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DeBary council adopts facade-improvement grant program, adds exception process for longtime businesses
Summary
The DeBary City Council approved Resolution 2025‑23 creating a Facade Improvement Grant program offering matching grants up to $20,000 to eligible businesses in the village center/Highbanks node; council added a staff‑recommended exception process allowing council review for structures with nonconforming uses.
The DeBary City Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2025‑23, establishing a Facade Improvement Grant program offering matching grants up to $20,000 to eligible businesses in the village center overlay and Highbanks node.
Growth Management Director Stephen Bap told the council the program is intended to "enhance the visual and curb appearance and presence, boost the local economy, [and] increase property values," and described a first‑come, first‑served, matching structure with a 180‑day completion requirement and a two‑stage reimbursement (an initial 50 percent payment, then final reimbursement on completion). Applications will be available online and at City Hall, and staff said the program will include a first‑year evaluation to measure vacancy changes, property‑value movement and business satisfaction.
Eligibility requirements include a current business tax receipt, up‑to‑date permits, no code violations or liens, and property‑owner consent for tenant applicants. Ineligible items include work performed before grant approval, roof replacements, interior‑only renovations, and tax‑exempt or government‑owned occupancies unless otherwise specified. The staff presentation estimated grants would be capped at $20,000 and described typical exterior improvements (awnings, doors, windows, paint, site improvements and ADA parking upgrades).
Council members pressed staff on two issues: how murals would be reviewed and how the program treats longstanding ‘‘nonconforming uses’’ (businesses that lawfully predate current zoning). The council agreed to add an exception process so structures with nonconforming uses can be considered by the council rather than automatically excluded. As part of the motion approving the resolution, council asked staff to add language allowing council review for such properties.
The motion to adopt Resolution 2025‑23, including the amendment for council approval of nonconforming uses, passed unanimously.
