Storefront Renovation Sign Only Program
Since 1983, the City of Cleveland's Storefront Renovation Program (SRP) has assisted property and business owners with free design services and financial assistance in restoring the public facing facades of commercial buildings in our neighborhood retail cores. Storefront Renovation Program Staff guides Applicants through the process, first by determining if projects are eligible for the Sign Only Program based on local design review (if applicable), the Cleveland Storefront Renovation Design Manual and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
The SRP Building Rebate Program is a multistep process led by the SRP staff in coordination with our Neighborhood Investment Managers. To learn more about the SRP or other Economic Development incentives, please reach out to your Neighborhood Investment Manager to get started.
Program Eligibility
Eligibility factors include, but are not limited to:
- Building Type- commercially zoned properties with traditional window display systems and a walk-in retail element may be eligible.
- Building Condition- the building must be maintained to SRP design standards to be eligible for a Sign Only rebate.
- Business/Building Use- certain business uses are prohibited, such as private clubs/membership-based activities, schools, churches, exclusively residential or exclusively manufacturing without a retail element are examples of non-eligible uses.
Eligible Costs
Eligible costs for the Sign Only Program include:
- Removal of former signage;
- Signage package design, construction and/or installation;
- Design and installation of temporary banner signage;
- Electrical adaptations (permits are required), which may include exterior light fixtures and/or installation of lines for lit signage.
Application Fee: $50.00
Minimum Equity Requirement
Applicant must invest a minimum investment of $2,000 (excluding permit fees).
Maximum Assistance: $5,000
Rebate Terms
A 50% Rebate up to $5,000 for the project for work performed AFTER applicant has entered into a Rebate Agreement with the City of Cleveland. Any cost for work performed prior to the Rebate Agreement, or outside of the scope of work defined in the Rebate Agreement, will not be eligible for SRP Rebate funds.
Neighborhood Investment Manager