City Program Agreement & Approvals

Minimize administrative burden for both staff and property owners request the City to participate to create an easy to implement program:

• Confirm eligible improvements consistent with adopted design standards

• Create a streamlined or blanket permit approach for initiative projects

• Identify any constraints that might be faced for any of the projects-type in the program.

• Allow PBID to be applicant for work with property owner approval.

• Consider discount or waiver of permit fees (if required)

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How Property Owners Participate (the “yes” framework)

Selection

• A PBID Committee team will identify 3-5 building on a block that need refresh, those will be documented why a Fresh Coat is needed.*

• Committee will outreach to property owners to engage them in 1) building enhancement on their own to freshen the block or 2) participate in the program.

• Sign agreements and approvals for wok to be done.

Design Control - all work must follow:

• City of Chico Downtown Design Guidelines

• Provide a color palette selection - PBID working to partner with a paint manufacturer to donate paint

• Simple storefront standards (trim, cornice emphasis, base colors)

How this works in practice:

• City Planning review to ensure any of the color options being offered fit all design guidelines

• Owners can simply choose from selection

• Any custom colors/design may require review and cost sharing

Making It Easy: Pre-Approved Contractors

• PBID will maintain a small bench of pre-approved vendors, such as:

  • 1–2 power washing companies

  • 2 painting contractors

  •  lighting contractor (if used)

  • PBID issues work orders

• PBID proposes to partner with 3CORE as fiscal administrator to pays vendors directly

Owners must agree to:

• Sign agreement for work with Hold Harmless clauses.

• Have no outstanding code or enforcement citations.

• Maintenance commitment: Maintain improvements for 3–5 years

• Access & approvals: Allow PBID/City/contractors access for agreed scope

• Visibility: Allow temporary project signage and before/after photos

• No cash goes to the owner. PBID pays vendors directly.

 

Budget Reality

• $25,000 PBID funds-Initial Pilot Phase

• PBID will be working to identify partners to sponsor or in-kind donations of supplies.

  • Paint Manufacturers

  • Revitalization Grants

  • Private sponsors (banks, utilities, foundations)

  • Corporate or institutional partners

  • Foundations

 

Program Administration

PBID Role
PBID will administer/coordinate the program and 3CORE is fiscal agent for funding and payments:

• Property owner outreach and agreements

• Contractor coordination

• Permit coordination with City staff

• Payment of contractors’ documentation

PBID will utilize pre-approved contractors familiar with downtown standards to ensure quality, consistency, and efficient delivery.
City Role

• Formal City acknowledgement:

  • Program aligns with City design standards

  • Staff liaison for initiative

  • No zoning or entitlement changes required

 

3CORE Program Enhancement

3CORE, the regional economic development district, is offering to building owners an additional program for improving their spaces in Downtown. Building owners are eligible to apply for low interest loans, up to $100,000 at rates lower than prime (as much
2% lower than prime) with a low process fee for building improvements.
3CORE loan proceeds may be used for any of the following:

• Purchasing land, buildings or existing businesses

• Purchasing furniture, fixtures, machinery and equipment

• Business expansions or start-ups

• Leasehold improvements

Terms - Loan terms are generally between three and seven years. Loan terms for purchasing land, buildings or businesses may be up to 15 years.

 

* Note:  PBID Board Members are not eligible for program.

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