Thinking of opening a business in Downtown Rome? Here’s what you need to know!
First, check out our Downtown Rome Welcome Packet!
Here are some of what our office offers:
DDA Façade Grant Program
The DDA Design Committee oversees this grant process. To qualify, the project must be located within the downtown district and adhere to all eligibility requirements outlined on the application. This grant is funded by BID. Typically, owners are awarded 1/3 of the total project cost up to $1,000. The application must be submitted prior to beginning the project. Please contact staff for more information.
Sidewalk Café Permit
The Sidewalk Cafe Permit should be obtained by downtown restaurants wishing to offer an outside area of food service that is connected with, a part of, and adjacent to an indoor restaurant or cafe located in the city. Eligible restaurants that would like to establish a sidewalk cafe must obtain a sidewalk cafe permit prior to operation in the public right-of-way. The cafe operator shall meet all conditions and requirements for a sidewalk cafe permit at all times. Sidewalk Cafes will be inspected annually by the Downtown Development Director and Building Inspection Director. Permits are renewed on an annual basis. For more information, please contact the Office of Downtown Development.
Historic Plaque Program
The Rome DDA in partnership with the Rome Area Heritage Foundation, have taken on the task of developing a Historic Plaque Program that identifies the original use and date of construction of properties within the central business district of Rome. Owners will be offered a 50% grant for participating. The matching grant is provided by The Rome Area Heritage Foundation and the Rome Business Improvement District. Plaques are $200 each. Multiple plaques may be purchased for properties with multiple store fronts. Join the walk thru time and honor the history of your property by purchasing a plaque. Please contact the Office of Downtown Development for more information.
Historic Preservation Commission
Rome’s Historic Preservation Ordinance requires property owners and occupants to obtain approval before undertaking any exterior material change in the appearance of a property located within a local historic district; including changes to existing buildings, new construction, and major landscaping projects. Approval for an exterior change in the appearance of a property may be granted through contacting the Planning Department and obtaining the appropriate forms Design guidelines for properties in downtown Rome may also be located in the Planning Department. Please contact Brittany Griffin, Community Planner, Rome-Floyd Planning Department.
UGA Small Business Development Center in Rome
SBDC services include assistance with business plans, capital development, set-up record keeping systems, financial management, marketing, advertising, and statistical/demographic research. Visit: https://www.georgiasbdc.org/rome-office/
The Rome Floyd Chamber
The Rome Floyd Chamber is a non-profit organization established in 1910 working to promote prosperity in Rome and Floyd County for and through its business membership. The Rome Floyd Chamber is located at 1 Riverside Parkway, next door to the Office of Downtown Development.
Before opening a business downtown, contact the following city departments:
- Downtown Development: 706.236.4520
- Parking Services: 706.236.4520
- City Clerk’s Office (permits): 706.236.4460
- City Planning Department: 706.236.5025
- Historic Preservation: 706.236.5025
- Building Inspection: 706.236.4481
- Fire Prevention: 706.236.4500
- Solid Waste: 706.236.4580
For a complete list of departments, please visit romefloyd.com.
We can also facilitate these:
Loan Programs
Downtown Rome has grown tremendously since 2010 as a direct result of the utilization of the state loan programs. As of 2018, Rome has received the following amounts:
- GA Cities Foundation Revolving Loans: $4,341,400
- DCA Revolving Loans: $5,220,818
- For a Total Reinvestment of $46.8 million
Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund (DDRLF)
The purpose of the DDRLF is to spur commercial redevelopment by providing below market rate financing to fund capital projects in key historic districts.
- $50,000 (min) – $250,000 (max)
- 50-40-10 financing structure with 2% interest rate.
- Bank finances 50%, DCA 40%, borrower 10% (minimum).
- Repayment term is 15 years. • Site visit required prior to start of project activity.
- No application fee.
- Visit: www.dca.ga.gov
Georgia Cities Foundation (GCF) Revolving Loan Fund
The GCFRLF follows the same structure as the DDRLF and the two programs may be used together.
- 50-40-10 at 2% interest rate.
- 10 year period, 15 year rate.
- Requires a $250 application fee.
- Visit: www.georgiacitiesfoundation.org
Tax Credits
Georgia Property Tax Assessment Program for Rehabilitated Historic Properties
Qualifying properties are eligible for an 8 1/2 year property tax assessment freeze.
- Rehabilitation must meet Department of Natural Resources’ Standards for Rehabilitation and must be completed within two years.
- Property owner must obtain preliminary and final project certification from GA HPD.
- Cost of rehabilitation must meet a minimum project threshold for qualification.
- Visit: www.georgiashpo.org
Georgia Income Tax Credit Program for Rehabilitated Historic Properties
Qualifying rehabilitation expenses are eligible for a 25% income tax credit, to be capped at $300,000.
- Dollar for dollar state tax credit.
- Rehabilitation must meet Department of Natural Resources’ Standards for Rehabilitation.
- Cost of rehabilitation must meet a minimum project threshold for qualification.
- Preliminary project approval is strongly recommended.
- Visit: www.georgiashpo.org
Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit
Qualifying rehabilitation expenses are eligible for a 20% tax credit.
- Dollar for dollar federal tax credit.
- Rehabilitation must meet Department of Natural Resources’ Standards for Rehabilitation.
- Cost of rehabilitation must meet a minimum threshold for project qualification.
- Preliminary project approval strongly recommended.
- Visit: www.nps.gov