Commercial Façade Improvement Program for Businesses in Carson

The City of Carson's Citywide Façade Improvement Program is a local initiative administered through the Community Development Department. It is designed to support commercial revitalization and aesthetic enhancement efforts by offering financial assistance to eligible property owners and tenants undertaking exterior upgrades to commercial properties. The program operates under the authority of the City Charter Section 206 and California Government Code Section 53803, which allows the City to implement economic development programs to address unique local challenges, promote job creation, and stimulate private investment. The program focuses on revitalizing key commercial corridors including Avalon Boulevard, Main Street, Sepulveda Boulevard, Carson Street, and Figueroa Street. It seeks to improve the visual appeal of these areas, encourage pedestrian activity, reduce commercial vacancies, and elevate the overall business environment. A core objective of the program is to eliminate blight and enhance the city’s economic vitality through physical improvements that are permanent, code-compliant, and contribute to long-term development goals. The scope of eligible improvements includes but is not limited to new signage, exterior painting or surface treatments, awnings, sidewalk repaving (outside public right-of-way), outdoor lighting, fencing, windows, and landscaping. The program also supports design and permitting costs associated with these upgrades. Grant funding is offered in two tiers. A grant of up to $2,500 is available without a match, while applicants who provide a matching contribution may receive up to $25,000 on a dollar-for-dollar basis. For owners of multi-tenant commercial centers, the program offers a maximum grant of $250,000, contingent upon a minimum total investment of $500,000. These larger grants require comprehensive improvements to common signage, exterior surfaces, and other shared infrastructure. All grants are distributed on a reimbursement basis, and applicants must submit evidence of completed work and payments. Eligible applicants include commercial property owners and tenants operating within the City of Carson. Tenants must provide proof of property owner consent. The property must be commercially zoned and in compliance with zoning ordinances. Additionally, all taxes and insurance obligations must be current before funding is disbursed. Eligible improvements are restricted to the building exterior and ADA compliance upgrades. Improvements must be permanent, physically attached to the property, and comply with all applicable building and zoning codes. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to funding availability. Submissions are reviewed for completeness and eligibility, followed by a property inspection and scope development with city staff. Funding is reserved only upon execution of an Improvement Agreement. No reimbursements will be issued for work completed prior to formal approval. Applicants must also complete CEQA-related environmental review forms before funds are released. Required application materials include property documentation, contractor and business licenses, insurance coverage, cost estimates, and W-9 forms. Once approved, applicants are responsible for hiring contractors and securing necessary permits. Inquiries can be directed to the City of Carson’s Community Development Department at 701 E. Carson Street, Carson, CA 90745. The main contact number is 310-952-1700 extension 1310, and the program email is smallbusiness@carsonca.gov. There is no fixed annual deadline as the program operates on a rolling basis, but funding is limited per fiscal year. If funds are exhausted, applicants will be placed on an interest list for the next cycle.