More FAQs

Who Cannot Apply

• Public entities
• Not-for-profit businesses 
• Home-based businesses
• Tobacco and vape shops, payday loan and other alternative lending institutions, tattoo parlors, adult novelty stores and package stores
• Businesses employing over 50 individuals 
• Buildings that are currently under construction with an active permit

Process Overview

• Submit completed digital application. All required documents must be included for consideration. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

• City of Tuscaloosa staff may conduct a site visit to determine if the proposed project meets eligibility requirements.

• The application will be evaluated by City staff and recommended to City Council based on stated criteria. Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered.

• The Community Development Committee will make their recommendations to City Council for vote in a public hearing. The project will be publicized for a minimum of seven (7) days prior to the public hearing. The business owner must be available in person to present the application and answer any questions.

• Following the legally required advertising window, City Council will hear the application and vote for or against the funding recommendations. The business owner must be available in person to present the application and provide any needed clarification for consideration.

• If the project receives a favorable vote, the city will send the applicant a contract to sign. After the contract is signed, the applicant may proceed with the qualifying project.
  
  
• Upon completion of the approved project, the property owner must provide copies of all paid invoices, including canceled checks and/or credit card receipts to receive grant funds. Receipts must be itemized. 

• Approved project(s) must be completed within 120 days of approval, or an extension must be requested in writing.

Examples of Improvements Not Generally Eligible

• Permanent exterior signage integrated into the storefront design 
• Non-visible roofing repair or roofing repair unrelated to the building’s storefront (e.g., structural improvements) 
• Mechanical equipment enclosures (non-visible from public entrance)
• Billboards
• Interior renovation 
• Temporary, portable or non-permanent improvements 
• New Construction
• Property acquisition 
• Expansion of building area 
• Conversion of use 
• Working capital and/or refinancing of existing debt 
• Payment of delinquent taxes, bills or utilities
• Interior rehabilitation including modernization of electrical, mechanical, or structural elements
• Do not follow the approved architectural plans and designs for the storefront renovation
• Non-permanent fixtures (tables, flower planters, etc.)
• Any element of the proposal deemed to be inconsistent with city codes and/or zoning
• Work that is non-conforming and/or requires a Special Exception or Variance from the City of Tuscaloosa
• Expenses incurred prior to the date of grant application
• Attached, hanging or projecting signs

Examples of Eligible Improvements

• Cleaning, painting, stucco and brickwork repair
• Lighting
• Awnings and canopies
• Murals
• Doors, windows, and trim repair or replacement
• Railings, ironwork, and original architectural features
• Visible roof repairs relating to the building’s storefront
• Utility/trash enclosures (visible from public entrance) 
• Decking and stairs
• Parking lots
• Pressure washing exterior (sidewalks, exterior walls visible from public street, decking, fence, etc.)

Who Can Apply

• Existing businesses who are seeking to improve the exterior of their business
• Small businesses (under 50 employees at address)
• Preferred business types include restaurants (excluding: bars and nightclubs) and general commercial retail
• Priority will be given to improvements that eliminate blight and make the greatest visual impact on the surrounding environment
• The maximum program participation by the same or common owners in the Storefront Improvement Program is limited to a total of two (2) projects unless a waiver is granted by the City
• Buildings that are commercially zoned with storefronts visible from the street