Housing Development & Beautification

• $5,000 grant assistance for eligible projects that cost $20,000 or more 
• $7,500 grant assistance for eligible projects that cost $50,000 or more

• Environmental remediation (i.e. asbestos abatement; lead abatement)
• Demolition (not all properties will be eligible)
• Physical construction costs (either new construction or rehabilitation)
• Site work and improvements (not including appliances, furniture, fixtures or electronics)
• Soft costs including but not limited to architectural drawings, surveys, cost estimates, market studies, environmental reports, and appraisals. These costs must accompany new development
• Rehabilitation of condemned property or properties with current code violations may be eligible for funding further into the program year. The project must still meet the threshold of minimally a $20,000 improvement budget to utilize this category

• Certain permits, inspections, and registered contractors may be required
• Applicants must submit the project cost estimates, budget or pro forma
• All applications require a W-9 form completed by the applicant

The intent of this program is to aid in the redevelopment and beautification of existing housing units. These efforts will preserve the quality and condition of existing housing stock, address major physical needs and code violations, increase property values, and spur additional private investment. Proposed improvement projects to properties built before 1950 are evaluated by the City Planning Staff and may have recommendations for the project that will preserve the historic character of the structure. Landscaping is not eligible for grant funding. Properties with code violations may be eligible for funding further into the program year.

Available Grants
Grant assistance of 50% of eligible project costs (maximum grant amount $3,000). Projects include exterior home repairs and improvements which can be seen from the main public right of way, including but not limited to painting, siding, porch repairs, roof repairs, and window replacement. 

Eligible Uses (each project/property will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis):

• Physical construction costs, visibly facing the main public right of way and exclusively for exterior improvements to the home, including but not limited to:
• Porches and steps to the front entrance of the home
• Siding Installation – homes built prior to 1950 will be subject to Planning Staff recommendations
• Windows and doors
• Roof Replacement
• Paint – highly encouraged for homes built prior to 1950
• Demolition – not limited to the dwelling. This can include any dilapidated structure on the property
• Dead tree/Overgrown shrub removal – must be at the front of the house
• Fence removal - must be front or visible side of the house. Rear fences are not eligible
• Driveway installation – must be the front of the house. Driveway repairs are NOT eligible
• Sidewalk installation or repair – includes boulevard or walkways to the front entrance of the home

Application Requirements

• Project description
• Cost estimates from a contractor
• All applications require a W-9 form completed by the applicant

Be sure to view all program requirements in the full Guidelines & Application document

• Assistance with lender requirements and title company closing costs.
• City will provide up to $5,000 to eligible applicants which will be disbursed to the Title Agency.
• City awarded grant funding must be shown on draft and final settlement statement and not reimbursed to the applicant. Should the grant funding exceed the expenses incurred in the sale, the remaining proceeds should be applied to the principle balance of the loan.
• Funding is available to anyone purchasing a home for owner occupancy within the City of Sandusky

• Eligible property owners that occupy the home as their primary full-time residence within the City of Sandusky

• Anyone in contract to purchase a home that will be owner occupied within the boundaries of the City of Sandusky

• Residential property containing 3 units or less and owner occupied 
• New construction of residential property that will be owner occupied
• Physical improvements to the dwelling that can be seen from the main public right of way
• Purchase of a home within the boundaries of the City of Sandusky

• Completed applications can be submitted via email 

• Completed applications can be mailed to:

• Completed applications can dropped in the SECURE DROP BOX directly inside the City Hall lobby doors