Berkeley City Zoning Code

Property owners of service or commercial/mixed-use structures and building tenants with leases of more than one (1) year in length are eligible for funding. Governmental entities and public/quasi-public authorities are ineligible for financial aid. Eligible applicants include the owner of a commercial building or the owner of a commercial business. All applications must be signed by the property owner to indicate consent for the proposed improvements.

All grant recipients are required to publicly display the City of Berkeley Grant Award Certificate in a conspicuous location in the building for a period of one (1) year from the date grant funds are dispersed.

The determination of eligibility and priority for assistance is at the discretion of the City Council and is subject to fund availability.

Properties that are used in whole or part for targeted service or commercial activities are eligible for funding.

The program is intended to assist projects that promote retail activities, create an attractive environment, encourage neighborhood character and architectural design, use quality materials, and incorporate innovative design concepts.

The exterior of the property must meet all City of Berkeley Codes and Ordinances relating to code violations, abatement, property maintenance, signs, and zoning.

In the event that an exterior violation exists that is not funded in the program this must be corrected prior to the disbursement of grant monies.

Financial assistance is available to business owners or property owners, up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00), every five (5) years, per building or storefront. A storefront is defined as each individual commercial unit, having its own exterior access door, separated from adjacent units by a wall, and having its own restrooms. The grant is provided in the form of a dollar-for-dollar match. The owner/tenant must use private, non-City funds to match the City’s grant. A property owner of a building with multiple storefronts may apply for a grant to renovate multiple storefronts.

Work must be completed within six (6) months of receiving the grant award. The applicant must request an extension in writing.

The primary goal of the City of Berkeley Commercial Facade Improvement Grant Program is to achieve significant visual improvements in commercial façade appearance. Work which qualifies for assistance includes improvements to the exterior of a building which are visible from the public right-of-way. Improvements that otherwise would be substantially difficult to undertake "but for" the grant assistance may be looked at more favorably. The determination of eligibility and priority for assistance is at the discretion of the City Council.

Eligible items include:

In addition, the City is targeting the following business categories in its recruitment and assistance efforts, especially downtown:

Cost of new construction, repair, or replacement of a new roof unless it is a significant architectural element of the building and is visible from street level in the immediate vicinity of the building.

Work that principally involves minor repairs, painting, or maintenance.

Billboards.

Removal of architecturally significant features.

Sandblasting.

Purchase of property.

Inventory and operating capital.

Salaries.

Any activity completed prior to receiving final approval of grant funds.

New construction or additions that would increase space.

The owner/tenant shall comply with all applicable provisions of the City of Berkeley Municipal Code concerning equal employment opportunity and affirmative action programs and practices in connection with the construction work being completed using loan funds.

The owner/tenant shall assist and actively cooperate with the City in obtaining the compliance of contractors with such provisions of the City’s Code, and with the rules, regulations and relevant orders issued by the City pursuant to such provisions of the Ordinances.

Work performed must be in compliance with all applicable City Codes and Ordinances.

The applicant must be current on license fees, sales tax, and property taxes.

Applicant agrees to obtain three (3) bids from contractors. If permits are required for the project, contractor may need to be licensed.

The applicant must verify that there are no current code enforcement actions against the building or business.

In order to qualify, applicants cannot start their project until after receiving the necessary approvals. If work begins before application or approval, the City cannot fund the project.

Applications must be submitted to the City of Berkeley Economic Development Department. An application from a tenant must include a copy of the lease and written approval from the owner.

A team may visit the site to discuss the proposed improvements.

If the proposal meets the requirements of the Program, a Conditional Letter of Approval will be sent to the owner/tenant. This letter may require modifications or changes to the original proposal.

If the application is conditionally approved, the owner/tenant may be required to submit cost estimates and drawings of the proposed work in order to obtain final approval.

The applicant must obtain permits for the required work.

Applicant must provide proof of matching documentation before drawing out grant funds.

Appropriateness to the original, historic façade of the building.

Significant improvement of the visual appearance of the building and surrounding area.

The level of investment being made to the property.

Whether the proposed use is on the targeted business categories list.

Collective participation of adjacent property owners, if applicable.

How it relates to the overall existing architecture.

Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis; and will be awarded based on the evaluation criteria. If funding is not approved, applicants are encouraged to reapply during a future grant cycle. Annual funding is not guaranteed.

The City of Berkeley is not obligated to reimburse any approved application for reimbursement after one (1) year from the date of the original approval of the grant application or exterior appearance, whichever date is later. Written requests for time extensions can be considered by the Economic Development Coordinator.

Projects located on illegally obtained or used property per the City’s Zoning Ordinance or any use not approved by the City’s Planning Commission or Board of Adjustment.

Any faith-based organization whose building(s) are used for religious activities such as worship, religious instruction or weekly services.

Any site, building or use that does not meet eligibility criteria.