[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 59 (Tuesday, March 26, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 13152]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-7300]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Bureau of the Census
Housing Vacancy Survey; Proposed Agency Information Collection
Activity; Comment Request
SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C.
3506(c)(2)(A)).
DATES: Submit written comments on or before May 28, 1996.
ADDRESS: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier, Acting
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room
5327, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should
be directed to Oscar Perez, Bureau of the Census, FOB 3, Room 3340,
Washington, DC 20233-8400, (301) 457-3806.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Abstract
The Census Bureau is requesting clearance for the Housing Vacancy
Survey (HVS). The current clearance expires December 31, 1996. Title
13, United States Code, Section 182, authorizes the collection of the
HVS. The HVS has been conducted since 1956 and serves a broad array of
data users as described below.
We collect the HVS data for a sample of vacant housing units
identified in the monthly Current Population Survey (CPS) sample, which
provide the only quarterly and annual statistics on rental vacancy
rates and homeownership rates for the United States, the 4 census
regions, the 50 states and the District of Columbia, and the 75 largest
Metropolitan Areas (MAs). Private and public sector organizations use
these rates extensively to gauge and analyze the housing market with
regard to supply, cost, and affordability at various points in time. In
addition, the rental vacancy rate is a component of the index of
leading economic indicators, published by the Department of Commerce.
Policy analysts, program managers, budget analysts, and
Congressional staff use these data to advise the executive and
legislative branches of Government with respect to the number and
characteristics of units available for occupancy and the suitability of
housing initiatives. Several other Government agencies use these data
on a continuing basis in calculating consumer expenditures for housing
as a component of the gross national product; to project mortgage
demands; and to measure the adequacy of the supply of rental and
homeowner units. In addition, investment firms use the HVS data to
analyze market trends and for economic forecasting.
II. Method of Collection
Field representatives collect this HVS information by personal-
visit interviews in conjunction with the regular monthly CPS
interviewing. If a unit is vacant and intended for year-round
occupancy, as determined during the CPS interview, we include it in the
HVS sample. Approximately 4,800 units in the CPS sample meet these
criteria each month. We interview individuals who have knowledge of the
vacant sample unit (e.g., landlord, rental agents, neighbors). All
interviews are conducted using computer-assisted interviewing.
III. Data
OMB Number: 0607-0179.
Form Number: There are no forms associated with this supplement. We
conduct all interviewing on computers.
Type of Review: Regular.
Affected Public: Individuals who have knowledge of the vacant
sample unit (e.g., landlord, rental agents, neighbors).
Estimated Number of Respondents: 4,800 per month.
Estimated Time Per Response: 3 minutes.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,880.
Estimated Total Annual Cost: $585,000.
IV. Request for Comments
Comments are invited on: (a) whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of
automated collection techniques or other forms of information
technology.
Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.
Dated: March 21, 1996.
Linda Engelmeier,
Acting Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and
Organization.
[FR Doc. 96-7300 Filed 3-25-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-M
