Upper Story Housing Life/Safety Program

Assistance for creating new upper-story housing units

This assistance program offers a zero-interest loan up to $8,000 per dwelling unit ($32,000 per property) for life/safety requirements for providing new upper-story housing in downtown structures. Funds may be used for fire-suppression systems, emergency egress, fire-rated construction, and similar improvements.

To be eligible, the structure must be located in the DC (Downtown Commercial) zoning district. The proposed housing space must be vacant or previously a non-residential use, and require life/safety improvements in order to be occupied for residential purposes. An application form and additional details regarding eligibility, requirements, and financing can be found in the document links below.

Applications may be submitted anytime.  All applications must secure approval from city staff before funds are distributed and before work commences on eligible improvements.