The Planning & Community Development department administers a number of community development programs made possible through federal grants. Funding amounts and program types can vary from year to year.

Fair Housing

Fair housing is a person’s right to choose where to live without unlawful discrimination. The brochures below provide basic information on the rights and responsibilities of homeowners, tenants, and landlords in regard to the sale, rental, or financing of housing.

• Fair Housing Basics
• Fair Housing Advertising Guidelines
• Home Sales Discrimination
• Ohio Tenant-Landlord Law
• Ohio Civil Rights Commission Fair Housing Rights & Responsibilities

To point you in the right direction, contact Anna Kelsey, Planning and Zoning Administrator, at (740) 203-1600 option 2 or via email at planning@cityofdelawareoh.gov.

Citizens are encouraged to attend a public meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 1:30 pm in City Council Chambers regarding federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs offered by the Ohio Department of Development. Read more in the Notice.

Downtown Facade Grant Improvement Program

The goal of the Downtown Facade Improvement Program is to help business owners invest in their properties, while improving the appearance and historic character of Downtown Delaware. Up to a 50-percent matching grant is available to Target Area business or building owners who construct eligible improvements to the facades of their buildings. The City will match dollar-for-dollar an owner’s investment in the appearance of their building’s storefront facade up to a maximum amount of $20,000.

What properties are eligible?
All commercially operated buildings within the designated downtown Target Area are eligible to apply to the Facade Improvement Program – including mixed use commercial and residential structures.

What improvements are eligible?
Facade improvements, lighting, siding, painting, fascia, windows, fire escapes, brick replacement/tuck pointing/stucco and masonry work, parapets and roofing, doors, other visible exterior building components.

What improvements are ineligible?
The Facade Improvement Program will not provide funds for interior improvements, operating funds, salaries, activities related to specific downtown promotional events, architectural design assistance, refinancing of existing debt, inventory costs, permit fees, legal fees, plumbing repair or improvements, HVAC repair or improvements, parking lot resurfacing, sidewalk improvements, awnings or signage.

How do I apply?
Only completed applications which include all required submittal documents and information will be accepted by the City of Delaware Planning and Community Development Department, City Hall Annex, 1 South Sandusky Street, Delaware 43015. Email for more details.

Timeline for Approval
Applications are accepted on a first-come-first-served basis as long as funds are available for the calendar year. This is a federally funded program. Most improvement applications can be processed within 90 days to allow construction to start quickly.