DEPARTMENT
Wastewater Enterprise
AGENDA NO.
15 MEETING DATE
February 14, 2023
APPROVAL:
COMMISSION
SECRETARY
Donna Hood
AGENDA ITEM
Public Utilities Commission
City and County of San Francisco
Approve Modification of Floodwater Management Grant Assistance Program Project Manager: Sarah Minick
Approve Modification of Floodwater Management Grant Assistance Program for San Francisco Property Owners
Summary of
Proposed
Commission Action:
Approve modifications to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Floodwater Management Grant Assistance Program Grant Requirements and Terms to increase the SFPUC cost share to 100% and authorize the General Manager of the SFPUC or the General Manager’s designee to execute Grant Agreements under the modified Grant Program.
Background: Existing Grant Program
On June 11, 2013, by Resolution No. 13- 0098, this Commission authorized the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) General Manager to implement the Floodwater Management Grant Assistance Program (Grant Program), providing San Francisco property owners with grants to reimburse them for the cost of installing (1) doorway barriers and (2) plumbing backflow preventers to lower their risk of damage due to flooding caused by rainstorms. After establishing the Grant P rogram, staff returned to the Commission to approve the following changes to increase the efficacy and uptake of the Grant Program.
On July 14, 2015, by Resolution No. 15-0158, the Commission expanded the types of projects eligible for grant funding to include (1) flood walls and (2) “special projects” proposed by the applicant, reimbursed at 80% of the eligible project cost subject to an overall reimbursement cap of $30,000 per property, with the property owner responsible for the remaining 20%.
On December 12, 2017, by Resolution No. 17-0249, the Commission modified the Grant Program to (1) expand eligible project types , (2) increase the cap on grant funds per property from $30,000 to $100,000, (3) provide for installment payments of grant funds , (4) modify the SFPUC’s cost share, and (5)
improve administrative and technical
assistance. SFPUC’s cost share was increased to cover 90% of eligible Agenda Item: Approve Modification of Floodwater Management Grant Assistance Program Commission Meeting Date: February 14, 2023
project costs for owner-occupied homes and 100% of eligible costs for homeowners demonstrating financial hardship. SFPUC’s cost share for non-residential properties or residential properties with rental units remained at 80% of eligible project costs.
On September 22, 2020, by Resolution No. 20-0204, the Commission modified the Grant Program to (1) provide up- front payment s for owner-occupied, residential property owners who demonstrate financial hardship, (2) allow the final installment payment to be based on submission of an invoice only (not proof of payment) for property owners who demonstrate financial hardship, and ( 3) a llow small businesses and non- profit organizations with a maximum of 50 full - time employees to obtain up-front payment, reimbursement for the final installment payment based on invoice only (not proof of payment), and increase the SFPUC’s cost share to 100%.
Proposed Modifications to Grant Program
The Commission has improved the Grant Program by expanding project types, increasing funding caps, and reduc ing financial burden s.
However, since the Grant Program was initiated in 2013, the SFPUC has only distributed approximately $530,000 to a total of 29 grantees.
Starting in July 2022, the SFPUC increased available funding for the Grant Program to $1.5 million per year. To improve participation rates and simplify the administration of the Grant Program, staff proposes eliminating the cost share so that the SFPUC would fund 100% of eligible costs for all project types.
Maximum City Contribution
Currently, owner -occupied res idential properties may receive up to 90% of eligible costs , non- residential properties or those with rental units may receive up to 80% of eligible costs, and owner -occupied residential properties and small businesses and non- profits with less than 50 full- time employees that demonstrate financial hardship may receive up to 100% of eligible costs. To incentivize Grant Program participation, SFPUC staff proposes increasing the SFPUC’s cost share to 100% of eligible costs for all property types . This would also allow the SFPUC to administer the Grant Program more easily, as the SFPUC would no longer have to determine – and apply different rules to – different property types.
Grant Agreement: Description of the Grant Agreement
The Grant Program Agreement sets forth the terms and conditions by which the SFPUC provides financial assistance to grantees.
Parties to Agreement: SFPUC and Grantee(s)
Purpose: To provide financial assistance to San
Francisco property owners with an active
SFPUC account for wastewater services to
Agenda Item: Approve Modification of Floodwater Management Grant Assistance Program Commission Meeting Date: February 14, 2023
install measures to reduce the risk of
flooding during wet weather events.
Location: Properties that are connected to an
SFPUC-owned and operated sewer service
area.
Commencement Date: Upon execution of Grant Agreement.
Length of Agreement Ten years from the date of project
completion
Budget & Costs: The proposed changes to the Grant Program would not change the current budget of $1.5 million per year.
Schedule: SFPUC has accepted grant applications since July 2013 and will continue to award grants on a first -come-first-served basis. Grant assisted projects must be completed within six months of the date on the Funding Approval Letter.
Each Grant Agreement will have a 10 -year term, and the General Manager’s authority to award and execute grant agreements under th e Grant Program will continue as long as the Commission and Board of Supervisors continue to appropriate funds for the Grant Program.
Environmental
Review:
This Commission’s action to approve the proposed Modifications to the Grant Program does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines under section 15378 (b)(4), that states that the creation of government funding mechanisms or other government fiscal activities which do not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment does not constitute a project under CEQA.
At present, it is not possible to identify specific projects that may qualify for grants under this Program in the future. Projects will be subject to environmental review during the grant application and building permit application review process. Under t he Grant Program, final grant approval will not occur until compliance with CEQA is achieved.
Recommendation: SFPUC staff recommends that the Commission update the Grant Program to increase the SFPUC’s cost share to 100% for all property types.
Attachment: Revised Floodwater Management Grant Requirements and Terms
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
City and County of San Francisco
RESOLUTION NO.
WHEREAS, On June 11, 2013, by Resolution No. 13- 0098, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) established the Floodwater Management Grant Assistance Program (Grant Program) and authorized the General Manager of the SFPUC or the General Manager’s designee to execute Grant Agreements with San Francisco property owners to install specified improvements to their properties to lower the risk of flooding caused by storms, subject to the availability of funding; and
WHEREAS, Since 2013, the SFPUC has accepted grant applications; and
WHEREAS, On July 14, 2015, by Resolution No. 15-0158, the Commission modified the Grant Program to expand eligible project types, with a cap of $30,000 per project and the SFPUC reimbursing up to 80% of eligible expenses, with the property owner covering the remaining 20%; and
WHEREAS, On December 12, 2017, by Resolution No. 17-0249, the Commission increased the cap on grant funding from $30,000 to $100,000 per project and increased the SFPUC’s cost share from 80% to 90% for owner -occupied homes and from 80% to 100% for homeowners demonstrating financial hardship , while maintaining an 80% cost share for non- residential properties or residential properties with rental units; and
WHEREAS, On September 22, 2020, by Resolution No. 20- 0204, the Commission increased the SFPUC’s cost share to 100% for small businesses and non-profit organizations with a maximum of 50 full-time employees; and
WHEREAS, SFPUC staff has widely promoted this Grant Program through outreach and intends to continue outreach; and
WHEREAS, Despite its outreach efforts, the SFPUC has only distributed approximately $59,000 per year, out of a current annual budget of $1.5 million per year; and
WHEREAS, SFPUC staff now recommends updating the Grant Program to encourage new applicants by increasing the SFPUC’s cost share to 100% for all property types; and
WHEREAS, A copy of the proposed modifications to the Grant Requirements and Terms is on file with the Commission Secretary and was presented to the Commission at its meeting on February 14, 2023; and
WHEREAS, This action does not co nstitute a “Project” under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines section 15378(b)(4) because the proposed Grant Program creates a government funding mechanism that does not involve a commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment ; and at present, it is not possible to identify specific projects that may qualify for grants under this Program in the future; however, projects will be subject to subsequent environmental review during the grant application and building permit application review process; and final grant approval will not occur until compliance with CEQA is achieved; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, The Commission hereby modifies the Grant Requirements and Terms , to increase the SFPUC’s cost share to 100% for all property types , and authorizes the General Manager of the SFPUC or the General Manager’s designee to execute Grant Agreements consistent with the approved modified Requirements and Terms, subject to the availability of funding.
I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted by the Public Utilities Commission at its meeting of February 14, 2023.
Secretary, Public Utilities Commission
Grant Assistance Overview
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s (SFPUC) Floodwater Management Grant Assistance Program (“Grant Program”) is designed to encourage San Francisco property owners to make flood risk reduction modifications to their properties to minimize their risk of property damage due to rain-related flooding.
Grant Program projects can reduce flood risk through Plumbing Modifications, Dry Flood Risk Reduction, or Wet Flood Risk Reduction modifications, such as:
Example Plumbing Concepts
Backwater Valves: A device in the
plumbing system used to maintain
flow in one direction in a sewer
pipeline
Improve Site Drainage: A
trench drain can improve
drainage at low points on
property
Pumping: An improvement that
allows for water to be moved
away from the property
Example Dry Flood Risk Reduction Concepts
Permanent Water Resistant
Doorways/Seals: Modifications to
prevent floodwaters from
entering building
Temporary Flood Barriers:
Deployable barriers to prevent
flood waters from entering
building
Permanent Flood Barriers:
Permanent structures
designed/constructed to prevent
flood waters from entering
building
Example Wet Flood Risk Reduction Concepts
Elevate Utilities: Protects critical
utilities and appliances
Cleanable Surfaces: Make
flood-prone surfaces cleanable
Ceiling-Attached Sockets:
Prevents damage to electrical
outlets
These concepts illustrate the types of technologies that property owners may employ. Each property owner should consider the property-specific configuration and features that could contribute to the risk of flooding on their property.
Grant Assistance for Floodwater Management
Grant Requirements and Terms
(February 2023)
Eligibility Criteria
Projects that meet the SFPUC’s grant eligibility (see below) will be funded on a first-come-first-served basis.
Future funding availability is contingent upon future SFPUC budget approvals.
SFPUC provides administrative assistance throughout the application process to answer your questions and guide you through the process. Please email the SFPUC Grant Administrator at [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 415-695-7326 with any questions.
Proposed projects must meet all the criteria set forth below to qualify for grant assistance. Projects that do not meet one or more of the criteria listed below will not be eligible to receive grant funding.
1. Properties that experienced Prior Storm-Related backflow event where water from the sewer and stormwater combined collection system entered the property through plumbing fixtures or a storm-related flood event when flood waters entered the property from an adjacent right-of-way are eligible for grant funding.
2. The project will reduce the property owner’s risk of damage/harm due to flooding caused by overland flow from the public right-of-way during rainstorms.
3. Property owners applying for funding must have an active SFPUC account for wastewater services for the San Francisco property where the project will be constructed or installed.
4. For condominiums, the project must be consistent with applicable homeowner’s association rules and requirements.
5. The project will be constructed or installed on property owned by the person or persons applying for grant funding.
6. The proposed activity will be implemented within the timeline set out in the grant agreement.
Financial Hardship and Small Business or Nonprofit Upfront Payments
The Floodwater Management Grant Program allows property owners who have demonstrated they are experiencing financial hardship or small businesses and nonprofits with no more than 50 full-time employees to:
• Receive an up-front payment prior to the start of work to use for deposit or start of work payment to the contractor. The SFPUC will disburse up to 10% of total project costs or $1,000, whichever is less.
• Receive all payments up to the full grant amount to be installment payments instead of reimbursements.
The Financial Hardship Eligibility Form and associate documentation must accompany a completed Grant Application. If you are not eligible to participate in this optional program, you may still be eligible to participate in the Grant Program.
For owner-occupied residential property owners, in order to be approved for this program, the City must be able to determine your receipt of public benefits. (1) Applicants may provide the SFPUC with the option to look up their limited income eligibility in Human Services Agency (HSA) and give permission to HSA to share the applicant’s income information or (2) they may provide proof of their hardship through their own supporting documentation. Supporting documentation includes proof that you receive public benefits from one of the following programs: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and State Supplementary Payment (SSP); California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act (CalWORKs) or a federal Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF) Grant Program; Food Stamps or the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP); County Relief, General Relief (GR), or General Assistance (GA); Cash Assistance Program for Aged, Blind, and Disabled Legal Immigrants (CAPI); In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS); or Medi-Cal.
Eligible Cost and Guidance
Grant Process
Property owners that qualify for the Grant Program and enter into a grant agreement with the SFPUC prior to starting a project may receive reimbursement of up to 100% of eligible costs. Costs eligible for payment with grant funds are limited to project work directly related to a project that reduces a property owner’s risk of harm from flooding, including supplies/materials, permit fees, and engineer/contractor/surveyor work to design and implement projects and restore the immediate work area to pre-construction conditions. For any flood risk reduction project that is custom designed by a manufacturer, such as a doorway flood barrier, eligible costs are limited to product cost, shipping and/or installation costs based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, and any costs associated with restoring the immediate work area to pre- construction conditions.
Prospective applicants for grant funding should also review the following guidance documents:
• Grant Interest Form: Fillable form to indicate a property owner’s interest in receiving a grant. This is the first step of the process and puts an applicant in the queue for a site visit, if applicable. • Floodwater Grant Program – Example Concepts: Includes descriptions of eligible flood risk technology options that may address flood risk on different properties. Property owners are also permitted to include other appropriate technical options in discussions with SFPUC, and in an application submitted for funding consideration.
• Floodwater Management Grant Program Contractor/Engineer Resources List: List of contractors and engineers with experience in flood-related projects on private properties in San Francisco.
The application process consists of two-steps, followed by project implementation.
• APPLICATION STEP 1: Indicate Interest in Grant Program o You should fill out and return the Grant Interest Form. o A grant team member will contact you within five (5) business days to schedule a site visit with grant engineers to visit the property, observe flooding conditions, and determine if the property is eligible to apply for a floodwater grant. The team will send a Site Assessment package following the visit which will include site observations, eligibility determinations, and next steps.
o SFPUC will evaluate expected flood elevation using the SFPUC’s hydrologic and hydraulic model. This assessment, plus a staff site visit, enables Grant Program staff to understand the likely depth of flooding at a given site and determine whether a given property is eligible for grant funds.
o This assessment will also allow staff to describe how different technologies could function in the space.
• APPLICATION STEP 2: Complete Application
o Once eligibility is confirmed the property owner can submit a completed grant application, financial hardship eligibility form (if applicable), IRS W-9 form, and any documentation necessary to fully describe all elements of the proposed project, including detailed design drawings and at least two competitive construction cost quotes.
Applications should be submitted as an attached PDF via email to [email protected]
o If plumbing work is required for the projects, obtaining a DBI Plumbing Survey is required and to be included in the submitted application. To arrange the plumbing survey, you should contact DBI’s Chief Plumbing Inspector, Steve Panelli, at 415-558-6058 or by email Grant Reservation
at [email protected]. Please do not request the survey over the counter or through the general phone line as this will delay your project approval. o The SFPUC will evaluate your application and provide feedback on any technical changes that may need to be made to the project concept in order to be approved. o If approved, SFPUC will reserve funding, and prepare a grant contract. This review and contracting process can take anywhere from six (6) to twelve (12) weeks, depending on the complexity of the project. Projects that meet the grant eligibility criteria will be funded on a first-come-first served basis. Applications reviewed after all funds are reserved may be considered for priority funding for future fiscal years, if such funds are allocated. SFPUC will send a Funding Reservation Letter to the Applicant confirming funds are conditionally reserved and may be approved within two (2) months. o After receipt of the grant agreement, please review, sign, and return the grant agreement.
Once the grant agreement is full signed by all parties SFPUC will issue a funding approval letter. The Funding Approval letter indicates that funding has been approved for the specific purpose of paying the Applicant and will not be depleted or diverted prior to the dates stated in the Funding Approval Letter.
• BUILD PROJECT
o Once the funding is approved, you will partner with approved contractor and apply for applicable building permits, perform construction, and complete final DBI inspection (if required based on project type) to confirm all work was completed as designed. You will fill out and submit payment request(s) to receive period payments of the grant funds. The SFPUC will review, and, if consistent with the requirements of the program and the approved project, approve the issuance of payment to you. o After completion of the project, a final site visit with the SFPUC technical team shall take place prior to reimbursement of final payment. It is the property owner’s responsibility to request this site visit prior to the submittal for final reimbursement. Final site visit request shall be made by emailing [email protected]. Once the final site visit has taken place confirming the project has been built in accordance with the approved project design a final reimbursement submittal can be made by the property owner. o Operation and maintenance of the project(s) is the responsibility of the Grantee, in accordance with the Grant Agreement, and shall be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations.
You must sign the grant agreement within two (2) months the SFPUC’s approves your grant application. If the executed grant agreement and other documentation outlined above are not received by the SFPUC within that two (2) month period, a new application must be submitted and will be subject to the availability of funds. The project must be completed within six (6) months after the grant agreement is executed and a funding approval letter is issued by the SFPUC. A request for the final payment of grant funds must be submitted within two (2) months after project completion or final DBI inspection, where appropriate.
A grant reservation extension, project completion extension, and/or reimbursement extension may be requested prior to the end of respective completion durations and may be granted at the discretion of SFPUC staff.
Payments
Payments for Hardship Grantees
Up-front Deposit Payment: For (1) owner-occupied residential properties who satisfy the financial hardship criteria by filling out the financial hardship eligibility form, and (2) small businesses or nonprofits with up to 50 full-time employees, SFPUC provides one up-front payment for contractor deposits to secure work. The SFPUC will disburse up to 10% of total project costs or $1,000, whichever is less, solely for deposit or start of work payment to the contractor. This up-front payment will be provided to qualified applicants following Grant Agreement Execution and prior to the commencement of construction. This payment will not count toward the number of allowable installment payments for the project.
Installment Payments: The SFPUC allows all payments up to the full grant amount to be installment payments instead of reimbursements for applicants who meet the financial hardship or small business and nonprofit criteria.
Grant payments will be made following the grantee’s submittal of invoices for work performed and any other required documentation listed below. The grantee may request payment in multiple installments, depending on the grant amount, as shown in the table below. Total payment will not exceed $100,000 per property.
Project Grant Amount Number of Allowable Payments
Grants up to $30,000 Eligible for up to two (2) payments Grants from $30,001 up to $50,000 Eligible for up to three (3) payments Grants from $50,001 up to $100,000 Eligible for up to five (5) payments
Installment Payment Documentation Requirements: the grantee must submit the following documents to request payment:
❑ Request for Payment form (provided with the grant agreement). ❑ For the initial installment payment request, proof of any applicable DBI permits. The grantee can view and print documentation here: Permit Services at DBI | San Francisco (sf.gov) ❑ For all installment payment requests, documentation of costs incurred (e.g. invoice(s) from engineer/contractor/manufacturer invoice; permit fees incurred; etc.), and documentation of progress made in installing the project (e.g. invoices from contractor/engineer/manufacturer). Proof of payment is due within 30 days and no subsequent payment will be made without such proof. ❑ For final payment, provide:
a. Final Site Visit form as record that the final site visit with the technical team has taken place. b. Copies of all paid invoices and proof of payment (e.g. credit card statement showing payment) for completed work. *
c. Documentation of DBI final inspection associated with any permits. d. For flood barrier installation, electronic or print photos showing each doorway with a barrier installed/deployed.
*Exception: If you satisfy the financial hardship eligibility or are a small business or nonprofit with no more than 50 full-time employees, proof of payment & final inspection is not required before Final payment. Instead, proof of payment, paid invoice, and final site visit form must be submitted within 30 days of project completion, in accordance with the Grant Agreement.
Taxes and Insurance
Permits
Applications
A grant may be considered income and may be taxable. The grantee is responsible for determining whether a tax liability exists. The grantee will receive a 1099-Misc tax form from the City in February of the calendar year following grant payment. The City is obligated by federal law to issue a 1099-MIsc form. In order to issue a 1099-Misc, SFPUC requires each applicant to provide relevant tax information by submitting a W-9 form with the grant application.
The City requires evidence of insurance for all grant-funded activities. Prior to beginning work on a project, the grantee must submit proof of required insurance, including Workers’ Compensation and Commercial General Liability. This proof of insurance is typically provided to the grantee by their contractor.
All activities must comply with applicable local, state, and federal permit requirements.
Please deliver the complete application for the Floodwater Management Assistance Grant to:
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Attn: Floodwater Management Grant Assistance Program
525 Golden Gate Ave, 9th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
For questions about the Grant or if you require assistance in completing the application, please email the SFPUC Grant Administrator at [email protected] or call 415-695-732
Floodwater Management Grant Interest Form
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC)’s Floodwater Management Grant Assistance Program (“Grant Program”), launched in 2013, helps property owners in San Francisco minimize the risk of flooding on their properties due to heavy rainstorms. We encourage you to take advantage of the Grant Program.
We want to make this process as easy as possible. Resources to help you navigate the Floodwater Grant Program include:
o Streamlined application process with more staff available to assist applicants o Resources for applicants, including a list of contractors and engineers with relevant experience
o Grant payments available through multiple installments o Upfront contractor payment assistance for those experiencing financial hardship o Easy online application processes using DocuSign
INTERESTED IN APPLYING? Please include your contact information below and send back to our Grant Administrator at [email protected]. A grant team member will contact you to schedule a meeting to review your project withing five (5) business days.
(FILLABLE FORM BELOW. PLEASE USE REVERSE IF NEEDED)
FULL NAME
EMAIL ADDRESS
PHONE NUMBER
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
(of property for the grant)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ISSUE YOU HAVE
EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST
(What dates did you flood? From where did
water enter your property? How much
water? Etc.)
Grant Assistance for Floodwater Management
STEP 1: Grant Interest Form
Activity Information
Project Type (check all that are applicable):
Sewer Backwater Valve Roof Drainage Separation
Rain Barrel Sump Pump
Toilet with Grinder Pump
Site Drainage Modifications (please clarify):
Other (please clarify):
Installation Address:
Brief Project Description (attach additional supporting documents, as needed)
Applicant Contact Information
Property Owner:
Mailing Address: Street:
City & State: Zip Code:
Day/Work Phone: E-Mail Address:
Primary Project Contact Person (if different):
Day/Work Phone: E-Mail Address:
Internal Use:
Application Tracking #:
□ Approved □ Denied
STEP 2: Grant Application for Plumbing
Modifications
The Applicant declares that the information provided represents the goals, scope, budget and details of the proposed activity, and assures that any funds received as a result of the application will be used only for purposes set forth herein.
Name (print): Signature: Date:
Applicant Signature
Required Documentation
Project Costs
Individually list each project type for which you are seeking funding with this application (e.g. “Toilet with grinder pump in first-floor bathroom”) Eligible Project Cost
1. $
3. $
4. $
5. $
Total Project Eligible Cost: $
*SFPUC will verify eligibility and determine total grant amount and maximum funding amount per property.
Please check boxes to indicate that copies of the following required information as outlined in the guidelines are attached to the application:
Project Documentation
❑ If non-plumbing project work is included beyond restoration of the immediate plumbing work area, Applicant must submit separate Grant Application for Modifications Other than Plumbing.
❑ DBI Plumbing Survey. The Applicant shall submit proof of a completed plumbing survey performed by DBI verifying that a backflow preventer/plumbing modification would be suitable. To arrange the plumbing survey, grant applicants should contact DBI’s Chief Plumbing Inspector Steve Panelli by phone directly at 415-558-6058 or email at [email protected]. NOTE: Do not request the survey over-the-counter or through the general phone line as this may cause delays.
❑ Completed IRS W-9 form.
Prior Storm-Related Flood Events Associated with Plumbing Fixtures:
❑ Written Description of Prior Storm-Related Backflow Events. The Applicant shall provide documentation which illustrates a prior storm event when backflow water from the sewer and stormwater combined collection system entered the property through plumbing fixtures, including date(s) of occurrence.
❑ Photo Documentation (if available).
❑ Claims for Property Damage (if available).
❑ Other Relevant Information (if available).
❑ Detailed Design Drawings. The Applicant shall submit drawing(s) of existing plumbing arrangements and proposed work to be done, including plumbing work and project area restoration details showing access for maintenance.
❑ Competitive Plumbing Construction Quotes. The applicant shall provide at least two competitive construction cost quotes from appropriate contractors. The construction quotes must be prepared by a California C-36 licensed plumber and shall include a labor breakdown, cost of plumbing modification device(s) and associated materials, and a time estimate for completion of work. Eligible construction costs are limited; see Eligible Costs and Guidance. The construction quotes shall correspond to the work scope shown in the design drawings submitted with the application. The accepted contractor’s quote must be within 10% of the lowest bid. The bids must be clearly marked with which would be accepted and which rejected.
❑ Permits/Permission. List any permits (i.e. building, plumbing, etc.) that will be secured for the proposed activity(ies).
Type of Approval Required Approving Agency
Check all that apply:
□ Plumbing Permit □ Over-the-Counter Permit
DBI
□ Other:
Activity Information
Project Type (check all that are applicable):
Installation Address:
Brief Project Description (attach additional supporting documents, as needed)
Applicant Contact Information
Property Owner:
Mailing Address: Street:
City & State: Zip Code:
Day/Work Phone: E-Mail Address:
Primary Contact Person (if different):
Day/Work Phone: E-Mail Address:
Internal Use:
Application Tracking #:
□ Approved □ Denied
Grant Assistance for Floodwater Management
STEP 2: Grant Application for
Modifications Other than Plumbing
Flood Barrier Garage Door Side and/or Floor Seal
Water-tight Door Water-tight Window
Temporary Flood Barrier Driveway Entry Bump
Flood Curb Flood Wall
Raise Electrical Outlets
Seal Openings (please clarify):
Raise Utilities or Appliances (please clarify):
Create cleanable surfaces (e.g. foundation footwall, exterior finishes) (please clarify):
Create floodable interior space (e.g. flood vents) (please clarify):
Other (please clarify):
The Applicant declares that the information provided represents the goals, scope, budget and details of the proposed activity, and assures that any funds received as a result of the application will be used only for purposes set forth herein.
Name (print): Signature: Date:
Applicant Signature
Project Costs
Individually list each project type for which you are seeking funding with this application (e.g. “Small Flood Barrier on side garage door”) Eligible Project Cost
1. $
2. $
3. $
4. $
5. $
Total Eligible Project Cost: $
*SFPUC will verify eligibility and determine total grant amount and maximum funding amount per property.
Required Documentation
Please check boxes to indicate that copies of the following required information as outlined in the guidelines are attached to the application:
Project Documentation
❑ If plumbing project work is included, the applicant must submit separate Grant Application for Plumbing Modifications.
❑ Completed IRS W-9 form.
Prior Storm-Related Flood Events Associated with Flood Water Entering from Overland Flooding:
❑ Written Description of Prior Storm-Related Flood Events (Required for Flood Walls and Flood Curb Projects). The Applicant shall provide documentation which illustrates a prior storm event when flood waters entered the property from an adjacent right-of-way. ❑ Photo Documentation (if available).
❑ Claims for Property Damage (if available).
❑ Other Relevant Information (if available).
❑ Detailed Design Drawing.
The applicant shall submit drawing(s) of existing site, dimensions and layout of all proposed modifications (i.e. raising utility, structurally strengthening exterior walls, etc.), details of construction, and project area restoration details. Projects that alter an existing structure require inclusion of structural details prepared and stamped by a licensed California Professional Engineer.
For flood wall and flood curb projects, the applicant shall submit drawing(s) of existing site, dimensions and layout of proposed modification (i.e. wall, curb, etc.), and details of wall or curb and foundation design sufficient to demonstrate its strength to structurally withstand the pressure of standing or flowing floodwater on one side. Flood walls may not block a natural water flow path across a property line between two adjacent parcels; for example, you may not build a flood wall that would divert water to your neighbor’s property. Note: Walls taller than three feet in height adjacent to the public right-of-way are subject to further review by City Planning.
For flood barrier projects, the applicant shall submit drawings provided by flood barrier manufacturer. The drawings shall include dimensions of opening(s) where the flood barrier will be utilized or deployed.
❑ Competitive Construction Quotes. The applicant shall provide at least two competitive construction cost quotes from appropriate contractors. The construction quotes shall be prepared by at least one of the following California Contractor’s licenses: General Engineering “A”, General Building “B”, Electrical (C-10), Earthwork and paving (C-12), and/or Landscaping (C-27).
Construction quotes shall include a labor breakdown, cost of materials, and a time estimate for completion of work. Eligible Costs are limited; see Eligible Costs and Guidance. The accepted contractor’s quote must be within 10% of the lowest bid. The bids must be clearly marked with which would be accepted and which rejected. No reimbursement/installment payment(s) will be given to the applicant for any modifications or enhancements that are not directly necessary to control floodwater.
❑ Permits/Permission. List the permits (i.e. building, etc.) that will be secured for the proposed
Type of Approval Required Approving Agency
Check all that apply:
□ Plumbing Permit □ Over-the-Counter Permit DBI
□ Other:
For any technology that is custom designed by a manufacturer, such as a doorway flood barrier
❑ Manufacturer’s Installation Requirements and Product Price Quote. The applicant shall provide the manufacturer’s cost quotes for the costs of installing the project. The installation must be done by the manufacturer, their approved installer, or an independent contractor, as required by the manufacturer. Product price quote from the manufacturer for each custom designed piece of technology shall include appropriate taxes and shipping costs to the property where it will be installed.
❑ Installation Price Quote. The installation quote shall include a detailed breakdown for each custom designed technology, including labor breakdown, time estimate and acknowledgement of manufacturer’s installation requirements. The installer must follow the manufacturer’s requirements and have one of the following California Contractor’s licenses: General Engineering “A” or General Building “B”. Eligible installation costs are limited; see Eligible Costs and Guidance.
Note that the product cost associated with the custom designed technology shall not be included in the installation quote, as it is provided separately in the product price quote.
❑ Photos. Electronic or print photos of full structure indicating any plans for externally visible permanent equipment such as flood barrier tracks.
Financial Hardship Eligibility Form
Required Documentation
The Floodwater Management Grant Program allows property owners who have demonstrated they are experiencing financial hardship or small businesses and nonprofits with no more than 50 full-time employees to:
• Receive an up-front payment prior to the start of work to use for deposit or start of work payment to the contractor. The SFPUC will disburse up to 10% of total project costs or $1,000, whichever is less.
• Receive all payments up to the full grant amount to be installment payments instead of reimbursements.
This Financial Hardship Eligibility Form and associate documentation must accompany a completed Grant Application. If you are not eligible to participate in this optional program, you may still be eligible to participate in the Grant Program.
Applicant Name: Date:
Business or Non-profit Name (if applicable):
Email:
Phone Number: ( ) Circle: Home/Mobile/Work
Check which applies:
❑ I am applying as the property owner of an owner-occupied residential property experiencing financial hardship
❑ I am applying as non-profit or small business
o I have no more than 50 full-time employees
For owner-occupied residential property owners, in order to be approved for this program, the City must be able to determine your receipt of public benefits. (1) Applicants may provide the SFPUC with the option to look up their limited income eligibility in Human Services Agency (HSA) and give permission to HSA to share the applicant’s income information or (2) they may provide proof of their hardship through their own supporting documentation.
Option 1:
Grant Assistance for Floodwater Management
Optional Financial Hardship Eligibility Form
I give permission to HSA to share limited income information with SFPUC. My information shall be shared only as needed to determine whether I qualify for SFPUC’s Floodwater Grant Hardship Payment Option. I understand that this database can only show my name, my address, and whether my household income falls within certain percentages of federal poverty guidelines based on information I have previously provided to HSA.
Option 2: Check one or all of the program(s) from which you receive public benefits. Attach to this form supporting documentation to prove that you receive public benefits from each program.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and State Supplementary Payment (SSP); California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act (CalWORKs) or a federal Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF) Grant Program Food Stamps or the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) County Relief, General Relief (GR), or General Assistance (GA) Cash Assistance Program for Aged, Blind, and Disabled Legal Immigrants (CAPI) In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
Medi-Cal
All Applicant Affidavit/Signature:
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Entered on
(DATE), at (LOCATION)
(SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT) (DATE)