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About the Programs
The City of Paducah has created an effective and exciting toolbox of programs through the Planning Department to encourage development, beautification, rehabilitation, and stabilization of the Historic Downtown Commercial District. Our goal is to encourage vibrant streets, increased residential density, and thriving businesses. The programs are as follows:
- Artist Setup Area Application
- Downtown Sidewalk Cafe Permit
- Historic Downtown New Business Grant Program
- Micro-Grants: Facade and Beautification
- Roof Stabilization Assistance Program
- Upper Story Residential Grant Program
Assistance also is provided in completing state and federal applications for historic tax credits.
Apply for Programs
The City of Paducah Online Services Portal is a 24-hour permitting and service request system. An account is required for permit and plan applications. Use the Online Services Portal to Apply for Downtown Development Programs.
Apply for Downtown Development Programs
Program Details
- Artist Setup Area Application
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Through this application, artists can set up to sell or demonstrate their artwork. The areas that artists can use are in designed areas of downtown and Lowertown.
- Downtown Sidewalk Cafe Permit
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The City of Paducah allows for the application of sidewalk cafes in a designated area of Downtown Paducah. If approved, restaurants would be allowed to set-up tables on the City sidewalk for outdoor dining. Remember-Pedestrian traffic shall not be obstructed.
- Historic Downtown New Business Grant Program
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The purpose of the Historic Downtown New Business Grant Program is to provide for the creation of new businesses within Historic Downtown Paducah. The redevelopment of buildings is crucial to maintaining an economically strong Downtown Commercial District, a commercial area where the image, appearance, and environment encourage the attraction of shoppers. The intention is to provide financial resources to assist new business owners locating to Historic Downtown Paducah.- For business using less than 1,000 square feet: 100 percent reimbursement for eligible costs of the first $5,000. The New Business Program provides for 50 percent reimbursement of eligible costs between $5,001 and $10,000.
- For business using 1,000 square feet or more: 100 percent reimbursement for eligible costs of the first $7,500. The New Business Program provides for 50 percent reimbursement of eligible costs between $7,501 and $15,000.
Historic Downtown New Business Grant Program ORDINANCE
- Micro-Grants
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Beautification Grant - Businesses can receive a match of up to $1000 for eligible beautification projects including painting, lighting, or the addition of flowers or art. Facade Grant - This financial incentive to Paducah Main Street merchants and property owners in the project area helps them improve their buildings while retaining the historic character of the district. Only commercial properties are eligible. The City will match eligible improvements to the exterior of a property up to 50% of the total project costs. Grant amount is not to exceed $2,000. Total grant funds available will be limited to $8,000 per fiscal year. Façade Grants will be available year-round and will be awarded monthly as funds are available. Completed applications must be submitted to and approved by the Paducah Main Street Design Committee prior to work beginning. Grants are not awarded for work done prior to approval. Work must be completed within 180 days of grant award. Once the project is completed, grantees must submit paid receipts for reimbursement. Paducah Main Street will verify that the work was done according to the approved application before reimbursing funds. Reimbursements will be made within 14 days of the submission of approved receipts. A facade is defined as an individual storefront or side of a building that faces a public street or public alley with public access. Separate addresses within a single building may qualify as separate facades.
Facade Grant Eligible Improvements
- Masonry or mortar joint repair
- Window or door repair/replacement Repair of purchase of new awnings
- Transom and window repair/replacement
- Removal of non-historic materials (e.g. siding that covers transom windows, bricked-over window or door openings, removing paint from brick, etc.)
- Replacement of architectural details
- Exterior painting (except for applying paint to unpainted brick)
- Exterior lighting or interior storefront window display lighting that remains on during evening hours
- Other improvements may qualify on a case-by-case basis
- Roof Stabilization Assistance Program (RSAP)
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Funds are allotted each budget cycle for the stabilization and replacement of roofs in the Historic Downtown area. At specified times during the fiscal year, the City of Paducah requests applications for the purpose of roof replacement or roof stabilization in the Roof Stabilization Project Area.Applications Accepted Through August 18, 2025 at 4 p.m.
To qualify for assistance under the Roof Stabilization Assistance Program (RSAP), an applicant shall submit a complete application; three bids from the list of qualified contractors; current photographs; and proof of financial ability from a qualified financial institution. The City of Paducah reserves the right to approve or deny any application. Grant awards will be given based on availability of funds.
Each grant will not exceed 50% of a project’s total roof stabilization costs or 50% of total funds allocated.
Applications will be ranked in accordance with the following criteria:
- Urgency of roof stabilization. 25%
- Contributing structure on the National Register of Historic Places. 25%
- Historic relationship to adjacent structures 25%
- Capital commitment of owner to rehabilitate remaining structure. 25%
- Upper Story Residential Grant Program
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The Upper Story Residential Grant Program is designed to encourage upper story residential rental units in Paducah's Historic Downtown. Property owners/developers within a defined area in historic downtown will be eligible to apply for financial assistance to create new upper story living spaces in new or existing buildings. The grant shall not exceed 20 percent of the construction costs or a maximum of $15,000 per Upper Story Residential Rental Unit. For a residential owner-occupied unit, the grant is either 15 percent of the construction costs or a maximum of $15,000 per unit. This program is through the City of Paducah Planning Department with the Urban Renewal & Community Development Agency (URCDA) overseeing the allocation of funds up to $60,000. For projects that exceed an allocation of $60,000, the project will be forwarded to the City Commission for approval.
To apply for the Upper Story Residential Grant Program, complete an application and submit the following items:
- A current list of owners/partners or officers/directors who have ownership in the property
- Copy of property deed
- Copy of insurance policy
- Third party estimates of work to be done from a qualified contractor
- Proof of financial ability to complete 100% of the Upper Story Residential Project
- Rehabilitation plans
