HomeMy WebLinkAboutFacade Enhancement Program (FEP) GuidelinesMEETING DATE to -13 - 9-0 / l
CITY OF PALM DE f E!ff'rRkSWEB TO 2ND REA.91 G
STAFF
REQUEST: AMEND THE FACADE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (FEP)
GUIDELINES
SUBMITTED BY: BRYCE LYNN WHITE, PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR
DATE: OCTOBER 13, 2011
CONTENTS: MAP OF FACADE ENHANCEMENT TARGET AREA AND
PROJECTS
Recommendation:
By Minute Motion, amend the Facade Enhancement Program (FEP)
Guidelines as follows:
1. Expand the target area to the original boundaries as shown in
attached map.
2. Specifically include as eligible improvements for FEP funds:
(A) Sustainability and Energy Conservation Improvements, and
(B) Improvements to comply with the Whitewater River Region
Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP).
Executive Summary:
By approval of the staff recommendation, the City Council will approve amending the
Facade Enhancement Program to expand the target area of the FEP to the original
boundaries. The eligible improvements for FEP funds will specifically include (1)
sustainability and energy conservation improvements, and (2) improvements to comply
with the Whitewater River Region WQMP. Rejection of the staff recommendation will
leave the guidelines unchanged.
Background:
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.
Staff Report
Amend the Fagade Enhancement Program Guidelines
Page 2 of 3
October 13, 2011
The Fagade 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.
On December 9, 2004, the City Council authorized amending the guidelines. The FEP
target area was reduced, removing the area west of Monterey Avenue/Highway 74 from
the program boundaries. 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 fagade" properties and "corner facade"
properties subject to City Council approval.
Dual fagade 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. Corner fagade 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.
On January 26, 2006, the City Council authorized amending the guidelines to re -include
parcels with frontage on the west side of Highway 74 between El Paseo and Highway
111.
On February 26, 2009, the City Council authorized amending the guidelines to place a
maximum cap for funding of a FEP project to $75,000.
Discussion:
The City has goals of sustainability and energy conservation. The proposed amended
guidelines will specifically include as eligible for FEP funds the following:
(1) Sustainability and Energy Conservation Improvements, and
(2) Improvements to comply with the Whitewater River Region Water
Quality Management Plan (WQMP).
Prior to the boundaries of the FEP target area being reduced there were two projects
completed within the area that was removed from the program. On September 9, 2011,
G:\rda\Bryce White\FACADE ENHANCEMENT'Amend FEP Guidelines SR 10-13-2011.doc
Staff Report
Amend the Facade Enhancement Program Guidelines
Page 3 of 3
October 13, 2011
the Retail Committee recommended including the proposed Red Lobster restaurant at
72-291 Highway 111 within the FEP boundaries.
Staff recommends amending the FEP guidelines as follows:
1. Expand the target area to the original boundaries as shown in attached
map.
2. Specifically include as eligible improvements for FEP funds:
(A) Sustainability and Energy Conservation Improvements, and
(B) Improvements to comply with the Whitewater River Region
Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP).
Fiscal Impact:
The proposed FEP amended guidelines will have no effect on the General Fund.
Submitted By:
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Bryc nn W it ,Project AdrAinistrator
Department Head:
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Paul S
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son, Director of Finance
Wohlmuth, City Manager
rtin Alvarez, Redel elopment Manager
GArda\Bryce White\FACADE ENHANCEMENTV,mend FEP Guidelines SR 10-13-2011.doc