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(A) The Florence Business Building Facade Upgrades Grant Program is hereby established to provide financial incentives for building upgrades to businesses located in the Florence Main Street Overlay District and other eligible areas identified on Exhibit A of Ord. O-22-2023.
(B) The program offers property owners a 50% matching grant, with a maximum grant amount of $10,000 for approved improvements to their buildings.
(C) The actual grant amount awarded will depend on the available funding and the total number of applications received.
(D) Property owners must submit a complete application with all required attachments to the Program Administrator for review.
(E) Applications will be reviewed by the Administration Department, and selected applicants will be recommended to the Program Administrator for final review and approval.
(F) Construction projects initiated prior to the signing of a Facade Grant Agreement will not be eligible for reimbursement. All facade improvement projects must be completed within nine months of the agreement's signing to qualify for grant funds. Failure to complete within nine months will result in revocation of the funds and the grant will be void.
(G) Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.
(Ord. O-22-2023, passed 8-8-23)
For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions apply:
“ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT.” The governing body of the City of Florence responsible for the final review, approval, and oversight of the Business Building Upgrades Grant Program.
“DESIGN PROFESSIONAL.” A professional who possesses the necessary education, experience, and/or licensure to practice in a specific design field, such as architecture, engineering, or a related discipline.
“FACADE GRANT AGREEMENT.” The formal agreement entered into between the grant recipient and the City of Florence, outlining the terms and conditions of the grant, including project scope, timeline, funding details, recipient obligations, and compliance requirements.
“FINAL PAY APPLICATION.” The documentation submitted by the grant recipient upon completion of the project, including invoices, proof of payment, and any other required documentation to support the reimbursement request.
“FLORENCE MAIN STREET OVERLAY DISTRICT.” The designated area within the City of Florence that encompasses the targeted region for revitalization and enhancement efforts, as identified on the official zoning map or any subsequent amendments.
“GRANT PAYMENT REQUEST.” The formal request submitted by the grant recipient to request reimbursement for eligible program costs, including the necessary documentation to support the payment request.
“OTHER ELIGIBLE AREAS.” The designated area(s) within the City of Florence targeted for revitalization and enhancement efforts, as depicted in Exhibit A attached to Ord. O-22-2023.
“PROFESSIONAL COST ESTIMATES.” Detailed estimates of the total project costs prepared by reputable contractors in accordance with industry standards and practices.
“PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR.” The Program Administrator, referred to as the Director of Administration/City Administrator or their appointed designee, is the designated individual responsible for overseeing and administering the Business Building Upgrades Grant Program on behalf of the City of Florence.
“PROGRAM COSTS.” The expenses directly associated with the approved improvement project, including labor, materials, and other reasonable expenses necessary for the completion of the project.
“PROPERTY OWNER.” The legal owner of a property as recorded in the official records of the county where the property is located.
“REPUTABLE CONTRACTOR.” A licensed and insured professional contractor who is in good standing with the City of Florence, Kentucky Secretary of State and has a demonstrated track record of successfully completing similar projects and complying with applicable laws and regulations.
“RIGHT-OF-WAY.” The publicly owned area, typically including the street, sidewalk, and utility easements, that allows for public access and use in accordance with applicable regulations.
“TENANT.” An individual or entity that has legal occupancy or leasehold rights to a property with written consent from the property owner.
(Ord. O-22-2023, passed 8-8-23)
(A) To be eligible for a grant under this program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
(1) Properties must be zoned for a business use and be within the Florence Main Street Overlay District or other eligible areas identified on Exhibit A of Ord. O-22-2023.
(2) Applicants must be the property owners or tenants. Tenants must obtain written approval from the property owner for proposed work. Applicants must provide a copy of the lease with their application. Applicants without a long-term lease may have their grant approval denied.
(3) Properties and businesses must be current on all city taxes and fees, and have no recorded code citations or liens.
(4) Properties and businesses must comply with all applicable state and local laws and regulations regarding licenses and permits.
(5) Properties must be at least 25 years old.
(6) Businesses may not have more than 30 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) employees per location.
(7) Businesses are eligible for only one grant per calendar year.
(8) Properties must be in good standing with the City of Florence and have no code violations or recorded liens.
(Ord. O-22-2023, passed 8-8-23)
(A) The following exterior improvements are eligible for funding through the grant program, subject to review and approval by the Administration Department to ensure compliance with program guidelines, harmonious color schemes, and zoning regulations:
(1) Exterior painting or re-siding of a building;
(2) Masonry repair;
(3) Signage that enhances the building's architectural design, compatible with surrounding businesses and buildings, and adhering to signage regulations;
(4) Awnings designed as an integral part of the building, using materials and colors compatible with the entire building and adjacent structures. Awnings shall not have permanent logos or business-specific branding permanently sewn or integrated into the awning's fabric;
(5) Exterior lighting appropriate for the building and compatible with adjacent buildings;
(6) Window and door repair, replacement, or modification, with replacements being compatible with the building's design;
(7) Facade restoration to return the building to its original appearance in cases of extensive modifications; and
(8) Each eligible improvement must be 50% or more visible from the right-of-way.
(B) The following examples are ineligible for funding through the grant program:
(1) Interior renovations;
(2) Landscaping (e.g. plants, trees, mulch);
(3) Roof replacement or repair;
(4) Non-permanent fixtures (e.g. exterior furniture, A-frame signs);
(5) Security systems;
(6) Garage door opener or mechanical components;
(7) Public property, including sidewalks;
(8) Interior window coverings;
(9) Foundation work;
(10) Parking lot, parking pad, or driveway improvements;
(11) Improvements that are not visible from the right-of-way;
(12) Improvements not approved through the grant process; or
(13) License and permit fees.
(C) The Administration Department reserves the right to modify, accept, reject, or amend the eligibility and approval of any and all improvements in accordance with the program guidelines and objectives. Any modifications or amendments to the list of eligible improvements will be communicated to the applicants during the review and approval process.
(Ord. O-22-2023, passed 8-8-23)
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