HomeMy WebLinkAboutAmendment of FEP GuidelinesCITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: AMEND THE FAQADE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (FEP)
GUIDELINES
SUBMITTED BY: BRYCE LYNN WHITE, PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR
DATE: FEBRUARY 26, 2009
CONTENTS: MAP OF FACADE ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS
PHOTOS OF DUAL FACADE PROJECTS
Recommendation:
By Minute Motion, amend the Facade Enhancement Program (FEP) Guidelines
as follows:
1. Set a total maximum cap for FEP Consideration Funds to $75,000 for FEP
projects.
Executive Summary:
By approval of the staff recommendation, the City Council will approve amending the Facade
Enhancement Program to set a maximum cap for funding of FEP projects. Rejection of the staff
recommendation will leave the guidelines unchanged.
Backaround:
The goal of the Facade Enhancement Program is to substantially improve the exterior
aesthetics of commercial buildings within the Core Commercial Area of Palm Desert. This helps
create a better business environment and a more positive impression of Palm Desert for tourists
and residents.
The Facade Enhancement Program was approved by the City Council and Redevelopment
Agency Board on July 6, 2000. The FEP funds provided were limited to 50% of the project's
construction cost, not -to -exceed $25,000 in consideration funds. This was adequate to serve
small properties.
On April 5, 2002, the City Council authorized revising and expanding the FEP Guidelines. The
consideration funds for standard projects (60 foot frontage, 12,000 square feet) were increased
to a maximum of $35,000. Larger than standard projects were eligible for additional
consideration funds based on increments of 10 lineal feet frontage or 2,000 square feet in area
subject to City Council approval.
Staff Report
Amend the Facade Enhancement Program Guidelines
Page 2of2
February 26, 2009
On December 9, 2004, the City Council authorized amending the expanded guidelines. The
consideration funds for standard projects were increased to a maximum of $40,000. The
guidelines were also amended allowing additional consideration funds for "dual facade"
properties and "corner facade" properties subject to City Council approval.
Dual facade properties are limited to properties in the area generally known as "Presidents'
Plaza" between El Paseo and Highway 111 that are eligible for an additional 50% in FEP funds
when both the front and rear (Presidents' Plaza) are acceptably improved. To date, there have
been two dual facade projects at 73-730 and 73-740 El Paseo.
Corner facade properties are properties having stores fronting on two streets that are eligible for
FEP funds based on the length of frontage on each street when both are acceptably improved.
Discussion:
Staff is recommending a maximum cap for funding of FEP projects to $75,000 to reduce annual
expenditures and decrease the amount proposed to be budgeted for this program in the next
fiscal year. There have been 40 FEP projects completed or approved to date. The FEP
consideration funds for a majority of these projects (73%) have been within the recommended
maximum cap of $75,000.
The recommended maximum cap will allow funding for future small and medium projects to
remain unchanged. The eligible consideration funds for future large projects will be limited to
the maximum cap amount.
Staff anticipates that the result of the amended guidelines will decrease future FEP annual
expenditures below the amounts previously budgeted.
Submitted by:
Project Administrator
Department Head:
, Director of Red./Hsg.
McCarthy, Interim Cit Manager
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/Martin Alvarez, edevelopment Mgr.
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance
CITY COUNCIL A5nOM
APPROVED DENTED
RECEIVED OTHER
MEETI
AYES: . .
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Original on File with City C1efk's Office