Facade Improvement Assistance Program

The City of Shelby, Ohio, through its Economic Development Office, administers the Facade Improvement Assistance Program to help commercial property and business owners improve the appearance of storefronts located within the Shelby Central Business District. The program provides grant assistance for a portion of the cost of eligible exterior improvements. Funding is intended for properties within the defined Central Business District shown in Exhibit A of the application materials. The program is locally administered by the City of Shelby, and applicants are encouraged to coordinate with the City's economic development contact before beginning the application process. Eligible improvements include exterior painting, signage, awnings, storefront or facade cleaning and restoration, sidewalks, lighting, storefront security devices, new roofing, and related exterior improvements. The program will not finance improvements that have already been completed, so applicants must obtain approval before undertaking work for which reimbursement will be requested. Grants are limited to one grant per business and/or storefront per year. All improvements must comply with City building code requirements and sign size standards. The City also reserves the right to decline an application when the proposed improvement is not consistent with the overall image of the Central Business District or the area in which the business is located. A special fund supports the assistance program, and grants are provided on a reimbursement basis for work approved by the City of Shelby or its assigns. Individual project grants will typically be capped at a maximum of $10,000. The actual grant amount is subject to committee review, the number of applicants, and the impact of the proposed project. The source does not establish a minimum grant amount, total amount available through the special fund, number of awards, or a specific cost-share or matching percentage. Payment is made only after the work is completed and supplier or vendor invoices have been submitted. Before beginning the application process, applicants are asked to contact Jeff Parton, Economic Development Liaison, at 419-342-4159 or jparton@chooserichland.com to schedule an appointment. The contact address is 43 W Main St, Shelby, OH 44875. A complete application must include a visual representation of the proposed work and estimates from a bona fide trade person, contractor, or supplier registered in the City. Applications are submitted to City of Shelby, Economic Development, 43 W Main St, Shelby, OH 44875. Completed applications will be reviewed within 30 days of receipt by the Economic Development Team. The City's review considers the proposed improvement and its consistency with the overall image of the Central Business District or the area in which the business is located. The stated maximum grant is also subject to review by committee, the number of applicants, and the impact of the project. Following approval, all improvements must be performed within 90 days unless the City grants a written extension. The application specifically reiterates that work must be completed within 90 days of application approval for the project to remain eligible for the grant. The application deadline is September 4, 2026. The source does not state a separate application opening date, pre-application or letter-of-intent deadline, award notification date, or recurring annual application deadline. After approved work is completed, supplier or vendor invoices must be submitted. The City will then pay the grantee according to its semi-monthly accounts payable process. No payment will be made before building permit approval by the Codes and Permits Department, if a permit is required, and final inspection of the improvement by a representative of the Economic Development Office. The application therefore establishes a reimbursement process in which approval precedes work, work generally must be completed within 90 days of approval, applicable permitting and final inspection must be completed, and invoices must be provided before grant payment.

Contact Jeff Parton to schedule an appointment before beginning the application process; submit a complete application with a visual representation and qualifying estimates; do not seek financing for improvements already completed; ensure improvements comply with City building code and sign size standards; design improvements consistently with the overall image of the Central Business District; complete approved work within 90 days unless a written extension is granted; retain and submit supplier/vendor invoices for reimbursement.