Downtown Plainfield Sign & Façade Grants

The Plainfield SID Sign & Façade Grant Program is designed to improve the visual appeal of commercial properties within the district while addressing zoning compliance and signage consistency. The program provides financial assistance to business and property owners who lack the upfront funds required for participation in the Plainfield Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Sign & Façade Grant Program, which offers up to a 75% reimbursement for eligible improvements.

By offering up to $2,500 in advance funding, the SID helps businesses meet the initial financial requirements of the UEZ program. Once the business receives its UEZ reimbursement, the SID will be repaid for 75% of the funding provided.

• The SID will provide up to $2,500 to help cover the upfront costs of new signage or façade improvements.
• The business must apply for the UEZ Sign & Façade Grant Program, which offers a 75% reimbursement on eligible improvements.
• When the UEZ reimburses the business, the SID will be repaid for 75% of the funds it advanced.
• The SID will also serve as a design review and approval body to ensure that signage aligns with Plainfield zoning regulations and contributes to a cohesive downtown aesthetic.

  Step 1: Pre-Approval & UEZ Application 

• Business & Location Requirements:
• The applicant must own or operate a business within the Plainfield SID district.
• The business must be UEZ-certified and approved for the UEZ Sign & Façade Grant Program before SID funding is disbursed.

             2: Eligible Improvements:

• New or replacement business signage (must be permanent and professionally designed).
• Façade improvements, including:
  • Painting and restoration
  • Exterior lighting
  • Awning installation or replacement
  • Decorative or architectural enhancements.

             3: Approval & Compliance:

• The SID must approve the sign design and location before funding is released.
• All improvements must comply with Plainfield zoning, signage, and building codes.
• Businesses must obtain all required permits and approvals before beginning work.

 Step 1: Pre-Approval & UEZ Application 

1. The business owner applies for the UEZ Sign & Façade Grant Program through the City of Plainfield Economic Development Department (Program Info).
2. The business submits the required UEZ documentation, including:
   • Cost estimates (minimum of two quotes from licensed vendors).
   • Photos of the current signage or façade.
   • Proof of UEZ certification.
   • Proof of property ownership or written landlord approval.

1. After UEZ pre-approval, the business submits a SID funding application requesting up to $2,500 to help with upfront costs.
2. The SID Executive Director and Design Review Committee evaluate the application for:
   • Zoning compliance.
   • Consistency with downtown aesthetics.
   • Overall impact on the district.

             3. If approved, the SID will release funds directly to the business to cover part of the  project costs.

1. The business completes the sign/façade improvements within 120 days of approval.
2. The business submits proof of completion (photos, invoices, and receipts) to the UEZ program for 75% reimbursement.

1. Once the UEZ funds are disbursed, the business must repay 75% of the SID's grant (e.g., if the SID provided $2,500, the SID will be reimbursed $1,875).
2. The remaining 25% ($625) is considered a non-repayable grant from the SID.

• First-Come, First-Served Basis: Funding is limited and will be awarded until the annual budget is exhausted.
• One Grant Per Property Per Year: A business or property owner may only receive one SID grant per 12-month period.
• Minimum Project Cost: The total project cost must exceed $2,500 to qualify.
• Maintenance Requirement: Recipients agree to maintain their improvements for at least three (3) years.
• Forfeiture Clause: If the business does not complete the project within the timeline or fails to submit for UEZ reimbursement, the SID reserves the right to require repayment.

The Plainfield SID Sign & Façade Grant helps remove financial barriers for businesses, ensuring they can take advantage of the UEZ’s generous 75% reimbursement grant. By integrating zoning oversight into the approval process, the SID also ensures a visually appealing, well-regulated downtown environment.