The City has set aside funds to help owners of low-income single-family owner-occupied homes to improve the front yard street appearance of their homes. Homeowners become eligible by completing an application, showing proof of income, ownership, and residency in selected areas of the City.
One-time grants of $500 may be provided by the City for eligible homes in the area bordered by Cholla on the west, Ocotillo on the east, 8th Street on the north, and Two Bunch Palms on the south.
Income Limits from HUD for Riverside County and Desert Hot Springs for 2004
1 person $30,400
2 persons $34,750
3 persons $39,100
4 persons $43,450
5 persons $46,900
6 persons $50,400.
7 persons $53,850
8 persons $57,350
To conserve water, perennial drought tolerant plants are recommended. Rapidly spreading groundcover is preferred to grass, which requires a great deal of watering.
To apply for a grant, make a plan on paper (plot plan) of the front yard, marking the location of the plants. Describe the ground cover and number and type of plants. Get a written quote or estimate from a nursery, home improvement warehouse, or supplier.
The City's consultant will schedule an interview with the homeowner. At that interview, proof of income, the deed to the property, driver's license, plot plan and estimate will be required to determine your eligibility. Photos of the front yard will be taken before improvements begin and upon completion.
Checks are made payable to the supplier. The approved suppliers cannot give refunds, cash the City's checks, or refund money when plants or materials are returned. It is advisable for the homeowner to use all of the money provided, however any amount over the amount of the check is the responsibility of the homeowner to pay.
Once the documents are all in place and eligibility is determined to be accepted, processing the check request typically takes two to three weeks. Homeowners then notifiy the Consultant when the improvements are completed.
If you are interested in obtaining this grant, call 329-6411 extension 381 and leave a voicemail with your name, address and phone number and an expression of interest in the front yard program...or email randkinnick@yahoo.com with "Front Yard" in the subject line.
WORK NOT ALLOWED IN THE PROGRAM:
Fences, walls, fountains, septic tanks, sewer hook-ups, Sego Palms, rail road ties, grass, sprinkler systems.