The Renville County is seeking applications for its Blight Removal Program to provide financial help to remove and remediate blighted property in Renville County.
Donor Name: Renville County
State: Minnesota
County:
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 09/15/2023
Size of the Grant:
- Residential: Up to $5,000
- Commercial: $10,000
Details:
The goal of the Renville County Housing & Redevelopment Authority and Economic Development Authority (HRA/EDA) Blight Removal Program is to partner with public and private property owners to remove blighted structures and encourage reinvestment in the property.
Funding Information
Grants of up to $5,000 (residential) or $10,000 (commercial) are available to assist with the proper cleanup of blighted structures that pose a risk to health and safety. Grants require a 1:1 cash match and are reimbursed upon submission of paid receipts for costs incurred.
Eligibility Criteria
- Any structure participating in the Blight Removal Program must be located within Renville County.
- Applicant must own the blighted property or be a local unit of government.
- A structure may be eligible to participate in the program as the result of four approaches:
- Acquisition by tax forfeiture
- Acquisition by purchase
- Private ownership
- Court ordered demolition/condemnation
- Ownership: Applicant must be in possession of clear and marketable title as confirmed by the County Attorney before participating in the program OR be a local unit of government with an approved court order allowing the unit of government to remove the blighted structure.
- To qualify for the program, county staff will conduct a site visit of the property to determine if it qualifies as blight. A property may be considered blighted if it meets one or more of the following definitions:
- Deemed in unsanitary or unsafe condition by an inspector.
- Structures which are unsafe or unhealthy for persons to occupy due to dilapidation, deterioration, defective design or physical construction; inadequate utilities; lack of ventilation, contamination by hazardous substances; or below minimum code.
- Structures which hinder the economically viable use or capacity of the property.
- Structures in such a condition that is not feasible to rehabilitate.
- Applicant will be required to merge the two properties after blight removal, if lot lines are shared, if possible.
- Property where blight removal and clearance takes place must be made reasonably level; cleared of foundations, footings and debris; backfilled/compacted; seeded for grass. Property should be in buildable condition before the recipient will receive the grant proceeds.
- A demolition permit or letter of approval must be obtained and approved by the Local Government Unit in which the structure is located prior to the start of project work.
- Qualifying expenses include any necessary permits, filing fees, environmental analysis, removal/disposal of debris, contractor payments, greening costs and actual tipping fee expenses paid. (Ineligible expenses include, but are not limited to, Renville County discounted demo tipping fees (as allowed for tax forfeited properties owned by local units of government), past utility bills, back taxes, liens and/or judgement on the property and assessments on the property).
- Applicant shall have the authority to hire a Certified Type III Demolition Licensed Contractor of choice. Applicant will be responsible for the cost of all: permits, insurance requirements, site clearance, capping of utility lines, filling of excavated foundations, disposition of debris, protection of trees, sealing of any open wells, and the closing or removal of fuel tanks, septic tanks, cisterns or similar receptacles. Applicant may complete demolition work themselves, as long as asbestos and other hazardous materials are professionally abated.
- Applicant shall be responsible for arranging an asbestos inspection in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations and laws. Asbestos, hazardous materials, electronics, appliances, rubbish, and other materials not accepted at a licensed demolition/landfill facility shall be properly disposed of at other appropriate facilities. Documentation, such as receipts, will be required for proof of proper disposal.
Non-Qualifying Criteria
- Rural structures such as sheds, barns, outbuildings, etc. are ineligible unless there is a reuse plan such as constructing a new building on the site, etc.
- If structure has been blighted due to weather damage or other reasons that caused insurance to be claimed on the structure, property will not qualify for the program.
For more information, visit Renville County.