Historic Preservation Grant Program

The owner of any contributing building which had been condemned by the building trades board under chapter 26, article X, may apply to the commission for a grant for repair or rehabilitation of the building, as follows: 

1. The program is open to any resident of the City of New Smyrna Beach who owns and occupies a contributing structure.
2. Qualifications are based on both family size and annual household incomes that do not exceed 120 percent of the Volusia County median income, as shown below.

   The income guidelines are to be adjusted every two years in relationship to the Consumer Price Index. Household income will be established by the total annual household income and assets of all persons identified on the title of the property, plus all persons 18 years of age or older living in the home.

   	1 person	2 persons	3 persons	4 persons	5 persons	6 persons	7 persons	8 persons
   Low/Mod Income	$39,982	$45,730	$51,415	$68,520	$61,723	$66,283	$70,844	$75,404

3. Exterior property improvements are eligible, including exterior paint, window and screen repairs, garage door and exterior door repairs, deadbolts, disabled access, exterior electrical and plumbing repair and weatherization. 
4. The work will be completed by a licensed contractor.
5. The following restrictions apply:
   1. Upgrades and remodeling are not allowable.
   2. The home cannot be listed for sale or be in jeopardy of foreclosure.
   3. The home must be owner occupied.
   4. Replacement is only allowable if repair is not possible.

 The commission shall, at a public hearing, review the application for a grant under this article. The application shall include, at a minimum, the following: 

1. Proof of ownership of the property to be repaired.
2. The order of the building trades board requiring demolition or repair of the property.
3. Description of proposed repairs, with a cost estimate and timetable for repairs.
4. Proof that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements of section 50-42. 

 The commission may approve, deny, or approve with conditions the application. The action of the commission shall constitute final administrative action. 

Procedure after approval of grant; grant limits. 

1. If a grant to repair or rehabilitate a contributing building is approved by the commission, a copy of the action taken and the application shall be forwarded to the building official, who may issue a permit for the work to be performed in accordance with the action of the commission. The owner shall comply with all laws and ordinances pertaining to the repair or construction. 
2. The grant amount shall not exceed the city's cost of demolition of the structure or building as ordered by the building trades board. The grant funds shall be taken from budgeted demolition funds, if there are sufficient funds in that account. 
3. The order of the building trades board shall be stayed during the time of application for the grant and during repair of the building, provided the owner obtains all required permits within the time ordered by the commission, and work progresses as required by law and ordinance. After repairs are completed the order of the building trades board shall be deemed satisfied. 
4. If repairs are not completed per section 50-44(3), the city is entitled to a lien in the amount of the grant funds dispersed to owner, as provided in section 26-797(e) of this Code.