About The Grant Program

The Downtown Improvement and Renovation Grant Program seeks to increase the economic visibility of downtown Lombard by improving the aesthetics of the buildings, improving signage and increasing the availability and ease of parking.  The Downtown Improvement and Renovation Grant Program will offer a one-for-one matching grant to eligible property owners or businesses.  The maximum grant amount is $50,000.

There are two eligibility requirements to apply for the grant program:

1)  The business must be located in the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District.

2)  The applicant must either be the property owner or tenant of the property; however, if the applicant is the tenant, the property owner must provide written permission for any improvements.

Upon completion of the project and proof of release of lien, the Village will then release the grant money to the property owner or business.

The application packet consists of a statement of the grant policy, instructions to applicants, a pre-application form, a program application checklist, certificate of eligibility, a notice to proceed and an agreement form.  It is the intention of the Department of Community Development to make the application process as easy as possible.

Grant Eligibility

1.  Improvements.  Eligible storefront improvements may include facade renovation, lights, signs, graphics, windows, doors, window displays, awnings, landscapes and parking improvements.  Eligible structures must be at least 20 years old.  Facade renovation of upper floors are also eligible if first floor improvements are approved simultaneously.  The sides of commercial buildings which are highly visible from main street shopping streets are also eligible.

2.  Amount.  Approved applications for the Downtown Improvement and Renovation Grant Program are eligible to receive a 50% matching grant.  Grants up to $10,000 are approved by the Economic and Community Development Committee.  All grants above $10,000 must be approved by the Village Board.  The maximum grant amount is $50,000.  Requests for grants above $50,000 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

3.  Ownership.  Eligible applicants include the owners of commercial or residential buildings or the owner of a commercial business, located within the TIF District.  business owners who are tenants of commercial buildings must provide written consent from the building owner for all proposed improvements.

4.  Fees.  Professional, architectural, engineering and Village permit fees may be included in the total improvement costs.  The Downtown Improvement and Renovation Grant Program will fund up to 25% or $1,500, whichever is less, of architectural rendering fees prior to approval of the improvements.  All requests for architectural rendering fees prior to approval must have proper documentation and invoices.  If the submitted architectural rendering plans are approved, the applicant is eligible to receive the full 50% matching grant amount.  There are no application fees to apply for the grant program; however, if a business or tenant owes money to the Village, all accounts must be current before any portion of the grant is disbursed.

5.  Franchise store.  Special approval by the Director of Community Development is required for all free-standing franchise stores.  Franchise stores  which follow a company design policy may apply on a case-by-case basis.

6.  Conformance.  All improvements must conform to current building and zoning codes of the Village of Lombard and to minimum design criteria developed for the Downtown Improvement and Renovation Grant Program as outlined in the "Downtown Lombard Improvement Plan" dated March 26, 1987.

7.  Process.  The applicant must submit an application for the Downtown Improvement and Renovation Program to the Community Development Department.  A separate request for a building permit, an electrical permit and/or other permits and licenses will be submitted to the Bureau of Inspectional Services.  The Director of Community Development shall review the application and all supporting documentation.

8.  Appeals.  If the grant was disapproved by the Director of Community Development, the applicant may resubmit the application after addressing the application deficiencies or appeal the decision.  If the applicant chooses to appeal the decision, a letter of appeal and supporting documentation must be sent to the Director of Community Development stating the reason for the appeal.  The letter of appeal and the supporting documentation will then be forwarded to the Village Board.  The Village Board will review the appeal and make final determination of the grant application.

If the application is denied by the Village Board, the applicant may resubmit after addressing the concerns of the Board.

Design and Selection Process Criteria

The design and selection process will follow the recommendation of the "Downtown Lombard Improvement Plan" dated March 26, 1987.  The improvement plan provides recommendations for the enhancement of building facades, efficient and appropriate land use, parking and traffic circulation.  A copy of the "Downtown Lombard Improvement Plan" is available for perusal at the Community Development Department.

Federal and Local Requirements

In order to qualify for the Downtown Improvement and Renovation Program, the building must be located within the downtown TIF district in Lombard.  The property owner or representative must complete the pre-application and must be prepared to comply with all federal and local laws, ordinances and regulations.

Procedural Requirements

An applicatant must first meet with the Director of Community Development for advice and technical assistance.  The provided checklist is to be followed when applying for a Downtown Improvement and Renovation Program.  The applicant will submit a pre-application form accompanied by renovation plans, including sample materials, color samples and detailed cost estimates of the improvement or renovation.  All improvements and renovation plans for buildings located in the TIF district must follow current code requirements.  Improvements made and expenses incurred prior to approval of the application and execution of the agreement may not be eligible.

In exchange for grants in excess of $10,000, the business owner and any subsequent owner agrees to maintain the business in accordance with local codes and agrees not to substantially change the use of the business or the interior space for which the grant is received for a period of not less than three years from the date of the agreement.

The following types of businesses are encouraged in the downtown (the list is not all inclusive):

1. Restaurants
2.  Outdoor cafes
3.  New retail shops

The following types of businesses are discouraged in the downtown (the list in not all inclusive):

1.  Second hand or rummage stores
2.  Sports card shops
3.  Pawn shops
4.  Currency exchanges

Failure to maintain the business in accordance with local codes or negatively changes the use of the business or interior space will require full repayment of grant funds to the Village of Lombard.  This requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis by the Director of Community Development.

Additional information about this grant program may be requested by email.