DDA Facade Grant Program

Eligible businesses and commercial property owners who apply for the TDFG will have their applications evaluated by the TDA. Grant recipients will complete their qualified project to specifications approved by the TDA complying with all City of Tucker Planning and Zoning requirements and obtaining all necessary permits. Once the project is completed, the recipient will submit their expenses and all required documentation (via the TDFG Expense Report) to the TDA for evaluation and approval. Once the expenses have been approved, the grant funds will be administered to the recipient. Grants are awarded on a first come first serve basis until funding is depleted or the fiscal year ends.

PROJECT QUALIFICATIONS
(for a full list of project qualifications please see the program brochure)

• Commercial building
• Must be the building owner or tenant with written approval by the building owner
• Must be a City of Tucker small business with three or fewer locations
• Commitment to maintain project renovations for three (3) years 
• National chains are not eligible
• Must have an active business license or OTC
• Must have no current code violations and/or active municipal court cases. Must be up to date on all taxes and city fees
• Applicant cannot use the program more than two times in one fiscal year 
• Non-profit and Government users are not eligible 
• Projects must adhere to all City of Tucker Planning and Zoning requirements and applicable life safety and  building codes
• Projects must pull and show proof of obtaining all necessary permits from the City (DeKalb County where applicable)
• Projects seeking funding cannot begin until the evaluation committee has provided approval
• Minor projects must be completed within 90 days of approved grant notice unless provided an extension by the TDA board
• Major projects must be completed within 200 days of approved grant notice unless provided an extension by the TDA board

PROGRAM PROCEDURES

A complete application is required for a project to be considered for a grant award.

Applications are to be submitted to the City of Tucker Economic Development Department. Send your application directly to the Economic Development Director, digitally or via mail, contact information is below::

Evaluation Process

A Complete application will be reviewed by City of Tucker Staff for completion.

Once reviewed for eligibility, City of Tucker staff will provide a Staff Memo and recommendation for the Tucker Development Authority to review at their next regularly scheduled meeting.

Evaluation of TDA Board approval does NOT grant, constitute, nor imply, that the City of Tucker has approved any building or construction permits.

Award and Reimbursement
Following approval from the TDA Board, the grant applicant will be provided with an approval letter and notice to proceed with the project. If the TDA board rejects the applicant, the applicant is welcome to make changes to their application and re-submit to the Evaluation Committee.

Once the project is approved and notice is provided, work on the project may begin if the proper permits have been obtained. Upon project completion, the grant recipient may begin the reimbursement process. A complete TDFG Reimbursement Form is required for a project to receive funding.

The project must be completed according to the design submitted (including building materials, color choices, facade changes, hardware, awnings, etc.)  with all applicable zoning and building permit requirements of the City of Tucker.

The grant applicant must commit to ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the project for a minimum of three years. This includes removing graffiti promptly (within 72 hours of discovery). Failure to manage the upkeep and maintenance of the grant project area may result in the applicant needing to return the grant funds to the TDA.

GRANT AWARD TIERS
The Tucker Development Authority will evaluate grant applications and determine award tiers based on the project description, estimated work, and estimated costs as provided as a part of the application. 

All other projects types, uses, and applications outside of the current project area will be evaluated and approved on a per-project basis based on application information by the Tucker Development Authority.