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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 2002-104 - Housing Loan Policies ' 1 o RESOLUTION NO. t 40 2- A A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDDING AUTHORIZING IMPLEMENTATION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE HOUSING LOAN POLICIES WHEREAS,the City of Redding has previously adopted a Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy and Emergency Repair Program Policy by City Council action; and WHEREAS,the City Council deems it to be in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Redding that the aforementioned policies be further amended as set forth in the revised Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy and Emergency Repair Program Policy attached hereto; and WHEREAS,it has been determined that this matter is categorically exempt from the provisions of California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA). NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that these amendments to the aforementioned policies attached hereto are hereby approved and adopted. I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing resolution was introduced and read at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Redding on the 2nd day of July 2002,and was duly adopted at said meeting by the following vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Pohlmeyer, Stegall and Kight NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Cibula and McGeorge ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None PAT KIGHT, or City of Redding ATTEST: ;/ CONNIE ST' •HMAYE,Ci y Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: DAVID E. RANBER-7ssistant City to 'ey H:\CC Reports\policy02.res.wpd . . 6 . CITY OF REDDING HOUSING REHABILITATION LOAN POLICY Prepared by Office of the City Manager Housing Division Adopted by Resolution No. 75-86 Effective September 2, 1975 Amended October 16, 2001 CITY OF REDDING HOUSING REHABILITATION LOAN POLICY TABLE OF CONTENTS Page SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION 1 SECTION 2 - DEFINITION OF TERMS 2 SECTION 3 - GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 7 A. Location 7 B. Eligible Uses 7 C. Equity 7 D. Assurance of Completion 7 E. Eligible Borrowers 7 OWNER-OCCUPANT(HOMEOWNER) 7 Determination of Adjusted Gross Income 7 Income, Housing Expense, and Long-Term Debt 8 Housing Expense Ratio 9 Homeowner Credit 9 Homeowner Assets 9 OWNER-INVESTOR 9 Positive Cash Flow 9 Credit 9 Monitoring Requirements 9 SECTION 4 - DESCRIPTION OF HOMEOWNER LOANS 9 A. Amortized Homeowner Loans 9 B. Partially Deferred-Payment Loans for Homeowners 10 C. Deferred-Payment Loans for Elderly and/or Disabled Homeowners 11 D. Emergency Deferred Loans for Homeowners 12 E. Water and Sewer Loans for Homeowners 12 SECTION 5 - DESCRIPTION OF AMORTIZED OWNER-INVESTOR LOANS 13 A. HOME Rental Program (HRP) 13 B. Deferred-Payment Rehabilitation Loans for Non-Profit Corporations 14 SECTION 6 - ELIGIBLE COSTS 16 A. Code and Rehabilitation Requirements 16 B. Limited Assistance 16 C. Cost-Effective Energy Standards 16 D. Historic Preservation Standards 16 E. Rehabilitation Objectives 16 F. Building Permits and Related Fees 17 G. Certain Related Costs 17 H. Refinancing 18 I. New Construction In Lieu of Rehabilitation 18 J. Lead-Based Paint Abatement 18 SECTION 7 - INELIGIBLE COSTS 19 SECTION 8 - PROCESSING A LOAN 19 SECTION 9 - COMPLETING A HOME REHABILITATION 19 SECTION 10 - LOAN SECURITY 20 SECTION 11 - GENERAL CONDITIONS 21 SECTION 12 - RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AND ADVISORY SERVICES 22 SECTION 13 - DEFAULT, FORECLOSURE AND PROPERTY DISPOSITION POLICY . 22 SECTION 14 - CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 24 SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION Under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, the City of Redding was allocated funds to develop and implement a community development program. In 1975, the number one priority set by the Citizens Committee of the Community Development Advisory Committee was the establishment of a housing rehabilitation program. That priority remains the cornerstone of the City's affordable housing efforts, particularly as it relates to neighborhood revitalization. As a mission statement, the Housing Division's efforts are meant to provide decent, safe, and affordable housing and a suitable living environment while also addressing: • Fair housing • Assistance for lower-income families • Neighborhood renewal • Individual and community empowerment • Homelessness • Economic opportunities and job creation • Citizen encouragement and public trust Primary funding for housing and community development activities comes from the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As an entitlement community under the Community Development Block Grant and Home Investment Partnerships Programs, Redding is charged with developing its own programs and funding priorities, with an emphasis on activities which benefit low-and moderate-income persons. It is HUD's focus to provide resources to local communities in order to facilitate housing and economic opportunities for individuals who may be unable to obtain favorable assistance through conventional means, Additional funding is provided by the Redding Redevelopment Agency's Housing Set-Aside Fund. The City has several housing programs which assist low- and moderate-income homeowners, owner-investors of rental property, low-income tenants, and non-profit corporations that provide transitional or permanent housing facilities. The programs are summarized below: Homeowner Rehabilitation Loan Program: Low-interest, fully amortized or deferred-payment, secured loans are provided to eligible low- and moderate-income homeowners to upgrade residential property. Repairs may include roofing, pest control work, plumbing, electrical, flooring, painting, and some types of general property improvements. Energy conservation work, like weatherstripping and insulation, is also encouraged. HOME Rental Program(HRP): This program offers long-term, low-interest, secured loans to non profit agencies and owner-investors of rental properties to upgrade units occupied by low-income tenants. The purpose of the program is to increase and preserve the supply of decent, safe, and affordable rental housing while revitalizing neighborhoods within the community. Emergency Repair Program(ERP):This program offers unsecured loans up to$2,500 foreligible low-income homeowners to eliminate critical health and safety problems. Assistance is also available to owner-investors of rental properties to complete handicapped accessibility improvements for disabled tenants. The purpose of this program is to furnish home repair assistance when provision of a homeowner rehabilitation loan is not feasible. (Note: this program is more fully described in a separate document). Senior Minor Repair Grant Program: The purpose of this program is to help senior citizens to address small but important home repairs at no cost to them. It links qualified tradesmen with needy homeowners to correct minor health and safety problems, such as cracked sidewalks, broken windows, leaky plumbing fixtures, and electrical hazards. City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 1 Water and Sewer Loans: This program is available to those low-income homeowners who are primarily interested in paying for water and/or sewer hook-up to their property, whether or not the applicant is applying for a rehabilitation loan. Streamlined loan processing is offered to accommodate these small loans. Acquisition/Rehabilitation Loan Program:The Redding Redevelopment Agency provides long- term, low-interest loans to owner-investors for the acquisition and/or rehabilitation of rental properties occupied by low-income tenants. Loan amounts may not exceed forty-nine percent (49%) of the total project cost and must assure rent affordability for the remaining term of the specific project area. (Note: This program is more fully described in a separate document.) The housing programs offer several repayment methods based on the applicant's ability to pay or proposed project cash flow. The loans may be amortized, deferred-payment, interest-only payment, partially-deferred, residual receipts, or short-term construction loans. As loans are repaid, the money is returned to a revolving fund available for future applicants. Using judicious underwriting and carefully monitoring outstanding loans, the fund is continually replenished and additional families benefit from the original account. It is anticipated these programs will remain a useful tool in helping to maintain and upgrade the housing stock within the City of Redding, and will help stabilize and enhance various neighborhoods in particular. It is the City's intent to promote rehabilitation work that provides maximum economic life to the project whenever feasible. The programs are designed to be liberal enough in scope and terms to help families and individuals of low income, be consistent with HUD guidelines, yet conservative enough to ensure the security of taxpayer dollars and uphold the public's trust. This document offers guidance for staff to ensure that housing assistance is delivered in a fair and uniform manner and to provide consistency in the daily operations of the program. Above all, the programs endeavor to create and maintain a workable strategy for the promotion of decent, safe, and affordable housing. Periodically, this Policy will be updated to address changes in local market conditions and community priorities. SECTION 2 - DEFINITION OF TERMS The following definitions shall apply to this document unless another meaning is clearly apparent from the context: ADJUSTED GROSS ANNUAL INCOME shall mean gross income from all sources less allowable exclusions. AGENCY shall mean the Redding Redevelopment Agency. AMORTIZED LOAN shall mean a loan retired on an installment basis. APPLICANT shall mean the person, or business entity or non-profit entity requesting assistance through any of the Housing Programs. APPRAISAL shall mean an estimate or opinion of the real or market value of a property made by a qualified person and/or the price the owner could reasonably expect to receive from the sale of the property. Real estate may be appraised based on the current or highest and best use of the property. The value may be based on cash or the specific terms of the financing. APPRECIATION shall mean an increase in the value of the property. City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 2 ASSETS shall mean the entire property of all sorts belonging to an applicant. ASSUMPTION shall mean the transfer of a mortgage, deed of trust, promissory note, and/or agreement from an original mortgagee to a subsequent mortgagee. BALLOON PAYMENT shall mean the one-time payment in full of the unpaid portion of a loan, at a specified time, which occurs before the full amortization of the loan. BORROWER shall mean the recipient of loan assistance through any of the Housing Programs. BUILDING PERMIT shall mean a document issued by the City's Building Department allowing completion of specific types of construction work. CASH FLOW shall mean the Net Operating Income (income minus expenditures) minus the Replacement Reserve for a rental property. THE "CITY" shall mean the City of Redding, California, Office of the City Manager, Housing Division. CITY COUNCIL shall mean the City Council of the City of Redding. CODE VIOLATIONS shall mean infractions against the applicable codes contained in the Property Rehabilitation Standards. This includes the Housing Code, City of Redding ordinances, and the various uniform building codes adopted by the City. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM was created by Congress in 1974 to permit local government to devise flexible and constructive approaches to prevent and/or correct physical, economic, and social deterioration. The program is directed toward neighborhood revitalization, creation of housing opportunities, economic development, and the provision of improved community facilities and services. At least seventy percent (70%) of all CDBG expenditures must be used for activities that benefit low-and moderate-income persons. CONSTRUCTION LOAN shall mean a loan which bears interest, has no monthly payment, and is retired within 60 days following the end of the construction period or one year,whichever is less. CREDIT shall mean financial or commercial trustworthiness, as indicated by the applicant's debt repayment history. DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE shall mean the ratio of cash flow to mortgage payments, including principal and interest, for a rental property as determined by a pro forma worksheet. DEED OF TRUST shall mean a legal document in which title to property is transferred to a third party trustee as security for an obligation owed by the trustor(borrower)to the beneficiary(lender). DEFERRED PAYMENT LOAN shall mean a loan which is not retired on an installment basis. DEPENDANT shall mean a member of the family (except foster children and foster adults) who is not the family head or spouse, but is under 18 years of age, or is a person with a disability, or is a full-time student (as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 3 DISABLED shall mean incapacitated by illness or injury that substantially limits activity, according to criteria established by the Social Security Administration or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. DUE ON SALE CLAUSE shall mean an acceleration clause granting the lender the right to demand full payment of the loan upon sale or transfer of the property. EMERGENCY REPAIRS shall address those conditions which pose a serious and immediate health and/or safety threat to the inhabitants of a dwelling. These conditions shall include either hazardous wiring or plumbing, mechanical, structural, or sanitation problems as detailed in Chapter 10 of the current Uniform Housing Code. ESTABLISHED VALUE shall refer to either the appraised value of a property or the assessed value. It may also include the value established by use of a recognized appraisal guide or, when applicable, the written unofficial opinion of a professional appraiser or real estate broker. EQUITY shall mean the value of a property in excess of claims or liens against it. EXTREMELY-LOW INCOME shall mean an income that does not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the area's median income as established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. FAMILY shall mean all individuals who reside in a dwelling unit who are related by blood, marriage, or kinship. GENERAL PLAN shall mean that approved document which designates the desired land use of all parcels of land in the city. GENERAL PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS(GPI's)shall mean improvements otherthan code viola- tions and incipient code violations which are eligible for program assistance. HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM (HOME)was created by the 1990 Cranston- Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act and provides funds to participating jurisdictions to increase the supply and affordability of housing and home ownership for low-income families. HOME (which is not an acronym) may support tenant-based rental subsidies, assistance to first- time homebuyers, property acquisition, new construction, reconstruction, moderate or substantial rehabilitation, site improvements, demolition, relocation, and other reasonable and necessary expenses related to the development of affordable housing. Participating jurisdictions must furnish the prescribed local match for housing activities funded by HOME. HOUSEHOLD shall mean all individuals who reside in a dwelling unit regardless of family ties. HOUSEHOLD INCOME shall mean adjusted gross income of all persons residing in a dwelling unit, whether or not they are related by family ties. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1974 shall mean the Federal legislation which provides funding for the current program of housing and community development in the City of Redding. HOUSING EXPENSES shall mean the total of principal and interest payments on all mortgages, hazard insurance premium payments, mortgage insurance premium payments required by the lender, property taxes, and special assessments. City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 4 HOUSING LOAN COMMITTEE (HLC)shall mean a committee consisting of three members of the City of Redding staff derived from the following positions: the Assistant City Manager, the Deputy City Manager or his designee, the City Attorney or his designee, the Development Services Director or his designee, and the Finance Officer or his designee. The Housing Loan Committee shall be charged with approving or denying loan applications consistent with the policies of the City of Redding or the Redding Redevelopment Agency. HOUSING PROGRAM SUPERVISOR shall mean that person responsible for administering all of the programs and activities within the scope of either the City of Redding's Housing Authority or the City of Redding's Housing and Community Development Section. INCIPIENT CODE VIOLATION shall mean a condition or element of a structure which is likely to deteriorate into an actual violation within a year or two of inspection. The condition is usually a result of a product, part or material nearing the end of its life cycle. HOUSING EXPENSE RATIO shall mean the ratio of the total adjusted gross income of all household members to housing expenses. INSPECTION shall mean a visual survey of a property by a person qualified to perform the inspection. INTEREST shall mean a charge for borrowed money that is repaid with the amount of the loan. LAND CONTRACT shall mean a contract used in connection with the sale of property in cases where the seller does not wish to convey title until all or a portion of the purchase price is paid by the buyer; often used when property is sold with a small down payment. LEGAL NON-CONFORMING refers to the status of a parcel of land which conformed with zoning or planning codes at one time, but does not conform to the current zoning or planning codes. LIEN shall mean an encumbrance which uses property to secure payment of a debt or discharge of an obligation. Example: judgments, taxes, mortgages, deeds of trust. LONG-TERM DEBT shall mean the sum of (1) housing expenses and (2) monthly recurring obligations on installment loans and charge accounts extending beyond ten months. LONG-TERM DEBT RATIO shall mean the ratio of long-term debt obligations to adjusted gross income. LOW INCOME shall mean an income that does not exceed eighty percent (80%) of the area's median income as established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. LOW-INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT(LIHTC) shall mean the program established by the Tax Reform Act of 1986 which authorizes a Federal tax incentive for the construction or rehabilitation of rental housing units occupied by low-income households. State housing credit agencies award the limited annual supply of tax credits to developers of projects picked in application cycles. The LIHTC provides the owner with a tax credit to offset Federal income tax for a ten-year period. The size of the tax credit is based on the construction or rehabilitation costs for the low-income units. MODERATE INCOME shall mean an income that does not exceed one hundred twenty percent (120%)of the area's median income as established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 5 MORTGAGE shall mean an instrument recognized by law by which property is pledged as security without having to give up possession to it for securing the payment of a debt or obligation. NON-PROFIT CORPORATION shall mean a non-profit public benefit corporation organized under the Non-Profit Public Benefit Corporation Law for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code. OPERATING EXPENSES shall mean those monthly or annual uncontrollable expenses incurred in the operation of a rental property. OWNER-INVESTOR shall mean an individual or business entity who owns or is buying a property for the purpose of renting it for residential use. OWNER-OCCUPANT shall mean an individual or family who occupies and owns, or is buying, a unit of residential property, and will occupy such residence. PROPERTY REHABILITATION STANDARDS shall mean that document of the same title, identifying City codes applicable to residential rehabilitation, and other environmental deficiencies to be corrected during the rehabilitation process not identified in City codes. REHABILITATION COST shall mean the total cost of repairs, improvements, and other costs for rehabilitation of the property incurred by the applicant that are eligible for inclusion in a rehabilitation loan. REPLACEMENT RESERVE shall mean an amount set aside each month for replacement at a future date of long-lived systems (roof, HVAC, etc.), at a rental property. SECTION 8 MODERATE REHABILITATION PROGRAM shall mean that program which is designed to provide a rent subsidy for an eligible tenant residing in a unit which has been rehabilitated according to Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Guidelines. TARGET AREA - shall mean a geographical area of the city designated by the City Council or Redding Redevelopment Agency to receive assistance to alleviate blight, high crime rates, and/or other undesirable conditions. TITLE I, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT shall mean that portion of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 which provides for general improvements in the community and particularly for home rehabilitation. TITLE II, SECTION 8 shall mean that portion of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 which states that housing assistance payments may be made for new and substantially rehabilitated housing. In this Policy, Section 8 Income Guidelines are used. TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FACILITY shall mean residential units which are occupied for a specified length of time under a written contract while independent living skills are learned. UTILITIES shall mean gas, electricity, water, sewage disposal, and refuse collection. VERY-LOW INCOME shall mean those incomes which do not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the area's median income as established by the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development. ZONING shall mean a designation assigned to a parcel of land which specifies the allowable use and the type and density of structures on the parcel. City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 6 SECTION 3 - GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS A. Location: Rehabilitation loans shall be made only for projects within the city limits of Redding in residentially-zoned areas (or locations approved by way of a use permit). B. Eligible Uses: A rehabilitation loan shall be used to correct code violations and to make general improvements to the dwelling unit as defined in the Property Rehabilitation Standards and Section 5 of this Policy. C. Equity: At the time the loan is approved, the property may be encumbered by not more than a maximum of ninety percent(90%)of its established value, including any value added by the rehabilitation loan, unless otherwise approved by the Housing Loan Committee. D. Assurance of Completion: In some cases, rehabilitation costs may exceed the eligible loan amount. In such instances, no loan will be awarded unless the applicant can provide the additional amount needed to complete the work to meet minimum City codes on the portion(s) to be rehabilitated. The owner shall provide the City satisfactory evidence of such additional funds before the loan is approved. E. Eligible Borrowers: To be eligible for a rehabilitation loan, the applicant must be an owner- occupant or an owner-investor. OWNER-OCCUPANT (HOMEOWNER): The applicant must own or be in the process of buying a residential property. Persons buying homes under land contracts are excluded from participation in the housing rehabilitation program,except in those special cases where a land contract is held by the State of California Department of Veteran Affairs. One or more of the applicants must reside in such home. Determination of Adjusted Gross Income: In calculating adjusted gross income, all of the income of the household (including all adults residing in the unit), whether received in cash or in kind shall be considered, except for the following specific exclusions which are consistent with the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program: 1. Earned income from a minor child under the age of 18. 2. Any amount above $480 of annual earned income for a full-time student who is 18 years of age or older (excluding the head of household and spouse). 3. Foster care payments. 4. One-time, lump-sum additions to family assets such as inheritances, insurance payments (including payments under health and accident insurance and worker's compensation), capital gains, and settlement for personal or property losses. 5. Casual, sporadic, or irregular donations from friends or family. 6. Amounts that are specifically for, or in reimbursement of, the cost of medical expenses that do not result in new income to the applicant. 7. Annual amounts paid for alimony or child support that are received only sporadically, provided that the applicant certifies: • the payments are not received regularly; and • all reasonable legal actions have been taken to collect such payments. City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 7 8. Amounts of educational scholarships paid directly to the student or the educational institution. 9. Payments under the G.I. Bill 10. Relocation payments made pursuant to Title II of the Federal Uniform Relocation and Real Property Assistance Policies Act of 1970. 11. Special pay to a family member serving in the Armed Forces who is exposed to hostile fire. 12. Reparation payments paid by a foreign government pursuant to claims filed under the laws of that government by persons who were persecuted during the Nazi era. 13. Adoption assistance payments in excess of $480 per adopted child. 14. Deferred periodic amounts from supplemental security income and social security benefits that are received in a lump sum amount or in prospective monthly amounts. 15. Amounts received by the family in the form of refunds or rebates under State or local law for property taxes paid on the dwelling unit. 16. Amounts paid by a State agency to a family with a member who has a developmental disability and is living at home to offset the cost of services and equipment needed to keep the developmentally disabled family member at home. Income, Housing Expense, and Long-Term Debt: The homeowner applicant must meet all three of the following conditions: 1. Household adjusted annual gross income shall be at or below the eighty percent (80%) area-wide median income level as detailed in the guidelines most recently published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Community Development for the Redding area: 2. The applicant's ratio of monthly housing expense to adjusted gross monthly income shall not be more than twenty-eight percent (28%), except as otherwise approved by the Housing Loan Committee. 3. The applicant's ratio of monthly long-term debt obligations to adjusted gross monthly income shall not exceed thirty-eight percent(38%)unless otherwise approved by the Housing Loan Committee. Housing Expense Ratio: To determine the ratio set forth immediately above, the following expenses shall be included in calculating housing expense for homeowner loans: 1. Mortgage payments, including principal and interest. 2. Mortgage insurance premiums. 3. Service charges. 4. Hazard insurance premiums. 5. Property taxes and special assessments. City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 8 Homeowner Credit: A rehabilitation loan will be approved only if the applicants credit record does not show substantial disregard for former or existing obligations. Analysis of the borrower's credit record may include consideration of special circumstances such as health trauma, divorce, burial obligations, etc. Homeowner Assets: In order to qualify for a rehabilitation loan, the applicant must be unable to accomplish rehabilitation through conventional financing or use of his or her own assets as determined by the Housing Loan Committee. The evaluation of an applicant's assets and ability to secure conventional financing shall also take into consideration reasonableness of private loan terms and personal circumstances, in keeping with HUD's objective to accommodate persons of low-income with special needs. Calculation of asset income shall be consistent with HUD's May 1994 Manual, Technical Guide for Determining Income and Allowances for the HOME Program. OWNER-INVESTOR: The applicant must be an individual (or individuals) who owns or is buying a property for the purpose of renting it as residential property. Investor/owners are not eligible for Water and Sewer Loans. Positive Cash Flow: Investment properties shall have a positive cash flow, with a minimum debt coverage ratio of 1.15. Credit: The HRP Loan applicant's credit record must not show substantial disregard for former or existing obligations. Monitoring Requirements: In addition to the above requirements, applicants to the HOME Rental Program (HRP) must agree to abide by all applicable program regulations relating to affordability periods and annual certification as applicable to rent levels,tenant income, and tenant leases. SECTION 4 -DESCRIPTION OF HOMEOWNER LOANS A. AMORTIZED HOMEOWNER LOANS Purpose: The purpose of an Amortized Rehabilitation Loan is to assist the homeowner whose income is sufficient to meet the increased monthly housing expense of a rehabilitation loan payment on their principal place of residence. Eligibility: In order to qualify for an Amortized Rehabilitation Loan, the applicant must meet all General Eligibility Requirements. Amount: The amount of an Amortized Rehabilitation Loan shall not exceed the lesser of: • The actual (and approved) cost of repairs and improvements; or • Those per unit subsidy limit amounts as detailed under Section 221(d)(3)of the National Housing Act as most recently published by HUD. Amounts are based on bedroom size. (Published Year 2001) 0 Bedroom (Studio) $73,632 1 Bedroom $84,404 2 Bedroom $102,635 3 Bedroom $132,744 4 Bedroom $145,745 City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 9 Repayment: Amortized Loans for homeowners shall be repaid by fully amortized monthly payments of principal and interest. The Housing Loan Committee shall have the authority to temporarily suspend monthly payments when a borrower can verify that household income cannot support the payment. In cases of extreme hardship, the loan may be placed into either partially or permanently deferred status if the Committee so approves. The loan shall become due and payable upon sale of the property, transfer of title, upon the death of the borrower(s), when the property is no longer the principal residence of the borrower(s), or at the end of the loan term, whichever occurs first. Terms and Conditions: 1. An Amortized Rehabilitation Loan shall be amortized up to 15 years at five percent(5%) simple interest. Loan amortization up to 30 years may be approved by the Housing Loan Committee when the loan amount exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the property value. B. PARTIALLY DEFERRED-PAYMENT LOANS FOR HOMEOWNERS Certification: An applicant for an Amortized Loan may have a portion of his or her monthly loan payment deferred. If housing expenses, including the loan payments, exceed twenty- eight percent (28%) of gross income, the amount of the loan which causes this excess shall be considered a Deferred Payment Loan, but in no event shall the borrower be permitted to defer more than ninety percent (90%) of such a loan. Also, refer to Emergency Deferred Loans in this section. Purpose: The purpose of a Partially-Deferred Payment Loan is to make possible the rehabilitation of the property and improvements to the neighborhood in those situations where the applicant cannot qualify for an Amortized Loan. Repayment: A Partially-Deferred Payment loan shall be repaid by partial amortization of principal and interest, or interest-only payments. The entire loan shall become due and payable upon sale of the property, transfer of title, upon the death of borrower(s), or when the property is no longer the principal residence of the borrower(s). Conversion: When the borrower's circumstance is substantially changed, or at the borrower's option, the loan may be converted to a straight Amortized Loan. Terms and Conditions: 1. The deferred portion of the loan shall bear interest at a minimum of three percent (3%) simple interest per year, and the amortized portion at five percent (5%) simple interest. 2. Both the amortized portion and the deferred portion of a Partially-Deferred Payment Loan shall become due and payable upon sale of the property,transfer of title, upon the death of the borrower(s), or when the property is no longer the principal residence of the borrower(s). C. DEFERRED-PAYMENT LOANS FOR ELDERLY AND/OR DISABLED HOMEOWNERS Purpose: The purpose of a Deferred Payment Rehabilitation Loan for Elderly and/or Disabled Homeowners is to pay the costs of rehabilitation without increasing current monthly housing expenses of those families on fixed incomes. City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 10 Eligibility: To qualify for a Deferred Payment Loan for the Elderly and/or Disabled, the applicant must meet all of the General Eligibility Requirements, and the applicant must meet one of the following requirements: • Be at least 60 years of age. • Be disabled according to the criteria established by the Social Security Administration or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Amount: The amount of a Deferred Payment Loan shall not exceed: • The actual (and approved) cost of all necessary repairs, eligible improvements, and allowable loan costs; and, • Those maximum amounts detailed under Section 221(d)(3) of the National Housing Act as most recently published by HUD. (Published Year 2002) 0 Bedroom (Studio) $73,632 1 Bedroom $84,404 2 Bedroom $102,635 3 Bedroom $132,744 4 Bedroom $145,745 Repayment: The loan shall become due and payable upon sale of the property, transfer of title, upon the death of the borrower(s), or when the property is no longer the principal residence of the borrower(s). Terms and Conditions: 1. This loan shall bear interest at a minimum of three percent (3%) simple interest. 2. Interest-only payments may be required on specific loans, as determined by the Housing Loan Committee. D. EMERGENCY DEFERRED LOANS FOR HOMEOWNERS Purpose: Emergency Deferred loans may be available to those persons who are unable to make a monthly loan payment and who do not meet the criteria of the Deferred Payment Loan. Principal and interest payments for these loans may be fully deferred for two-to five- year increments on a case-by-case basis, as determined by the Housing Loan Committee. Conversion: When the borrower's circumstance is substantially changed, or at the borrower's option, the loan may be converted to a straight Amortized Loan. Eligible costs under this program include loan processing fees and code items. General property improvements are not eligible. City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 11 E. WATER AND SEWER LOANS FOR HOMEOWNERS: Purpose: The purpose of a Water and Sewer Loan is to pay for City water and sewer hook- up, whether or not the applicant is applying for a rehabilitation loan. Eligibility: In order to qualify for a Water and Sewer Loan, the applicant must meet all General Eligibility Requirements. Amount: The amount of a Water and Sewer Loan shall not exceed the actual (and approved) cost of installation. Terms, Conditions and Repayment of a Water and Sewer Loan: 1. The maximum loan term shall not exceed 15 years for those applicants meeting the eligibility requirements for Amortized Loans defined in Section 4 of this Policy. Installments shall be due monthly and shall bear interest at a minimum of five percent (5%) simple interest per year; or 2. For those applicants meeting the eligibility requirements of Deferred-Payment Loans defined in Section 4C of this Policy, no monthly payments are required, but the loan shall bear a minimum interest rate of three percent (3%) simple interest per year. 3. The loan shall become due and payable upon sale of the property, transfer of title, upon the death of the borrower(s), or when the property is no longer the principal residence of the borrower(s). Because of the limited scope of the work associated with water and sewer connections, it shall not be necessary to secure structural pest control reports, appraisals, a title search and title insurance,or evidence of insurance. At a minimum, staff shall document the owner's equity in the property and verify mortgage balances on the property. SECTION 5-DESCRIPTION OF AMORTIZED OWNER-INVESTOR LOANS: A. HOME RENTAL PROGRAM (HRP) Purpose: The purpose of a Home Rental Program (HRP) Loan is to assist the participating owner-investor with financing the acquisition and/or rehabilitation of rental property occupied by low-income tenants. Eligibility: In order to qualify for an HRP Loan, the applicant must be in the process of acquiring a property in need of rehabilitation or have site control of the property in need of rehabilitation;and must demonstrate the ability and financial capacity to secure, manage, and maintain the property upon completion of the rehabilitation. A minimum of ten percent(10%) of the cost of rehabilitation work must be provided by the applicant. Ability to Repay: The applicant must demonstrate the property's ability to generate and maintain a positive cash flow. City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 12 Amount: The maximum funding amount for HOME-assisted rental units shall be consistent with the current HOME Program Regulations, as cited in Section 221(d)(3) of the National Housing Act. (Published Year 2002) 0 Bedroom (Studio) $73,632 1 Bedroom $84,404 2 Bedroom $102,635 3 Bedroom $132,744 4 Bedroom $145,745 Loan-to-Value Ratio: • The loan-to-value ratio of a rental project having fewer than 12 units shall not exceed ninety percent (90%) based on the post-rehabilitation value, unless otherwise approved by the Housing Loan Committee. • The loan-to-value ratio for rental projects having more than 12 units shall not exceed eighty percent(80%), based on the post-rehabilitation value, unless otherwise approved by the Housing Loan Committee. Repayment: HRP Loans shall be repaid in one of three repayment plans depending upon the needs of the project. The three repayment plans are: 1. Fully amortized principal and interest; 2. Partial amortization of principal and interest, or interest-only payments; 3. Principal and interest payments that are fully deferred for two-to five-year increments on a case-by-case basis. A financial analysis consistent with HUD's September 1994 Manual Financing Rental Housing Under the HOME Program shall be completed to determine the appropriate method of repayment to be selected. Terms and Conditions for HRP Loans: 1. The maximum interest rate shall be five percent (5%) simple interest; the minimum rate shall be zero percent (0%). (Interest rates are determined by the needs of the project and/or term of affordability of the units.) 2. The term of the loan shall be no more than thirty(30)years for private for-profit landlords, and forty (40) years for non-profit corporations. 3. The borrower shall meet all HOME program conditions including, but not limited to, affordability and occupancy. Loan Assumption: HRP Owner-Investor Loans may be assumed by a new owner(s) conditioned upon the Housing Loan Committee's determination that the new applicant meets the General Eligibility Requirements and accepts all obligations associated with the loan. City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 13 Public Assistance and Public Benefit: The Housing Loan Committee is authorized to approve project funding requests which include greater public assistance in exchange for an increased public benefit. Increased public assistance may include (1)a waiver of all or a portion of the owner's project cash contribution to the project; (2) extension of the loan term up to forty (40) years; (3) deferral of payments up to fifteen (15) years; or (4) waiver of the loan-to-value ratio requirement. An increased public benefit may include(1)greater affordability periods than those minimums specified in HOME program regulations; (2) lower rent levels for HOME-eligible units than those minimums specified in HOME program regulations; and (3) increased quality and/or a proposal which complements other City priorities. A financial analysis for each prospective project shall be required to demonstrate the need for greater public assistance. Specific written findings shall be incorporated into the case file to document both the subsidy and benefit(s) of the proposed project. The purpose of this Policy is to offerthe Housing Loan Committee greater flexibility and responsiveness to unique housing opportunities that become available within the Redding community. B. DEFERRED-PAYMENT REHABILITATION LOANS FOR NON-PROFIT CORPORATIONS: Purpose: The purpose of a Rehabilitation Loan to a Non-Profit Corporation is to assist with the cost of the rehabilitation of residential units to be occupied at an affordable rate by lower- income households on a transitional or permanent basis. Eligibility: In order to qualify for a Rehabilitation Loan, the applicant must be a registered, State of California non-profit corporation which owns or is buying residential units for the purpose of establishing a transitional housing facility or for renting as permanent residential units. All residents of the transitional housing facility units or permanent residential units assisted under this program must meet HUD lower-income requirements, as stated in Section 3, of this Policy under Income, Housing Expense and Long-Term Debt, Number 1. Rents: It is intended that the rents charged plus any required utility payments shall not exceed thirty percent(30%)of the gross monthly income of the resident household . This rent affordability may be accomplished through enforcement of a rent limitation agreement using area-wide rent levels associated with the HOME Program or on an individual tenant certification basis. Amount: Loan amounts for non-profits shall not exceed: (1)the actual (and approved) cost of repairs and improvements; or (2) those maximum amounts detailed under Section 221(d)(3)of the National Housing Act as most recently published by HUD, whichever is less. (Published Year 2002) 0 Bedroom (Studio) $73,632 1 Bedroom $84,404 2 Bedroom $102,635 3 Bedroom $132,744 4 Bedroom $145,745 The maximum number of assisted units per project will be determined according to project need and availability of funds. City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 14 Loan-to-Value Ratio: • The loan-to-value ratio of a rental project having fewer than 12 units shall not exceed ninety percent (90%), based on the post-rehabilitation value. • The loan-to-value ratio of a rental project having 12 or more units shall not exceed eighty percent (80%), based on the post-rehabilitation value. Terms and Conditions for Non-Profit Corporation Loans: 1. The loan shall be for a term not to exceed forty (40) years and shall bear simple interest at the rate of a minimum of zero percent (0%) per year, and a maximum of five percent (5%) per year. The interest rate shall be determined by the needs of the project and/or term of affordability of the units. 2. Repayment of the loan by the non-profit corporation shall be based upon a revenue analysis (including a cash flow analysis) for the purpose of establishing a payment schedule. Upon validation and approval of the revenue analysis by the City, terms of the loan shall be established, and may include the following: a. Both principal and interest payments deferred; b. Annual payment of accrued interest required; c. Remaining loan balance plus accrued interest, if any, to be amortized, with monthly payments of principal plus interest required; d. Payment of residual receipts or surplus cash remaining after payment of all reasonable expenses necessary to operate and maintain the project in habitable condition, including debt service, taxes, fire insurance, and replacement reserves. Preparation of a revenue analysis by a certified public accountant may be required by the City to confirm the non-profit's ability to make residual receipts payments. 3. The entire amount of a Rehabilitation Loan under this section shall become due and payable if the borrower sells the property, transfers title, or changes the use of the property. 4. The deed of trust securing the rehabilitation loan under this section shall be recorded in the first or primary position on the subject property. A subordinate position is acceptable only if sufficient equity exists above the balances owed on all trust deeds superior to the City loan to cover the full amount of the City loan with ten percent (10%) equity unencumbered. SECTION 6 - ELIGIBLE COSTS A. Code and Rehabilitation Requirements: A rehabilitation loan shall be made to cover the cost of rehabilitation necessary to make the dwelling conform to Property Rehabilitation Standards detailed in the City of Redding's Housing Division Policy and Procedures Manual. The loan shall correct hazards to health and safety, halt deterioration of the structure, and correct incipient code violations. After rehabilitation, the property shall, at a minimum, be a safe and habitable dwelling consistent with the Uniform Housing Code. City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 15 B. Limited Assistance: In special cases where it is not feasible to perform all necessary repairs due to financial limitations of the applicant or overall cost of recommended repairs, the minimum repairs required shall include those repairs necessary to bring the structure into conformance with HUD Section 8 Housing Quality Standards (HQS). In no case shall a limited assistance loan include General Property Improvements (GPI's) unless approved by the Housing Loan Committee. C. Cost Effective Energy Standards: All properties being rehabilitated must meet Cost Effective Energy Standards (as set forth in 24 CFR Part 39). The Cost Effective Energy Standards set forth energy conservation and efficiency standards which must be met, as long as the modifications are financially feasible and do not require work on elements that would not ordinarily become exposed during the rehabilitation. The cost associated with meeting these standards may be included in a rehabilitation loan. D. Historic Preservation Standards: For all properties being rehabilitated, it shall be ascertained whether or not the property is on the State Historic Places Register, National Register of Historic Places, or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. If so, the rehabilitation must be done in accordance with the standards set by the State of California or U.S. Secretary of the Interior, as applicable. The rehabilitation costs associated with meeting these standards may be included in the rehabilitation loan. E. Rehabilitation Objectives: In addition to compliance with code and rehabilitation requirements set forth in the Property Rehabilitation Standards of the City of Redding, certain objectives are encouraged. Objectives are not mandatory provisions, but have been included as desirable General Property Improvements(GPI)to properties. General Property Improvements are eligible loan costs so long as all required improvements are completed,and the GPI's are reasonable and customary for the area and are not considered luxorious. After the property has been rehabilitated to conform with the Property Rehabilitation Standards, additional loan money not to exceed forty percent (40%) of the total loan may be used for the following General Property Improvements: 1. Drain tiling to public streets, alleys, or storm sewers. 2. Landscaping of a similar quality and quantity to the rest of the neighborhood, in order to improve visual quality. 3. A room addition built, altered, or improved in special cases where the absence of such poses a serious hardship for the family. 4. Minor remodeling in order to make a dwelling more functional or attractive. 5. The repair/replacement or new installation of free-standing stove appliances, garbage disposals, refrigerators, and dishwashers, provided compliance with HUD regulations are met. 6. Window coverings, excluding drapery. 7. Upgrading of built-in appliances and fixtures from a medium grade to a higher grade. 8. Upgrading of carpet and linoleum. 9. Kitchen or bathroom remodeling City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 16 10. Patios and patio covers. 11. Installation of ceramic tile counters, floors, or shower stalls(except when replacing in-kind). F. Building Permits and Related Fees: Funds may be provided in the rehabilitation loan to cover costs of building permits and related fees if these are not included in the contractor's fees. G. Certain Related Costs: A rehabilitation loan may include funds to cover certain costs and charges relating to processing the loan application and closing. Accordingly, a rehabilitation loan may provide for the cost of the following: 1. Appraisal. 2. Preliminary title reports. 3. Filing and recording fees. 4. Title insurance. 5. Hazard insurance. 6. Unpaid property taxes. 7. Structural pest control report. 8. Property tax monitoring services. 9. Architectural or design services. Other fees/costs may be necessary to meet General Eligibility Requirements. Outstanding judgments, liens, or property assessments are eligible costs only if the applicant's circumstances demonstrate a significant need and are consistent with program objectives as determined by the Housing Loan Committee. The City will advance funds as necessary for an appraisal and the preliminary title report prior to final approval of the loan application. When the loan is approved,the City shall be reimbursed for these advanced funds from the proceeds of the loan at the time of the loan closing. If the loan is not approved or the application is withdrawn, advances shall be paid by the City. H. Refinancing: A rehabilitation loan may include the refinancing of secured, existing debt on a single-family, owner-occupied unit to rehabilitate the unit, if overall housing costs of the borrower will be reduced to achieve affordability. In order to promote rehabilitation of the property and assure the City's security interest, refinancing may be incorporated into the funding process. A rehabilitation loan may also include the refinancing of secured, existing debt on multi-family projects if refinancing is necessary to permit or continue affordability under 24 CFR Part 92.252. Regardless of the amount of public funds invested, the minimum affordability period shall be 15 years. The following guidelines describe the conditions under which the City will consider refinancing existing debt: 1. Demonstrate that rehabilitation is the primary eligible activity and that a minimum of sixty (60%)percent in rehabilitation costs be accomplished as part of the project, unless otherwise approved by the Housing Loan Committee; 2. Provide a review of management practices to demonstrate that disinvestment in the property has not occurred, that the long term needs of the project can be met and that the feasibility of serving the targeted population over an extended affordability period can be shown; City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 17 3. State whether the new investment is being made to maintain current affordable units, create additional affordable units, or both; 4. Investment of CDBG or HOME funds for refinancing purposes shall be available city-wide with priority given to neighborhoods designated for revitalization; and 5. HOME funds cannot be used to refinance multifamily loans made or insured by any Federal program, including CDBG. At this time only CDBG or HOME program income are eligible resources for refinancing of single- family and multi-family projects. I. New Construction In Lieu of Rehabilitation: Consistent with program regulations and upon Housing Loan Committee approval, HOME funds may be used for the new construction of affordable rental or owner-occupied housing as part of the effort to meet the stated goals and objectives of the Housing Division. J. Lead-Based Paint Abatement: Consistent with program regulations and upon Housing Loan Committee approval, HOME or CDBG funds may be used for lead-based paint evaluation and reduction costs. The form of assistance may include interest-bearing loans, non-interest-bearing loans,interest subsidies,deferred-payment loans,grants,orother forms of assistance determined to be appropriate for the purposes of the program. In cases where the use of grant funds are deemed necessary by the HLC, staff will monitor projects to ensure that the following guidelines are met: a. Grant expenditures shall only cover increased costs attributable to lead-based hazard evaluation and reduction activities; b. The amount of grant funds available shall be limited to $7,500 of the total rehabilitation project cost, unless otherwise approved by the HLC; and c. Allocation of grant funds for lead-based hazard evaluation and reduction activities does not increase the value of the home. SECTION 7-INELIGIBLE COSTS The following costs are not eligible costs for a rehabilitation loan: A. Expansion of the structure or the finishing of unfinished spaces, unless otherwise stated in this text. B. Materials, fixtures, equipment, or landscaping of a type and quality which exceeds adequate service, or that is not customarily used for properties of the same general type. C. Acquisition of land, excluding HOME Rental Program loans. D. Purchase, installation, or repair of furnishings or trade fixtures. E. Small appliances. City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 18 SECTION 8-PROCESSING A LOAN The following offers a brief outline of the steps necessary to process a loan. It is not intended to detail all the mechanics of the process: A. Interview applicant and determine basic eligibility. B. Perform on-site inspection of property. C. Prepare work write-up and cost estimate based on property inspection. D. Obtain credit check, verifications, and appraisal (if needed). E. Obtain Housing Loan Committee or Deputy City Manager approval or denial, as appropriate. F. Prepare all applicable loan documents,perform loan closing,and arrange for disbursement of loan proceeds. G. The loan applicant will be informed in writing if a loan application is denied The applicant may correct or exhibit a valid explanation of these disqualifications and resubmit the application. Upon re-submission,the application will be re-evaluated by the staff and the Housing Loan Committee. SECTION 9-COMPLETING A HOME REHABILITATION Once a loan has been processed and approved, the following activities will take place. Again, this is not intended to detail the process of completing a home rehabilitation, but is only a summary of the steps to be taken. A. Incorporate method of rehabilitation(i.e.,self-help,owner-assigned,owner-contractor,or open City bid) into preparation of contracts. B. Prepare all documents necessary to close the loan. C. Arrange for disbursal of loan money. D. Oversee work in progress and provide regular inspections of work. E. Monitor disbursement of payments. F. Upon completion, file Notice of Completion, make final payments to contractors and suppliers for rehabilitation work. G. After expiration of 35 days, make final payments to contractors and suppliers for rehabilitation work. H. Upon repayment of loan amount,execute documents required to cancel the promissory note and reconvey the deed of trust, and deliver them to the borrower(s)or appropriate agent for recording of the reconveyance. City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 19 SECTION 10-LOAN SECURITY Loan Security: With the exception of Emergency Repair Program Loans, all loans made pursuant to any of the programs described in this Policy shall be evidenced by a written promissory note signed by the borrower, payment of which is secured by a deed of trust in a form approved by the City,which describes the real property and is recorded with the Shasta County Recorder. A subordinate deed of trust is acceptable if sufficient equity exists above the principal balances on any superior trust deeds to fully secure the loan amount. A title insurance policy on the property shall be issued to the City for the full amount of the loan at the time of loan closing. Borrowers shall maintain current payments on all mortgage liens, property taxes, and hazard insurance. The minimum amount of hazard insurance must cover all trust deeds on the property. The City shall monitor annual verification of paid taxes and effective fire insurance. The borrower is to provide verification of both paid property taxes and effective insurance premiums upon the City's request. No Prepayment Penalty: The entire amount of any rehabilitation loan may be repaid early without penalty. Loan Assumption: Except for default activity specified under Section 13 of this Policy, loans to owner- occupants are not assumable; however,the Housing Loan Committee shall have authority to consider and approve such loan assumption once per loan, when an applicant is a member of the original household and can demonstrate a compelling justification for the action. Assumption shall be considered only when the loan risk factor remains consistent with prudent lending practices,and when the applicant: 1. Already has or can easily gain title to the property; 2. Meets program eligibility criteria; 3. Has the ability to be a responsible homeowner; 4. Is able to pay costs of assumption; and 5. Requests assumption of the loan. Loan Subordination: Subordination of a City Rehabilitation Loan may be approved by the Housing Loan Committee if the new first mortgage does not exceed the balance remaining on the original first mortgage, including the costs related to the refinancing; if the equity position of the City loan is not decreased; and if the borrower is not receiving cash out of the transaction. The monthly financial savings must be a substantial amount in order to justify approval. •- If the current market value of the property indicates that there is sufficient equity to pay off the City loan when refinancing a superior loan, and if the borrower's subsequent housing (or operating)expense is not increased beyond program guidelines, then the subordination request shall be denied. Special consideration may be given to families experiencing undue hardship or that have had a drastic change in circumstances which necessitate certain financial adjustments. The Housing Loan Committee may take appropriate action under these circumstances subject to protection of the City's interest. Based on the individual circumstances of any request(for either single-family or multi-family projects), the Housing Loan Committee has the discretion to deviate from policy in approving or denying the subordination keeping in mind that the action is consistent with traditional lending industry standards and protects the City's public investment. City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 20 Reporting to Credit Agency: At the close of loan execution, staff shall submit all pertinent loan information to a credit reporting agency and request that the loan be listed on the borrower's credit record as an outstanding mortgage loan. Upon debt settlement,staff shall submit to the credit agency all pertinent debt settlement information. In the event the City loan is lost through a foreclosure action, staff shall instruct the credit agency to list the loss as a charged off mortgage loan account on the borrower's credit report. SECTION 11 - GENERAL CONDITIONS Civil Rights: Comply with all HUD requirements with respect to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended,to not discriminate upon". . .the basis of race,color, creed,sex or national origin in sale, lease, rental, use or occupancy of the subject property." Equal Employment Opportunity: Must comply with Executive Order 11246 and HUD equal opportunity requirements. Conflict of Interest: No person who is an employee, agent, consultant, officer, or elected (or appointed) official who exercises or has exercised any function or responsibility with respect to City Housing program activities, or who is in a position to participate in a decision-making process or gain inside information with regard to such activities, may obtain a personal or financial interest or benefit from a City Housing activity,or have an interest in any contract,subcontract,or agreement with respect thereto, or the proceeds thereunder, either for themselves or those with whom they have family or business ties, during their tenure or for one year thereafter. Use of Proceeds: Loan proceeds shall be used only to pay for costs of services and materials necessary to carry out the rehabilitation work for which the loan was approved. Disbursement of Funds: Rehabilitation loan funds shall be disbursed in a mannerdefined by the City. Completion of Work: Rehabilitation work will be carried out promptly and efficiently through written contract let with prior concurrence of the City. Inspection: The City or its agent shall inspect the property, the rehabilitation work, and all contract materials, equipment, payroll and conditions of employment pertaining to the work. Water and Sewer Connection: In those cases where water and sewer services are available, and the structure is not connected to those services, a part of the proceeds of the loan must be used to connect to these services. Administrative Authority of Deputy City Manager: The Deputy City Manager, or his designee shall be charged with approving or disapproving funding requests at or below $10,000 through the Homeowner Loan Program which are otherwise in compliance with all applicable criteria listed in this document. Cumulative Loan Limits: No single for-profit borrower may obtain a loan or additional loans which in combination exceed ten percent(10%)of the total assets(loan portfolio and resources on hand)of the Housing Loan Program unless otherwise deemed appropriate by the Housing Loan Committee based on community benefit, and/or special circumstances of the proposed project. City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 21 SECTION 12-RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AND ADVISORY SERVICES Relocation assistance and advisory services shall be provided to individuals orfamilies who must move from their dwelling during the course of rehabilitation under the City of Redding Loan Program or the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. These services shall consist of: 1. Actual moving and storage costs. 2. Actual rent and deposits for temporary replacement housing. 3. Relocation advisory service. All requests for relocation payments shall be reviewed and approved or denied by the Housing Loan Committee at the time the rehabilitation loan or grant is considered by the Committee. Rental projects must be in compliance with regulations of the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. SECTION 13-DEFAULT, FORECLOSURE AND PROPERTY DISPOSITION POLICY A. DEFAULT: If a borrower violates any provision of(1)the loan agreement, (2)the promissory note, (3) the deed of trust, (4) any other agreement pertaining to the loan, or (5) applicable program regulations, the City shall give written notice to the borrower to cure the violation within a period of not less than 30 days from such notice. If the violation is not cured to the satisfaction of the City within the specified time period, the City, at its option, may declare a default under the relevant document and seek legal remedies for the default which include the following: 1. The City may accelerate all amounts due under the prescribed loan, including outstanding principal and interest, and demand immediate repayment. Upon a failure to repay such accelerated amount in full, the City may proceed with foreclosure in accordance with the provision of the deed of trust; 2. The City may seek such other remedies, with the Housing Loan Committee's approval, as may be available under the relevant program regulations and the law. Possible alternatives include the following: Short Sale: When the market value of the property is less than the total indebtedness, the City may consider a short sale. This action involves reduction of the loan payoff amount by the City to facilitate the sale and avoid acquisition of an inventory property. Any discount by the City of its promissory note in order to facilitate a sale may be subject to any junior lien holder of record similarly discounting its promissory note. Loan Assumption: This alternative offers an opportunity to place a program-eligible family in a qualified property to avoid foreclosure. The borrower(s) can maintain their credit rating and the City's loan remains secure. Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure: This action is available when the City is in first position and allows the borrower to deed the property to the lender to avoid foreclosure. Although first lenders do not usually accept a Deed-in-lieu of Foreclosure if a second Deed of Trust exists, a second lender could accept a Deed-in-lieu of Foreclosure. A title search must be completed on the property to determine if any junior liens or judgments exist. It must be determined also if the first lender has a "due upon sale" clause in their Deed of Trust. City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 22 Discount Note Sale: This action offers the lender a method for selling a note on the open market to recover a portion of their original investment. B. FORECLOSURE: The purpose of this Policy is to state the City's position regarding protection of housing rehabilitation loan investments in relation to delinquencies, default, foreclosure proceedings by a senior lienholder and ultimate disposition of properties acquired through a trustee's sale. 1. Staff shall monitor all loan terms, conditions and agreements for compliance with rent restrictions, program funding requirements, occupancy monitoring, and other mandated criteria. If loans are not in compliance, they are in a technical default and staff is authorized to initiate foreclosure proceedings against the property with the Housing Loan Committee's approval and in accordance with the laws governing such transactions. 2. Staff is directed to aggressively pursue collection proceedings on any loans which become delinquent. Staff is further directed to counsel and/or renegotiate loan terms with the borrower(s), based on family hardship or drastic changes in circumstances which necessitate certain financial adjustments. If the borrower is unsuccessful at meeting the obligations associated with the newly-renegotiated repayment terms and the delinquent loan is not brought current, staff is authorized to initiate foreclosure proceedings against the property in accordance with the laws governing such transactions. If such default is not cured within the statutory time, staff shall schedule a trustee's sale. 3. If a default is not cured and the City is faced with an investment loss, the trustee's sale may proceed. A public auction shall be held with an opening bid established by staff after consultation with the Housing Loan Committee. The property shall be sold to the highest bidder. If there are no bids, ownership of the property will pass to the City. 4. If a senior lienholder files a Notice of Default on a property with a subordinate City loan, staff may consider reinstating the senior lien to forestall a foreclosure action by the senior lienholder. This action shall only be initiated when it is determined to be in the City's best interest and upon Housing Loan Committee approval. In such cases, the City may subsequently record a Notice of Default against the property on its behalf, and pursue foreclosure. If staff determines it is in the City's best interest to let the senior lienholder's foreclosure proceed, staff shall then determine whether the City should bid at the trustee's sale to protect the City's investment or let the trustee's sale proceed without City participation. Staff shall bid at the trustee's sale only upon the Housing Loan Committee's direction and approval of a pre-established amount. C. PROPERTY DISPOSITION: When a property is acquired as authorized above, staff shall consider if it is advisable to transfer the property to Housing Authority ownership as an affordable housing resource, or to transfer ownership to a local, non-profit housing organization with restrictions that would achieve an affordable housing objective. If staff determines that it is not practical to utilize the property as an affordable housing resource, the following procedures shall be initiated to sell the acquired property. 1. As deemed appropriate by the Housing Loan Committee, an appraisal by a qualified professional appraiser will be ordered. The property will be aggressively marketed for sale as soon as possible using any combination of the following methods: • Interested parties who have previously contacted or worked with the City regarding acquisitions will be notified. City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 23 • A "For Sale by City of Redding " sign will be placed on the property. • An advertisement for sale will be placed in the local newspaper. • The property will be listed on the Internet or with the local Multiple Listing Service, or both. 2. All property shall be offered for sale on an "as is" basis as permitted by State law. Staff may accept an offer to purchase or it may reject all bids, subject to approval of the Housing Loan Committee. 3. If a senior lienholder files a Notice of Default on a mobile home which has a subordinate City Housing loan, or if a mobile home park owner places a lien against a mobile home encumbered by a City Housing loan, staff shall analyze the potential loss to the City and determine whether to bid or not to bid at the senior lienholder's trustee's sale or the mobile home park owner's auction. Staffs decision to bid or not to bid shall be based upon the feasibility of recouping the City's loss through acquisition and resale of the mobile home and upon the Housing Loan Committee's approval. In the event of the death of a mobile home loan borrower or any other circumstance that jeopardizes the City's loan, staff may discount the City loan or forgive the loan in its entirety, based on the value of the mobile home and the specific circumstances. SECTION 14-CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE STANDARDS A. STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE: A Housing Division contractor may be subject to corrective action up to and including removal from the Contractor List and prohibition from participation in City programs for any one or a combination of the following: 1. Failure to attend meetings or training required by the Housing Division; 2. Failure to follow General and Supplemental Specifications; 3. Failure to follow generally acceptable construction work site safety practices; 4. Poor workmanship on any single project,as determined by the assigned Housing Specialist; 5. Documented poor working relationship with a single homeowner or a pattern with multiple owners, as determined by the assigned Housing Specialist; 6. Failure to respond to an invitation to bid on at least one owner/occupied project within a one- year period; 7. Documented poor working relationship with any one of the Housing Specialists as determined by the Housing Program Supervisor; 8. Failure to pay application or renewal fees which may be required by the City; 9. Lapse of insurance and/or contractor's license; City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 24 10. Physical or verbal threats made to clients or staff; 11. Failure to make timely payments to sub-contractors and/or material suppliers, resulting in liens against an owner's property. B. CORRECTIVE ACTION PROCESS: 1. As the assigned Housing Specialist becomes aware of projects or circumstances with a homeowner, contractor and/or the work itself which fit the criteria for corrective action, the assigned Housing Specialist shall document the file and alert the contractor both verbally and in writing of the specific nature of the issue. The contractor shall be given the opportunity to correct the issue without prejudice. If the issue is not appropriately resolved within the time frame established by the assigned Housing Specialist, a recommendation for formal corrective action shall be proposed to the Housing Program Supervisor. 2. The Housing Program Supervisor shall meet with the contractor and the assigned Housing Specialist to review the issue(s) and the proposed course of action. The contractor will be notified in writing of the decision and of the appeal process. Possible corrective action may include, but is not limited to: probationary status; limited participation in the program; suspension for a limited period of time; and, removal from the Contractor List and participation in the program for one year. All corrective action is intended to provide the contractor with the opportunity to correct deficiencies and re-establish good standing with the program. 3. Written appeals must be forwarded to the Deputy City Manager, or his designee within fifteen (15) days receipt of the action. The Deputy City Manager, or his designee shall investigate the appeal and render a decision in writing within thirty (30) days from receipt. The decision of the Deputy City Manager, or his designee shall be final. 4. A contractor barred from participating in the program may reapply to the program after a one- year period from the date of final decision. Reinstatement is not automatic. If reinstatement is not approved by the City Housing Division,the contractor has the right to appeal the action. Any appeal must be forwarded to the Deputy City Manager,or his designee within fifteen(15) days receipt of the action. The Deputy City Manager, or his designee shall investigate the appeal and render a decision in writing within thirty (30) days from receipt. The decision of the Deputy City Manager, or his designee shall be final. H:1HCD\Policies&Procedures\LoanPolicy.2001 City of Redding Housing Rehabilitation Loan Policy 25 CITY CLERK CITY OF REDDING EMERGENCY REPAIR PROGRAM POLICY Prepared by: Office of the City Manager Housing Division Adopted by Resolution No. 96-94 Effective May 7, 1996 Amended October 3, 2000 EMERGENCY REPAIR PROGRAM (ERP) TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE 1 . INTRODUCTION 1 2. DEFINITIONS 2 3. OVERVIEW OF LOAN/GRANT PROGRAM 4 4. GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 4 5. DESCRIPTION OF LOAN PROGRAMS 6 6. ELIGIBLE REPAIRS 8 7. INELIGIBLE REPAIRS 9 8. PROCEDURES Financial Process 10 Rehabilitation Process 12 SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION As the community continues to grow, it is important to recognize the increased use of mobile homes as principal residences for low-income households. There are over 2,241 mobile homes in the City of Redding (1990 census). Of these, 75% to 85% are older, and half are occupied by very-low-income persons, many of whom are elderly. Most of the older units fail to meet minimum health and safety standards. Conventional loans for financing necessary repairs of mobile homes are cost-prohibitive for individuals or households having low or fixed incomes. Local housing programs have proven unable to provide adequate financial assistance for mobile home repair needs because of difficulties in securing notes against the property, or insufficient equity. Because mobile homes are a part of the permanent housing stock and those occupying them are among the most needy, they should be included in the overall effort to provide decent, affordable housing. Equally important, are the low-income homeowners who reside in conventional housing which requires completion of immediate health and/or safety repairs, or handicapped accessibility improvements. These are eligible individuals and families whose needs are not being met because provision of a conventional loan is neither not feasible nor cost-effective. The Emergency Repair Program (ERP) has been designed to provide affordable loans to low- income owners of both mobile homes and conventional homes in the City of Redding, who are otherwise unable to obtain funding resources. It has also been developed to specifically assist disabled tenants to improve their rental units to meet their physical needs. The loan portion of the program offers to eligible households an unsecured three percent interest (3%) loan, up to a maximum of $2,500.00, on a one-time basis to eliminate basic health and safety problems, and/or make necessary handicapped accessibility improvements. Low-income, eligible tenants of rental units that need handicapped accessibility improvements, only, also may apply for assistance under the Emergency Repair Program. Tenant-based improvements may only be accomplished with approval from the respective landlord who would receive grant monies up to $2,500 for the modification work in exchange for executing a five-year participation agreement. The grant is offered as an incentive to install handicapped accessibility improvements for the original tenant applicant, and then be available to future disabled tenants for at least the remaining five years. In those cases where it is determined that an emergency or serious health and/or safety hazard exists, the City reserves the right to deviate from general eligibility requirements, or consider accepting a previous borrower's further request for assistance. The funding for this program will be provided by the Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. This program is meant as a vehicle to serve a specific at-risk population, largely comprised of the elderly and disabled, who need repairs to eliminate basic health and safety problems. It seeks to improve and streamline the City's involvement with minor emergency repairs by minimizing the investment risk and providing a preferable administrative cost-to-benefit ratio for the smaller repair loan without excess title work and loan monitoring. It is recognized that some loans will not be repaid; however, this is offset by the realization that from inception of the City's community development housing programs, there have always been some funds provided for rehabilitation/repair that were in the form of grants. The City of Redding shall utilize Housing Rehabilitation staff to manage and carry out day-to- day functions of the loan program. It should be recognized that it may be necessary to make adjustments to the program as experience dictates. City of Redding Emergency Repair (ERP) Program Policy Page 1 SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS The following definitions shall apply to this document unless another meaning is clearly apparent from the context: ADJUSTED GROSS ANNUAL INCOME shall mean the applicant's gross income less allowable exclusions. APPLICANT shall mean the person requesting assistance through any of the Housing Programs. ASSETS shall mean the entire property of all sorts belonging to an applicant. BORROWER shall mean the recipient of a loan assistance through any of the Housing Programs. BUILDING PERMIT shall mean a document issued by the City's Building Department allowing completion of specific types of construction work. CDBG shall mean the Community Development Block Grant Program as set forth in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. CITY shall mean the City of Redding, California, Office of the City Manager, Housing Division. CITY COUNCIL shall mean the City Council of the City of Redding. CODE VIOLATIONS shall mean infractions against the applicable codes contained in the Property Rehabilitation Standards. This includes the Housing Code, City of Redding ordinances, and the various uniform building codes adopted by the City. DEFERRED PAYMENT LOAN shall mean a loan which is not retired on an installment basis. DEPENDANT shall mean a member of the family (except foster children and foster adults) who is not the family head or spouse, but is under 18 years of age, or is a person with a disability, or is a full-time student (as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). DISABLED shall mean incapacitated by illness or injury that substantially limits activity, according to criteria established by the Social Security Administration or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. EMERGENCY REPAIRS shall address those conditions which pose a serious and immediate health and/or safety threat to the inhabitants of a dwelling. These conditions shall include either hazardous wiring, plumbing, mechanical, structural or sanitation problems as detailed in Chapter 10 of the current Uniform Housing Code. EQUITY shall mean the value of a property in excess of claims or liens against it. FAMILY shall mean all individuals who reside in a dwelling unit related by blood, marriage, or kinship. City of Redding Emergency Repair (ERP) Program Policy Page 2 GENERAL PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS (GPI's) shall mean improvements other than code violations, incipient code violations, and required items which are eligible for program assistance. HOUSEHOLD shall mean all individuals who reside in a dwelling unit regardless of family ties. HOUSEHOLD INCOME shall mean adjusted gross income of all persons residing in a dwelling unit, whether or not they are related by family ties. HOUSING EXPENSES shall mean the total of principal and interest payments on all mortgages, hazard insurance premium payments, mortgage insurance premium payments required by the lender, property taxes, and special assessments. HOUSING LOAN COMMITTEE (HLC) shall mean a committee consisting of three members of the City of Redding staff, derived from the following positions: the Assistant City Manager, the Deputy City Manager or his designee, the City Attorney or his designee, the Development Services Director or his designee and the Finance Officer or his designee. The Housing Loan Committee shall be charged with approving or denying loan or grant applications consistent with the policies of the City of Redding or the Redding Redevelopment Agency. HOUSING QUALITY STANDARDS shall mean those HUD regulations set forth in the HUD Section 8 Rental Assistance Program which details a basic level of acceptable housing. INCOME/HOUSING EXPENSES RATIO shall mean the ratio of the total adjusted gross income of all household members to housing expenses. INTEREST shall mean a charge for borrowed money that is repaid along with the amount of the loan. LIEN shall mean an encumbrance which uses property to secure payment of a debt or discharge of an obligation. Example: judgments, taxes, mortgages, deeds of trust. LOW INCOME shall mean an incomes that does not exceed eighty percent (80%) of the Redding area-wide median income as established by the latest published guidelines from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). MOBILE HOME shall mean a transportable dwelling that is not self-contained, and that is used as a permanent residence, is connected to utilities, with or without a permanent foundation. MORTGAGE shall mean an instrument recognized by law by which property is hypothecated to secure the payment of a debt or obligation; procedure for foreclosure in event of default, is established by statute. OWNER-OCCUPANT shall mean an individual or family who occupies and owns, or who is buying a unit of residential property and will occupy such residence. PROMISSORY NOTE shall mean a written promise to pay or repay a specified sum of money at a stated time or on demand. City of Redding Emergency Repair (ERP) Program Policy Page 3 REHABILITATION COST shall mean the total cost of repairs and improvements, and other costs for rehabilitation of the property to be incurred by the applicant, that are eligible for inclusion in a rehabilitation loan or grant. UTILITIES shall mean gas, electricity, water, sewage disposal and refuse collection. VERY-LOW INCOME shall mean those incomes which do not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the Redding area-wide median income, as established by the latest published guidelines from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). SECTION 3 - OVERVIEW OF LOAN/GRANT PROGRAM The Emergency Repair Program (ERP) shall consist of three types of assistance: A Deferred-Payment Loan for Elderly and Disabled: A loan for eligible homeowners over 60 years of age or disabled, that requires no monthly payments and is due only upon sale of the home, transfer of title, rental of the home, when the borrower no longer maintains the home as the principal place of residence, or when the borrower is able to repay. A 15-Year Deferred Payment Loan: A loan for eligible borrowers, as established in Section 4 of this document, that requires no monthly repayment, but one that is due upon sale of the home, transfer of title, rental of the home, when the borrower no longer maintains the home as the principal place of residence, or at the end of 15 years if the borrower is able to repay. Grant Assistance to Owners of Rental Housing Units: This grant is intended to assist disabled tenants in improving their rental unit to meet the physical needs of both the current occupant and future occupants. SECTION 4 - GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS A. Location: Rehabilitation loans or grants will be made only in neighborhoods within Redding city limits, and which are designated as Residential on the Redding General Plan. B. Borrowers/Grantees: To be eligible for a rehabilitation loan or grant, the applicant must be an owner-occupant of the home to be repaired, or a landlord whose tenant needs only handicapped accessibility improvements. C. Income/Housing Expenses: The applicant, or targeted tenant must meet both of the following conditions: 1 . Household adjusted annual gross income shall be at or below the eighty percent (80%) area-wide median income level as detailed in the guidelines most recently published by the U. S. Department of Housing and Community Development. 2. The applicant's ratio of monthly housing expense to adjusted gross monthly income shall be not more than twenty-eight percent (28%), except for those applicants that qualify for deferred-payment loans for the elderly/disabled, or tenants receiving grant assistance for handicapped accessibility improvements. City of Redding Emergency Repair (ERP) Program Policy Page 4 D. Determination of Adjusted Gross Income: In calculating adjusted gross income, all of the income of the household (including all adults residing in the unit), whether received in cash or in kind shall be considered, except for the following specific exclusions which are consistent with the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program: 1 . Earned income from a minor child under the age of 18. 2. Any amount above $480 of annual earned income for a full-time student who is 18 years of age or older. 3. Foster care payments. 4. One-time, lump-sum additions to family assets such as inheritances, insurance payments (including payments under health and accident insurance and worker's compensation), capital gains, and settlement for personal or property losses. 5. Casual, sporadic, or irregular donations from friends or family. 6. Amounts that are specifically for, or in reimbursement of, the cost of medical expenses that do not result in new income to the applicant. 7. Annual amounts paid for alimony or child support that are received only sporadically, provided that the applicant certifies: a. the payments are not received regularly; and b. all reasonable legal actions have been taken to collect such payments. 8. Amounts of educational scholarships paid directly to the student or the educational institution. 9. Payments under the G.I. Bill 10. Relocation payments made pursuant to Title II of the Federal Uniform Relocation and Real Property Assistance Policies Act of 1970. E. Use: An Emergency Repair Program rehabilitation loan shall be used only for repairs related to health and/or safety, or necessary handicapped accessibility improvements. F. Housing Expense: To determine the ratio set forth in Paragraph C2 in this section, the following expenses shall be included in housing expense: 1 . Mortgage payments, including principal and interest. 2. Rent, where applicable (including mobile home space rent). 3. Mortgage insurance premiums. 4. Service charges. 5. Hazard insurance premiums. 6. Property taxes and special assessments. 7. Maintenance and repairs. 8. Utilities. G. Credit: A rehabilitation loan will be approved only if the applicant's credit record does not show substantial disregard for former or existing obligations. Analysis of the borrower's credit record may include consideration of special circumstances such as health trauma, divorce, burial obligations, etc. City of Redding Emergency Repair (ERP) Program Policy Page 5 I. Assets: In order to qualify for a rehabilitation loan, the applicant must be unable to accomplish rehabilitation through conventional financing or use of his or her own assets as determined by the Housing Loan Committee. Evaluation of assets shall focus on the borrower's specific circumstances including both present and future medical/physical needs, earning capacity and family conditions. SECTION 5 - DESCRIPTION OF LOAN/GRANT PROGRAMS A. DEFERRED-PAYMENT EMERGENCY REPAIR PROGRAM (ERP) LOAN 1. Purpose. The purpose of a deferred-payment Emergency Repair Program (ERP) Loan is to pay the costs of minimum health and/or safety housing repairs for eligible, low- income homeowners, particularly the elderly or disabled, without increasing current monthly housing expenses. 2. Amount. The amount of an Emergency Repair Program Loan shall not exceed the actual and approved cost of all necessary repairs up to a maximum of $2,500.00. However, the City Housing Division is authorized to expend up to $4,000 for serious and compelling reasons with Housing Loan Committee approval. No funds will be paid for improvements that are made prior to approval of an application for such grant funding. 3. Repayment. If not repaid earlier, the loan shall become due and payable upon sale or transfer of the property, the death of the owner(s), or when the property is no longer the owner(s)'s principal place of residence, whichever first occurs. All interest earnings shall become forgiven upon repayment of the full principal loan balance when received on time. Interest earnings shall not be forgiven on delinquent loans which do not meet City payoff demand conditions. 4. Terms and Conditions: a. The entire amount of an Emergency Repair Program Loan shall be conveyed by a statement of understanding and an unsecured promissory note. b. The borrower shall have hazard insurance at the time of signing loan documents, and will agree to maintain it. The borrower shall provide evidence that property taxes are current; or for mobile homes, that registration is current. c. An Emergency Repair Program Loan shall bear interest at the rate of three percent (3%) interest per year. d. Loan amounts shall be used towards the cost of rehabilitation of the home as it relates to handicapped accessibility improvements and Housing Quality Standards (HQS) detailed in Section 4 of this document. B. 15-YEAR EMERGENCY REPAIR PROGRAM (ERP) LOAN 1. Purpose. The purpose of an Emergency Repair Program (ERP) Loan is to pay the costs of minimum health and/or safety housing repairs for those homeowners whose income is so low as to prohibit a monthly payment. City of Redding Emergency Repair (ERP) Program Policy Page 6 2. Amount. The amount of an Emergency Repair Program Loan shall not exceed the actual and approved cost of all necessary repairs up to a maximum of $2,500.00. However, the City Housing Division is authorized to expend up to $4,000 for serious and compelling reasons with Housing Loan Committee approval. No funds will be paid for improvements that are made prior to approval of an application for such grant funding. 3. Repayment. If not repaid earlier, the loan shall become due and payable upon sale or transfer of the property, the death of the owner(s), when the property is no longer the owner(s)'s principal place of residence, or at the end of 15 years, whichever first occurs. All interest earnings shall become forgiven upon repayment of the full principal loan balance when received on time. Interest earnings shall not be forgiven on delinquent loans which do not meet City payoff demand conditions. 4. Terms and Conditions: a. The entire amount of an Emergency Repair Program Loan shall be conveyed by a statement of understanding and an unsecured promissory note. b. The borrower shall have hazard insurance at the time of signing loan documents, and will agree to maintain it. The borrower shall provide evidence that property taxes are current; or for mobile homes, that registration is current. c. An Emergency Repair Program Loan shall bear interest at the rate of three percent (3%) interest per year. d. Loan amounts shall be used towards the cost of rehabilitation of the home as it relates to handicapped accessibility improvements and Housing Quality Standards (HQS) detailed in Section 6. C. GRANT ASSISTANCE TO OWNERS OF RENTAL HOUSING UNITS: 1. Purpose. The purpose is to establish a procedure and policy for the allocation of grants to owners of rental housing units to assist eligible disabled tenants meet their physical needs, as well as providing handicapped accessibility improvements to subsequent disabled occupants. 2. Amount. The maximum amount to be expended for modification of each rental housing unit shall be $2,500. However, the City Housing Division is authorized to expend up to $4,000 for serious and compelling reasons with Housing Loan Committee approval. No funds will be paid for improvements that are made prior to approval of an application for such grant funding. No funds will be paid for improvements of a substandard unit until the owner brings the property up to the standards of the Uniform Housing Code. 3. Terms and Conditions: a. The tenant must have a permanent disability that justifies the proposed improvements. City of Redding Emergency Repair (ERP) Program Policy Page 7 b. The owner (or authorized agent) of the property must make a good faith and diligent effort to rent the unit to persons with a disability for a minimum of five years. In the event the initial tenant vacates the premises and the owner does not attempt to market the unit to a person with a disability, he/she shall be ineligible for future assistance through the program. c. The initial tenant with a disability must meet applicable General Eligibility Requirements as detailed in Section 4 of this document.. d. Grant amounts shall be used towards the cost of rehabilitation of the home as it relates to handicapped accessibility improvements and Housing Quality Standards (HQS) detailed in Section 6 of this document. SECTION 6 - ELIGIBLE REPAIRS The following repairs are eligible costs for a rehabilitation loan under the Emergency Repair Program. 1. Leaky Roofs. 2. Damaged or Deteriorated Windows. 3. Plumbing. 4. Peeling Paint on Exterior and Interior Surfaces. 5. Electrical Hazards. Examples of electrical hazards include: Broken or frayed electrical wiring; bare wires not covered by rubber or plastic insulation; loose or improper wire connections to outlets; light fixtures hanging from electric wire with no other firm support; missing or cracked cover plates on switches or outlets; exposed fuse box connections; overloaded circuits evidenced by frequently "blown" fuses. Any rubber-coated or plastic- coated electrical wiring (romex) in a room or on the exterior that is subject to possible physical abuse or wear. 6. Security. This may include installation of operable locks or security devices on exterior windows and doors. 7. Defective Stove, Range, or Refrigerator. 8. Water Heater in Need of Temperature-Pressure Relief (Pop-Off) Valve and Discharge Line. 9. Damaged or Deteriorated Flooring. 10. Weatherization/Energy Conservation. This may include improvements to exterior doors, air conditioning and cooler-vent openings, walls, floors and ceilings, to ensure weather- tight conditions. Any cracks, holes, gaps, or openings that allow air or moisture infiltration into a living space may be addressed. City of Redding Emergency Repair (ERP) Program Policy Page 8 11. Unsafe Handrails, Stairs and Porches. 12. Substandard Heating/Cooling. 13. Adaptable Housing Repairs. Adaptable housing repairs (such as grab bars, modified counters, doorways, ramps, fixtures and facilities) may be eligible modifications for handicapped or disabled home occupants. 14. Lead-Based Paint Abatement: Consistent with program regulations and upon Housing Loan Committee approval, HOME or CDBG funds may be used for lead-based paint evaluation and reduction costs. The form of assistance may include interest-bearing loans, non-interest-bearing loans, interest subsidies, deferred-payment loans, grants, or other forms of assistance determined to be appropriate for the purposes of the program. In cases where the use of grant funds are deemed necessary by the HLC, staff will monitor projects to ensure that the following guidelines are met: a. Grant expenditures shall only cover increased costs attributable to lead-based hazard evaluation and reduction activities; b. The amount of grant funds available shall be limited to $7,500 of the total rehabilitation project cost, unless otherwise approved by the HLC; and c. Allocation of grant funds for lead-based hazard evaluation and reduction activities does not increase the value of the home. SECTION 7 - INELIGIBLE REPAIRS The following repairs are not eligible costs for rehabilitation work under the Emergency Repair Program. 1 . New construction, substantial reconstruction, expansion of the structure, or the finishing of unfinished spaces unless otherwise stated in this policy. 2. Materials, fixtures, equipment or landscaping of a type and quality which exceeds adequate service or that is not customarily used for properties of the same general type. 3. Refinancing the existing debt on property or delinquent property taxes. 4. A rehabilitation loan shall not be used to finance or obtain any of the following items: - Barbecue pit - Bathhouse - Burglar alarm - Fire extinguisher - Greenhouse - Hot tub/spa - Kennel - Photo mural - Swimming pool - Television antenna - Tennis court - Valance or cornice board 5. Other "luxury" items. City of Redding Emergency Repair (ERP) Program Policy Page 9 • SECTION 8 - PROCEDURES FINANCIAL PROCESS Process Procedures Initial Contact: Advise applicant of general objectives and benefits of the program. Obtain information from applicant (Use Initial Telephone Survey, Form No. ERP.1). - Live in city limits? - Live in residential zoning? - Owner-occupied? - Applicant's income. - Any assets that would disqualify applicant? - Elderly or disabled? If yes, applicant may need adaptable housing products or aids. - Who is owner of record? Application: Assist owner in completing all necessary forms. - City of Redding ERP Loan Application, Form No. ERP.2. - Copy of current mobile home registration. - Copy of most recent property tax statement. - Medical verification of need (as required). - Verification of SSI-SDI. Request Initial Inspection Deficiency List With Cost Estimate: Request inspection by assigned Housing Specialist (SEE Rehabilitation Procedures Section) when all verifications return and all applicant forms are completed. Assemble Loan File: Assemble loan file and evaluate for completeness. - Completed applications. - Current mobile home registration. - Credit report. - Property tax statement. - Income verification of SSI-SSP (or other). - Deficiency List and Cost Estimate. - Assign project loan number Request Contract and Bid: Request contract and bid from homeowner or landlord. (Owner to have solicited bid from contractor of his/her choice.) (SEE Rehabilitation Process Section) City of Redding Emergency Repair (ERP) Program Policy Page 10 Housing Loan Committee Review and Approval: Submit loan package and photo of home to Housing Program Supervisor for review and approval by the Deputy City Manager, or the Housing Loan Committee when applicable. - Assigned Housing Specialist will prepare Loan Narrative for the Deputy City Manager or the Housing Loan Committee. Assemble Loan Documents: Assemble and prepare loan documents. This includes the following: - Statement of Understanding - Promissory Note - Loan Disclosure Statement - Memo to Finance Department - Terms and Conditions Loan/Grant Settlement: Arrange appointment for all signatory parties to sign loan/grant documents and review construction procedures. - Review all loan/grant documents with applicant(s). - Obtain signatures of applicant(s) for all appropriate forms with notarization as required. - Provide applicant with copy of all documents. - Indicate to applicant that funding is secured for the rehabilitation work and that he/she may now sign an agreement with the contractor and commence work. - Indicate to applicant that it is the responsibility of the contractor to facilitate and complete the permit process with the State HCD Office (Housing and Community Development, Codes and Standards, Registration and Titling, 2986 Bechelli Lane, Suite 201 , Redding, California 96002, (530) 224-4815) or City of Redding Building Division, as necessary. Memo to Finance: (SEE Appendix for Instructions for Memo to Finance Department) Work Underway: (SEE Rehabilitation Procedures Section) Construction Contract: The construction contract is the responsibility of the contractor and shall be provided and explained to the homeowner or landlord prior to submission to the Deputy City Manager or the Housing Loan Committee. City of Redding Emergency Repair (ERP) Program Policy Page 11 , • Completion of Construction: (SEE Rehabilitation Procedures Section) Disbursement of Funds: Upon acceptance of the completed work by the homeowner or landlord, City staff may release the check for the approved loan amount to the contractor. Notice of Completion: It shall be the responsibility of the homeowner or landlord to complete and record a notice of completion with the Shasta County Recorder if he/she desires to obtain verification of material supplier or subcontractor payments by the general contractor. Final Approval by the State HCD Office When Applicable: On those rehabilitation projects requiring a permit with the State Housing and Community Development Department, it is the responsibility of the contractor to obtain final approval for the completed work. Completing the File: Upon disbursal of all funds, the Housing Staff shall complete all necessary documents to close out the file. Final Letter to Borrower: Send letter with statement of disposition of funds, notifying applicant of completion date and call-back procedures. REHABILITATION PROCESS Process Procedures Receive Request for Initial Inspection: Upon receiving a request for property inspection from the assigned Housing Specialist, set up owner file: - Attach file checklist. - Obtain copy of Assessor's Parcel Map (confirm location of property within city limits). Arrange Appointment for Initial Inspection: Make appointment with owner to inspect property. Initial Inspection: Explain Emergency Repair Program and process. Conduct inspection of property utilizing Section 8 Dwelling Unit Inspection Report to record deficiencies. Deficiency List and Cost Estimate: Finish deficiency list and cost estimate for applicant complete with letter of explanation. - Give copy of deficiency list and cost estimate to assigned Housing Specialist. City of Redding Emergency Repair (ERP) Program Policy Page 12 - Send letter of explanation to applicant. Review Deficiency List with Owner: Review repair items and any significant problems concerning the project. - Review bid process with applicant and present him/her with Contractor's List if requested. - Note: Applicant is responsible for securing bid from licensed contractor to perform the work. Applicant is also responsible for communicating the Emergency Repair Program process to the contractor (explanation sheet will be provided). Loan/Grant Approval Process: Put rehabilitation file in order while awaiting approval by the Loan Committee. Complete Historic and Architectural Assessment Form. Loan/Grant Settlement: Upon signing the loan/grant documents, the applicant is now ready to sign the construction contract with the contractor. Work may now commence. Work Underway: Borrower/contractor responsibility. Completion of Construction: Borrower/contractor responsibility. Final Approval by the State HCD Office When Applicable: Borrower/contractor responsibility. Final approval by the City of Redding Building Division: Borrower/contractor responsibility. Final Inspection by the Housing Division: Borrower shall contact the Housing Division for final inspection. H:\HCD\Policies & Procedures\ERP.Policy.2002.wpd City of Redding Emergency Repair (ERP) Program Policy Page 13