Façade Grant Program
Applicant Guidelines
All commercial properties within the Clarkesville City Limits are eligible for up to 50% cost-share funding through the program (with a maximum Façade Grant contribution of up to $2,500). Priority will be given to properties in the Phase I focus area (see attached map).
Facade Grant Program Application Procedures
1. Inquiries and applications may be obtained from the Clarkesville Better Hometown Manager
o Receive application
o Discuss intended plans
o Understand your property’s historic architecture
o Design Committee and/or Façade Grant Committee contacts will be assigned to help you with the project
2. Complete application
o Secure architect or design assistance (available through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for a reduced fee starting at $50.00 depending on project scope & size), if required, or create a sketch of the work to be accomplished.
o Submit a line item estimate for work to be completed. Clarkesville BHT Façade Grant Committee reserves the right to require two (2) estimates for any particular project.
o Complete and sign all sections of the application.
o Attach a full color “before” photo.
o Return application to Better Hometown Manager.
3. Grant approval
o Façade Grant Committee will review application within 10 business days.
o Committee will either approve for grant funding and determine the amount of the grant award, or refer questions or concerns to the property owner.
4. Meetings Required Prior to Execution of Project
o The applicant/property owner and the contractor employed to do the Façade Grant renovation will be required to meet briefly with Façade Grant Committee representatives prior to the start of the project.
o Meetings may also include the City of Clarkesville Planning Office if the nature of the work involves code compliance. Applicants are responsible for obtaining all necessary governmental permits and authorization.
5. Execution of Project
o PLEASE NOTE: WORK CAN NOT BEGIN UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A WRITTEN NOTICE FROM THE MAIN STREET MANAGER INDICATING THAT THE PROJECT MAY PROCEED UNDER THE FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM.
o Approved projects must be completed within 90 days. Failure to complete projects within the specified time frame may result in loss of approved funds. All façade property improvements must be properly maintained by the applicant/property owner for a period of at least five years, or duration of tenancy.
o All façade improvements must follow Secretary of Interior and City of Clarkesville BHT Design Guidelines to be eligible for cost-share funding. If questions or design changes arise, refer them to your Façade Grant Committee project contacts.
o Applicant/property owner must participate in meetings with the contractor and the Façade Grant Committee representatives during project completion.
6. Project Completion
o Once project is completed, send a full color “after” photo, along with proof of expenditures ie. copies of receipts, cancelled checks, statements, etc. to the Clarkesville Better Hometown Manager
o Within ten (10) working days of receiving copies, project participants will be reimbursed in accordance with the terms of the grant.
o Completed work must be in accordance with grant guidelines and the Secretary of Interior’s Standards to be eligible for reimbursement.
