GreenSage E-zine 11/2008

Homeowners and Facade Improvement Program Get Support
by Jonathan McCorkell

In Imperial Beach, a city in San Diego County, California, more than 30 single-family homeowners will get up to $30,000 each to make their homes more environmentally friendly, and several dozen businesses will be receiving a facelift.

The city approved budget amendments for the much-heralded Clean and Green Program and the Facade Improvement Program (FIP,) both aimed at improving the city's residential and commercial appearance.

Clean and Green, which provides interest-free loans from the city to qualified home owners of single-family homes, received a $960,000 budget increase. The money must be used to improve energy efficiency and water conservation, fix up exteriors and make home interiors safer. For example, a basic bathroom remodel would not qualify for the program, but if the bathroom is remodeled to assist a handicapped person it would be allowed.

Fixing a leaky roof, upgrading a heating and air system, adding double-pane windows, fixing a fence, putting in a wheelchair ramp, installing xeriscopic landscape, or installing a tankless water heater are all examples of qualifying improvements.

“We are all moving along with this. It has been very popular with home owners,” said Imperial Beach redevelopment director Jerry Selby.

Last December the city approved $180,000 for the pilot program. To qualify for Clean and Green an applicant's income cannot exceed 120 percent of the area's medium income and the applicant must show proof of income and ownership.

After signing a loan agreement with the city, homeowners are required to contract for the construction. The city then pays for it. Funds for Clean and Green come from the city's housing bond proceeds.

Homeowners must reside in the improved home for 15 years in order for the Clean and Green loan to be forgiven. Should the owner sell the home or pass away the city would place a lien on the property for the prorated balance. If a homeowner decides to sell the house, they must pay a prorated amount for each year they lived there, with the balance due at the sale or they must transfer the loan to a new owner or lease to a tenant.

In a letter to the city, Imperial Beach Chamber of Commerce president Cynthia Melcher and Business Improvement District chairperson Jack Van Zandt wrote, “The program has provided small business owners and organizations in Imperial Beach the opportunity to greatly improve storefronts and property, with excellent results. The results are highly visible.”