FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022 GUIDELINES

GENERAL

1. The Facade Incentive Grant Program fiscal year 2021-2022 provides financial assistance for persons making physical improvements to private properties in the Downtown Commercial Historic District.
2. The improvements must be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings and the Historic District Overlay Ordinance. Grant may only be used to improve visible exterior (front and side if it is a corner lot) facades to include building exteriors, display windows, paint, shutters, signage, lighting, landscaping, awnings, planters/plants, tables/chairs, sandwich boards, artwork/sculpture, flags, etc.
3. For purposes of this grant initiative, the word ‘façade’ shall mean the front of the structure and the side if it is a corner lot and the sidewalk to the curbing at the street. DOT (Department of Transportation) requires a minimum of 5’ (five feet) clearance for pedestrian passageway. Any amenities placed within the five feet walkway will be the liability of the owner. Awnings and signage must meet the permitting heights and widths based on City ordinances.
4. Secretary of the Interior Standards requires that natural materials that have not been painted remain in their natural state, i.e. unpainted bricks and stone may not be painted. If they have been previously painted, they may be painted again.

ELIGIBLE PROPERTIES

1. Properties located within the Historic Commercial District as illustrated on the map included here.
2. The legal owner of the property as listed in the County Property Records must provide permission for the work and must agree to the maintenance of the property regarding the grant-assisted work. Potted plant materials paid for in part by the grant must be maintained.

FUNDING

1. Initial funding will be a total of $24,000 for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
2. Grant amounts will be funded at a reimbursement of 75% up to a maximum of $3,000 per project. Example: Project cost is $6,000 with the grant amount being $3,000 reimbursable. Lesser amounts may be requested and reimbursed at 50%.
3. Depending upon funding availability, grant amounts for approved projects are 75% of the project total with a maximum of $3,000.
4. Grants are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no carry-over of funding or reimbursable projects from one fiscal year to the next (after June 30 of each year). Only one façade per fiscal year per applicant.
5. Projects must be completed with invoices, cancelled checks (front and back) and a final inspection submitted within the same fiscal year of approval date in order to receive reimbursement.

APPLICATION AND APPROVAL PROCESS

1. The applicant submits a COA, signed by the Applicant and the Property Owner, with a photograph of the property and pictures of materials/items to be used, contractor information and contractor’s estimate.
2. Upon approval of the COA, before beginning project work, the applicant must submit a completed and signed Façade Grant Agreement with a copy of the approved COA.

FAÇADE PROJECT

1. Projects must be completed within the fiscal year they are started.
2. Construction projects require a building permit. Contact the Code Enforcement Department at 843 774-0040 Ext 1012. for permitting.
3. Contractors must have a professional trade license and a city business license.
4. Any changes to the design after initial approval must be resubmitted to BAR for approval.
5. Any project not completed to the standards of the COA will not be reimbursed.

REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS

Reimbursement will occur only after:

1. Project completion and final inspection with approval by Code Enforcement and BAR
   Chairman
2. Submission of invoices and two-sided cancelled check copies

All materials go to:

Benny Genwright
Code Enforcement Office
401 West Main Street
Dillon, SC 29536
For more information, call 843 774-0040 Ext 1012.