About the Facade Improvement Grant (FIG):

The Ellicott City Partnership (ECP), in partnership with Howard County Government, has pursued and succesfully been awarded a Facade Improvement Grant from the Maryland Department Housing and Community Development.

Commercial property owners and business owners can apply for up to $10,000.00 in grant funding, to cover the cost of the project proposed. The minimum possible grant award is $500. 

What is considered an eligible project?

Eligible projects include improvements made to the building that can be directly seen by a consumer. Repairs and replacement of features should be historically appropriate and fit within historic guidelines. Those projects may include, but are not limited to the following: 

● Signage
● Exterior painting
● Storefront reconstruction 
● Siding repair or replacement 
● Exterior lighting
● Window and door upgrades 
● Public-facing masonry or cornices
● Murals
● Removal of unattractive exterior finishes 
● Roofs (Limited to vertical mansard roofs that face the street or visible porch roofs. Does not include the main roof). 
● Other uses approved by the Program

All projects must be reviewed and approved prior to starting the project. Reviews and approvals may take 60-90 days. 

What is considered an ineligible project?

The following projects are not eligible for the grant: 

• Property Acquisition
• Business Overhead Costs
• Permit Fee's
• Architect and Engineering Services 
• Residential Properties 
• Rear Exterior Projects
• Interior projects 

Are there additional processes that should be considered?

Yes. All of the Historic Ellicott City Design Guidelines are to be followed. Any permits and approvals are the responsibility of the Applicant. All projects are subject to approval by the Howard County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). 

All Applicants require an initial review by the ECP. Any Applicant receiving conditional approval will then be subject to review by the Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ), the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and the Maryland Historic Trust. Applicant is also subject to additional review to ensure no outstanding zoning/DILP/fire violations, is considered in good standing regarding state and property taxes, and is compliant with all current historic regulations. 

Funding:

Maryland DHCD granted The Ellicott City Partnership $100,000 for the purpose of investment in facade improvements. Submitting an application to the ECP does not guarantee an award and applicants are not guaranteed any or all funding.

Insurance: It is expressly understood that the Applicant shall be responsible for maintaining valid and sufficient insurance coverage for property damage and personal injury related to the facade improvement project. 

Timelines: 

The ECP will launch the application from July 15th - August 31, 2024. Upon closure of the application period, the ECP will review and notify all applicants of an initial decision no later than September 30th.

Upon notification, further approvals will be required (as detailed above) and awarded Applicants will be informed of next steps. All projects must be completed in full no later than June 30, 2025. All relevant documentation must be submitted no later than June 30, 2025.  

ECP will provide a reimbursement check to the Applicant within 60-90 days of work completion and approval of all required documentation.  

 

Please note, if you are not the property owner, the property owner will be required to review and authorize your application to move to the next phase of the project proposal.

If Applicant is not the property owner, 

As the owner of the property at {address}, I have reviewed the
application and authorize the operator of {businessName} at the said address to
perform the building improvements described above as part of the Ellicott City Partnership Building Improvement grant.