The Program was approved by the Novato City Council on September 22, 2020, following input from the Novato Economic Development Advisory Commission and the Downtown Novato Business Association. The Program is designed to support private investment in our downtown properties to preserve them for commercial uses, especially retail. The goal is to encourage economic development and enhance the physical appearance and commercial viability of downtown businesses. 

The IP is an incentive program that offers property and business owners matching grant reimbursements for improvements to the façades, access, interiors and infrastructure of commercial buildings in Novato.  

Eligible Project Expenses

IP Project work may include the following:

• Landscaping
• Exterior Lighting
• Awnings/canopies
• Windows, doors and safety grilles
• Restoration of historical façade features
• Demolition and shell reconstruction
• Restoration of interior historical features
• Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, sprinklers, and HVAC upgrades
• Hazardous materials abatement (e.g., asbestos removal)
• Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Permit fees are eligible to be reimbursed with IP grant funds.

All proposed projects must comply with City of Novato design standards to be eligible for participation in the IP program. The City may require additional or changed work by the applicant to align projects with these standards. Please contact City staff at econdev@novato.org to determine which standards apply.

Previous Grantees and Projects

• Copperfield's Books – Demising wall
• Firehouse Subs – Exterior paint
• Ito's White Tiger Karate – Solar Panel and upgrade
• Ranch Systems – Cornice, stucco repair, façade upgrade
• Trek Winery – Solar Panels
• Village Restaurant – Parking lot repair

Program Requirements

The following Program Requirements must be met to participate:

1. Applicant properties must be located within the boundaries of the Downtown Novato Business Improvement District (BID) as shown here Downtown Novato.
   
   
2. Applicant properties must have no pending code violations;
   
   
3. All applicants who are not property owners must provide a letter from the property owner stating (1) their knowledge of the applicant’s intent to participate in the program and (2) their consent for the improvements to the property;
   
   
4. All projects must comply with City design standards and be approved by City staff. After the IP application is submitted, no design changes can be made without prior approval of the appropriate review authority or City Staff if no land use review is required;
   
   
5. All contractors hired by IP grantees are required to be licensed contractors. The grantee (or their contractor) will also be required to show proof of minimum insurance requirements, including listing the City as an additional insured with certificates and endorsements in a form acceptable to the City; 
   
   
6. Applicants must ensure that all required permits are obtained;
   
   
7. Grantees will be required to continuously maintain, at their expense, the improvements made as a result of their IP participation for the duration of their tenancy/ ownership of the premises.

Frequently Asked Questions