The Coos Bay Urban Renewal Agency (Agency) offers building improvement financing through the Urban Renewal Improvement Program for the Empire and Downtown Urban Renewal Districts (Urban Renewal District Map). Financing for commercial tenants and/or property owners on a per building basis can be considered by the Agency in any one fiscal year period (July 1 through June 30. Designed to revitalize these commercial areas and support housing as a secondary use, eligible properties may be considered for grant funding. Traditionally grants or loan funding is 50% of eligible project costs, but the Agency has sole discretion to increase the grant funding percentage. Matching grants may be awarded up to 50% of the project cost from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $25,000. Grant requests are determined by the Agency on a case-by-case basis depending on need and proposed project’s positive impact. Façade Improvement Program funds shall not be used as a replacement for normal periodic maintenance.

Qualifying Improvements

• Restoration of masonry, brickwork, or wood and metal cladding.
• Replacement or repair of architectural features.
• Awnings, including replacement or repair of existing awnings.
• Exterior lighting, including replacement/repair of exterior lighting.
• Gutters and downspouts.
• Windows, doors, trim.
• Entrances.
• Structural support or new construction for the façade.
• Painting (as part of a construction project).
• Sidewalks (as part of an overall project).
• Design, architectural, and engineering services, up to 15% of the total project cost, to a maximum of $7,500.
• Building improvements as regulated in CBMC Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) to accommodate housing as a secondary use.
• Building fire/life/safety improvements routinely necessary for cost effective and successful rehabilitation of older buildings including but not limited to HVAC, sprinkler systems, elevators, electrical, plumbing improvements, accessibility work and public infrastructure work related to the building improvement. For example, water and sewer lines.
• Permanent native and perennial landscaping, irrigation, and hardscape integral to project design visible to the public such as trees, landscape, walls, in-ground lighting and walkways up to 5% of a total project cost. Up to an additional 2.5% may be authorized for project landscaping if the additional funding is used for 'green' landscaping features, such as but not limited to bioswales, rain gardens, etc.
• Other improvements meeting the Program intent.

Other Rules

• A business owner who is a tenant will be required to provide written approval from the legal property owner.
• If multiple projects are undertaken at one building, an application must be provided for each project, and one award per project will be allowed in an fiscal year (July 1 through June 30). For façade projects, continuity of building façade improvements from year to year is required.
• For single projects, one award per building location will be allowed in any fiscal year (July 1 through June 30).
• Program funds cannot be used for routine maintenance.
• A property whose owner or tenant is in default on an municipal or Local Improvement District property taxes, special assessments, or debt to the City is not eligible.
• The Urban Renewal Agency has sole authority to determine eligibility of proposed work and acceptability of completed work.
• Certain areas, such as the Empire and waterfront areas, have design standards that must be followed as noted in the Empire Design Standards and Waterfront Heritage Design Standards. See the Empire Design Standards and Waterfront Heritage Design Standards for information.
• The applicant must agree to maintain the grant-funded improvements in good condition for not less than five (5) years and to make prompt repairs due to any vandalism and eradicate any graffiti immediately.
• Design Assistance Team review for exterior improvements is required.
• Three detailed written bids, from licensed contractors shall be required for the project work unless waived by the URA.
• Identification of the project location, including Floodplain boundaries; city staff may assist you in locating this information.

How to Apply

City staff will be happy to guide you through the URA Improvement Program process. There is no fee to apply for the Program.

Before you begin, read the URA Grant Information Packet to answer any questions and determine the applicable Urban Renewal District and Architectural Review Area.

1. Complete and submit the URA Grant Pre-Application Form, meet and review with staff and the Design Review Committee.
2. Complete and submit the URA Grant Application, meet and review with staff and Design Review Committee.
3. Complete an Architectural Design Review. A Land Use Application is required for properties located in a design review area.
4. Design Review Committee makes a recommendation to the Urban Renewal Agency.
5. Urban Renewal Agency approves the grant and signs the grant agreement.
6. Application submittal for required structural and floodplain permits (if required).
7. Project is completed, with final building inspection and final inspection based on grant project.
8. Final invoices are submitted with proof of contractor(s) payment for processing reimbursement.

For more information, contact the City Manager’s Office at 541-269-8912 or email to: administration@coosbay.org. 

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