With support from a Hormel Foundation grant, the Austin HRA is announcing the launch of a new program: CAP (Curb Appeal Project)
The intent of CAP is to pay a portion of project costs to Austin property owners who will make qualifying exterior improvements to the front/street side of their home, increasing its curb appeal which benefits the entire Austin community. There are income limits to participate in this program.
Grant
Between $1,000 – $5,000. Homeowners must pay at least $4,000 of their own funds to be eligible to receive the minimum grant amount of $1,000 from the HRA. These dollars do not need to be repaid; this would be a one-time grant.
Grants will equal 20% of the applicant’s individual project, grant amounts not to exceed $5,000. If work is being done by the home owner material costs qualify, but any tool costs will not be eligible.
Eligibility Requirements
- Owner-occupied, single family homes in the City of Austin.
- Current on property taxes.
- Property value is less than $200,000 based on Mower County estimated property value.
- The bulk of these projects must be visible from the street in front of the house.
- None of these projects can be part of an insurance claim.
- CHIP I or CHIP II Loans cannot be used for this program.
- Work cannot begin until approved by HRA.
- These grants will only be awarded to an individual once.
Possible Qualifying Projects (20% grant)
- Front door, storm door, and/or garage door Sidelight windows by front door
- Columns at front door
- Covered front porch
- Brick, stone, or shakes
- Alter roofline on front of house
- Permanent landscaping (includes tree trimming, removal and replacement of overgrown and/or dead items, planting new trees, shrubs, plants and/or flowers) Driveway, sidewalk (repair or replace)
- Window boxes, shutters (add or replace)
- Screening of utility boxes and/or garbage and recycling cans
- Fence (add, repair, or replace)
- Windows (only front windows would qualify)
- Chimney repair, tuck-pointing, repointing
- Deck/Porch – front or side yard – visible from front of house (repair or replace)
Income Limits
These will be the same as the CHIP II Program.
| Household Size | Income |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $65,000 |
| 2 Person | $75,000 |
| 3+ Person | $85,000 |
Based on the 2017 Housing Study there is a need to maintain our aging housing stock and the HRA feels this will help put another tool in the toolbox to keep this work going.