2026 Essex Facade Improvement Grant Application

INSTRUCTIONS: Applicants must input the information below and upload all required estimates, renderings, photographs, and required documents. Incomplete applications will be returned.

TRACK 1 Applications must be submitted by Monday, March 9 at 5:00 PM.

TRACK 2 Applications must be submitted by Monday, April 6 at 5:00 PM.

HAVE QUESTIONS? NEED ASSISTANCE COMPLETEING THE APPLICATION? Contact Darasimi Arilesere, Beautification Coordinator at Essex CDC, at 443-579-7974 or beautification@essexcdc.org.

About the Grant
The Essex Façade Improvement Grant Program provides grant funding to support exterior improvements that strengthen the appearance, safety, and overall visual quality of commercial properties in Essex. The program is designed to encourage high-impact, corridor-facing upgrades that contribute to a more attractive and welcoming business district.

Funding is intended for improvements that are visible from the public right-of-way and align with Essex Design Guidelines available through the Baltimore County Department of Planning. Projects are reviewed for eligibility, readiness, and overall impact.

Geographic Rules

Highest Priority: Properties located along the Eastern Boulevard corridor.
Eligible, Lower Priority: Properties located within the Essex Sustainable Community boundaries but not on Eastern Boulevard.

Note: All projects must be located within the Essex Sustainable Community boundaries to be eligible.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicant Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following:

Applicant is either:
- A property owner, or
- A business/tenant with written permission from the property owner.
Must be located within the Essex Sustainable Community boundaries.
In Good Standing with Maryland SDAT.
Code Enforcement violations ,must be resolved prior to project Implementation.
Must attached one (1) Grant Information Session.
Must attend two (2) Essex CDC Event between January 2025 and the time of project implementation.
One (1) application per owner (business and/or property owner).
Applicant must provide up to 10% matching funds toward the total project cost.

Eligible Projects
To qualify, improvements must be visible from the public right-of-way and aligned with Essex Design Guidelines.

Eligible project types include:

Murals
Decals/window graphics
Signage
Awnings
Landscaping (streetscape-facing)
Exterior lighting
Entrance improvements (windows and doors renewal)
Storefront display improvements
Façade replacement or upgrade
Outdoor seating (if visible from the public right-of-way and approvable)

Requirements and Compliance
Applicants must be prepared to provide and/or verify the following (as applicable):

Copy of Certificate of Insurance (business and/or property)
Copy of Lease or Deed
Proof of Good standing with the State of Maryland
All required permits must be obtained prior to construction/installation
Projects must be approved by the County Design Review Board and the Maryland Historical Trust
Business/property must be in-person in Essex (not online-only)
Applicant must sign a formal Grant Agreement with Essex CDC prior to award/disbursement

Conformance
By applying, the applicant acknowledges and agrees that:

All information submitted is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge.
The proposed project will meet program requirements and will remain consistent with any approved scope/design.
Essex CDC may require revisions to ensure alignment with design guidelines and program goals.
The applicant will comply with permitting, approvals, and grant agreement requirements as a condition of funding.

All work must be completed by licensed and insured professionals.

Legal Name of Business applying for Facade Improvements*

Trade Name/DBA (if different than above)

Business Tax ID Number*

Business Owner Name*

First NameLast Name

Business Owner Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Business Owner Email*

example@example.com

Physical Business Address where Facade Improvements will be completed.*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Applicant Name

First NameLast Name

Applicant Title/Position in Business

Applicant Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Applicant Email Address

example@example.com

Project Description: Provide a brief, narrative description of the improvements you plan to make (up to 1000 characters).*

Total Estimated Project Cost*

Amount Requested from Essex Façade Improvement Grant*

Amount Covered by Other Sources (if applicable)

Indicate source/s of any additional funding needed to complete this project (if applicable)

Person/Company Name and Amount

Estimated Project Start Date*

YesNo

In-Person SessionVirtual SessionOther

Other? Explain

YesNo

Date(s) for event(s) attended

LETTER OF PERMISSION: Provide a signed Letter of Permission from Property Owner stating they are aware of this project and agree to your Grant Application submission.

LEASE or DEED (Proof of Ownership): Provide a current copy of your Lease, if you are a tenant, or Deed, if you are the owner.*

Pdf format is suggested for this file type, but can also be submitted in jpeg, jpg, png, or other image file format. No Word documents.

PHOTOGRAPHS: Upload photographs of the existing property making sure to include images of the area that will be upgraded/changed through this project.*

Must be in jpeg, jpg, png, or other image file format. Pdfs and Word documents ARE NOT SUFFICIENT.

CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE (Proof of Insurance): Provide a current copy of your Business's Certificate of Insurance.*

RENDERINGS/DRAWINGS: Upload drawings, sketches, or mock-ups - or professional architectural renderings including elevation - of the proposed improvements.*

Pdf format is suggested for this file type, but can also be submitted in jpeg, jpg, png, or other image file format.

ITEMIZED QUOTE/CONTRACT BIDS/ESTIMATES: Upload TWO (2) itemized estimates for each part of the project/proposed work. Must be licensed and insured contractors.*

Pdf format is suggested for this file type, but can also be submitted in jpeg, jpg, png, or other image file format. No Word documents.

MATERIALS: List types of building materials to be used for the improvements, and proposed colors.*

Pdf format is suggested for this file type, but can also be submitted in jpeg, jpg, png, or other image file format. No Word documents.

I certify that all information provided in this application is true, accurate, and completed to the best of my knowledge. I understand that submitting this application does not guarantee funding. I agree that no work on the proposed improvements will begin until the application has been reviewed and approved by Essex CDC and, where required, by Baltimore County and/or the County Design Review Board. Upon approval of the project, I agree to sign a Participation Agreement authorizing Essex CDC to encumber grant funds for the approved scope of work and to comply with all program guidelines, requirements, and conditions. I further agree to obtain all required permits and approvals, maintain appropriate insurance, and ensure that all work is completed in compliance with applicable local, County, and State regulations. I understand and agree that the completed project must be maintained in good condition for a minimum period of three (3) years following completion and that no material alterations may be made to the funded improvements during that period without prior written approval from Essex CDC. By signing below, I acknowledge acceptance of the terms and conditions of the 2026 Essex Façade Improvement Program.*

2026 Essex Façade Improvement Grant Program

Business/Property Information

Applicant Information

Project Details

Essex CDC Program Participation

Required Documents/Uploads

Signature and Submission