Purpose

To provide an economic incentive to:

• Improve and conform signage in Downtown Albemarle

• Encourage good sign projects that capitalize on the improvement of the Downtown streetscape

• Preserve the unique historic characteristics of the building

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Eligibility

Owner(s) or tenant(s) of a building located within the Central Business District (CBD), City of Albemarle
Historic District (COA HD) or Municipal Service Tax District (MSTD) as defined in the Albemarle Downtown
Development Corporation service area. Click here to view a map. Please click the above PDF icon for full eligibility guidelines.

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Guidelines

1. Rehabilitation, repair, or replacement of signs in the CBD, COA HD, or MSTD should be considered a
contemporary solution that respects the architectural integrity of the entire building front and the historic
downtown streetscape.
2. All sign proposals will meet with the code requirements of the City of Albemarle.
3. Any exterior sign proposal - from sign rehabilitation and repair to the replacement of an inappropriate sign
- is eligible for funding, but top priority will be given to projects that will make a highly visible contribution
to the commercial district.
4. All signage must meet with local zoning or ordinance restrictions. If a Certificate of Appropriateness is
required for the work to be done, the Design Committee will not review or consider the application until
prior approval is received by the Design Review Board.
5. The Design Committee will not approve any grant requests for business name(s) on awnings.

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Process for Receiving Grant:

1. Applications can be submitted year-round. Owner(s)/tenant(s) complete application, including sign plans or sketches and owner’s permission, if necessary, and return to Albemarle Downtown. Design and technical assistance may be provided by Albemarle Downtown.
2. Albemarle Downtown will review application and upon approval, requests check be issued for 1/2 the
actual project cost or $1,000, whichever is less, provided the work is accomplished in accordance with the
agreement.
3. A Notification Letter will be sent to applicant as to whether the project has been accepted as described in
the application, accepted with conditions, or rejected.
4. All decisions made by the Sign Committee are final.

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For more information or to apply, please click the above PDF icon.

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Have a question? Contact Katie Lynn at 704-984-9420.​