Storefront Improvement
The Storefront Improvement Program (SIP) was created in 1986, and is designed to enhance and revitalize commercial neighborhoods throughout the City of San Diego. As part of a comprehensive approach to small business assistance and neighborhood revitalization, the City of San Diego offers a rebate to small businesses or property owners as an incentive to improve their storefronts consistent with design standards for their commercial areas.
Through SIP a business owner or property owner may receive a rebate of 1/3 of the project cost up to $5,000. improvements must be to the facade of the building and include at least two types of improvements including but not limited to awnings, paint, windows, doors, tile, etc.
This is the best return you can find for an investment in your business or property. Where else can you get a 30% return immediately after completing a project? This does not even factor in the added value to the building and the community, indeed a great return on your money.
Public Right of Way (PROW)
The purpose of the Public Right of Way Enhancement Program is to raise the businesses' visibility by allowing and encouraging the use of the sidewalks. Without this program, no items are allowed to be in the public right away (sidewalk).
The AABA and other similar organizations worked to get this program approved by the City of San Diego. With this approval, the AABA and other Business Improvement Districts can issue permits for these items as long as the items are placed within the guidelines set out by the City.
The PROW allows three types of sidewalk displays:
freestanding (A-frame) signs
outdoor merchandise display areas
outdoor dining areas
It is not the intent of the PROW Enhancement/ Use Program to set aside existing or future City, State, or Federal regulations regarding public health, safety and accessibility in the public right-of-way. Note: Only those businesses fronting on the public right-of-way and located on the first floor may participate in the program.
AABA Programs
If you are interested in any of these programs please call or email Judy Elliot. You may also be interested in attending a Business Planning & Developement Committee Meeting on the third Tuesday of each month at 8am.
