In an additional effort to make our downtown appealing to both visitors and residents of our city, the Downtown Oshkosh BID has compiled all of the information you might need to beautify your business in Downtown Oshkosh along with information on the BID Beautification Grant Program.
Included:
Sandwich board signs are double-sided signs constructed to form an A-like shape. Sandwich board signs can help inform customers and pedestrians of what’s inside a business, discounts or offerings and more. Sandwich boards are permitted for businesses with adequate street frontage.
Learn more: https://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/PlanningServices/Documents/SandwichBoardGuidelines.pdf
Sidewalk cafés are allowed on North Main St where a proposed sidewalk café allows at least 4ft of clearance for pedestrians. Sidewalk cafés bring new life to the street – encouraging more pedestrian use, increasing business visibility and curb appeal and creating a lively environment people want to be.
Learn more: https://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/PlanningServices/Documents/SidewalkCafeApplication.pdf
Overview
The Downtown Oshkosh BID recognizes the importance of effective signage to brick & mortar businesses and specifically, the effectiveness of blade (projecting) signage to attract pedestrians. The Downtown Oshkosh Beautification Grant and Blade Sign Program is intended to provide financial assistance to Downtown Oshkosh BID members who add an approved blade (projecting) sign to their commercial facade.
Create Your Sign
The following signs have been pre-approved and meet requirements of the City of Oshkosh. A permit is required and signage must meet the requirements listed below.
George & Willy Signs – www.georgeandwilly.com
These signs will come without any branding or vinyl printed on them. A business can contract with a local company to have vinyl printed on the blade sign. Recommended companies include:
It is highly recommended that the blade sign showcase the business type over the business logo; however, this is the choice of the business and/or property owner.
Sign Requirements
Site Plan Review Fee – $100
Sign Permits – $37+
For assistance, please contact Sean Fitzgerald at the City of Oshkosh.
Phone: 920-236-5028
Email: sfitzgerald@ci.oshkosh.wi.us
Guidelines
Learn more: https://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/PlanningServices/Documents/SignsCanopiesAwnings.pdf
Sign permit application: https://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/PlanningServices/Documents/SignsCanopiesAwnings.pdf
Available Grants
Blade Sign & Flower Pot Grant Program
This program was created in partnership with the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau to make a visible change to our downtown when it comes to beautification and curb appeal. This grant program offers 75% reimbursement for up to $1000 toward flower pots and flowers and/or hanging a projecting sign from your property.
Beautification Grant Program
This program established through the Downtown BID is a 50/50 matching grant program that offers 50% reimbursement of up to $1000 toward a project that improves the exterior facade – from painting and new windows to signage and more.
*The Blade Sign and Flower Pot Grant Program and Beautification Grant Program may be used simultaneously.
Overview
The Downtown Oshkosh BID recognizes the importance of creating an inviting atmosphere for customers and shoppers in Downtown Oshkosh. Businesses located on the 100-500 blocks of N Main St are now able to put flower pots of up to 15″ outside of their storefronts with a signed encroachment agreement with the City of Oshkosh.
Encroachment Agreement
Please contact the City of Oshkosh for a copy of the city’s encroachment agreement.
Contact: Sean Fitzgerald
Phone: 920-236-5028
Email: sfitzgerald@ci.oshkosh.wi.us
Rules & Requirements
Available Grants
Blade Sign & Flower Pot Grant Program
This program was created in partnership with the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau to make a visible change to our downtown when it comes to beautification and curb appeal. This grant program offers 75% reimbursement for up to $1000 toward flower pots and flowers and/or hanging a projecting sign from your property.
Beautification Grant Program
This program established through the Downtown BID is a 50/50 matching grant program that offers 50% reimbursement of up to $1000 toward a project that improves the exterior facade – from painting and new windows to signage and more.
*The Blade Sign and Flower Pot Grant Program and Beautification Grant Program may be used simultaneously.
The Blade Sign and Flower Pot Grant Program has been established by the Downtown Oshkosh Business Improvement District and Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau to increase visibility for our downtown businesses and improve curb appeal throughout the district. This grant can also be used in conjunction with our Beautification Grant or Recruitment Grant programs.
The Beautification Grant Program has been established by the Downtown Oshkosh BID and was created to improve the business climate downtown, implement minimum standards to enhance the architectural identify found within the district, improve front and rear facades and building conditions and encourage curb appeal throughout the district. Property owners and business tenants within the BID are eligible for up to $1000 in matching grant funds for exterior facade and curb appeal improvements.
Apply now: http://downtownoshkosh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Beautification-Grant-Program-2022.pdf
Overview
The Downtown BID recognizes the importance of public art in the central city district. Public art is important for tourism, economic development and creating a sense of community within our city. Businesses within the BID are encouraged to apply for the BID Mural Grant Program and some properties may be selected as a potential location for the BID’s annual mural project.
Mural ordinance: http://downtownoshkosh.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Mural-Ordinance-Final.pdf
Mural application: http://downtownoshkosh.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Mural-Permit-Applicationfinal.pdf
Mural grant application: