Downtown Nampa Façade Improvement Grant


PROGRAM GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION


The Nampa Development Corporation (NDC) Façade Improvement Grant Program was established to support and encourage small businesses to reinvest in the downtown historic district. The Program provides matching grants, reimbursing up to 50% of eligible expenses (not to exceed $50,000) incurred during a comprehensive façade improvement in downtown Nampa. A façade is defined as a principal face(s) of a building that is on or facing a public street. This program is designed to enhance the city’s vitality by supporting revitalization efforts that will create jobs, reduce blight, and preserve and improve structures in our community.  

NDC is not required to approve any application or amount. NDC, in its sole discretion, evaluates the applications while taking into consideration its goals, priorities, objectives, and available funds. Please contact NDC at 208-468-5430 or [email protected] with any questions.

Eligibility

The following businesses/properties within the Nampa Downtown Historic District (see Appendix A for map) described below are eligible to participate in the Program: 

  • Retail, restaurant, theater or service* businesses.
  • Commercial properties that include retail, restaurant, theaters, or service businesses.
  • Other commercial businesses/property types (cultural, office, etc.) are considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Applicant’s establishment must NOT be a national franchise.

*Service businesses include, among others: personal services (barber shops, beauty salons, nail salons, etc.), repair services (auto, furniture, electronics, etc.), hotels, and fitness centers.

Improvements

Improvements eligible to be made with Program funds must enhance or restore the physical condition or appearance of the building. Types of eligible improvements include, but are not limited to: 

  • Paint;
  • New, or refurbishment of existing awnings;
  • New signs, and/or replacement, retrofit, or restoration of legacy signs;
  • Sign removal;
  • Window and/or door upgrade/replacement;
  • Replacement or refurbishment of non-structural materials/features such as cornice bands, parapets and similar architectural features; and
  • Rehabilitation of historic features.

Applications will not be accepted for improvements that have already been completed or commenced. 

Applicant 

A Program application may be submitted by an owner or tenant for an eligible project meeting the requirements described above. If the applicant is a tenant, the owner must also sign the Program application. Tenants and owners may apply for separate grants for the same building and/or storefront.

Application Process 

  • Program applications are available at (i) the business offices of the Nampa Development Services Center located at the City of Nampa Economic Development Department, 500 12th Ave South, Nampa, and (ii) online. 
  • See the Program application for a step-by-step summary of the application process including a detailed checklist of required materials. 
  • Prior to formally submitting an application, an applicant must meet with the NDC Executive Director to discuss the project. 

Review Process 

A committee consisting of representatives from NDC and City of Nampa Development Services staff will review the application. In response to the application, the committee may:

  • Approve,
  • Disapprove
    • Approve with conditions. If approved with conditions, the committee may request that the grantee make specific changes to the proposed improvements. 

Evaluation Criteria 

Program applications will be reviewed and evaluated based on the criteria listed below. Proposed improvements that meet the below criteria will be most competitive for grant funding. 

  • Visually improves storefronts and streetscapes;
  • Enhances prominent business locations;
  • Fills a previously vacant storefront; 
  • Rehabilitates or replaces historic features; and
  • Applicant’s establishment must be in good standing and in compliance with all applicable Federal, State and City codes.

Notification and Next Steps 

Notification: After review of application is completed, Program applicants will be notified via email of the committee’s decision. If an address has been provided by the applicant, the committee decision will also be mailed.

Documents: Applicants awarded a Program grant will receive the following documents as part of the notification process: 

  • Final Scope of Work: A final Scope of Work (SOW) summarizing the approved improvements will be provided. If the application was approved with conditions, the SOW will reflect those conditions/changes. The final SOW will be attached to and made a part of the application. 
  • Project Completion: Grantee must complete the project in substantial conformance with the final SOW. 
  • Project Changes: Any changes made to the final SOW after the application is approved and the final SOW delivered must be reviewed and approved in writing by NDC staff (for example, changes to a paint or awning color, sign or architectural design, material choices, etc.). Any change to the final SOW not approved in advance will not be funded. 

Required Forms: The grantee will be required to sign and deliver to NDC staff at Nampa Development Services Center, 500 12th Ave South, Economic Development Department, a hard copy of the acceptance form which details the terms and conditions associated with the grant within 2 weeks of the date the Program award is granted. 

Permits and Design Review

Permits:  All necessary planning, building, encroachment and other permits must be secured before construction is initiated.

  • Planning and Building Permits can be obtained from the City of Nampa Development Services Center, which can be accessed virtually at https://www.cityofnampa.us/1459/‌Development-Services and its physical location on the first floor at the Nampa Development Services Center, 500 12th Ave South, Nampa and can be reached at (208) 468-5439.
  • Encroachment Permits are required for any project that permanently or temporarily encroaches on the public right of way, including temporary construction that requires workers, materials and/or scaffolding to be in the city sidewalk. This includes work on doors, windows, awnings, painting, signs and outdoor eating areas. Please contact [email protected] with any questions and/or to obtain an encroachment permit. 

Deadline to Complete Work: The Program work must be completed within six (6) months of the acceptance of terms and conditions. Extensions will be approved on a case-by-case basis. 

Reimbursement: After the proposed improvements are completed and final permits have been issued (if applicable), the grantee must submit the following to NDC staff at Nampa Development Services Center, 500 12th Ave South, Economic Development Department, or [email protected] to receive reimbursement:

  • Invoice(s) for work completed;
  • Proof of payment for all work; and
  • It is also recommended (but not required), that grantee obtain signed lien releases, in a form compliant with law.

Conditions to Reimbursement

  • The project must be fully complete, and businesses must be open, final permits must be issued (including Certificate of Occupancy if applicable), and inspections completed by representatives of the Façade Grant Program before reimbursement with Program funds.
  • Grants are processed in the normal NDC accounts payable cycle of net 30 days.
  • Grantee must have all City permits and fee obligations paid prior to reimbursement with Program funds. 

General 

  • Contracts for improvements must be between the façade grantee and the contractor.
  • The Program is subject to all applicable conflict of interest rules and regulations.
  • The Program and the funding of any grants are subject to and conditioned on approval of the funding by the NDC commission for each fiscal year.

DOWNLOAD PROGRAM GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION HERE!