Pilot Façade
Improvement Program
June 9, 2026
•What is a Façade Improvement Program (FIP)?
•How Did We Get Here?
•Comparative Programs
•Example Images
•Proposed FIP
•Streamlining
•Recommendation
Presentation Agenda
•Grant program to
help businesses
improve building
exteriors and the
overall downtown
appearance.
What is a Façade Improvement Program?
City of Milpitas
Before After
•Beautify Orinda
•Increase foot traffic
•Encourage private investment
•Increase sales tax revenue
•A proven solution for many municipalities
Façade Improvement Program Benefits
•Alignment with the Downtown Precise Plan &
Connect Orinda
•Council Strategic Priority 3e. “…Consider
establishing a façade improvement program.”
•May 11, 2025 – Downtown Planning &
Revitalization Subcommittee Meeting
How Did We Get Here?
Example Façade Improvement Programs
City Population Program Details
Alameda 78,280 50% matching grant up to $20,000 per project Dublin 72,589 Up to $5,000 with no match; City covers 66% of eligible costs up to $70,000.
Community development fees are waived for approved projects Fairfield 119,881 Minor projects: 75% of costs up to $10,000.
Major projects: 50% of costs for projects between $10,000–$50,000, up to $25,000 Milpitas 90,273 Covers 75% of project costs, up to $25,000 (whicheveris less) Oakland 440,646 $25,000 with no match; additional funds require 50% match up to $30,000 total.
Reimbursement cap is based on façade length ($10,000 for <25ft; + $2,500 per additional 10ft.)
Pittsburg 76,416 Up to $10,000 with no matching requirement City of Dublin Before
City of Dublin After
City of Monterey Before
City of Monterey After
Orinda Now
Orinda’s Future?
Orinda Now
Orinda’s Future?
Orinda Now
Orinda’s Future?
Orinda Now
Orinda’s Future?
•1yr. Pilot Façade Improvement Program
•July 2026 – June 2027
•Proposed $75,000 program budget:
•Up to $10K: No match required
• Over $10K: 50% match above $10K, up to $30K
from the City
Proposed Program Overview
•Eligible Improvements: Permanent
improvements to the façade and exterior of
buildings in the City’s commercial area
•Non-Eligible: Temporary improvements, interior
improvements, non-visible improvements or
routine maintenance
Proposed Program Overview
•Standard Application:
• Application form
• Property owner consent
• Visual representation of existing and proposed
improvements
• Detailed scope of work
• Project budget with prevailing wage compliant
contractor quotes
•Approval Process: Administrative (staff-level)
approval to ensure timely review and
implementation
Proposed Program Overview
•DPP 4.1.3 “Explore streamlined regulations for
entrance and façade remodeling on downtown
building that will contribute to the pedestrian
environment and the historical character of
downtown”
Streamlining
•Currently, FIP projects would require
discretionary review by the Planning
Commission
•Sign permits, tree removal permit, and outdoor
dining permit requirements
•Building & encroachment permit fees
Streamlining
•Streamline the review & permit process
•Exempt approved projects from the City’s
portion of building and encroachment permit
fees
•Reduce timelines, lower costs, & provide
certainty for applicants while maintaining
administrative design oversight
Streamlining
•Return with an ordinance to implement FIP
streamlining measures
•Evaluate streamlining as part of the pilot FIP
program and report to the City Council
Streamlining
Adopt Resolution No. 35-26
Recommendation
Thank You!