Title
A DISCUSSION ON AMENDING THE FACADE GRANT PROGRAM
Body
WHEREAS, Resolution #13-0486 created the Facade Improvement Incentive Grant Program for the Local Downtown Historic District and the National Register Historic District; and
WHEREAS, the Incentive Grant Program was amended by Resolution #20-1180 to include the Main Street Boundary; and
WHEREAS, the Incentive Grant Program was amended by Resolution #24-1183; and
WHEREAS, the Incentive Grant Program was amended to include the Main Street Boundary to the Foley Downtown Overlay District by Resolution #25-1349: and
WHEREAS, the City desires to amend the Grant Program to include the proposed "Extended Downtown District" in an attempt to promote quality improvements within the immediate areas around the Foley Downtown Overlay District
CITY OF FOLEY FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM
Program Manual & Administrative Guidelines
1. PROGRAM OVERVIEW & ELIGIBILITY
The City of Foley Façade Grant Program provides matching financial assistance for exterior appearance improvements to existing commercially zoned structures and businesses. The program aims to encourage downtown revitalization and historic preservation across designated commercial corridors.
1.1 Eligible Districts & Boundaries
Grant funding is available exclusively for properties located within the following mapped areas:
• Local Historic District
• National Register Historic District
• Foley Downtown Overlay District
• Extended Downtown District
Note: Program boundaries are subject to geographic adjustments via City Council action. Boundary maps and updates are maintained on the official City website
1.2 Property Eligibility Criteria
• Zoning: Projects must be located on commercially zoned property. Residential and Industrial properties are strictly excluded, with the exception of legally recognized mixed-use / joint-occupancy structures.
• Good Standing: The applicant, business entity, and property owner must be current on all municipal taxes, fees, and municipal accounts citywide across all affiliated entities and properties.
1.3 Design Standards & Review Governance
Projects must strictly conform to the governing standards of their respective district:
• District Location - Governing Standard & Review Authority
• Local & National Historic Districts - Must Comply with Foley Historical Commission Design Guidelines and receive a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA).
• Downtown Overlay & Extended Downtown Districts - Reviewed administratively by Planning & Development Staff for alignment with Downtown character standards, followed by City Council action.
1.4 Wall Murals & Public Artwork
Exterior wall murals and public art qualify as eligible façade improvements. In addition to general grant guidelines, proposed murals must fully comply with:
1. Mural & Street Art Project Guidelines
2. Mural and Public Artwork City Ordinance
3. Foley Main Street Downtown Mural & Street Art Contract and Release
2. PROGRAM GUIDELINES & FINANCIAL TERMS
• Funding Allocation: Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to annual City Council appropriation and fund availability.
• Matching Requirement: All grants require a 1:1 (50/50) dollar-for-dollar cash match from the applicant.
• Grant Amounts:
o Minimum Grant: $1,000
o Maximum Grant: The greater of $5,000 OR calculated at $5.00 per square foot of improved primary façade facing a named public right-of-way (as measured and verified by the City of Foley Building Department).
• Prior Work Exclusion: Expenses incurred or contracts executed prior to formal City Council approval are strictly non-reimbursable.
• Re-application Restriction: Buildings (including all suites/addresses within a multi-tenant structure) are limited to one (1) grant award every five (5) calendar years, calculated from the date of City Council approval.
• Architectural Fees: Costs associated with third-party architectural consultations or renderings are the sole responsibility of the property owner unless explicitly pre-approved within the grant award scope.
3. TIMELINE & PROJECT EXECUTION
[City Council Approval] - [6-Month Execution Window] - [Inspection & Audit] - [30-Day Reimbursement]
A. Completion Window: Approved projects must be fully completed within six (6) months from the date of City Council approval.
B. Extensions:
a. Staff Extension: A single 90-day extension may be granted administratively by Planning & Development staff upon written request showing reasonable cause.
b. Council Extension: Any subsequent extension requests require formal City Council review and action.
C. Regulatory Compliance & Permitting:
a. Projects must comply with all local, state, and federal building codes, land use regulations, and safety standards.
b. The applicant or contractor is responsible for securing all required municipal approvals, building permits, and sign permits through the Citizenserve online permitting portal prior to starting work.
D. Contractor Standards:
a. Work must be performed by one of the three independent contractors whose bids were submitted with the initial application.
b. The selected contractor must hold a valid State of Alabama License and a current City of Foley Business License.
4. APPLICATION PROCESS & REQUIREMENTS
All applications must be submitted digitally through the Citizenserve portal. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
4.1 Required Documentation Checklist
• Completed Grant Application (via Citizenserve)
• Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) or Overlay Review Application (submitted prior to or simultaneously with the grant application)
• Property Owner Authorization Form: Written, signed consent from the property owner approving the proposed scope of work (must specify applicant name, business name, and property address).
• Three (3) Itemized Contractor Bids: Independent bids dated within 60 days of application submission. Bids must itemize materials, labor, and detailed line-item descriptions.
• Comprehensive Scope & Renderings: Renderings, construction specifications, and product specification sheets.
• High-Resolution "Before" Photos: Clear photos of all façade areas targeted for improvement.
• Signed Acknowledgement & Agreement Form
• Mural Documentation (if applicable): Executed Mural & Street Art Contract and Release.
4.2 Application Workflow
1. Staff Administrative Review: Staff verifies completeness, confirms property eligibility, and reviews design alignment.
2. Staff Recommendation: Staff prepares a formal recommendation for City Council action.
3. City Council Determination: City Council holds final authority to approve, modify, or deny grant requests.
5. REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS & AUDIT PROTOCOLS
Reimbursements are processed as a single lump sum after project completion. Partial disbursements for incomplete projects are prohibited.
5.1 Step-by-Step Reimbursement Steps
A. Final Inspection & Verification: Upon completion, the project must pass a final building code inspection by the City of Foley Building Department and a physical verification walkthrough by a designated City Council representative.
B. Reimbursement Package Submission: Within 30 calendar days of passing final inspection, the applicant must submit a complete reimbursement package containing:
i) Completed Façade Grant Reimbursement Request Form.
ii) Final itemized contractor invoices matching the approved bid scope.
iii) Proof of payment (cleared checks, detailed credit card receipts, or formal vendor receipts). Sums must match invoice totals exactly.
C. Audit & Review: Documentation will be audited for compliance with governmental accounting standards and city procurement laws.
D. Disbursement: Reimbursement checks are issued directly to the applicant within 30 days of verified documentation receipt. Checks must be picked up in person at City Hall upon signing the formal Payment Release Form.
6. COMPLIANCE & LEGAL PROVISIONS
• Payment Restrictions: All vendor payments must be made via check or credit card. Cash payments are strictly non-reimbursable.
• Direct-Vendor Exclusion: Reimbursement payments are made solely to the approved applicant. The City will not issue payments directly to contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers.
• Scope Modifications & Reduction: If approved work items are omitted, altered without authorization, or fail final inspection, reimbursement will be reduced proportionally based on the contractor's itemized bid. Unapproved material deviations may result in complete forfeiture of grant funds.
• Audit Rights: The City of Foley reserves the right to request additional supporting documentation, conduct audits, or hold/deny funds to ensure strict compliance with public funding laws and municipal accounting protocols.
• Default & Penalty: Non-compliance with program guidelines, unauthorized project changes, or submission of false documentation may result in immediate grant cancellation and disqualification from future municipal grant programs.
DOCUMENTATION PACKAGE INDEX
(Included in Application Packet)
1. Grant Guidelines & Instructions
2. Acknowledgement & Agreement Form
3. Application & COA Checklists
4. District Boundary Maps
5. Façade Grant Reimbursement Request Form
6. Payment Release Form