FY 26-27 Facade Improvement

FY 2026-2027 

Application Period: October 15, 2026 through August 31, 2027 

Program Overview 

The Facade Improvement Grant, offered by the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) in collaboration with the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), supports permanent exterior upgrades that improve the look, function, and safety of commercial properties within the DDA District. The program enhances the exterior appearance of buildings to strengthen curb appeal, improve the visual landscape, and elevate the overall aesthetic of Downtown West Palm Beach. By investing in visible, high-impact improvements, the program helps attract quality tenants and new businesses, supports the retention of existing businesses, and creates a vibrant, welcoming environment for residents and visitors. 

Application Review and Funding 

Submission of an application does not guarantee approval or funding. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The DDA may request additional information or documentation during its review. All awards and program assistance are subject to available funding, program eligibility, and DDA approval. 

• Application must be approved in writing by the DDA prior to commencing work and expenditures. 
• The Facade Grant Program does not provide retroactive reimbursement for projects or improvements completed prior to application approval. 
• Applications shall be reviewed by DDA staff in the order they are received. 
• Funds are limited each year and are awarded on a first come, first served basis. 
• One active application per business location. 
• Processing and approval of projects may take up to 12 weeks. 
• Project must be completed within 18 months of award approval. If not, the grant award shall be automatically revoked, and the recipient will be required to resubmit the grant application
• Once approved, the award amount is final and cannot increase. 
• The award may be reduced if final paid invoices are lower than the approved estimate. 

Eligibility

• Eligible commercial properties must be located within the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) District. To view the DDA Boundary Map, CLICK HERE 
• Eligible businesses must hold a current City of West Palm Beach Business Tax Receipt and provide a copy. 
• There must be no outstanding City liens, delinquent property taxes, applicable code violations, or other City debt associated with the applicant, property owner, or subject space. 
• If the property is not owned by the eligible commercial business, the application must include the property owner's written authorization to perform the proposed improvements. 
• If the applicant is receiving funds from the City/CRA for facade improvements, the applicant is not eligible to receive additional funds from the DDA. 

Eligible Improvements

Examples of eligible improvements include, but are not limited to: 

• Awnings and canopies 
• Signage that meets City code 
• Exterior lighting that improves safety and aesthetics 
• Storefront doors and windows 
• Painting, stucco repair, and facade finishes visible from the public right of way 
• Landscape beds, planters, and irrigation that frame the storefront 
• Accessibility features at the primary entrance that meet ADA standards 
• Removal or relocation of security grilles that improves street presence 

Ineligible Businesses

• Financial services regulated by state or federal agencies 
• Wholesale Businesses: Defined as businesses that primarily sell goods in bulk or for resale to other businesses, distributors, or retailers, rather than directly to the general public. 
• National brands in any category: Defined as operating 15 or more locations in at least three U.S. states, including at least five locations in Florida, under a common brand name. Franchise and licensed locations are included.
• Tattoo parlors / body piercing / body art shops 
• Smoking products and accessories, vape shops 
• Medical marijuana dispensaries, CBD products 
• Nightclubs and bars / liquor stores 
• Any business with outstanding code enforcement violations or debt to the City 
• Any building with outstanding code enforcement violations or debt to the City, specific to the individual space the tenant is applying for funding for facade improvements 
• Any business that is not permitted by City code 

Ineligible Improvements 

• Interior improvements 
• Routine maintenance 
• Improvements that are not visible from the public realm
• Expenses or scope of work receiving duplicate reimbursement from another City or CRA funding program

Grant Terms

The program provides grants to business owners or property owners for up to 50% of the cost of exterior improvements made to building facades for awnings, signs, landscaping, and other similar exterior improvements. 

• Storefront exterior improvements: not to exceed $10,000. 
• Building exterior improvements: not to exceed $20,000 for a stand-alone building or building facade more than 25,000 sq. ft. 
• Changes in project cost that may affect the approved grant must be submitted to the DDA in writing. 
• A previous award recipient may reapply for a facade grant for the same location/business three years after reimbursement has been finalized 
• If approved for a new awning, it is expected that the awning be protected from damage during hurricane season. If a hurricane warning is issued, the awning should be removed so that it is not damaged. The DDA will not provide additional reimbursement for damages to awnings. 

How to Apply 

Submit the full application with all required documents, including: 

• A description of the proposed work and anticipated completion date. 
• Two verifiable bids for each aspect of the project, unless the project is being completed by a sole contractor. Bid(s) must be from licensed professional(s) qualified to perform the work. 
• Identification of the preferred vendor and the reason for the preference. 
• At least one photograph of the facade area and any necessary detail areas, such as signage or awnings. 
• At least one photograph or rendering of what the completed project will look like. 
• A current City of West Palm Beach Business Tax Receipt. 
• Proof of current property tax and lien status. 
• Property owner authorization, if the applicant is leasing. 
• A current W-9. 

After Approval 

• Once the DDA approves a grant, the applicant will be requested to provide the DDA with a schedule for completion of the work. 
• After approved facade work is complete, it must be inspected by a DDA representative. 
• The applicant must submit at least one photograph of the completed project, final paid invoices, and proof of payment for the approved qualifying facade improvements. 
• Payment shall not exceed the amount approved by the DDA or 50% of the total eligible bill. 
• Additional information may be requested by the DDA staff or Board. 

  Inadequately documented applications will not be reviewed. Be sure to include all necessary documentation.

For additional information, please contact: 

Teneka James-Feaman, Executive Director 

West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority 

107 S. Olive Avenue, Suite 200 

West Palm Beach, FL 33401 

(561) 833-8873 

TJames@DowntownWPB.com