Neighborhood Beautification Program

INTRODUCTION

In November, 2001, the City Council adopted a comprehensive City-wide “Streetscape Plan,” a long term master program which addresses in concept a wide range of public right- of-way enhancements and improvements. Examples of these improvements include, but are not limited to: new and updated municipal signage (i.e., City entryway signs, advance street name signs, etc.); revised street tree palettes coupled with short and long term tree replacement programs; new parkway and median landscaping and irrigation improvements; various arterial amenities such as new bus stops, new walking paths, etc.; new distinctive street lighting at selected locations in the community; new pedestrian crossings at controlled intersections; landscape screening of the Lindero Canyon Road flood control channel; and new neighborhood beautification projects.

On September 27, 2023, the City Council reestablished a policy on Neighborhood Beautification Projects sponsored and designed by homeowners associations and funded by the City up to 50% of total project costs, as part of the City’s annual Capital Improvement Program appropriation. Neighborhood Beautification Program grants partially implement the Citywide Streetscape Plan (adopted November 2001) and enable homeowners association participation in the design and construction process for projects in the public right-of-way.

BEAUTIFICATION GRANT DOCUMENTS

  1. Council Policy NBG Projects 2023
  2. Grant Application 2023 NBP
  3. NBP Grant Agreement 2023 TEMPLATE
  4. NBP Landscape Guidelines Goals 2023

STATEMENT OF INTENT 

At the time of the adoption of the City-wide “Streetscape Plan,” it was the intent of the City Council to develop a policy outlining guidelines for developing new neighborhood beautification projects in concert with interested homeowner’s associations. This policy statement establishes the guidelines for such a program.  

GENERAL POLICY GUIDELINES

In order to implement a City program designed to collaborate with local homeowner’s associations interested in beautifying the major entryways and other areas in their neighborhoods, the following general guidelines shall apply:

Grants are competitive and will be awarded based on the following criteria:

1. Project location (at neighborhood entryway or other location visible from the public right-of-way).

2. Applicant eligibility (Homeowners Association).

3. Written support of the proposed project by the relevant Homeowners Association Board.

4. Timely application filing (yearly filing date established by City Council).

5. Professional design by a qualified, licensed landscape architect, retained and paid by the Homeowners Association.

6. Design features including durable hardscape materials and drought-tolerant or native plants, intending to minimize future maintenance and utility costs. The purpose of this program is general landscape beautification of neighborhood entries and areas visible from the public right-of-way. Homeowners Association entryway signage can be a part of a project application submitted for this program, but the signage cannot be the primary component of the application.

7. Project consistency with the general design elements and features contained in the Citywide Streetscape Master Plan.

8. Overall cost of the project, including proposed City appropriation. Applications that propose Homeowners Association funding exceeding City funding will be prioritized.

9. Ability to proceed with project construction within 6 months of project approval.

10. Homeowners Association confirmation that it will enter into a maintenance agreement with the City for ongoing maintenance, utility, and operational expenses for the project.

11. Any additional information requested by the City Council’s Environmental Committee.

After the City Council approves the project and commits to grant funding the applicant must:

1. Obtain at least two (2) competitive bids by licensed contractors for project construction or installation. The City reserves the option to bid and construct any project in the public right-of-way.

2. Execute an encroachment agreement and a hold harmless agreement with the City prior to beginning any work in the public right-of-way.

3. Proceed with construction of the project in a timely manner.

4. Complete the project within one year of receiving the grant award.

APPLICATION CRITERIA

Grant Application - Application document also includes instructions, required materials and the application.


APPLICATION due Monday, January 29, 2024 at 4 pm per instructions on application.  Application must be mailed or hand delivered to City Hall by due date.


REVIEW OF POLICY

At the discretion of the City Council, this policy may be reviewed at the City Council’s annual Goals Session for consideration of any desired changes or modifications to the program guidelines.

GRANT APPLICATION