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Guide to Business Assistance Programs
City of Fairview Heights A customer-based approach to delivering programs and services to new and existing businesses
Business Assistance Programs For the City of Fairview Heights, Illinois Contents & Summary Overview of Programs …………………………………………………………………………….. 1 Policy Regarding Development Incentives …………………………….…………….. 3-6 Composite Map of Economic Development Districts ………………………………. 7 Overview of Programs by District Shoppes at St. Clair Square …………………………………………………………………………………... 9 Lincoln Trail District ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 10 West End District ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11 Ludwig Dr. District ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 12 State Route 159 North District ………………………………………………………………………..….. 13 Procedures ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..… 15 Other Resources ………………………………………………………………………………………..……………… 16 Appendix Opening a Business in the City of Fairview Heights, Illinois
Guide to Business Assistance Programs For the City of Fairview Heights, Illinois Overview of Programs by District Shoppes at St. Clair Square 2005 Lincoln Trail District 2007 West End District 2015 Ludwig Dr. District 2016 State Route 159 North District 2016
Guide to Business Assistance Programs For the City of Fairview Heights, Illinois Procedures We’ve “fast tracked” the process to review requests for incentive assistance; here’s a summary of the steps: Start Submitted to the Economic Development Dept. (DED) Completed Application Detailed financial information Should demonstrates the developer’s revenue and gap anticipated from the proposed Project Financial information will be regarded as proprietary and remain confidential Should demonstrate that the Project would not be possible “but for” incentive assistance from the City Processing Review of Application by the EDD May be subject to review by a third party, at the cost of the applicant, to determine appropriate incentive amount and level of risk being undertaken by the City If requested, the City may assist developers in seeking State and Federal incentive financing Letter of Intent EDD will negotiate a LOI with the developer that details terms of the proposed Project and the City’s incentive(s) The developer will incur an application fee at this time to offset the City's legal and planning costs associated with reviewing the Application Committee Review
The resulting LOI will be reviewed by the Community Committee and/or the Finance Committee, as is most appropriate and as schedules may dictate Redevelopment Agreement Following approval of the LOI, the EDD will prepare a Redevelopment Agreement for final review by the City Council City Council The City Council will review the final Redevelopment Agreement and approve, deny or recommend amendment of the Agreement Mayor’s Signature If the Redevelopment Agreement is approved, it will be forwarded to the Mayor for his signature and, subsequently, to the City Clerk for recording Caveats Acceptance of an Application does not commit the City to approval of the Project associated with said Application No assistance will be provided to any Project for expenditures incurred prior to the adoption of the Ordinance(s) required to implement the Project Each Project requesting incentive assistance will be considered on a case-by-case basis, i.e., approval of any Redevelopment Agreement by the City should not be construed as approval for any similar Application The City reserves the right to amend, modify, or withdraw these policies or to eliminate these policies in whole or in part, if the City deems it is in its best interest to do so
Guide to Business Assistance Programs For the City of Fairview Heights, Illinois Other Resources
OPENING A BUSINESS IN THE CITY OF FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, ILLINOIS PERMITTING, LICENSING AND INSPECTIONS The City of Fairview Heights is a great place to start or expand your business! City staff will work with you to ensure a streamlined, successful and supported experience. Below, you will find a guide to basic city processes required. FOR START-UPS: EXPLORE THE METRO EAST BUSINESS INCUBATOR (the MEBI) Fairview Heights has partnered with the neighboring communities of O’Fallon and Swansea to launch the Metro East Business Incubator (the MEBI), a full-service program for business startups; check out local, regional, state and national resources available through the incubator’s website: http://www.themebi.org. LOCATION SELECTION AND ZONING Need help finding the perfect location for your business? Contact Paul Ellis, Director of Economic Development at (618) 444-1193 or ellis@cofh.org. Before you select a site, verify the zoning classification of the property and if the proposed business is allowed in the zone. In some instances, a type of business may require a zoning procedure such as a Special Use Permit, Rezoning (Map Amendment) or Site Development Plan. These are multi-step review and public hearing processes that can take 2-4 months. Contact the City’s Land Use and Development Director Dallas Alley at (618) 4892061 or alley@cohf.org to verify current zoning. CITY PERMITS AND LICENSES Before you can open your business, you will need to comply with all City Codes and licensing requirements. Most of the forms are available on the City’s website at www.cofh.org . Building Permit A building permit is required if any structural change, major alteration, or renovation is made to a building. Projects may require a licensed professional. For questions regarding building codes or design work, contact the City’s Building Official Tom Green at (618) 489-2060 or greent@cofh.org.
Sign Permit New or replacement signs must comply with the City’s sign regulations in the Development Code and require a permit. Contact the City’s Assistant Building Official Jeff Blair at (618) 489-2060 or blair@cofh.org. Commercial Occupancy Permit (COP) A change to a tenant or a new business moving into a commercial building requires a Commercial Occupancy Permit. A commercial occupancy inspection will be scheduled as part of the process to ensure the building meets all zoning, structural, fire, occupancy and health standards. The COP may be submitted after all building permit construction activities are complete. Contact the City’s Land Use and Development Office Staff Kendra Tucker at (618) 489-2060 or tucker@cofh.org. Business Registration After a business has received a Commercial Occupancy Permit, you must register with the City Clerk’s Office. Registration is required annually. Contact the Cathy Bryant at (618) 489-2000 or bryanca@cofh.org. Liquor License If your business is going to sell beer, wine or liquor, you will need to apply for a liquor license from the Mayor’s Office. Contact Kathy Frawley at (618) 489-2010 or frawlka@cofh.org. OTHER REQUIREMENTS Your business may be subject to permitting by other jurisdictions. Please contact the St. Clair County Health Department (618) 233-7703 and the Fairview Fire Department (618) 233-2121 to determine if there are other regulations applicable to your business.
