How much is the Barberton Façade Improvement Grant?

Who qualifies

• Commercial building located in a low-to-moderate-income census tract in the City of Barberton
• Work must be on first- and/or second-floor spaces with an active street presence
• Other funding sources have not been obtained for the same work
• Façade improvements must be exterior and visible from the public right-of-way
• Work cannot begin until after execution of the grant agreement
• Buildings in the Downtown Barberton Historic District require Design Review Board approval
• Must provide 20% matching share (cash or other sources)

Who is not eligible

• Properties not in a low-to-moderate-income census tract in Barberton
• Projects already under construction or completed
• Repairs for damage covered by insurance or acts of nature
• Buildings in the Downtown Barberton Historic District that do not obtain Design Review Board approval

More questions about the Barberton façade grant

Who can apply for it?

Business owners and property owners with a commercial building in a low-to-moderate-income census tract in Barberton. The work has to be on first- or second-floor space with an active street presence, and the city expects that no other funding has been obtained for the same work. A building in the Downtown Barberton Historic District also needs Design Review Board approval before any façade work starts. The program is not open to buildings outside the qualifying tracts.

What will I actually pay?

At least 20% of the project, and everything above the cap. The grant covers up to 80% of total cost, so the $25,000 limit is reached at a $31,250 project. A $10,000 job means up to $8,000 from the city and $2,000 from you. A $50,000 job still tops out at $25,000, leaving you $25,000. The city can also offer a different amount than you request, so treat $25,000 as a ceiling, not a target.

What kind of work does it pay for?

Exterior work that is visible from the public right-of-way. Typical examples are painting, storefront windows, doors and entrances, lighting, awnings, signage attached to the building and accessibility improvements. Interiors, equipment and repairs to damage covered by insurance are not eligible. See the full lists in “What it covers” below.

Can I start the work before I apply?

No. Only work begun after the grant agreement is signed is eligible, and the grant is paid as a reimbursement once the project is finished. Because federal CDBG money is involved, construction jobs receiving $2,000 or more fall under Davis-Bacon prevailing wage rules, which can raise labor costs. Ask the Planning Department about this before you collect contractor bids.

What if the money runs out?

The city says its funds are limited and awards go first come, first served. Check the Deadline row above for the current program year, then ask the Planning Department whether money remains before you pay for plans or bids. If this grant is spent, other Ohio small business funding is listed on our Ohio page.

What it covers

How to apply

1. 1

   Confirm census-tract and historic-district eligibility

   Verify the property is in a low-to-moderate-income census tract in Barberton and, if in the Downtown Historic District, obtain Design Review Board approval before applying.

   ~1 hrs

2. 2

   Complete pre-approval application

   Submit the pre-approval application to the Planning Department to confirm project eligibility, compatible zoning, and any needed environmental/historical review.

   ~1.5 hrs

3. 3

   Submit full application with documentation

   Provide the full application, project budget, photos, contractor estimates, proof of 20% match, and required compliance documents.

   ~3 hrs

4. 4

   Present to Project Review Committee

   If documentation is complete, present the project to the PRC, which makes a funding recommendation to City Council.

   ~1 hrs

5. 5

   Execute agreement and complete improvements

   After City Council approval and agreement execution, complete the work and submit proof of payment for reimbursement.

   ~2 hrs

Deadline & timing

Applications accepted on a rolling basis until available CDBG allocation has been spent. Construction projects receiving $2,000 or more are subject to Davis-Bacon prevailing wage.

Required documents

• Pre-approval application
• Full Façade Improvement Grant application
• Project description and visual-impact materials
• Detailed line-item budget
• Current photos of the façade
• Contractor cost estimates
• Proof of 20% matching funds
• Property ownership documentation or notarized owner consent
• Design Review Board approval (if in Downtown Historic District)

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