DDA Demolition Program
The Downtown Development Authority of the City of Evart, hereafter referred to as the DDA, has designed this program to assist in the removal and/or rehabilitation of substandard commercial structures in the DDA district.
PROGRAM FUNDING
Funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis to eligible program participants. Eligible applicants may receive a fifty percent (50%) match, up to a total of five thousand dollars ($5,000), for the cost of demolition and clearance of a site. The minimum demolition grant is five hundred dollars ($500.00). All payments are based on the availability of funds.
ELIGIBILITY
Any commercial site within the DDA district where there is substandard or deteriorated structure or part thereof is considered eligible . The structure must be functionally obsolete or economically unfeasible to repair.
At least two (2) bids from licensed contractors must be provided at the property owner’s expense.
The bids described above, along with the site plan for the new construction described below, must be provided to the DDA for review before the project begins. If approved by the DDA, the property owner will be notified of the approval.
A total demolition project must result in the property owner constructing a new building with a minimum permit value of three times the value of the property being demolished, unless the DDA authorizes a lesser amount.
A property owner must rebuild within 18 months of the completion of demolition or reimburse the DDA for any monies received. The minimum requirements to meet this condition are the issuance of a building permit and selection of a contractor by the property owner. Construction must be complete within 24 months unless an extension is granted by the DDA.
Property owner is responsible for having all utilities disconnected from the property.
Demolition costs may include the cost of asbestos removal, up to 20% of the total project cost.
A partial exterior demolition project may be eligible for funding provided the remaining structure is finished in such a way as to significantly enhance the appearance. The finishing of the remaining structure is to be completed within 12 months of the completion of the demolition. A rendering of the proposed appearance after finishing is to be presented to the DDA at the time of application. Substantial deviation from the proposed appearance will require approval by the DDA and may result in the property owner being required to reimburse the DDA for monies received.
LIMITATIONS
Interior demolition is not covered under this program.
Environmental cleanup activities such as hazardous waste removal, fuel tank removal, etc are not eligible for funding through this program and are the responsibility of the property owner.
Entities that do not pay the full property tax rate are not eligible for funding.
No funding is provided for projects already underway or completed prior to application.
Applicants are to use the Façade Improvement Program application to request funding.
PAYMENTS
The DDA will provide funds for this program on a reimbursement basis after receipt of all supporting documentation, including proof of payment (copy of cancelled checks, etc.) for all demolition work. Reimbursement will be issued after the successful completion of a qualified project.
