LEMON GROVE–In an effort to assist small businesses still reeling from the recession, the Lemon Grove City Council introduced an ordinance on December 18 establishing a one-year suspension of public street improvement requirements triggered by building permits for commercial projects. This will be the third year in which the city has implemented this business assistance measure.
Like most cities, Lemon Grove requires commercial property owners to make public improvements (curb, gutter, sidewalks, street trees) when building permits exceed $25,000, if those improvements do not already exist.
This program helps small businesses make improvements to their properties (such as a remodel) and to attract businesses that otherwise could not afford the additional start-up costs about which you can find more info here. In 2012, three small businesses took advantage of the assistance program—a barber shop, a dental office, and an automobile parts outlet. With its business friendly approach, Lemon Grove hopes that this program will incentivize existing businesses to expand as well as new businesses to locate to the community.
For more information on the program please contact with city’s Development Services Department at (619) 825-3805.
