CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
INTERNATIONAL BOARDWALK STOREFRONT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM GUIDELINES (FY 22/23)
The City of Redondo Beach offers a Storefront Improvement Program (the Program) that provides up to a 50% matching grant to qualified businesses along the International Boardwalk for the completion of storefront improvements. This document contains information regarding grant funding, eligibility, evaluation criteria, and other program guidelines. Please contact the Waterfront and Economic Development Department at 310-318-0631 or [email protected] 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: Mini Grants: To be used for non-architectural elements such as paint, signage, and awnings. The Program reimburses 50% of the grantee’s cost up to a maximum grant amount of $2,500.
Tier 2: Significant Storefront Improvements: Grants 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 grantee’s cost up to a maximum grant amount of $10,000.
Tier 3: Significant Storefront Improvements for Businesses with Storefronts Measuring Over 100 Linear Feet: Businesses with a single storefront measuring over 100 linear feet 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 grantee’s cost up to a maximum grant amount of $50,000.
B. Requests for Proposals
The 2022-2023 Program round will be open for applications (date). The submission deadline is (date).
Maximum Grant
Amount Match Required Total Improvement Cost
Tier 1: Mini Grants $2,500 50% $5,000
Tier 2: Significant
Storefront Improvements $10,000 50% $20,000
Tier 3: Significant
Storefront Improvements
for businesses with
storefronts measuring over
100 linear feet.
$50,000 50% $100,000
Applicants may request less than the maximum amount of the grant for any level or contribute more than 50% of the improvement costs. Applicants have the option of using up to $1,000 of their allocated grant funds for architectural and design services for all three tiers. Applicants must wait to submit their applications until the application round is opened. Once the round is closed, no further applications will be accepted.
II. ELIGIBILITY
A. Program Area
Businesses eligible for the Program must be located within the International Boardwalk property. Please refer to the attached Program Area Map for Program boundaries.
B. Business Type
Applicants of the Storefront Grant program must be a commercial business located within the Program Area described above.
C. Improvements
Improvements assisted by the Program should enhance or restore the physical condition or appearance of the storefront. Proposed improvements must be visible from the exterior of the tenant space. 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 wood, tile, 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
• Entire storefront re-facing
• Remediation of city and state code violations
Improvements not listed above but that contribute to the overall improvement of 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 Regulations
• Design Review Requirements
D. Applicant
Applicants must have a current lease with the City of Redondo Beach and be in good standing.
E. Maintenance Requirements
Approved applications will require that the applicant enter into a Grant Agreement with the City of Redondo Beach for a term not to exceed 3 years (sample Grant Agreement is attached).
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 exercise the option to request the grant funds be returned to the City.
The City may also request grant funds be returned if within the 3-year term the property or business is sold or transferred.
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 Redondo Beach, Waterfront and Economic Development Department, 415 Diamond Street, Redondo Beach or online at http://www.redondo.org/economicdevelopment.
Prior to formally submitting an application, applicants are encouraged to meet with Waterfront and Economic Development staff to discuss their proposed project.
IV. REVIEW PROCESS
A. Storefront Improvement Program Committee Review
A committee consisting of City staff from the Waterfront and Economic Development Department, the Community Development Department and the City Manager’s office will review applications. The Committee may: 1) approve, 2) disapprove or 3) approve with conditions. 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 Harbor Commission for a recommendation to City Council. Subsequent review by City Council would occur for final review and consideration of 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 International Boardwalk • Amount of storefront frontage improved
• Total contribution from the grantee
• Prominence of the improved property within the International Boardwalk • Design elements
• Impact on City fiscal resources
• Current condition of business/premise
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
• Disapprove
• Approve with conditions. 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 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 approved SOW will be attached to and made a permanent part of the Application.
Grantee must complete their projects 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 grantee will be required to sign hard copies of the following forms:
• Grant Agreement which details the Terms and Conditions associated with the grant.
C. City Council Approval
All Grant Agreements will be created with the assistance of the City Attorney’s Office and forwarded to the Harbor Commission for a recommendation to City Council. Subsequent review by City Council would occur for final consideration for review 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 Redondo Beach Permit Counter, 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.
• For Tier Two and Three grants, all work must be complete within six months of execution of the Grant Agreement.
F. Reimbursement
After the proposed improvements are completed, the grantee must submit the following to the Waterfront and Economic Development Department to receive reimbursement:
• Business’ 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
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.
All reimbursements will be made to the 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. Grantee must have all City permits and fee obligations paid prior to reimbursement with Program grant funds.
VI. GENERAL
• Contracts for improvements shall be between the Program Grantee and the contractor. • The availability of Program funds is subject to funding approval by the City Council each fiscal year.
Attachment
[Insert International Boardwalk Map]