Small Business Sign Grant Program

The City of Tehachapi has created a Sign Grant Program to assist small businesses in the City to either install, or make improvements to their sign(s), eliminate blight, and encourage economic development. The improvements made by the property owner are maintained through terms and conditions of acceptance of the funds. The intent of the program is to physically enhance the properties within the City’s commercial districts and maintain the high standards of exterior signage in the City of Tehachapi. The funds are not intended for standard maintenance, repair, or to allow larger, taller, brighter, or more prominent signs. Projects that exemplify the City Design Guidelines will receive priority funding. The grant program includes the reimbursement by the City economic development support fund at a value of up to 50% of eligible sign costs, up to a maximum of $3,000 (City’s share) and a minimum of $500 (City’s share). Sign grants will be provided on a first-come, first serve basis. In the event that there are more applications received than funding available, the City will prioritize applications based on the location within the City’s commercial areas, the benefit the program has upon the City and the level of financial participation by the property owner. Recipient of the grant will be responsible for all permitting fees. Following application and approval for the sign grant, the City will place certain terms and conditions on the development and maintenance of the building signs for a three-year term.