Security Camera Grant Program

In an effort to improve public safety and security in the City’s business corridors, the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development Department provides grants to business and property owners in commercial areas of Santa Cruz to install security cameras and other surveillance-related equipment and services. This program will also improve law enforcement’s abilities to investigate, arrest and prosecute crimes. The City will provide grants as funds are available.

The Security Camera Program reimburses owners of commercial buildings and businesses up to 50% of the total costs of eligible improvements, with a maximum reimbursement of $1,500 for a single tenant in a commercial property. Previous projects implemented within one-year of the application may be considered for reimbursement.

Eligible projects include the following:

• Cameras capable of capturing or recording color images during sufficient lighting and recording black and white images during hours of low light.

• Cameras tailored to each eligible property, taking into consideration the distance of the target image; the “lux rating” or compatibility with the amount of light available to include excessive amounts of sunlight; and the view of the camera in relation to the area of desired coverage.

Project Requirements

• Cameras must have a clear and unobstructed view of the outside areas of desired coverage.

• The surveillance system must be installed outside of the building providing security for the business and public space.

• The system shall provide video surveillance coverage of all common areas where alcoholic beverages are consumed (if applicable), as well as exterior of the premises, including parking lot and entry/exit areas.

• The system must maintain at least thirty (30) days of recorded video storage, (60 days preferred), which must be made available to law enforcement when requested.

• Grantee must pass a walk-through inspection of the site by a city official prior to project approval and adhere to the requirements above.

• Business must be located in the City of Santa Cruz and in good standing on all required permits, licenses, etc.

• Businesses must not have pending code enforcement violations OR must be able to demonstrate plans to fix them before the project begins.

• Grant is reimbursement-only. Business owner must pay all invoices to third party contractors and provide proof of payment to the Economic Development Office in order to receive reimbursement funds.

• A larger improvement project valued at $15,000 or above, planned or underway at the same parcel, may impact eligibility of applicant.

• Business owner must have an active lease (at least 3 years remaining).

• Project must be approved by property owner if tenant is applying.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

To apply:

1. View the Security Camera Grant Application Guide and Download the Application here.
2. Email completed application form by email to Katie Ferraro [email protected] OR
   
3. Return completed form to the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development Office, 337 Locust Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060.

For additional information, please contact Katie Ferraro [email protected]