RES 2017-20 Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 2017-20
A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE GEORGIA AVENUE OVERLAY DISTRICT FACADE
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BOUNDARIES AND TO RENAME THE PROGRAM AS THE
DOWNTOWN FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council have discussed over a period of time the
advisability of establishing a facade improvement program to encourage revitalization in the Georgia
Avenue Overlay District; and
WHEREAS,the Mayor and City Council, as part of the 2017 budget process, funded
the program for the 2017 budget year, not to exceed $40,000 from the Capital Projects Fund; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council affirmatively voted to establish this grant
program, and
WHEREAS, specifics of the program have been established and a specific facade
grant application prepared; and
WHEREAS, a grant agreement has also been prepared for utilization with this
program; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of staff to extend the reach of the program beyond
Georgia Avenue to include West Avenue and other portions of downtown which may not lay within
the definition of the Georgia Avenue Overlay District, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council have determined that this program is in the
best interest of the City and should be promulgated at this time.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of the
City of North Augusta, in meeting duly assembled and by the authority thereof,that:
1. The Mayor and City Council do hereby amend the Georgia Avenue Overlay
District Facade Improvement Program and rename it as the Downtown
Facade Improvement Program.
2. The specifics of the program, to include the method of applying for such
assistance and the proposed agreement to be entered into by the City with
the landowner, is attached hereto, marked "Exhibit A" and incorporated by
reference.
3. The City Administrator is hereby authorized to proceed with the
implementation of this program and to execute facade grant agreements in
accordance with the documents attached hereto, to include the execution of
the facade grant agreement(s)when appropriate.
DONE,RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA,ON THIS THE 15TH DAY OF 1A 2017.
1 � • // /
i
Robert A. Pettit, ayor
ATTEST:
(---N„r,.._ 3.
Donna B. Young, City erk
EXHIBIT A
I oItr1 7-.\-1/4 .P
Augusta
rif
sot /a ) (;(11"1)111 )(I'S Hit It
Downtown
Façade Improvement Program
Program Overview
The City of North Augusta's Façade Improvement Program is intended to encourage revitalization in
the downtown. This program provides grant funds to finance high-quality exterior improvements to a
property owner's or tenant's building. The program is managed by the Façade Grant Design
Committee, under the direction of the City Administrator and guidance of the Planning Director.
Program Purpose
The purpose of the program is to provide an opportunity for property owners and businesses to
upgrade the exterior of their buildings to help retain and attract businesses, strengthen the downtown
area, increase utilization of existing businesses, restore economic vitality, and enhance property
values. The Downtown is the commercial core of the City of North Augusta and the prime area for
infiltration of new businesses due to available property and high amounts of traffic along Georgia
Avenue. This area is a major focus for beautification because of its importance to the city's image and
ability to attract new residents and investment. See the attached Downtown Map for an outline of the
properties.
Available Funding
The Program is a reimbursement program; payment will be issued to property/business owners upon
completion of the project. The applicant is responsible for contracting out all design and construction
related to improvements to the exterior facades of an existing qualifying building. The program is
administrated on a first come first served basis, to the limit of available funding and in accordance with
the City of North Augusta appropriated funds for the fiscal year. If the total value of funding requested,
for all new applications in any given year, exceeds the total amount of funding available, all
applications will be prioritized by the Facade Grant Design Committee in coordination with city staff.
Eligibility
Applicants eligible to apply for the grant funding include property owners or business tenants that are
willing to improve the exterior facades of existing buildings that may be viewed from public spaces
within the City of North Augusta's designated Downtown. Only those buildings with commercial use(s)
at ground floor are eligible for grants. The City of North Augusta and Facade Grant Design Committee
may make exceptions to these guidelines on a case by case basis, based on the project's influence
on downtown development. Projects involving a previously funded building may be considered after
completion of any previous projects. Owners may receive assistance for more than one building
provided that funding is available. A maximum of one grant application per façade will be accepted
per year. The City reserves the right to deny applications from businesses of non-conforming uses
and from property and/or business owners who are delinquent on payment of taxes, fines or fees.
Eligible Expenses
Eligible expenses are exterior improvements, new or upgrades, on building facades that are intended
to improve the aesthetic appearance.
These may include:
• Exterior signage
• Painting
• Awnings
• Storefront enhancements
• Surface treatments
• Outdoor lighting
• Redesign and reconstruction of the store front
All work must be completed by a licensed contractor legally operating in the City of North Augusta and
meet the design guidelines for this program.
Ineligible Expenses
Funds may not be used for improvements that are not permanent or mounted or affixed to the building
or the sidewalk. Ineligible uses include but are not limited to:
•Vinyl letter signage (windows)
•Portable signs, such as sandwich board or A-frame signs; signs not mounted or attached to
storefronts — Flags or banners
•Benches and trash receptacles
•Tables, chairs, or umbrellas
•Moveable structures and equipment
•Expenditures for ordinary repair and maintenance (i.e. cracked windows)
•Improvements that are enforced due to code violations
•Interior improvements
Additionally, the Façade Improvement Grant Program will not be applied retroactively to projects
construction started prior to written approval of an application. The Façade Grant Program may be
applied retroactively to cover professional fees, if the work is part of the approved project.
Façade Improvement Grants
Grants are available for upgrading the general appearance of eligible façades. The maximum
allowable award is $5,000 per project site (depending on the impact of the improvement on downtown
economic development) with the property owner/business owner required to pay a match of at least
50% of the total project cost. For example, if the total project cost is $10,000, the applicant must
provide $5,000 toward the project.
Design Standards
All proposed façade improvement projects must adhere to the respective zoning requirements.
Façade Improvements must enhance the aesthetics of the downtown environment and celebrate the
character of the individual buildings.
Materials and Colors
The use of natural façade materials is recommended. Vinyl and aluminum sheeting materials are
prohibited. Exposure of underlying brick and other heavy masonry is recommended.
Awnings
Awnings are encouraged to promote a more comfortable experience for pedestrians and add to the
appearance of downtown.
Signage and Lighting
Aesthetically-pleasing signage is recommended. These include wall-mounted signs, projecting signs
and small signs on windows and doors. Projected signs and flat signs on the buildings above awnings
are particularly encouraged. Signs must fit the character of the building. Lighting should provide a
sense of comfort and accent the architecture of the building and the graphics of the signage.
Application Process
Property or business owners interested in applying for improvement grants should contact the City
Administrator to set up an appointment to discuss the potential project prior to submitting an
application. The City Administrator and Planning Director will advise the applicant as to the applicable
standards for the project.
Application Package
An application package for Facade Improvement Grants should include:
• A completed Façade Improvement Grant Application (Copies are available on the city's
website at www.northaugusta.net).
• Verification of property ownership (Title or Deed of Trust) and, if a leasing business, a copy of
the lease and consent letter from the property owner approving the proposed changes.
• Proposed written scope of project. This may include a description of improvements and/or
sketches/photos of new sign, awning, paint colors and or facade improvements. Architectural
plans, elevations and/or perspective drawings and sketches or proposed improvements.
• Color photos of the existing facades.
• Project completion timeline.
• Total estimate of project budget. Staff will review the application package to confirm that it is
complete and then present to the Facade Grant Design Committee for review and
recommendation.
Applicants will be notified of approval, denial, or need for additional information within 30 days of the
application. Any changes made from the original proposal must be submitted and approved through
the same process. Any unapproved changes will disqualify the applicant from the program. Unless
otherwise previously approved by the city, the project must be completed within 4 months of the
approval date in order to receive funding. A reasonable extension may be granted, based upon the
good faith efforts of the applicant.
Distribution of Funds
Grant funds will be distributed upon completion of the approved facade improvement project and the
following:
• Successful issuance and close out of all relevant permits, including construction,
encroachment and sign permits.
• Final inspection and approval of completed project by the city's building codes office.
• Photographs, invoices and receipts are submitted to the City Administrator' and certified as in
compliance with the original application.
• Grant recipients agree to place a Downtown Façade Improvement Grant Recipient sign at the
construction site throughout the project and for a minimum of 180 days upon completion of the
project.
More Information
Todd Glover, City Administrator
(803) 441-4202
tglover a(�northaugusta.net
Planning Director
(803) 441-4225
City of North Augusta
Façade Grant Application
Please fill out this application completely and legibly.
Business Name Telephone
Property
Information Physical Address Fax
Full Name Telephone
Applicant
Information Mailing Address Fax
Email Federal Tax ID Number
Full Name Telephone
Owner
Information Mailing Address Fax
(if other
than
applicant) Email Federal Tax ID Number
Proposed Façade Improvements (please specify)
Scope of Proposed Project (include a summary of the building's current condition, areas to be
improved and how, as well as any proposed materials or colors)
Required Documentation (these items must be submitted with the signed Application)
At least two color photographs of existing building facade.
Photos, plans, or sketches of proposed improvements.
Quotes, fee proposal, and any other back up that supports the proposed budget.
Owner's permission, if necessary.
I agree to comply with the guidelines and standards of the City of North Augusta Facade Grant
Program and I understand that this is a voluntary program, under which the City has the right to
approve or deny any project or proposal or portions thereof.
Applicant Signature: Date:
Owner Signature: Date:
(if other than applicant)
Submit the completed Application, with all required documentation attached . . .
• by email to tqlovernorthauqusta.net
• by mail to Todd Glover, City of North Augusta, PO Box 6400, North Augusta, SC 29861
• or in person to the office of Todd Glover, City Hall, 100 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, SC
29841
City of North Augusta
Façade Grant Agreement
THIS AGREEMENT is entered into this day of , , by and
between the CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA (City) and
(Grantee), whose address is
•
Tax Parcel Number:
WHEREAS the City has approved a façade improvement grant to Grantee subject to the
execution of this Agreement, and Grantee desires to accept the grant and to abide by the terms
of this Agreement, and
WHEREAS the City has approved a grant in an amount of and
No/100 Dollars ($0) for façade improvements at , North
Augusta, South Carolina,
NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1. Grantee reaffirms that all information provided to the City in its Façade Grant
Application is correct and accurate.
2. Grantee has read and agrees to abide by the provisions and requirements of the City
of North Augusta Façade Grant Program.
3. All work performed by Grantee will be consistent with the approval by the City. If
Grantee desires to make any changes in the project, Grantee will obtain written approval from
the City before implementing such changes. Grantee understands that the City is not required to
approve any changes.
4. Grantee agrees to complete the improvements within four (4) months from the date of
this Agreement and understands that failure to complete the improvements within such period
will result in forfeiture of the grant, if an extension has not been granted.
5. Grantee understands that the grant will be paid to Grantee only upon completion of
the work, submission of all dated statements or invoices to the City, and approval by the City of
the completed work.
6. Grantee will notify the City immediately if Grantee's interest in the subject property
changes in any way. This Agreement is not assignable by Grantee without prior written approval
of the City, which will not be unreasonably withheld.
7. Grantee hereby grants to the City the right to use pictures, renderings, or descriptions
of the work for any and all promotional purposes desired by the City.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have signed this Agreement on the day and year
first written above.
WITNESSES FOR THE CITY CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA
By:
WITNESSES FOR THE GRANTEE GRANTEE
By:
WITNESSES FOR OWNER OWNER (if other than Grantee)
By:
, ' ,1,.. ,, .„„.1,,,,,,- ;, .4 ,..11Q i , f,.1„
t
9" '' ., miki....„,..„„„„:„...i.,0 14::
i
B
'", , Plaza Place '"
�yt,�, � � �y��per; �4 �
n ena� "� � � � a
$7,17-,..
a nn ., . ? -
�r Buena North Augusta
' ° 4i, 44; # . Elementary Sch"°o�ol
do-" � �'s�® a � .
w
i
� r
Hammond's Ferry `� ', " F'g
uea
� R�e<5 kiste"Av
'1'''s � .�