97-13730. HOME Investment Partnerships Program: Technical Amendment to Final Rule  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 102 (Wednesday, May 28, 1997)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 28926-28930]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-13730]
    
    
    
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    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    Part II
    
    
    
    
    
    Department of Housing and Urban Development
    
    
    
    
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    
    
    24 CFR Part 92
    
    
    
    HOME Investment Partnerships Program: Technical Amendment to Final Rule
    
    Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 102 / Wednesday, May 28, 1997 / Rules 
    and Regulations
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
    
    24 CFR Part 92
    
    [Docket No. FR-3962-F-04]
    RIN 2501-AC06
    
    
    HOME Investment Partnerships Program: Technical Amendment to 
    Final Rule
    
    AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, HUD.
    
    ACTION: Technical amendment to final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This document makes a number of technical amendments to a 
    final rule issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development 
    (Department) to implement the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.
    
    DATES: Effective date: June 27, 1997.
        Retroactive applicability: This technical amendment applies 
    retroactively to the final rule published September 16, 1996 (61 FR 
    48736), that became effective on October 16, 1996.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Kolesar, Director, Program Policy 
    Division, Office of Affordable Housing Programs, Room 7162, Department 
    of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, 
    DC 20410, telephone number (202) 708-2470. (This is not a toll-free 
    number.) A telecommunications device for hearing-and speech-impaired 
    persons (TTY) is available at 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Information Relay 
    Service).
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 16, 1996 (61 FR 48736), the 
    Department published a final rule for the HOME Investment Partnerships 
    Program (the HOME program). This document makes a number of technical 
    amendments, described below, to the final rule.
        Section 92.50(d)(1) contains an incorrect reference to paragraph 
    (a)(1). The reference is changed to paragraph (a).
        Section 92.202(b) incorrectly cites 24 CFR 893.6(b). The correct 
    cite should be to 24 CFR 983.6(b). This section is also amended to 
    clarify that the participating jurisdiction, not the Department, is 
    responsible for determining and documenting that proposed sites for new 
    construction of HOME-assisted housing meet the standards of 
    Sec. 983.6(b).
        Section 92.203(a)(1) is amended to clarify that participating 
    jurisdictions must make the initial determination of income eligibility 
    for families to be assisted with HOME funds, using source documentation 
    as described in paragraph (a)(1)(i), and also must conduct periodic 
    income determinations for tenants in HOME-assisted rental units during 
    the period of affordability. Although this provision appears in 
    Sec. 92.252(h), Rental Housing, it is added to the Income Determination 
    section to avoid any confusion.
        The October 18, 1996 Federal Register, at 61 FR 54492, contains a 
    final rule that removes 24 CFR part 813 (Definition of income, income 
    limits, rent and reexamination of family income for the Section 8 
    program) and creates a new subpart F to part 5 which covers income, 
    income limits, and related issues for public housing and Section 8 
    programs. The HOME final rule at Secs. 92.203 (b)(1) and (c), and 
    Sec. 92.353(c)(2)(i)(C)(1)(ii), refers to part 813 and therefore must 
    be amended to reference part 5 instead.
        The text of Sec. 92.203(c) is amended because the current language 
    might lead to the assumption that only the Section 8 definition of 
    income had to be adjusted, and not the IRS or Census definitions. The 
    reference in this section is also amended from citing paragraph (a) of 
    the section to citing paragraph (b).
        Section 92.205(d) is amended to clarify that the eligible HOME 
    development costs for multi-unit projects include all costs made 
    eligible for HOME funding under Sec. 92.206. The final rule 
    inadvertently limited the eligible costs to those listed in paragraphs 
    (a), (b), and (c) of Sec. 92.206.
        Section 92.206(a)(5) is amended to clarify that utility connections 
    and site improvements are eligible project-related soft costs in 
    connection with the acquisition of standard housing. The language in 
    the final rule inadvertently limited the eligibility of these costs to 
    rehabilitation and new construction of housing. However, the Department 
    recognizes that such improvements may be necessary in instances where 
    standard housing is being acquired with HOME funds.
        Section 92.209(c)(2) contains language reflecting a provision in 
    HUD's FY 1996 appropriations act that the Federal preferences do not 
    apply for FY 1996. This section is amended to reflect the same 
    provision for FY 1997 included in HUD's FY 1997 appropriations act. A 
    reference to a special provision affecting the Federal preferences for 
    FY 1995 is deleted because it is no longer applicable.
        Section 92.209(j) is amended to clarify that the income 
    determination and Housing Quality Standards inspection requirements 
    apply to security deposit assistance only at the point at which the 
    assistance is provided. It was not HUD's intention to apply ongoing 
    requirements to this limited form of assistance.
        To implement a provision of HUD's FY 1997 appropriations act which 
    permits the use of HOME funds for a priority purchaser under the Low-
    Income Housing Preservation and Resident Homeownership Act of 1990 
    (LIHPRHA), Sec. 92.214(a)(6) is amended.
        Section 92.219(b)(1)(i) is amended to more accurately reflect the 
    requirements of Sec. 92.209 that apply to tenant-based rental 
    assistance programs not funded with HOME that will be counted as match. 
    The final rule specifically exempted these programs only from the term 
    of rental assistance contract requirements of paragraph (e). However, 
    paragraphs (b) (General requirement), (e) (Term of rental assistance 
    contract), (g) (Tenant protections), (h) (Maximum subsidy), (j) 
    (Security deposits), (k) (Program operation) and (l) (Use of Section 8 
    assistance) contain requirements that should apply only to HOME-
    assisted TBRA and not to tenant-based rental assistance funded through 
    other sources. The provisions of paragraph (d) (Portability of 
    assistance) are descriptive only and need not be included in the 
    provisions applicable to non-HOME tenant-based rental assistance. The 
    paragraphs that apply to non-HOME tenant-based rental assistance are 
    (a) (Eligible costs), (c) (Tenant selection), (f) (Rent 
    reasonableness), and (i) (Housing quality standards).
        Section 92.219(b)(2)(iv) is amended to correct an internal 
    inconsistency in the rule and reflect that two sources of match credit 
    (supportive services at Sec. 92.220(a)(10) and homebuyer counseling at 
    92.220(a)(11)) in addition to those presently listed are limited to 
    HOME-assisted units.
        Section 220(a)(10) is amended to add as eligible match the direct 
    cost of supportive services provided to recipients of HOME-funded 
    tenant-based rental assistance. The final rule established the direct 
    cost of supportive services as a new source of match. However, the 
    language in the rule limited eligibility to residents of HOME-assisted 
    units. It was not the Department's intention to prohibit the value of 
    supportive services provided to other HOME-assisted tenants, those 
    receiving HOME tenant-based rental assistance, from being counted as 
    match. The direct cost of supportive services provided to families 
    residing in HOME-eligible units or receiving tenant-based rental 
    assistance not funded with HOME is not an eligible match contribution.
        Section 92.220(b)(4) is amended to eliminate an internal 
    inconsistency in
    
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    the final rule. Section 92.220(a)(8) permits the value of donated or 
    voluntary labor or professional services in connection with the 
    provision of affordable housing to be counted as match. Section 
    92.220(b)(4) contradicts that provision by establishing as ineligible 
    cash or other contributions from recipients of HOME contracts. It was 
    not HUD's intention to eliminate as eligible match the value of labor 
    or professional services provided to affordable housing at a reduced 
    rate as a donation by an individual or entity that has a contract to 
    provide labor or services to a HOME-assisted project. If, for example, 
    an architect enters into a contract to provide services to a HOME-
    assisted project and agrees, as a donation to affordable housing, to 
    accept a lower rate, the participating jurisdiction may count the value 
    of the difference between architect's normal rate and the reduced rate.
        As part of the recent effort to streamline regulations, 24 CFR 
    221.514 was deleted. To reflect this change with respect to maximum 
    per-unit subsidy amounts for the HOME Program, the citations to various 
    paragraphs of Sec. 221.514 are deleted from Sec. 92.250(a) and replaced 
    with citations to the appropriate section of the National Housing Act.
        The preamble to the final rule mischaracterized the provisions of 
    Sec. 92.251 (property standards). In explaining changes to this 
    section, the preamble stated that units rehabilitated or constructed 
    with HOME funds must meet local codes, rehabilitation standards, 
    ordinances and zoning ordinances or, in the absence of local codes, the 
    units must meet one of several model codes specified in the regulation. 
    The preamble went on to state that ``(A)ll other HOME units including 
    those occupied by tenants receiving HOME tenant-based rental 
    assistance, must meet the Section 8 Housing Quality Standards (HQS).'' 
    This language may lead to the conclusion that housing that is acquired 
    with HOME funds must meet HQS. In fact, Sec. 92.251(a)(2) provides that 
    all other HOME-assisted housing (i.e., housing that is not 
    rehabilitated or constructed with HOME funds) must meet all applicable 
    State or local codes or, in the absence of such codes, HQS. Units 
    occupied by recipients of HOME tenant-based rental assistance are 
    required to meet HQS, in accordance with Sec. 92.251(d). No changes to 
    the text of the rule are required.
        Section 92.251(a)(1) of the final rule established the Standard 
    Building Code as one of the three model codes that may be used for 
    HOME-assisted rehabilitation or new construction in the absence of 
    State or local codes. This model code, which was established by the 
    Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI), was formerly 
    known as the Southern Building Code. To avoid confusion, a 
    parenthetical reference to the former, commonly used title of this code 
    has been added to this paragraph.
        As a point of clarification, the word ``acquisition'' is added as a 
    parenthetical reference to Sec. 92.251(a)(2) as an example of other 
    HOME-assisted housing.
        Section 92.251(a)(3) cited 24 CFR 5.105(a) as the implementing 
    regulations for accessibility requirements under section 504 of the 
    Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Fair Housing Act. The reference has 
    been amended to be more specific and now cites to 24 CFR part 8, which 
    contains the implementing regulations for section 504, and to the 
    design and construction standards of the Fair Housing Act at 24 CFR 
    100.205, which apply to multifamily dwellings assisted with HOME funds.
        In revising Sec. 92.251 with respect to the property standards 
    applicable to all HOME-assisted units, the Department did not 
    specifically address manufactured housing. In doing so, it created some 
    confusion among participating jurisdictions and omitted language 
    stating that all new manufactured housing (whether or not it receives 
    HOME assistance) must meet the construction and safety standards in 24 
    CFR 3280. A new paragraph (a)(4) is added to explain the property 
    standards applicable to manufactured housing. The Federal construction 
    and safety standards preempt State and local codes or laws covering the 
    same aspects of performance for such housing. For installation, 
    participating jurisdictions must follow State or local codes or comply 
    with the manufacturer's written installation instructions. Manufactured 
    housing rehabilitated with HOME funds is subject to the requirements of 
    paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
        In Sec. 92.252(h), the reference to Sec. 92.203 is clarified to 
    read more precisely Sec. 92.203(a)(1)(i). Initial income determinations 
    must be based upon source documents in accordance with 
    Sec. 92.203(a)(1)(i). The original reference included initial 
    determinations of income eligibility based upon written statements and 
    certifications provided by the applicant family or written statements 
    provided by the administrators of other government programs under which 
    the HOME applicant is assisted. These two methods may be used for 
    verifying income in subsequent years, consistent with the provisions in 
    Sec. 92.252(h).
        In Sec. 92.300(a)(1), the fourth sentence is corrected to clarify 
    that funds can be provided not only to a community housing development 
    organization (CHDO) or its subsidiary, but also to a partnership of 
    which the CHDO or its subsidiary is the managing general partner.
        In Sec. 92.300(f), the paragraph heading is amended to read 
    Limitation on community housing development organization operating 
    expenses. This change is made to further clarify the content of the 
    paragraph.
        In Sec. 92.350(a), the reference to the nondiscrimination and equal 
    opportunity provisions in 24 CFR 5.105(a) has been changed. The correct 
    reference is to 24 CFR part 5, subpart A and the requirements included 
    in this subpart are listed.
        Section 92.350(b), which provides for obtaining OMB circulars, is 
    redesignated as paragraph (c) of Sec. 92.505, which lists applicable 
    OMB circulars.
        A new Sec. 92.350(b) is added. This paragraph applies the 
    nondiscrimination requirements at section 282 of the Cranston Gonzalez 
    National Affordable Housing Act (NAHA), which had been erroneously 
    omitted from the final rule, to the HOME Program. The paragraph also 
    implements section 213 of HUD's FY 1997 appropriations act, which 
    permits HUD to waive the nondiscrimination requirements of the HOME 
    statute at section 282 of NAHA in connection with the use of HOME funds 
    on lands set aside under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920 (42 
    Stat. 108).
        Although the Department made the Section 8 HQS provisions optional 
    in the final rule, it intended to continue to apply the HQS lead-based 
    paint provisions to HOME-assisted housing. To accomplish this, 
    Sec. 982.401(j) was cited in section 92.355. This change has led to 
    some confusion because the HQS provisions state that they supersede 24 
    CFR part 35, which also applies to the HOME Program. The provisions of 
    both part 35 and Sec. 982.401(j) continue to apply to all HOME-assisted 
    housing. To avoid further confusion, language has been added to 
    Sec. 92.355 to clarify that the HQS provisions do not supersede part 
    35, but constitute additional lead-based paint requirements applicable 
    to HOME-assisted housing.
        The term ``elected or appointed official'' is added to the conflict 
    of interest provisions applicable to owners and developers under 
    Sec. 92.356(f)(1), so that the language will parallel that in paragraph 
    (c), Persons covered. The
    
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    language in this paragraph is also amended to make clear that an 
    individual who receives HOME funds to acquire or rehabilitate his or 
    her principal residence is exempt from this provision. Organizations do 
    not qualify as homebuyers or owner-occupants.
        A new Sec. 92.358 is added to implement a provision in HUD's 
    appropriation act that imposes limitations on compensation of 
    consultants to be paid with HOME funds. The regulatory language, 
    similar to that established for the Community Development Block Grant 
    (CDBG) Program, was erroneously omitted from the final rule.
        In Sec. 92.500(d), paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) are revised to 
    remove from each the parenthetical phrase stating that HUD will notify 
    the participating jurisdiction of its execution of the HOME Investment 
    Partnership Agreement on the date that HUD executes the agreement. 
    Notification of participating jurisdictions must be performed in 
    accordance with congressional notification procedures and the date of 
    notification is often not the same date that HUD signs the grant 
    agreement. To avoid the confusion caused by the reference to the 
    notification on the date that HUD executes the agreement, these 
    parenthetical references are deleted. In addition, these paragraphs are 
    redesignated as paragraphs (d)(1) (A), (B), and (C), to permit the 
    addition of a new paragraph (d)(2), as discussed immediately below.
        In Sec. 92.500(d), a new paragraph (2) is added to explain the 
    Department's practice with respect to the reduction of a participating 
    jurisdiction's HOME Investment Partnership Account when funds are not 
    committed or expended in accordance with the 24-month or 5-year 
    deadlines, respectively. For a participating jurisdiction to be deemed 
    to have met the requirement for commitment of a fiscal year's 
    allocation by its deadline, the sum of commitments from that allocation 
    and all subsequent allocations must be equal to or greater than the 
    amount of the allocation being examined, and the sum of funds reserved 
    for and/or committed to community housing development organizations 
    from that allocation and all subsequent allocations must be equal to or 
    greater than 15 percent of the allocation being examined. For a 
    participating jurisdiction to be deemed to have met the requirement for 
    the expenditure of a fiscal year's allocation by its deadline, the 
    amount of funds expended from that allocation and all subsequent 
    allocations must be equal to or greater than the amount of the 
    allocation being examined.
    
    List of Subjects in 24 CFR Part 92
    
        Administrative practice and procedure, Grant programs--housing and 
    community development, Grant programs--Indians, Indians, Low and 
    moderate income housing, Manufactured homes, Rent subsidies, Reporting 
    and recordkeeping requirements.
    
        Accordingly, 24 CFR part 92 is amended as follows:
    
    PART 92--HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM
    
        1. The authority citation for part 92 continues to read as follows:
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3535(d) and 12701-12839.
    
        2. In Sec. 92.50, paragraph (d)(1) is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.50  Formula allocation.
    
    * * * * *
        (d) Calculating formula allocations for units of general local 
    government. (1) Initial allocation amounts for units of general local 
    government described in paragraph (a) of this section are determined by 
    multiplying the sum of the shares of the six factors in paragraph (c) 
    of this section by 60 percent of the amount available under paragraph 
    (b) of this section for formula allocation. The shares are the ratio of 
    the weighted factor for each jurisdiction over the corresponding factor 
    for the total for all of these units of general local government.
    * * * * *
        3. In Sec. 92.202, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.202  Site and neighborhood standards.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) New rental housing. In carrying out the site and neighborhood 
    requirements with respect to new construction of rental housing, a 
    participating jurisdiction is responsible for making the determination 
    that proposed sites for new construction meet the requirements in 24 
    CFR 983.6(b).
        4. In Sec. 92.203, paragraphs (a)(1) introductory text, (b)(1) and 
    (c) are revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.203  Income determinations.
    
        (a) * * *
        (1) For families who are tenants in HOME-assisted housing and not 
    receiving HOME tenant-based rental assistance, the participating 
    jurisdiction must initially determine annual income using the method in 
    paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section. For subsequent income 
    determinations during the period of affordability, the participating 
    jurisdiction may use any one of the following methods in accordance 
    with Sec. 92.252(h):
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (1) ``Annual income'' as defined at 24 CFR 5.609 (except when 
    determining the income of a homeowner for an owner-occupied 
    rehabilitation project, the value of the homeowner's principal 
    residence may be excluded from the calculation of Net Family Assets); 
    or
    * * * * *
        (c) Although the participating jurisdiction may use any of the 
    three definitions of ``annual income'' permitted in paragraph (b) of 
    this section, to calculate adjusted income it must apply exclusions 
    from income established at 24 CFR 5.611. The HOME rents for very low-
    income families established under Sec. 92.252(b)(2) are based on 
    adjusted income. In addition, the participating jurisdiction may base 
    the amount of tenant-based rental assistance on the adjusted income of 
    the family.
    * * * * *
        5. In Sec. 92.205, paragraph (d) is amended by revising the second 
    sentence to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.205  Eligible activities: general.
    
    * * * * *
        (d) Multi-unit projects. * * * Only the actual HOME eligible 
    development costs of the assisted units may be charged to the HOME 
    program. * * *
    * * * * *
        6. Section 92.206 is amended by adding a new paragraph (a)(5) to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.206  Eligible project costs.
    
    * * * * *
        (a) * * *
        (5) Costs to make utility connections or to make improvements to 
    the project site, in accordance with the provisions of 
    Sec. 92.206(a)(3) (ii) and (iii) are also eligible in connection with 
    acquisition of standard housing.
    * * * * *
        7. Section 92.209 is amended by revising paragraph (c)(2) and 
    paragraph (j)(5) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.209  Tenant-based rental assistance: Eligible costs and 
    requirements.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
        (2) Federal preferences. At least 50 percent of the families 
    assisted must qualify, or would qualify in the near future without 
    tenant-based rental assistance, for one of the three Federal 
    preferences under section 6(c)(4)(A) of
    
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    the 1937 Act. These are families that occupy substandard housing 
    (including families that are homeless or living in a shelter for 
    homeless families); families that are paying more than 50 percent of 
    their annual income for rent; or families that are involuntarily 
    displaced. [During FY 1996 and FY 1997, the Federal preferences do not 
    apply.]
    * * * * *
        (j) * * *
        (5) Paragraphs (b), (c), (d), (f), (g), and (i) of this section are 
    applicable to HOME security deposit assistance, except that income 
    determinations pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this section and Housing 
    Quality Standard inspections pursuant to paragraph (i) of this section 
    are required only at the time the security deposit assistance is 
    provided.
    * * * * *
        8. In Sec. 92.214, paragraph (a)(6) is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.214  Prohibited activities.
    
        (a) * * *
        (6) Provide assistance to eligible low-income housing under 24 CFR 
    part 248 (Prepayment of Low Income Housing Mortgages), except that 
    assistance may be provided to priority purchasers as defined in 24 CFR 
    248.101;
    * * * * *
        9. In Sec. 92.219, paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (b)(2)(iv) are revised 
    to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.219  Recognition of matching contribution.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (1) * * *
        (i) The contribution must be made with respect to a tenant who is 
    assisted with tenant-based rental assistance that meets the 
    requirements of Sec. 92.203 (Income determinations) and paragraphs (a), 
    (c), (f), and (i) of Sec. 92.209 (Tenant-based rental assistance); and
    * * * * *
        (2) * * *
        (iv) The match may be in any eligible form of match except those in 
    Sec. 92.220(a)(2) (forbearance of fees), (a)(4) (on-site and off-site 
    infrastructure), (a)(10) (direct cost of supportive services) and 
    (a)(11) (direct costs of homebuyer counseling services).
    * * * * *
        10. Section 92.220 is amended by revising the first sentence in 
    paragraph (a)(10) and by revising paragraph (b)(4) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.220  Form of matching contribution.
    
        (a) * * *
        (10) The direct cost of supportive services provided to families 
    residing in HOME-assisted units during the period of affordability or 
    receiving HOME tenant-based rental assistance during the term of the 
    tenant-based rental assistance contract. * * *
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (4) Cash or other forms of contributions from applicants for or 
    recipients of HOME assistance or contracts, or investors who own, are 
    working on, or are proposing to apply for assistance for a HOME-
    assisted project. The prohibition in this paragraph (b)(4) does not 
    apply to contractors (who do not own any HOME project) contributing 
    professional services in accordance with paragraph (a)(8) of this 
    section or to persons contributing sweat equity in accordance with 
    paragraph (a)(9) of this section.
        11. In Sec. 92.250, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.250  Maximum per-unit subsidy amount and subsidy layering.
    
        (a) Maximum per-unit subsidy amount. The amount of HOME funds that 
    a participating jurisdiction may invest on a per-unit basis in 
    affordable housing may not exceed the per-unit dollar limits 
    established under section 221(d)(3)(ii) of the National Housing Act (12 
    U.S.C. 17151(d)(3)(ii)) for elevator-type projects that apply to the 
    area in which the housing is located. These limits are available from 
    the Multifamily Division in the HUD Field Office. If the participating 
    jurisdiction's per-unit subsidy amount has already been increased to 
    210% as permitted under section 221(d)(3)(ii) of the National Housing 
    Act, upon request of the Field Office, HUD will allow the per-unit 
    subsidy amount to be increased on a program-wide basis to an amount, up 
    to 240% of the original per unit limits.
    * * * * *
        12. Section 92.251 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.251  Property standards.
    
        (a) (1) Housing that is constructed or rehabilitated with HOME 
    funds must meet all applicable local codes, rehabilitation standards, 
    ordinances, and zoning ordinances at the time of project completion, 
    except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section. The participating 
    jurisdiction must have written standards for rehabilitation that ensure 
    that HOME-assisted housing is decent, safe, and sanitary. In the 
    absence of a local code for new construction or rehabilitation, HOME-
    assisted new construction or rehabilitation must meet, as applicable, 
    one of three model codes: Uniform Building Code (ICBO), National 
    Building Code (BOCA), Standard (Southern) Building Code (SBCCI); or the 
    Council of American Building Officials (CABO) one or two family code; 
    or the Minimum Property Standards (MPS) in 24 CFR 200.925 or 200.926. 
    To avoid duplicative inspections when FHA financing is involved in a 
    HOME-assisted property, a participating jurisdiction may rely on a 
    Minimum Property Standards (MPS) inspection performed by a qualified 
    person. Newly constructed housing must meet the current edition of the 
    Model Energy Code published by the Council of American Building 
    Officials.
        (2) All other HOME-assisted housing (e.g., acquisition) must meet 
    all applicable State and local housing quality standards and code 
    requirements and if there are no such standards or code requirements, 
    the housing must meet the housing quality standards in 24 CFR 982.401.
        (3) The housing must meet the accessibility requirements at 24 CFR 
    part 8, which implements Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 
    (29 U.S.C. 794) and covered multifamily dwellings, as defined at 24 CFR 
    100.201, must also meet the design and construction requirements at 24 
    CFR 100.205, which implement the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601-
    3619).
        (4) Construction of all manufactured housing must meet the 
    Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards established in 24 
    CFR part 3280. These standards pre-empt State and local codes covering 
    the same aspects of performance for such housing. Participating 
    jurisdictions providing HOME assistance to install manufactured housing 
    units must comply with applicable State and local laws or codes. In the 
    absence of such laws or codes, the participating jurisdiction must 
    comply with the manufacturer's written instructions for installation of 
    manufactured housing units. Manufactured housing that is rehabilitated 
    using HOME funds must meet the requirements set out in paragraph (a)(1) 
    of this section.
    * * * * *
        13. Section 92.252 is amended by revising the first sentence of 
    paragraph (h) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.252  Qualification as affordable housing: Rental housing.
    
    * * * * *
        (h) Tenant income. The income of each tenant must be determined 
    initially in accordance with Sec. 92.203(a)(1)(i). * * *
    * * * * *
        14. Section 92.300 is amended by revising the fourth sentence of
    
    [[Page 28930]]
    
    paragraph (a)(1), and the paragraph heading of paragraph (f) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.300  Set-aside for community housing development organizations 
    (CHDOs).
    
        (a) (1) * * * The funds must be provided to a community housing 
    development organization, its subsidiary, or a partnership of which it 
    or its subsidiary is the managing general partner. * * *
    * * * * *
        (f) Limitation on community housing development organization 
    operating funds. * * *
        15. Section 92.350 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.350  Other Federal requirements and nondiscrimination.
    
        (a) The Federal requirements set forth in 24 CFR part 5, subpart A, 
    are applicable to participants in the HOME program. The requirements of 
    this subpart include: nondiscrimination and equal opportunity; 
    disclosure requirements; debarred, suspended or ineligible contractors; 
    and drug-free workplace.
        (b) The nondiscrimination requirements at section 282 of the Act 
    are applicable. These requirements are waived in connection with the 
    use of HOME funds on lands set aside under the Hawaiian Homes 
    Commission Act, 1920 (42 Stat. 108).
        16. In Sec. 92.353, paragraph (c)(2)(i)(C)(1)(ii) is revised to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.353  Displacement, relocation, and acquisition.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
        (2) * * *
        (i) * * *
        (C) * * *
        (1) * * *
        (ii) The total tenant payment, as determined under 24 CFR 5.613, if 
    the tenant is low-income, or 30 percent of gross household income, if 
    the tenant is not low-income; or
    * * * * *
        17. Section 92.355 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.355  Lead-based paint.
    
        Housing assisted with HOME funds is subject to the Lead-Based Paint 
    Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. 4821 et seq.) and 24 CFR part 35. 
    The lead-based paint provisions of 24 CFR 982.401(j), except 24 CFR 
    982.401(j)(1)(i), also apply, irrespective of the applicable property 
    standard under Sec. 92.251. In a project in which not all units are 
    assisted with HOME funds, the lead-based paint requirements apply to 
    all units and common areas in the project. Unless otherwise provided, 
    the participating jurisdiction is responsible for testing and abatement 
    activities.
        18. In Sec. 92.356, paragraph (f)(1) is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.356  Conflict of interest.
    
    * * * * *
        (f) Owners and Developers. (1) No owner, developer or sponsor of a 
    project assisted with HOME funds (or officer, employee, agent, elected 
    or appointed official or consultant of the owner, developer or sponsor) 
    whether private, for profit or non-profit (including a community 
    housing development organization (CHDO) when acting as an owner, 
    developer or sponsor) may occupy a HOME-assisted affordable housing 
    unit in a project. This provision does not apply to an individual who 
    receives HOME funds to acquire or rehabilitate his or her principal 
    residence or to an employee or agent of the owner or developer of a 
    rental housing project who occupies a housing unit as the project 
    manager or maintenance worker.
    * * * * *
        19. A new Sec. 92.358 is added to subpart H to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.358  Consultant activities.
    
        No person providing consultant services in an employer-employee 
    type relationship shall receive more than a reasonable rate of 
    compensation for personal services paid with HOME funds. In no event, 
    however, shall such compensation exceed the limits in effect under the 
    provisions of any applicable statute (e.g., annual HUD appropriations 
    acts which have set the limit at the equivalent of the daily rate paid 
    for Level IV of the Executive Schedule, see the Departments of Veterans 
    Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies 
    Appropriations Act, 1997, Pub. L. 104-204 (September 26, 1996)). Such 
    services shall be evidenced by written agreements between the parties 
    which detail the responsibilities, standards, and compensation. 
    Consultant services provided under an independent contractor 
    relationship are not subject to the compensation limitation of Level IV 
    of the Executive Schedule.
        20. In Sec. 92.500, paragraph (d) is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.500  The HOME Investment Trust Fund.
    
    * * * * *
        (d)(1) Reductions. HUD will reduce or recapture HOME funds in the 
    HOME Investment Trust Fund by the amount of:
        (A) Any funds in the United States Treasury account that are 
    required to be reserved (i.e., 15 percent of the funds) by a 
    participating jurisdiction under Sec. 92.300 that are not reserved for 
    a community housing development organization pursuant to a written 
    agreement within 24 months after the last day of the month in which HUD 
    notifies the participating jurisdiction of HUD's execution of the HOME 
    Investment Partnership Agreement;
        (B) Any funds in the United States Treasury account that are not 
    committed within 24 months after the last day of the month in which HUD 
    notifies the participating jurisdiction of HUD's execution of the HOME 
    Investment Partnership Agreement;
        (C) Any funds in the United States Treasury account that are not 
    expended within five years after the last day of the month in which HUD 
    notifies the participating jurisdiction of HUD's execution of the HOME 
    Investment Partnership Agreement; and
        (D) Any penalties assessed by HUD under Sec. 92.552.
        (2) For purposes of determining the amount by which the HOME 
    Investment Trust Fund will be reduced or recaptured under paragraphs 
    (d)(1)(A), (B) and (C) of this section, HUD will consider the sum of 
    commitments to CHDOs, commitments, or expenditures, as applicable, from 
    the fiscal year allocation being examined and from subsequent 
    allocations. This sum must be equal to or greater than the amount of 
    the fiscal year allocation being examined, or in the case of 
    commitments to CHDOs, 15 percent of that fiscal year allocation.
        21. Section 92.505 is amended by adding a new paragraph (c) to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 92.505  Applicability of uniform administrative requirements.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) OMB Circulars referenced in this part may be obtained from: 
    Executive Office of the President, Publication Service, 725 17th 
    Street, N.W., Suite G-2200, Washington, DC 20503; telephone: (202) 395-
    7332.
    
        Dated: April 23, 1997.
    Andrew Cuomo,
    Secretary.
    [FR Doc. 97-13730 Filed 5-27-97; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4210-32-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
05/28/1997
Department:
Housing and Urban Development Department
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Technical amendment to final rule.
Document Number:
97-13730
Pages:
28926-28930 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. FR-3962-F-04
RINs:
2501-AC06: HOME Investment Partnership Program (FR-3962)
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2501-AC06/home-investment-partnership-program-fr-3962-
PDF File:
97-13730.pdf
CFR: (30)
24 CFR 92.206(a)(3)
24 CFR 92.220(a)(2)
24 CFR 92.203(a)(1)(i)
24 CFR 983.6(b)
24 CFR 92.356(f)(1)
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