1. Contact Us

The first step is to contact the City Heights Business Association (CHBA) to see if your business or property qualifies for the program and to request an application. An appointment will be set and representatives from the CHBA and the City of San Diego's Community and Economic Development Department will meet you at your project's location.

2. Meet the Design Team

At this first meeting, an independent architect hired by the City, will meet with you to discuss your storefront improvement needs and budget for your business and/or commercial property. The design team will do a physical assessment of the property, take photographs, and ask several questions to better understand your project goals.

3. Schematic Design

By utilizing the budget established by the business and/or property owner, the design team will develop schematic design drawings that show improvement concepts, as well as provide a rough cost estimate for your project. The design is presented to the owner for comments and ultimately, approval. Upon the owner’s approval, a signed copy is given to the owner, as well as to the city.

4. Hiring a Professional

Depending on the complexity of the project, a storefront improvement design can be completed by a licensed contractor alone. However, in cases where a City of San Diego Building Permit is required, a licensed Architect and/or a licensed Engineer may be retained by the property/business owner to develop “permit ready” drawings for the Contractor. At this point you are ready to start the construction of your project.

5. Construction Rebate

Once you have completed construction of your project in accordance to the schematic design provided by the original Architect and City, you can submit your construction receipts to the City for the eligible rebate amounts.