IMPROVEMENT INCENTIVES

Each year the Portland Downtown Development Authority looks to include budgeted funds for Façade and Sign Improvement Incentives, to assist property owners with projects including rehabilitation, restoration, window & door repairs / replacement  -awnings are considered as part of a holistic façade-  limited funds are considered for painting & maintenance projects as well as signage.  Regular maintenance or proposed work that compromises the historic integrity of a property is ineligible for funding consideration.  This is an incentive reimbursement award, funded at the discretion of the DDA Board and it’s Design Team.  Reaching the maximum incentive requires multiple component upgrades toward historic appeal and demonstration of well maintained property(s).  Applicants are subject to various reviews and all awards are subject to funding availability.

Façade Improvement Incentives -

After reading the information in the links below, check with the DDA office to ensure funds are available.   This is an incentive reimbursement award, funded at the discretion of the DDA Board and it’s Design Team.

Portland Downtown’s Façade Incentive program has recently been revised in September of 2018. The program is still a voluntary, local funding award to encourage proper treatment of historic property parcels within the DDA district. It is designed to incentivize projects that follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Eligible parcels may receive up to $10,000 toward their project in any one fiscal year (July1-June 30). The program requires a 50/50 match and is paid after work is complete and all contractors are paid in full.


Portland’s Kent St. area was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Historic designation can raise property value and is an important aspect of a community’s economic development. Proper treatment while restoring an historic property may qualify it for state and federal historic tax credits. As a Nationally Registered Historic District, we adhere to the basic principal of economic development through historic preservation.


Application with required information must be submitted on the forms provided, 45-90 days prior to the anticipated project start date. If facade improvements begin prior to incentive funding approval, an applicant will not be eligible for the reimbursement. Please note that all funded improvements must be permanent and fixed in type and/or nature. Improvements must meet all City of Portland code requirements including zoning, building, and safety codes. 


Permits such as building permits, sidewalk obstruction, and others may be required with the City of Portland for your project. 


Please review the links below if you feel your property is a candidate for this special assistance. 


We are excited to offer this program and encourage you to Contact Us with any questions, or for any assistance on your project. 

Sign Improvement Incentives -

After reading the information in the links below, check with the DDA office to ensure funds are available.   This is an incentive reimbursement award, funded at the discretion of the DDA Board and it’s Design Team.
Sign incentives, when available, are offered throughout the entire DDA District. This program seeks to bridge the gap in cost between unattractive signage and highly functional, attractive signs that complement and create a more attractive business district.  It is important to note that sign ordinances differ in Portland’s Historic District in order to preserve historic character.

Please review sign ordinances carefully prior to applying 

Individual Topic Links

Sec. 28-4. - Prohibited signs.

Sec. 28-6. - General standards for permitted signs.

Sec. 28-7. - Measurement of signs.
Sec. 28-8. - Nonconforming signs.

Sec. 28-10. - Signs in the downtown business district.

Sec. 28-11. - Signs in the general business district.

                      WINDOW Signs

The intent of the program is to support creative, three-dimensional signage. Replacement signs of similar construction and quality, or duplications of existing signs with minimal changes, may not qualify for the incentive.


Applicants must also apply for a sign permit with the City of Portland.

The Sign Incentive Program will provide matching funds of up to 50% of the total cost of an approved sign, with a maximum of $1,000 per applicant. Sign incentive awards must be approved by the Design Team prior to sign purchase or installation.


Please review the links below if you feel your business is a candidate for a sign incentive. 


We are excited to offer this program and encourage you to Contact Us with any questions, or for any assistance on your sign project. 

Please Contact Us for your proposed project or with any questions. 

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