City-Sponsored Programs for Private Property Improvements

There are currently four programs available to owners of older private property; applications are available online or at City Hall.

1. Homeowner Code Deficiency Program - (blue application) funded with HUD grant monies; maximum grant is $5,000 per home.

    

• Assistance to homeowners who live in homes constructed before 1960;
• Owners must meet low-to-moderate income guidelines;
• Grants for exterior repairs to meet City Code;
• Types of repairs usually eligible: roofs, gutters, painting porches, and steps.

 

2. (Residential) Tax Reimbursement Program - Neighborhood Reinvestment Act Part I - (green application) funded with City funds.  Qualified owners may receive up to 5 years rebate of their total property tax.

    

   • Authorized for individuals who acquire and reside in “eligible” properties built before 1951;
   • Property must be purchased after December 31, 2006;
   • Property must have a fair market value of at least $50,000;
   • House must have been vacant or used for some other purpose other than owner-occupied residence for at least 12 months prior to purchase.

 

3. (Residential) Old Town Downpayment Incentive Program – Neighborhood Reinvestment Act, Part III  (pink application) funded with City Funds.  Qualified home buyers may receive up to $5,000 downpayment assistance if they meet certain eligibility requirements:

 

• Authorized for individuals who have agreed to purchase and reside in an eligible residential property built before 1951 and situated in Old Town;

• Property is being purchased from a third party in a good faith, arms-length transaction;

• Residence must have been vacant or used for some other purpose than exclusively owner-occupied residence for at least 12 months;

• Property must become occupied by the owner as his/her primary residence within one year after the purchase;

4. (Commercial) Facade Improvement Tax Reimbursement Program - Neighborhood Reinvestment Act Part II (yellow application) funded with City funds.  Qualified owners may receive from 3-5 years of their total property tax.

• Assistance to commercial property owners for exterior improvements;
• Commercial buildings must be built before 1951;
• Property must have a fair market value of at least $70,000;
• Exterior improvements must be pre-approved and exceed $10,000;
• Types of improvements: facade removal, brick/wall surface, painting, cleaning/repair, window replacement/repair, ironwork, exterior step replacement/repair, canopy or awning installation/repair, cornice repair.