CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 08/18/2026
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Consent Calendar
AGENDA TITLE:
Consider a Grant Agreement for Round No. 4 of the Western Avenue Storefront Improvement Program.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Approve a Grant Agreement with Amdan Investment Corp. in an amount not-toexceed $20,000, for storefront improvements at 29000 S. Western Avenue, under Round No. 4 of the Western Avenue Storefront Improvement Program; and, (2) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Grant Agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney.
FISCAL IMPACT: Approving the recommended Grant Agreement will have a fiscal impact that is not to exceed $20,000. The funding for Round No. 4 of the Western Avenue Store Front Improvement Program (Program) will be included as part of the FY 2025-26 carryover year-end process in December 2026. Current FY 2026-27 available budget will be utilized until the annual carryover process is completed. VR Amount Budgeted: $20,000 (available unspent Program budget from FY2025-26)
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): 101-400-4120-5101
(General Fund – Planning Professional /Technical Services) VR ORIGINATED BY: Lisa Garrett, Senior Administrative Analyst REVIEWED BY: Brandy Forbes, AICP, Community Development Director APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Draft Grant Agreement with Amdan Investment Corp. (Page A-1) B. Commercial Storefront Improvement Guidelines (Page B-1) C. Photographs of Project Area (Linked)
D. 2024 City Council Staff Report (Linked)
1 CITYOF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
BACKGROUND:
On September 17, 2024, the City Council approved a Commercial Storefront Improvement Program (Program) for properties along the Western Avenue Commercial Corridor to improve building facades and stimulate economic development in the area.
The Program provides up to a 50% matching grant to qualified businesses and property owners along the Western Avenue Commercial Corridor within the Rancho Palos Verdes limits for the completion of eligible storefront improvements. Specifically, the Program provides for the following:
• Tier 1: To be used for non-architectural elements such as landscaping, exterior painting, signs, and awnings. The Program reimburses 50% of the Program Grantee’s costs up to a maximum grant amount of $5,000. • Tier 2: May be used for all Tier 1 type improvements as well as additional significant storefront improvements including, but not limited to, structural upgrades, storefront tile or stone accents, complete window replacement, or upgrading entryways for ADA compliance. The Program reimburses 50% of the Program Grantee’s costs up to a maximum grant amount of $10,000. • Tier 3: May be used for multiple tenant commercial buildings, consisting of three or more tenants. Grant funds may also be used for Tier 1 or Tier 2 type improvements. The Program reimburses 50% of the Program Grantee’s costs up to a maximum grant amount of $20,000.
The specifics of eligible improvements are outlined in the Program Guidelines (Attachment B). All improvements made with Program grant funds must comply with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as design review requirements.
The grant is to be disbursed on a reimbursement basis. Once the proposed improvements are completed, applicants will be required to submit to the City all documentation listed in the Guidelines demonstrating completion of the approved improvements. All proposed improvements are subject to City inspection. Grants are processed in the normal City accounts payable cycle, and Grantees must have all City permits and fee obligations paid prior to reimbursement with Program grant funds.
DISCUSSION:
During Round Nos. 1 through 3 of the Program, Staff processed grant reimbursements for four properties totaling $47,771.
For Round No. 4, the City notified local businesses and property owners along the Western Avenue Commercial Corridor using email, social media, and the City’s listserv.
Three applications were received by the April 30, 2026 deadline and were reviewed by Staff for eligibility and compliance with the Program requirements, including location along the Western Avenue Commercial Corridor and the ability to meet expected completion 2 dates. Two of the applications were determined ineligible due to the location of improvements and not clearing Planning requirements; however, the application located at 29000 S. Western Avenue was selected to move forward by Staff and approved by the City Manager under Tier 3 of the Program.
The property located at 29000 S. Western Avenue is a multi-tenant professional office building located on the east side of Western Avenue and south of Caddington Drive.
Photographs of the project area have been included in this report (Attachment C).
Improvements to the property located at 29000 S. Western Avenue are estimated to cost $40,535 and include the following:
• Retrofit existing entrance and entry doors with clear glass, tempered glass doors hangers, frame, and push automatic button closure that is ADA compliant. • New building entrance on north side of building with a new door with clear glass, tempered glass door hangers, frames, push automatic button closure that is ADA compliant.
• Path of travel improvements include concrete demolition, new walkway and entrance ramp, new railings, and landscaping.
• ADA compliant parking strips, curbs, and paint.
Elevation Drawings of Proposed Improvements
3 AREA OF WORK
Proposed improvements enhance the entrance and walkway and improve accessibility throughout the site and parking area. The new entrance and stairway will provide direct access to a new business moving into Suite 100.
Amdan Investment Corp. anticipates completing all work by end of February 2027.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommend approving the attached Grant Agreement (Attachment A) with Amdan Investment Corp. in an amount not-to-exceed $20,000 for storefront improvements estimated to cost approximately $40,535.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to Staff’s recommendations, the following alternative actions are available for the City Council’s consideration:
1. Do not approve the proposed Grant Agreement.
2. Direct Staff to resolicit applications for Round No. 4.
3. Take another action as the Council deems appropriate. 4 ,-AREA0£ WORK -----,
GRANT AGREEMENT
This Grant Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into effective August 18, 2026, by and between the CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, a general law city & municipal corporation (the "City") on the one hand, and AMDAN INVESTMENT CORP, a California limited liability corporation (the "Grantee"), a business located at 29000 S. Western Ave. (Harbor Cove), Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 ("Project Property"), on the other hand. The foregoing are collectively referred to as the "Parties."
RECITALS
A. The City has established its "Commercial Storefront Improvement Program" (the "Program") pursuant to the adopted "Commercial Storefront Improvement Program Guidelines" ("Program Guidelines") for the public purpose of encouraging the improvement and revitalization of the exterior facades of existing commercial buildings in the Western Avenue Commercial Corridor.
Fund.
B. The Program is administered by the City and funded from the City's General C. Project Property is a commercial business located within the Western Avenue Commercial Corridor and is eligible for participation in the Program.
D. The City agrees to reimburse the Grantee for a percentage of eligible costs for the completion of storefront improvements at the Project Property as described in Exhibit "A."
E. The Grantee desires to participate in the Program pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Agreement, and in compliance with the Program Guidelines.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, it is agreed as follows:
SECTION 1: GRANT FUNDING
The City agrees to reimburse the Grantee for 50% of eligible costs associated with the completion of storefront improvements at the Project Property in an amount not to exceed$ 20,000 upon submittal of all properly executed and notarized forms set forth in Section 4 of this Agreement, and upon the City's approval of all costs.
The improvement costs that are eligible for City reimbursement include all labor, materials, equipment, and other contract items necessary for the proper execution and completion of the scope of work as shown on the plans, design drawings, specifications and estimates approved by the City. Such plans, design drawings, specifications, and estimates are attached hereto as Exhibit "A."
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SECTION 2: WORK COMPLETION
Grantee agrees that all work will be completed by a licensed contractor by February 21, 2027, unless otherwise authorized by the City. The City's program coordinator, or an authorized representative, shall periodically review the progress of the contractor's work on the storefront improvement pursuant to this Agreement.
Grantee agrees to allow the City, or its agents access to buildings and the storefront improvements at the Project Property, when convenient to all parties, for inspection of the Storefront Improvement Program work. Such inspections shall not replace any permit inspections required by the City's Building Inspectors. If the work is not in conformance with the approved plans, design drawings, and specifications, Grantee shall not be eligible for Grant funds unless and until it is brought into compliance.
SECTION 3: FAILURE TO COMPLETE WORK
If the Grantee, or their designated contractor, should fail to complete the improvements in conformity with the approved plans and specifications, or in conformance with any of the provisions of this Agreement, the City's financial obligation shall cease.
SECTION 4: REIMBURSEMENT REQUIREMENTS
Upon completion of the improvements by the Grantee, and upon final inspections by the City, the Grantee shall submit to the City the following properly executed and notarized forms: 1) property owner's sworn statement that the improvement costs have all been paid; 2) a statement by the architect for design work showing the full cost of the work (if applicable); 3) contractor's sworn statement showing the full cost of the work and each separate component amount due to the contractor and each and every subcontractor involved in furnishing labor, materials, or equipment in the work; and 4) proof of payment of the contract costs per the contractor's statement, and final lien waivers from all contractors and subcontractors. If applicable, the Grantee shall also submit to the City a copy of the architect's statement of fees for professional services for preparation of plans and specifications. The City shall prepare a reimbursement request for the Grantee within sixty (60) days of receiving a completed owner's statement, architect's statement (if applicable), contractor's statement, proof of payment and final lien waivers, for the approved costs as set forth in Section 1. Failure by the Grantee to submit all required documents (or), to comply with the provisions of this Agreement, (or) complete all improvements in accordance with the approved plans and specifications in the time specified will be deemed a breach of this Agreement.
SECTION 5: MAINTENANCE OF WORK, REMEDIES FOR BREACH
Upon completion of the work pursuant to this Agreement and for the duration of the Term (defined below), the Grantee and any subsequent operator of the Project Property, such as a new lessee, shall properly maintain the completed work in finished form and without change or alteration. The foregoing maintenance obligations shall include all such 2 A-2
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obligations set forth in the Program Guidelines. For the duration of the Term, the Grantee and any subsequent operator of the Project Property shall not enter into any contract for or take any other steps to alter, change, or remove any or all of the completed work, nor shall the Grantee or any subsequent transferee undertake any other changes, by contract or otherwise, to the improvements made per the Agreement, unless the proposed changes are first reviewed and approved by the City. Approval shall not be unreasonably withheld if the proposed changes do not substantially alter the original design concept of the improvements as specified in the plans, design drawings, and specifications approved pursuant to this Agreement.
In the event the Grantee or any subsequent operator breaches this Section 5 (Maintenance of Work), the City may thereupon recover the entire amount of the grant from the Grantee and/or the subsequent operator of the Project Property, together with reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred in enforcing this provision.
In the event the Project Property is sold within three (3) years of this Agreement, the property owner, whether they are the original applicant or not, agrees to repay the City a prorated amount equal to the proportion of the three (3) years remaining, rounded to the nearest year.
SECTION 6: INDEMNIFICATION
To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Grantee hereby agrees, at its sole cost and expense, to defend protect, indemnify, and hold harmless the City, its elected and appointed officials, officers, employees, volunteers, attorneys, and agents (collectively, the "lndemnitees") from and against any and all claims, including, without limitation, claims for bodily injury, death or damage to property, demands, charges, obligations, damages, causes of action, proceedings, suits, losses, stop payment notices, judgments, fines, liens, penalties, liabilities, costs and expenses of every kind and nature whatsoever, in any manner arising out of, incident to, related to, in connection with or arising from any act, failure to act, error or omission of the Grantee's performance or work hereunder (including any of its officers, agents, employees, Contractors) or its failure to comply with any of its obligations contained in the Agreement, or its failure to comply with any current or prospective law, except for such loss or damage which was caused by the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City. The Grantee's obligation to indemnify shall not be restricted to insurance proceeds, if any, received by the Grantee or by the lndemnitees. This indemnification obligation shall survive this Agreement and shall not be limited by any term of any insurance policy required under this Agreement. a. Nonwaiver of Rights. The lndemnitees do not and shall not waive any rights that they may possess against the Grantee by way of acceptance by City, or the deposit with City, of any insurance policy or certificate required pursuant to this Agreement.
b. Waiver of Right of Subrogation. The Grantee, on behalf of itself and all parties claiming under or through it, hereby waives all rights of subrogation 3 A-3
and contribution against the indemnitees.
SECTION 7: ADDITIONAL WORK
Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to limit, restrict, or prohibit the Grantee from undertaking additional work in or about the subject premises, which is unrelated to the approved improvements provided for in this Agreement.
SECTION 8: TERM
This agreement shall be binding upon the City and upon the Grantee and their successor(s) to the Project Property for a period of three (3) years after the execution of this Agreement. It shall be the responsibility of the Grantee to inform subsequent owner(s)/lessee(s) of the Project Property of the provisions of this Agreement.
SECTION 9: GRANT FORFEITURE
The Grantee acknowledges that they will forfeit the grant for failure to pay any outstanding fees or taxes to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes or for failure to correct any violations of city codes and ordinances on the Project Property.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, the parties have executed this Grant Agreement as of the day and year set forth above.
"CITY"
City of Rancho Palos Verdes, a general law city
Paul Seo, Mayor
ATTEST:
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Aleshire & Wynder LLP
William W. Wynder, City Attorney
"GRANTEE''
AMDAN INVESTMENT CO
liability corporation
CONSENT OF PROPERTY OWNE8--:,
Property owner has read the fo oir(g and consents to
the proposed improvement s scribed in Exhibit "A".
4 La ion: 29000 S. Western Ave., Rancho Palos
Verdes, CA 90275
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EXHIBIT "A"
The City agrees to reimburse the Grantee for a percentage of eligible costs for the completion of storefront improvements as the Project Property as described in the Scope of Work below and as shown in the following estimates and elevations.
Scope of Work
• Retrofit existing entrance and doors with clear glass, tempered glass doors hangers, frame, automatic closure that is ADA compliant.
• Create new entrance on north side of building with new door with clear glass, tempered glass door hangers, frames, push button automatic closure and is ADA compliant. • Path of travel improvements include concrete demo, new walkway, new entrance ramp, new railings and landscaping.
Total Estimated Project Cost: $40,535.00
Total Grant Funds Approved- (Tier 3) $20,000
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CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
WESTERN AVENUE COMMERCIAL STOREFRONT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM GUIDELINES (ROUND 4)
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes offers a Commercial Storefront Improvement Program (the Program) that provides up to a 50% matching grant to qualified businesses and property owners (the Program Grantee) along the Western Avenue Commercial Corridor for the completion of storefront improvements. This document contains information regarding grant funding, eligibility, evaluation criteria, and other program guidelines. Please contact the Community Development Department with any questions.
I. GRANT FUNDS
A. Funding Available
The Program provides matching grants to eligible applicants located within the Program Area (see Section II.A). The Program match requirement is set at a maximum of 50% of eligible costs.
However, the City reserves the right to flex the match requirement on a case-by-case basis. Three tiers of grant funding are available to applicants:
Tier 1: To be used for non-architectural elements such as paint, signage, and awnings. The Program reimburses 50% of the Program Grantee’s cost up to a maximum grant amount of $5,000.
Tier 2: May be used for all Tier 1 type improvements as well as additional significant storefront improvements including, but not limited to, structural upgrades, storefront tile or stone accents, complete window replacement, or upgrading entryways for ADA compliance.
See Section II.C for a complete list of eligible improvements. The Program reimburses 50% of the Program Grantee’s costs up to a maximum grant amount of $10,000.
Tier 3: Multiple tenant commercial buildings, consisting of three or more tenants, are eligible for the Program under Tier 3. Grant funds may be used for Tier 1 or Tier 2 type improvements. The Program reimburses 50% of the Program Grantee’s costs up to a maximum grant amount of $20,000.
B. Requests for Proposals
The Program round 4 will be open for applications on March 1, 2026. The submission deadline is April 30, 2026.
Maximum Grant
Amount
Match Required Total
Improvement Cost
Tier 1: Mini Grants $5,000 50% $10,000 or
greater
Tier 2: Significant
Storefront Improvements $10,000 50% $20,000 or
greater
Tier 3: Multiple Tenant
Commercial $20,000 50% $40,000 or
greater
The grant amount has a ceiling as noted in the chart above. Applicants may request less than the maximum amount of the grant for any level or contribute more than 50% of the improvement costs. Applicants must wait to submit their applications until the application round is opened. Once the round is closed, no further applications will be accepted.
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II. ELIGIBILITY
A. Program Area
Properties eligible for the Program must be located in the Western Avenue Commercial Corridor, including properties zoned for commercial use located within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes along Western Avenue between Westmont Drive (on the north end) and the southerly City boundary just south of Summerland Street (on the south end).
Please refer to the attached Program Area Map for Program boundaries.
B. Business Type
Applicants of the Program must be commercial businesses located within the Program Area.
Franchises and chain retailers are eligible under the Program.
C. Improvements
Improvements assisted by the Program should enhance or restore the physical condition or appearance of the building. Proposed improvements must be visible from the street. Types of improvements include but are not limited to:
Exterior paint
Removal of old signs, awnings, and other exterior clutter Repair or replacement of exterior siding, stucco, or other exterior finishes Installation of new entry doors that meet ADA accessibility requirements Repair and replacement of windows
Installation of awnings
Installation of signs
Installation of exterior lighting
Installation of permanent landscaping
Entire storefront re-facing
Remediation of city and state code violations
Construction of outdoor dining and gathering spaces
Improvements not listed above but that contribute to the overall upgrade to a storefront may be considered for grant funding on a case-by-case basis.
Up to $1000 of the requested grant funds may be used for architectural and design services.
Improvements must comply with:
All local, state and federal laws and regulations
Design Review Requirements
D. Applicants
Applicants may be either an owner of, or tenant within, a proposed project. Both the owner and the tenant may apply to the Program if improvements are to different areas of the façade. If the applicant is a tenant, the property owner must also sign the Commercial Storefront Improvement Grant Application.
E. Maintenance Requirements
Approved applications will require that the applicant enter into a Grant Agreement with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes for a term not to exceed 3 years (sample Grant Agreement is attached).
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The Grant Agreement details the terms and conditions associated with the Program, as well as required future maintenance obligations. Improvements funded through the Program must be maintained for a minimum of 3 years (unless they are tenant-specific, in which a change in tenancy requires a change in the improvements, e.g. signs). If the improvements are not maintained, the City may consider this a breach of contract and exercise the option to require the grant funds be returned to the City. The City may also require grant funds be returned if within the 3-year term the property or business is sold or transferred.
F. Improvements Ineligible for grants:
Construction of or improvements to new buildings
Chain-link fencing with or without slats
Already completed projects or improvements
Residential property improvements
Assembly use facility improvements (e.g., theaters, community centers, churches) Improvements by other governmental entities
III. APPLICATION PROCESS
See the Program Application for a step-by-step summary of the application process, and a detailed checklist of required materials. Program Applications are available at the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Community Development Department, 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 or online.
Prior to formally submitting an application, applicants are encouraged to meet with Community Development Department staff to discuss their proposed project.
IV. REVIEW PROCESS
A. Storefront Improvement Program Committee Review
A committee consisting of City staff from the Community Development Department and the City Manager’s office (the Committee) will review applications. The Committee will: 1) approve; 2) disapprove; or 3) approve with conditions. If approved or approved with conditions, the Committee will also decide the amount of Program Grant for the Project. If approved with conditions, the Committee may request that the applicant make specific changes to the proposed improvements, or that the Applicant address pre-existing conditions prior to grant approval. All Grant Agreements will be forwarded to the City Council for review and consideration of final approval.
B. Evaluation Criteria
Program Applications will be reviewed and evaluated based on the criteria listed below.
Proposed improvements that best meet these criteria will be most competitive for grant funding. Project’s contribution to the vitality of the Western Avenue Commercial Corridor Amount of street frontage improved
Total contribution from the Program Grantee
Prominence of the improved property within the Western Avenue Commercial Corridor Design elements
Property owner participation
Impact on City fiscal resources
Current condition of business/property
Previous grant award history
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V. NOTIFICATION AND NEXT STEPS
After Committee review is completed, Program applicants will be notified via email (if available) and postal mail about the Committee’s decision. As noted, the Committee may:
Approve, including the amount.
Disapprove.
Approve with conditions, including the amount. If approved with conditions, the Committee may request that the Applicant make specific changes to the proposed improvements, or that the Applicant address pre-existing conditions prior to grant approval.
A. Approved Scope of Work
When a committee review results in changes to the scope of work submitted with the application, an updated and approved Scope of Work (SOW) will be provided to the Program Grantee for review and signature. The signed approved SOW will be attached to and made a permanent part of the Application.
The Program Grantee must complete the Project in substantial conformance with the approved application and SOW. Any changes made after the Grant is awarded must be reviewed and approved by the Committee (e.g., changes to a paint or awning color, sign or architectural design, material choices, etc.).
B. Required Forms
Upon Grant award, the Program Grantee will be required to complete the following forms:
Grant Agreement which details the Terms and Conditions associated with the grant.
These forms must be returned to City staff within 3 weeks of the date the award is granted.
C. City Council Approval
All Grant Agreements require City Council consideration and approval.
D. Permits and Design Review
All necessary planning, building, and other permits must be secured before construction is initiated. Permits can be obtained from the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Community Development Department, located at City Hall.
E. Deadline to Complete Work
For Tier One grants, improvements must be completed within three months of execution of the Grant Agreement. A one-time extension of 30 days may be granted by the Director of Community Development for good cause.
For Tier Two and Three grants, all work must be complete within six months of execution of the Grant Agreement. A one-time extension of 60 days may be granted by the Director of Community Development for good cause.
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F. Reimbursement
After the proposed improvements are completed, the Program Grantee must submit the following to the Community Development Department to receive reimbursement:
Owner’s sworn statement stating that proposed improvements have been completed Contractor’s sworn statement showing the full cost of the work and each separate component amount due to the contractor and each and every subcontractor involved in furnishing labor, materials, or equipment in the work
Proof of payment of the contract cost pursuant to the contractor’s statement and final lien waivers from all contractors and subcontractors
Before and after photographs of the improvements.
If applicable, the Program Grantee shall also submit to the City a copy of the architect’s statement of fees for professional services for preparation of plans and specifications.
All reimbursements will be made to the Program Grantee only. No reimbursement will be administered to a contractor or vendor.
All proposed improvements are subject to City inspection. Grants are processed in the normal City accounts payable cycle of net 60 days. The Program Grantee must have all City permits and fee obligations paid, and all permits finaled, prior to reimbursement with Program grant funds.
VI. GENERAL
Contracts for improvements shall be between the Program Grantee and their chosen contractor.
The availability of Program funds is subject to funding approval by the City Council each fiscal year.
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