amount: o Sidewalks and pavers at customer entrances o Permanent landscaping and irrigation o Seal -coating, restriping of parking lot o Installation of decorative, functional bike racks • The project must adhere to established architectural and site design guidelines, including style, color and features • Ineligible activities include: interior improvements, soft costs such as engineering and architect fees, roofs, structural foundations, billboards, security systems, non -permanent fixtures, interior window coverings, personal property and equipment, security bars, razor/barbed wire fencing, all necessary government approvals including permit fees and taxes, services performed by a non -licensed contractor, and work performed prior to a grant award • No grant monies or matching monies shall be used to perform general repair, structural, or habitable work or otherwise to meet code to occupy the building. • Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing/Fire, and Code Violation Corrections are excluded Application Requirements and Checklist • The grant applicant must be a property owner or a business owner leasing a storefront; • Itemized list of improvements including the total project amount broken down into "primary" and "secondary" improvements • Proof of the following: o No corporate or personal bankruptcy proceedings within the past five years for the applicant o The project applicant must owe no outstanding property taxes, fees, judgment, or liens to the City of Longwood or Seminole County and have no outstanding code violations. o Show proof of a current city of Longwood Business Tax Receipt for both the property owner and tenant o Property Owner's Deed o The building/property is free of mechanic's liens • If landlord, provide current tenant list and/or leasing plan • If a tenant, supply lease with at least five years occupancy remaining • If applicant is a tenant, the deeded owner must provide a notarized affidavit consenting to the work and grant application • Applicants are required to get three (3) competitive bids for every type of proposed work • Documentation that all contractors will be insured and licensed by the State of Florida. All construction contracts will be between the applicant and contractor. Application Process • Applicants are required to request a free Pre -Application meeting with staff prior to submitting an application to discuss the project scope. • Applicants shall submit a completed Business Fagade Improvement Grant application including the documentation required by these guidelines. • The application will be reviewed by City staff and a determination will be regarding the consistency of the program with these guidelines. • For an approved application, a grant agreement will be provided to the applicant. Once signed, the applicant can begin work, including seeking any necessary permits. • All work must be completed within 6 months of the signed grant agreement. Funding and Reimbursement • Funds are not guaranteed in any way and applicants should not rely upon grant funding until the City specifically approves the request and a grant agreement is signed. The grant agreement must be executed before any improvements are made. • Funding available annually on a first -come, first served basis. Once all fiscal -year funds have been expended, no further applications for that year will be accepted. • Reimbursement of funds takes approximately 30-60 calendar days once copies of all paid invoices, cancelled checks and photos of completed project, are received. • The City reserves the right to refuse reimbursements in whole or in part for work that is not completed within 6 months of the signed grant agreement. • Requests for extensions will be considered only if made in writing no less than 14 days prior to the deadline and where progress towards completion has been demonstrated.