Downtown Improvement Incentive Programs

Incentives for Downtown Businesses and Properties

Our downtown businesses are an important part of our community and provide services and experiences that make our community unique. The incentive programs will help downtown businesses by assisting efforts to revive and refresh their business properties which in turn may stimulate growth in our local economy. 

These programs are not exclusive, and can be combined for a total maximum of $15,000 for eligible properties and projects. Applicants may apply twice to the various programs, but the second application can only be submitted after ninety (90) days of the first application submittal.

2023 Downtown Façade Improvement and Blight Removal Program

Receive a 50% rebate of up to $5,000 to help fund minor façade improvements such as awnings, paint, windows, parklet, and other minor improvements, and up to an additional $5,000 for blight removal projects on vacant properties.

 Apply Before You Start Your Next Project

Downtown Façade Improvement and Blight Removal Program Guides

    English

    Spanish

Downtown Façade Improvement and Blight Removal Program Application

     English

     Spanish

Application period opens on February 1, 2023, at 8 AM. Applications are available at the above link, or paper copies available at the lobby of City Hall. Applications may be submitted through e-mail, mailed to City Hall, or delivered in person to the Information Desk at City Hall.

2023-2024 Downtown Building and Planning Permit Fee Reduction Policy

Receive a 50% rebate of up to $5,000 for all City-related building and planning fees. This is available to any downtown business or property owner that pulls a permit for buildings along Monterey Road between First and Tenth Streets. The program will continue for permit applications submitted between February 1, 2023 and January 1, 2025, and the permit must be finalized within the permit timeframe without extension. Below is the Council resolution authorizing the program. When your project is complete, simply contact Community Development and inform them that you would like to request a Downtown Permit Fee reimbursement. If you are planning on receiving a permit fee reimbursement for a project, your project may require prevailing wages to be paid. Those planning to submit for a reimbursement are responsible to comply with California's prevailing wage requirements.

Resolution No. 2023-04 - User Fee Discount

Questions? Contact Bryce Atkins at (408) 846-0210 or by e-mail to bryce.atkins@cityofgilroy.org.