Great Bridge Façade Improvement Grant

Eligible property owners seeking a grant must submit a complete application in eBUILD and supporting documentation, which may include, but is not limited to the following:

• Description of project
• Construction documents of elevations, site plan, accompanying drawings, material samples, color samples, and other supporting material
• Cost estimates (two quotes required)
• Existing conditions photographs and aerial image of the site

Grant applications may be submitted at any time and will be considered on a rolling, first come first served basis, pending available funding. Applications will be reviewed by the Evaluation Committee comprised of staff from Chesapeake Planning and Economic Development Departments.

Awards will be provided on a reimbursement basis, with a 1:1 match. Maximum grant award that will be reimbursed is $20,000. A Grant Agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, memorializing the terms of the grant shall be fully executed prior to grant approval.

• Awarded grant funds are made payable only to the property owner. The maximum grant award is $20,000.
• Property owners must be in good standing with the City (no outstanding taxes, fees, judgments, etc.), as determined by the Evaluation Committee.
• Property owner must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Evaluation Committee, that all required approvals, permits, and inspections by the City for the project have been satisfied prior to any reimbursement payment.
• Only one grant will be awarded per eligible property - including the principal structure, accessory structures, and related exterior grounds and treatments - in any 24-month period.
• Recipients of Economic Development Investment Program grants within the previous 24-month period are not eligible for this program.
• Proposed façade and other exterior improvements must be consistent with the GBHGOD Ordinance, 2008 Great Bridge Village Design Guidelines, and provide value to the property and the surrounding area, as determined by the Director of Planning.
• The City will reimburse only those project costs that involve façade or exterior improvements that are primarily visible from a front-facing street, as defined in the GBHGOD Ordinance.
• Project must be completed within 12 months from notification of grant award. An extension of 6 months may be granted by the City if the property owner is able to demonstrate that the delay was due to unforeseen extenuating circumstances.
• A minimum of two certified estimates from qualified contractors for the project must be submitted with the grant application.

Awarded grant funds will be issued to eligible property owners on a reimbursement basis for actual project costs incurred, not to exceed $20,000.

Funds will be awarded, reserved, and issued on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to the availability of City funding allocated to the program.

Eligible façade and exterior improvements generally include architectural/design/landscaping elements described in the 2008 Great Bridge Village Design Guidelines, such as:

• Façade Improvements
• Landscaping and hardscape improvements
• Signage
• Outdoor eating areas
• Pedestrian enhancements

The property owner shall secure any required permits before construction begins. Building permits cannot be issued if property taxes are not current. In order to qualify, applicants cannot start on their project until after receiving all necessary approvals and permits. Any work started before application or permit approval will not be funded. Upon project completion, a final inspection shall be conducted by City staff to ensure consistency with the originally approved project description. Substantial changes to the originally approved improvements must be approved by the Evaluation Committee in writing prior to making changes. Grants that are not completed according to the terms of the Grant Agreement shall not be eligible for repayment.

Proof of costs paid by the owner will be required before grant funds are disbursed. To initiate payment reimbursement, the property owner shall submit evidence of project completion (i.e., paid final contractor invoices, building permit signoffs), all of which shall be subject to the review and approval of the City. Only one grant check will be issued per award.

A property that receives grant funding under this program cannot be the subject of an application for additional grant funding for a period of 24 months, regardless of changes in property ownership after the original grant award.

Awarded grant funds will be issued to eligible property owners on a reimbursement basis for actual project costs incurred, not to exceed $20,000.

Funds will be awarded, reserved, and issued on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to the availability of City funding allocated to the program.

Eligible façade and exterior improvements generally include architectural / design / landscaping elements described in the 2008 Great Bridge Village Design Guidelines, such as:

• Façade Improvements
• Landscaping and hardscape improvements
• Signage
• Outdoor eating areas
• Pedestrian enhancements

The property owner shall secure any required permits before construction begins. Building permits cannot be issued if property taxes are not current. In order to qualify, applicants cannot start on their project until after receiving all necessary approvals and permits. Any work started before application or permit approval will not be funded. Upon project completion, a final inspection shall be conducted by City staff to ensure consistency with the originally approved project description. Substantial changes to the originally approved improvements must be approved by the Evaluation Committee in writing prior to making changes. Grants that are not completed according to the terms of the Grant Agreement shall not be eligible for repayment.

Proof of costs paid by the owner will be required before grant funds are disbursed. To initiate payment reimbursement, the property owner shall submit evidence of project completion (i.e., paid final contractor invoices, building permit signoffs), all of which shall be subject to the review and approval of the City. Only one grant check will be issued per award.

A property that receives grant funding under this program cannot be the subject of an application for additional grant funding for a period of 24 months, regardless of changes in property ownership after the original grant award.

Funding is not an entitlement and is available on a competitive first-come, first-served basis as funds are available.