City of Laurel, Maryland

City of Laurel
Main Street Business Relocation Grant Program

About the Grant Program

The purpose of the Main Street Business Relocation Grant Program is meant to help defer the costs of physically moving an existing business to a vacant storefront or to assist in the start-up of a new business, also to a vacant storefront.  For grant purposes, the Main Street area is described as Main Street from First Street to Seventh Street, and includes Main Street’s side streets from U. S. Route 1 North to Fourth Street, north to the Patuxent River, and Route 1 north from Montgomery Street to the Patuxent River. Main Street Business Relocation Grant Program Area Map

The goal of this program is to help new business owners who are moving into the City of Laurel or relocating from another location Laurel or to locate a new business in the Main Street area to help defer a variety of cost.  The City’s interest in providing these grants is to help business succeed and grow in the Main Street business area and in the process continue to provide local jobs and create new jobs for residents of the greater Laurel area as businesses grow. 

The redevelopment of particular parcels of land and the retention of commercial uses is crucial to maintaining an economically strong Main Street, a commercial area where the image, appearance, and environment encourage the attraction of shoppers.

The application packet consists of a statement of the grant policy, instructions to applicants, and an application form. It is the intention of the Department of Community Planning and Business Services to make the application process as easy as possible.

Grant Eligibility

1.   Relocation.  Eligible costs may include moving costs (truck rental or professional mover), initiation, and hook up of new utility services, set up costs of equipment, required new equipment by a governmental body, interior remodeling of new location, exterior signs, and other moving incidentals.  Eligible costs may also include rent differential for a like or similar location (square footage, quality, location, visibility) for either six months or the balance of the lease (whichever is greater), but no longer than thirty-six (36) months.

2.   Eligibility.  A property owner is eligible for grant if a Rent Relief Agreement exists between the property owner and tenant.  A copy of lease stating terms of rent relief must be provided with application.

      A tenant is eligible for a grant if the tenant bears responsibility for retrofitting the storefront to accommodate the new business.  A description of the work to be done, required permits, zoning approval, Historic District Commission approval, if necessary, and a letter from the property owner granting permission to the tenant to apply for permits must be provided with the application.

3.   Amount.  Once approved, an applicant for the grant program is eligible to receive a grant for reimbursement of eligible expenses not to exceed $10,000.  The Mayor may present to the City Council a request for property tax credit up to one-hundred percent (100%) for those new businesses consistent with the goals of the City, i.e., restaurants, bakery, ice cream shop, newsstand, or retail not currently present.  The property owner shall agree to use the tax credit for property improvements and/or business promotion.  The tax credit shall not exceed three (3) years.  The Mayor shall determine which requests are eligible for a tax credit.

4.   Ownership.  Eligible applicants must be the property owner, or authorized by the property owner to make application, on behalf of the commercial business locating in a property

5.   Fees.  Professional, engineering, architectural and permit fees may be included in the relocation costs.

6.   Conformance.  All improvements must conform to all Building Codes, Zoning Regulations, and Historic District Commission Guidelines of the City of Laurel and to criteria developed for this Program.

7.   Grant Award.  Grants applications shall be reviewed by the City Administrator, Director of Budget and Personnel Services, and Director of Community Planning and Business Services (review is to assure zoning, building permits, and application completion).  Grant award amount will be recommended to the Mayor for approval.  The Mayor may waive permit fees to achieve the goals of the Program.

8.   Limitation.  Only one (1) grant can be awarded per address in a three (3) year period.  Subsequent applications must be an expansion or enhancement of a business that received a prior grant.  Grants applications will be accepted only as long as grant funds are available.

Procedural Requirements

An applicant must first meet with the Director of Community Planning and Business Services for advice and technical assistance.  A checklist is to be followed when applying for the Main Street Business Relocation Program.  The applicant will submit a completed application accompanied by any remodeling, signage or facade plans, including sample materials, color samples and detailed cost estimates of the eligible expenses.  All plans must follow appropriate design guidelines and code requirements.  Improvements made prior to the approval of the application and execution of the agreement are ineligible for reimbursement.

Please call (301) 725-5300 ext. 2252 or 2314 for further information, copies of any documents, or to set up an appointment.

City Requirements

In order to qualify for the Main Street Business Relocation Grant Program, a building must be located in the Main Street area, which is described as Main Street from First Street to Seventh Street, and includes Main Street’s side streets from U. S. Route 1 North to Fourth Street, north to the Patuxent River, and Route 1 north from Montgomery Street to the Patuxent River. 

The business owner or property owner must complete the application, and be prepared to comply with all City regulations.  The Historic District Commission will review the plans if signage is included.  The Department of Community Planning and Business Services will administer the Relocation Program.