Revitalization Incentive Grant

Any owner of a commercial building or tenant of a commercial space - with authorization from the building owner - may apply for the RIG. Eligible properties are those used for typical commercial purposes, such as retail, office, or industrial activities, and must be within Littleton city limits. Tenants must have at least two years remaining on their lease or an option to renew consisting of a written confirmation from the landlord and tenant. Before the city reviews a RIG request, the applicant must meet with the city to ensure plans will meet zoning and code regulations. Properties having more than one owner must have the proposed improvements approved by all property owners.

Applicants may receive RIG funds for one project within a two-year period. It is understood that the construction of some projects may carry over into a subsequent calendar year depending on the scope and timing.

• All qualifying improvements must be made to areas visible from the public right-of-way.
• Any proposed improvements and/or signage must conform to all aspects of the city’s Unified Land Use Code (ULUC).
• Applicants should meet with city staff to verify whether any design standards exist for the specific location being considered for application.
• Proposed designs should be context-sensitive and appropriate and seek to enhance the property and city aesthetic generally.  

The Grant Review Committee (GRC) is looking for projects that:

• Result in substantial upgrades to private property that help to improve the quality and attractiveness of the built environment in Littleton.
• Propose an appropriate “wow factor” and will create a meaningful design enhancement to the property.
• Intend to positively promote a business to drive additional sales activity.  
• Aim to support revitalization throughout all areas of Littleton to enhance the city's overall appeal and economic vitality. 

• Architectural and engineering design costs
• Building façade and/or additions
• Landscaping
• Parking area hard surface when combined with other improvements
• Exterior lighting
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) exterior improvements
• Signage when proposed with other improvements 

Projects selected for RIG funding, whether for new or recently completed improvements, must be completed within one year of approval unless an extension is granted in writing by the Economic Development Department. Furthermore, the applicant agrees to:  

• Complete any requisite Planning processes.
• Obtain all necessary building permits and any other required permits.
• Maintain the property and the improvements awarded by the RIG.
• Allow the City of Littleton to promote an approved project by various means, including but not limited to: a display of a city sign or sticker at the site during and/or after construction, using photographs, and description of the project in city communications and other materials.
• Grantee must execute an agreement with the City outlining the terms and conditions of the grant prior to release of any grant funds. The Grantee will be subject to the agreement executed with the City, which will include information regarding any necessary documentation on proof of payment for disbursement of the Grant funds.
• Grantee agrees to comply with any requests for additional information needed for the department's annual incentive report. 

Upon completion of the awarded project, grant recipients must send the following to the grant coordinator to receive the grant award check:  

• Final invoices and copies of canceled checks; and
• Photographs of the completed project.

There are separate applications and funds for each city-sponsored grant. If applying for more than one, be sure to have separate budgets and bids for the segments of work that you are requesting to be funded by each grant fund. If more than one city grant is awarded to your property, you will also need separate invoices and payment receipts for submittal and note that different grants may also have different grant coordinators.