Façade/Signage Improvement Grants

Geographic Scope: Businesses located within the city limits of Floresville, Texas

Program Description: A cost-sharing matching grant program designed to assist local businesses with facade and/or signage improvements to their buildings or properties. The program aims to improve the exterior visibility and presentation of commercial properties within Floresville.

Funding Details

• Maximum Award: Up to $7,500 (not guaranteed)
• Match Type: Cost-sharing/matching grant
• Match Percentage: Up to 50% match by FEDC for each dollar the applicant spends (to-be-determined percentage not to exceed 50%)
• Annual Budget: Maximum of $50,000 budgeted as annual line item
• Frequency: One grant per business owner or entity no sooner than every 5 years

Eligibility Criteria

• Commercial property owners or commercial tenants located within city limits of Floresville
• Tenants must have written approval from property owners to participate
• Must be up to date on all municipal taxes prior to participation
• No City liens filed against any property owned by applicant (including weed liens, demolition liens, board-up/open structure liens, paying liens)
• Must comply with all State and local laws regarding licensing, permits, building codes, and zoning requirements
• Nonconforming signage must be permanently removed as part of improvement

Ineligible Businesses: Non-profits, government offices, residences, home businesses, and sexually-oriented businesses

Eligible Improvements

• Restoration of details in historically contributing or significant buildings
• Removal of elements which cover architectural details
• Visually appealing City-approved signage (monument signage, pole signage, electronic message boards, etc.)
• Lighting for signage, storefront window displays, and recessed areas of building facade
• Awnings or canopies (functional and visually appealing)
• Cleaning, repainting, or residing of building
• Window boxes

Ineligible Improvements/Expenses

• Exterior improvements on rear of buildings
• Interior improvements
• Outdoor dining/seating
• Playground or recreational equipment
• Structural changes
• Burglar bars
• Security/alarm systems
• "Sweat equity"
• New commercial construction
• Benches/porch swings
• Umbrellas
• Gazebos
• Trellises
• Permitting fees
• Architectural, survey, or professional fees
• Asbestos testing, removal, abatement, or remediation
• Improvements for which insurance monies are received
• Design and construction document preparation costs
• Bidding and construction financing costs

Design Principles

Improvements must be compatible with the character and architecture of the individual building and meet City standards regarding latest construction and design trends. Buildings with significant architectural and historical qualities are strongly encouraged to restore and maintain these features.

Performance Requirements

• Performance agreement must specify schedule of additional payroll, jobs to be created/retained, and capital investment as consideration
• Applicant responsible for all governmental taxes on business property following improvement
• Applicant must agree not to alter the improved facade without prior written FEDC approval for three (3) years from date of grant payment
• If work product is less than expected, FEDC Board may withdraw or reduce grant match at its sole discretion

Non-Discrimination

FEDC prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, familial status, or national origin.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

1. Applicant meets with Economic Development Director for initial project discussions
2. Applicant files application with FEDC

Step 2: Design Review

1. Applicant prepares final design drawings
2. Submit design drawings to Staff for review and approval

Step 3: Board Presentation and Approval

1. Proposed project reviewed by Director
2. Proposed project presented to FEDC Board for final review
3. Applicant required to present proposed facade and/or signage improvement plans and bid estimates in person to FEDC Board before work is started
4. FEDC Board determines approval and match amount (to-be-determined percentage not to exceed 50%)

Step 4: Performance Agreement

1. Staff sends applicant a Performance Agreement for review and execution

Step 5: Notice to Proceed

1. Staff sends applicant a "Notice to Proceed"
2. Important: Any work completed prior to receiving "Notice to Proceed" will NOT be reimbursed
3. Applicant has 60 days from date Notice to Proceed and Performance Agreement is executed to begin implementation of approved improvements

Step 6: Construction

1. Contractor constructs project improvements as specified in final design
2. Any changes to approved plan must be approved by FEDC Board

Step 7: Completion and Certification

1. Applicant notifies Staff once project is completed
2. Staff certifies improvements comply with final drawings and specifications

Step 8: Invoice Submission and Payment

1. Applicant submits copies of all paid invoices to Economic Development Director for approval by FEDC Board
2. Upon FEDC Board final approval, Executive Director issues grant match to applicant within 15 working days

At Application/Before Work Begins

• Photo(s) or drawing(s) of current project state
• Photo(s) or drawing(s) of proposed project
• Bids from vendors describing estimated cost of project (estimates must include vendor name and address)
• Copies of any required permits
• Completed application form

At Project Completion

• Photo(s) of actual finished project
• Paid invoices specific to approved project (invoices must include vendor name and address)

Important Notes

• Incomplete applications will be returned to applicant
• Executive Director or FEDC Board reserves right to request additional information regarding project at any time prior to funding decision
• Amendments or changes to original plans after Board decision may result in revocation/cancellation of decision or need to submit new updated application (determined by majority Board vote)
• Applicant's sole responsibility to ensure delivery of completed application to FEDC Executive Director or designee