Tools & Incentives

For further details, contact our office at 814-677-3152 x 101 or srosen@oilregion.org.

50/50, reimbursable matching grants for exterior storefront improvements on eligible buildings located within the designated Oil City Main Street District.
Eligible projects include: awnings, signs, cleaning, painting, restoration, lighting, and professional design assistance.
Maximum grant: $5,000, subject to individual project limits.

Full details available through our Façade Grant Information page, or contact:

Stevette Rosen
Main Street Manager
(814) 677-3152 x 101
srosen@oilregion.org.

All Residential-2 Zone properties in Oil City are now zoned by ordinance for live-work-gallery space, as long as 50% of items sold are created by the artist on the premises. In-home businesses must be approved by the Oil City Zoning Board.
Studio space for working artists is available in the National Transit Building for $0.90/square foot/month including utilities.
Non-profit downtown art galleries also offer a low monthly rate; a hanging fee may apply.

Learn more through ARTS Oil City, or contact:

Barbara Pierce
(814) 677-3152 x 104

Tax exemption for pre-approved alteration or new construction on eligible deteriorated or underutilized industrial, commercial or other business property.
Tax forgiveness on the assessed value of improvements for up to 10 years (100% year 1, sliding to 0% in year 10).
Must be filed with the City of Oil City at the time a building or alteration permit is secured.

Contact:

Oil City Code Enforcement Office
(814) 678-3003

20% Tax Credit for rehabilitation of income-producing historic buildings (10% may be available for non-historic buildings)
Must be “substantial rehabilitation” (amount of rehab is greater than adjusted basis of the building or $5,000; completed within 24-month period
Must remain under same owner & income-producing for 5 years

Get more information here or contact the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC):

Scott Doyle
(717) 783-6012
midoyle@pa.gov

Karen Arnold
(717)783-9927
kaarnold@pa.gov

A federal tax incentive that encourages long-term investment of unrealized capital gains into certain low-income census tracts that have been designated by Governors as Qualified Opportunity Zones.
There are two zones in Oil City, including all of the North and South Side Business Districts and some surrounding residential areas.

More info, FAQ’s and map here.