Contact
About the Programs
The City of Paducah has created an effective and exciting toolbox of programs through the Planning Department to encourage development, beautification, rehabilitation, and stabilization of the Historic Downtown Commercial District. Our goal is to encourage vibrant streets, increased residential density, and thriving businesses. The programs are as follows:
- Artist Setup Area Application
- Downtown Sidewalk Cafe Permit
- Micro-Grant: Beautification
- Roof Stabilization Assistance Program
- Upper Story Residential Grant Program
Assistance also is provided in completing state and federal applications for historic tax credits.
Apply for Programs
The City of Paducah Online Services Portal is a 24-hour permitting and service request system. An account is required for permit and plan applications. Use the Online Services Portal to Apply for Downtown Development Programs.
Apply for Downtown Development Programs
Program Details
- Artist Setup Area Application
-
Through this application, artists can set up to sell or demonstrate their artwork. The areas that artists can use are in designed areas of downtown and Lowertown.
- Downtown Sidewalk Cafe Permit
-
The City of Paducah allows for the application of sidewalk cafes in a designated area of Downtown Paducah. If approved, restaurants would be allowed to set-up tables on the City sidewalk for outdoor dining. Remember-Pedestrian traffic shall not be obstructed.
- Roof Stabilization Assistance Program (RSAP)
-
Funds are allotted each budget cycle for the stabilization and replacement of roofs in the Historic Downtown area. At specified times during the fiscal year, the City of Paducah requests applications for the purpose of roof replacement or roof stabilization in the Roof Stabilization Project Area.Applications Accepted Through August 18, 2025 at 4 p.m.
To qualify for assistance under the Roof Stabilization Assistance Program (RSAP), an applicant shall submit a complete application; three bids from the list of qualified contractors; current photographs; and proof of financial ability from a qualified financial institution. The City of Paducah reserves the right to approve or deny any application. Grant awards will be given based on availability of funds.
Each grant will not exceed 50% of a project’s total roof stabilization costs or 50% of total funds allocated.
Applications will be ranked in accordance with the following criteria:
- Urgency of roof stabilization. 25%
- Contributing structure on the National Register of Historic Places. 25%
- Historic relationship to adjacent structures 25%
- Capital commitment of owner to rehabilitate remaining structure. 25%
- Upper Story Residential Grant Program
-
The Upper Story Residential Grant Program is designed to encourage upper story residential rental units in Paducah's Historic Downtown. Property owners/developers within a defined area in historic downtown will be eligible to apply for financial assistance to create new upper story living spaces in new or existing buildings. The grant shall not exceed 20 percent of the construction costs or a maximum of $15,000 per Upper Story Residential Rental Unit. For a residential owner-occupied unit, the grant is either 15 percent of the construction costs or a maximum of $15,000 per unit. This program is through the City of Paducah Planning Department with the Urban Renewal & Community Development Agency (URCDA) overseeing the allocation of funds up to $60,000. For projects that exceed an allocation of $60,000, the project will be forwarded to the City Commission for approval.
To apply for the Upper Story Residential Grant Program, complete an application and submit the following items:
- A current list of owners/partners or officers/directors who have ownership in the property
- Copy of property deed
- Copy of insurance policy
- Third party estimates of work to be done from a qualified contractor
- Proof of financial ability to complete 100% of the Upper Story Residential Project
- Rehabilitation plans
