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HomeMy WebLinkAboutG65-01 (2) Ordinance No. G65-01 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2 .30 OF THE ELGIN M ICIPAL CODE, 1976 AS AMENDED, ENTITLED "RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM" BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS : Section 1 . That Chapter 2 . 30 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976, as amended, entitled "Residentia Rehabilitation Grant Program, " be and is hereby amended to rea. as follows : "2 .30 . 010 : TITLE: This Chapter shall be entitled the RES DENTIAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM. Any reference to the Residential Rehabilitation Program shall be construed to refer to this Chapter and any amendments. 2 . 30 . 020 : DEFINITIONS: DWELLING: A building, or portion thereof, used exclusively for human habitation. DWELLING UNIT: One or more rooms co taining individualized cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities which is designed, occupied or intended for use by one household for human habitation. HUD: The United States Department .f Housing and Urban Development . LAWFUL SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING OR RENTAL 'ESIDENTIAL PROPERTY: A single-family dwelling or rental reside tial property lawfully established under this Code . MOBILE HOME: A factory assembled structur: designed for permanent habitation and so constructed as to p_rmit its transport on wheels, temporarily or permanently attac ed to its frame, from the place of its construction to the ocation, or subsequent locations, and placement on a temporary oundation, at which it is intended to be a permanent habitation, and situated so as to permit the occupancy thereof as a dwellig g unit for one or more persons . MOBILITY-LIMITED DISABLED INDIVIDUAL: Any person who is challenged by a physical handicap that re•uires special fixtures or structural modifications, or some c•mbination thereof, in order to move independently in or about a residential structure. OWNER-OCCUPIED: A single-family dwelling or rental residential property occupied as the permanent bonafi.e residence or domicile by the record title holder of the real property on which the single-family dwelling or rental resident ' al property is located. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE: The City of El•in Property Maintenance Code, as amended. RENTAL RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY: A building ith not less than one but not more than four dwelling units tha. are let or intended to be let for rent or lease. RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES : Annually revised Section 8 income guide ines used to determine eligibility in the Residential Rehabilita. ion Program. SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING: A building with one dwelling unit . For the purposes of this Chapter, a mobile 'ome shall constitute a single-family dwelling. SECTION 8 : Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended. SECTION 8 INCOME GUIDELINES : The house old income limits for participation in housing assistance programs authorized by or consistent with the United States Hou_ing Act of 1937, as amended. 2 .30 . 030 : ADMINISTRATION: The administration of the provisions of this Chapter is hereby assigned to the Community Development Manager or his or her designee . Applications hereunder shall b- made to the Planning and Neighborhood Services Department hich shall have the authority and responsibility for carryin•; out the provisions of this Chapter including preparation and p-riodic revision of the Residential Rehabilitation Program Eligibility Guidelines . 2 2 . 30 . 040 : ESTABLISHMENT: The following residential rehabilitatio programs are hereby established for the City: A. Owner Occupied, Single-Family D elling Rehabilitation Program. B. Rental Residential Property (One to Four Dwelling Units) Rehabilitation Program. C. Emergency Repair Program. D. Handicap Accessibility Program. E. Lead-Based Paint Control/Abatement Pdogram. Funding for the established programs may be allocated until the funds budgeted for such use are exhausted 2 . 30 . 050 OWNER-OCCUPIED, SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING REHABILITATION GRANT PROGRAM A. Eligible Rehabilitation: Exterior repair or rehabilitation of owner-occupied, lawful single-family dwellings . Eligible assistance shall be limited to the ac.ual costs incurred in meeting the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code. B. Applicant Qualifications : Eligible ai•plicants shall include any person who meets all of the following qualifications : 1. Owns and occupies a lawful single-family dwelling located within the corporate lilits of the City. 2. Is at least eighteen (18) years of age. 3. Is a member of a household meeting the current Section 8 guidelines established by HUD. C. Grants : The amount of any grant sha 1 be determined by the Community Development Manager or his or her designee in accordance with the Residential '+ehabilitation Program Eligibility Guidelines. 1. Applicants with household incom=s meeting the Section 8 3 extremely low income and very low income guidelines may qualify for a one hundred perc=nt (100%) grant not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5000 . 00) plus a one hundred percent (100%) grant ■oward lead-based paint control and abatement activit ' es not to exceed two thousand five hundred dollars ( '2500 . 00) . 2 . Applicants with household incom:s meeting the Section 8 low income guidelines may qua ify for a one hundred percent (100%) grant not to exc_ed three thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars ($3751 . 00) plus a one hundred percent (100%) grant toward 1=ad-based paint control and abatement activities not ' o exceed two thousand five hundred dollars ($2500 . 00) . D. Partial Grants: Partial grants for completed repairs may be allowed if the applicant ' s financial ab' lity to participate in the rehabilitation program is dependen. upon the phasing of repairs . E. Conditions; Agreement Required: Prog. am participation shall require the execution of an agreement be ween the applicant and the City. The Community Development M-nager, or his or her designee, is authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. The agreement shall include, but is not limited to, the following requirements for the applicant : 1. The applicant shall complete ihe exterior repair or rehabilitation of the owner-o.cupied, lawful single- family dwelling designated wi hin the agreement in compliance with the Property Maintenance Code within a six (6) month period from the d.te of the execution of the agreement . 2. The applicant shall retain ownership of and continue to occupy such rehabilitated .wner-occupied, lawful single-family dwelling for a period not less than twelve (12) months followi g the rehabilitation completion date as determin-d by the Community Development Manager or his or h-r designee. Should the applicant relinquish his or er ownership interest during the twelvemonth period, the grant shall be repaid in full . 3. Program participation and e. terior rehabilitation activities shall result in full compliance with the 4 Property Maintenance Code as it applies to the exterior of the single-family dwelling. 2 . 30 . 060 : RENTAL RESIDENTIAL PROPERT (ONE TO FOUR DWELLING UNITS) REHABILITATION LOAN PROGRAM: A. Eligible Rehabilitation: Exterior r=pair or rehabilitation of lawful rental residential property. Eligible assistance shall be limited to the actual costs inc 'rred in meeting the requirements of the Property Maintenance diode . B. Applicant Qualifications : Eligible asplicants shall include any person who meets the following qualif ' cations : 1. Owns a lawful rental reside tial property located within the corporate limits of he City. 2. Is at least eighteen (18) years of age. 3. When the rental residential prod,erty is owner-occupied, is a member of a household meeting the current Section 8 guidelines established by H ID for either extremely low household income, very low ousehold income, or low household income. 4. When the rental residential property is not owner- occupied, is renting, at not m.re than the Section 8 Fair Market Rent Rates, less than fifty-one percent (51%) of the dwelling units (o e of two units; two of three units, or; three of fou • units) in the rental residential property to households meeting the current Section 8 guidelines established, by HUD. C. Zero Interest Forgivable Loans : T e amount of any zero interest forgivable loan shall be deter fined by the Community Development Manager or his or her designer in accordance with the Residential Rehabilitation Program Eligib ' lity Guidelines . 1. Applicants may qualify for a zero interest forgivable loan not to exceed five thousand, dollars ($5000 . 00) for each rental residential p •operty provided the applicant' s actual costs inc rred in meeting the requirements of the Property Maintenance Code for completing the exterior repa ' rs identified in the 5 agreement match or exceed the .:mount of the loan. An appropriate security interest in the full amount of the loan in favor of the City, and a form as approved by the City, shall be recorded ag.:inst the title of the rental residential property for which the loan is granted provided the City' s security interest is subordinate to not lower than a second position on the record title to the rental res dential property. Zero interest forgivable loans shall be forgiven after five years from the completion date of the improvements, as determined by the Community Devrlopment Manager or his or her designee, provided 'he applicant retains ownership of the rental resid-ntial property during that five-year time period. Should the applicant relinquish his or her ownership interest in the rental residential property during the five-year term of the zero interest forgivable loan, he balance of the loan shall be repaid on a pro-rated oasis of that five-year term at the time such o nership interest is relinquished. 2. Applicants may also qualify fod a one hundred percent (100%) grant toward lead-bas-d paint control and abatement activities not to ex eed two thousand five hundred dollars ($2500 . 00) for -ach rental residential property. D. Partial Loans or Grants : Partial loans or grants for completed repairs may be allowed if the applicant' s financial ability to participate in the rehabilitat 'on program is dependent upon the phasing of repairs . E. Conditions; Agreement Required: Program participation shall require the execution of an agreement be ween the applicant and the City. The Community Development M_nager, or his or her designee, is authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. The agreement shall include, but is not limited to, the following requirements for the applicant : 1. The applicant shall compl-te the repair or rehabilitation of the rental residential property designated within the agreement in compliance with the current adopted Property Mainte ance Code within a six (6) month period from the date of the execution of the agreement . 6 2. The applicant shall retain owner-hip of and continue to occupy, when applicable, such ehabilitated structure and otherwise continue to s.:tisfy the applicable eligibility requirements set forth in Subsection B of this Section, as amended, for .: period not less than five (5) years following the re abilitation completion date as determined by the Community Development Manager. Should the applicant relinquish his or her ownership interest in the rent-1 residential property during the five-year term .f the zero interest forgivable loan or otherwise fail to satisfy the applicable eligibility requir-ments set forth in Subsection B of this Section, .s amended, the balance of the loan shall be repaid o a pro-rated basis of that five-year term at the time such ownership interest is relinquished or at the ime any one of the applicable eligibility requirem_nts is no longer .being satisfied. 3. Program participation and re abilitation activities must result in full complia ce with the Property Maintenance Code as it applies to the exterior of the rental residential property. 4. An applicant owning rental res dential property shall provide the names, addresses, a d household incomes for the tenants residing in each swelling unit . When the rental residential property is of owner-occupied, the applicant shall rent, at not m.re than the Section 8 Fair Market Rent Rates, not les- than fifty-one percent (51%) of the dwelling units (o e of two units; two of three units, or; three of fou • units) in the rental residential property to households meeting the current Section 8 guidelines establish:d by HUD for a period not less than six (6) onths following the rehabilitation completion date as determined by the Community Development Manager od his or her designee. 5. The applicant shall retain the dent levels in effect at the time the application was ap.roved for each dwelling unit on the rental residential .roperty for a period of not less than six (6) onths following the rehabilitation completion date, as determined by the Community Development Manage. , of the of the improvements . 7 2 . 30 . 070: HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY PROG• • : A. Eligible Accessibility Work: Grants shall be awarded for structural modifications to owner-occupied , lawful single-family dwellings and lawful rental residential p operty for the purchase and installation of handicap accessibilit fixtures for dwelling units occupied by households having one o more mobility-limited disabled individuals . Eligible assistance shall be limited to the actual costs incurred in completing the d-signated accessibility work. B. Applicant Qualifications : Eligible a•plicants shall include any person who meets the following qualifications : 1. Owns or occupies a lawful sin•le-family dwelling or lawful rental residential prop=rty located within the corporate limits of the City. 2. Is at least eighteen (18) years of age. 3. Is a member of a household meeting the current Section 8 guidelines established by HUD. 4. Requires structural building modifications or the installation of handicap acc=ssibility fixtures to serve the accessibility needs o : an occupant within the eligible household. C. Grants : Applicants with household i comes at or below the Section 8 low income guidelines may qua ify for a one hundred percent (100%) grant not to exceed live thousand dollars ($5000 . 00) plus a one hundred percent (100%) grant toward lead- based paint control and abatement activi ies not to exceed two thousand five hundred dollars ($2500 . 00) . D. Conditions; Agreement Required: Program participation shall require the execution of an agreement bet een the applicant, the property owner, when different from the -pplicant, and the City. The Community Development Manager, or h s or her designee, is authorized to execute the agreement on .ehalf of the City. The agreement shall include, but is not limited to, the following requirements for the applicant : 1. The applicant shall demonstrat: the mobility limiting disability of a member of •ne or more occupant 8 households which require the accessibility improvements . 2. The applicant shall compleue the accessibility improvements to the single-f-mily dwelling or the dwelling unit or dwelling u its within a rental residential property designated in the agreement within a six (6) month period foll. ing the date of the execution of the agreement . 3. An applicant owning rental res dential property shall provide the names, addresses, a d household incomes for the tenants residing in each • elling unit . When the rental residential property is of owner-occupied, the property owner shall rent, at n.t more than the Section 8 Fair Market Rent Rates, no less than fifty-one percent (51%) of the dwelling u its (one of two units; two of three units, or; three of four units) in the rental residential property to households meeting the current Section 8 guidelines e-tablished by HUD for a period not less than six (6) months following the rehabilitation completion date as determined by the Community Development Manager o • his or her designee. 2 .30 . 080 : EMERGENCY REPAIR PROGRAM: A. Eligible Repair Work: Grants for t e emergency repair of water service lines, sanitary sewer laterals, furnaces, electrical systems and water heaters •.erving owner-occupied, lawful single-family dwellings . Grants f.r the repair of water service lines shall be limited to the rep-ir of those portions of the water service line extending from t e water shut-off valve located in the public right of way sery cing the single-family dwelling to the terminus of the water ser ice line at the single- family dwelling. Grants for the repair of sanitary sewer laterals shall be limited to the portion of the s-wer extending from the single-family dwelling to the wye at the -anitary sewer main. For the purposes of this Section, the term "e ergency" shall mean an unforeseen combination of circumstances t at calls for immediate action; a sudden unexpected happening; a unforeseen occurrence or condition; a sudden or unexpected occasion for action, or; a pressing necessity. Grants for the routine repair or periodic maintenance of water and sewer se ice lines, furnaces, electrical systems and water heaters are expressly precluded from grant eligibility. Eligible assistance s all be limited to the 9 actual costs incurred in performing the designated emergency repairs . B. Applicant Qualifications : Eligible applicants shall include any person who meets the following qualifications : 1. Owns and occupies a lawful single-family dwelling located within the corporate li its of the City. 2. Is at least eighteen (18) years of age. 3. Is a member of a household meeting the current Section 8 guidelines established by H • for either extremely low household income, very low ousehold income, or low household income. 4. Requires the repair of either a water service line, sewer service line, furnace, wa er heater or electrical system serving a lawful single- family dwelling located within the corporate limits of he City. C. Grants : Eligible applicants may app y for a one time, one hundred percent (100%) grant, not to exceed three thousand dollars ($3 , 000 . 00) to complete the neces-ary repairs. D. Conditions; Agreement Required: Program participation shall require the execution of an agreement beiween the applicant and the City. The Community Development M.nager, or his or her designee, is authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. The agreement shall include, but ; s not limited to, the following requirements for the applicant : 1. When applicable, the applicant -hall : a. Demonstrate to the Water Director, or the Water Director' s designee, that the water service line serving the owner-occupies , lawful single-family dwelling requires emergenc repair. b. Demonstrate to the Public Works Director, or the Public Works Director' s de- ignee that the sanitary sewer lateral serving the owner-occupied, lawful single-family dwelling req ires emergency repair. c. Demonstrate to the Directo , of Code Administration 10 and Development Services, .r the Director of Code Administration and Develop -nt Services' designee, that the furnaces, electr cal systems and water heaters serving the owner-occupied, lawful single- family dwelling require emergency repair. 2. The Water Director, Publi• Works Director, or Director of Code Administr=tion and Development Services, when applicable, shall provide the Community Development Mana•er with his or her findings regarding the applicant' s proposed emergency repairs prior to th- Community Development Manager' s execution of the ag eement . 3. The applicant shall complete the repairs designated within the agreement within . sixty (60) day period following the date of tie execution of the agreement . 4. The applicant shall retain o nership of the single- family dwelling for a peri.d of six (6) months following the completion dat- of the improvements, as determined by the Commun' ty Development Manager or his or her designee. 2 .30 . 090 : LEAD-BASED PAINT CONTROL/ABATEMENT PROGRAM: A. Eligible Lead-Based Paint Contro or Abatement Work: Exterior or interior control or abatement of lead-based paint on or within a lawful single-family dwelling or a dwelling unit within a lawful rental residential property occupied by a child that has been identified as having high 1=ad levels in his or her blood by the Kane County Health Departme t . Eligible assistance shall be limited to the actual costs inc rred in performing the lead-based paint control or abatemenu work identified in collaboration with the Kane County Health Department . B. Applicant Qualifications : Eligible a•plicants shall include any person who meets the following qualif ' cations: 1. Owns a lawful single-family dw:lling or lawful rental residential property located within the corporate limits of the City. 2. Is at least eighteen (18) years of age . 11 3. Requires lead-based paint cont of or abatement of a lawful single-family dwelling o a dwelling unit within a lawful rental residential property that is occupied by a child that has been identified as having high lead levels in his or her blood by the Kane County Health Department, provided however, t at the subject child is a member of a household meetin• the current Section 8 guidelines. C. Zero Interest Forgivable Loans : T e amount of any zero interest forgivable loan shall be deter fined by the Community Development Manager, or his or her designee, upon information derived from a risk assessment analyzing the incidence of lead- based paint hazards affecting the singl--family dwelling or a dwelling unit within a rental residenuial property and the economic feasibility of eliminating or mi imizing the lead-based paint hazards. The amount of any zero i terest forgivable loan shall also be in accordance with the curnrent Section 8 income guidelines. 1. Applicants seeking loans for the lead-based paint control or abatement on or within owner-occupied, single-family dwellings or rental residential properties may qualify for a z-ro interest forgivable loan not to exceed ten thousan• dollars ($10, 000 . 00) . An appropriate security interes' in the full amount of the loan in favor of the Ciiy, and in a form as approved by the City, shall b- recorded against the title of the single-family dwelling or rental residential property for whici the loan is granted provided the City' s security interest is subordinate to not lower than a second positio on the record title to the single-family dwelling or rental residential property. Zero interest forgivable loans shall be forgiven after five years from the completion date of the remedial measures, as determined by the Community Development Manager, or his or her designee, provided the applicant retains owne .ship of the rental residential property during thaw five-year time period. Should the applicant relinquis his or her ownership interest in the during the fiv= -year term of the zero interest forgivable loan, the b.lance of the loan shall be repaid on a pro-rated basis of that five-year term at the time such ownership interest is relinquished. 12 2. Applicants seeking loans for the lead-based paint control or abatement on or wit in dwelling units that are not owner-occupied may qual fy for a zero interest forgivable loan not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5000 . 00) for each dwellin'; unit provided the applicant' s actual costs incurred in the lead-based paint control or abatement wore match or exceed the amount of the loan. An appropriate security interest in the full amount of the loan in favor of the City, and in a form as approved by the city, shall be recorded against the title of the single-family dwelling or rental residential property fur which the loan is granted provided the City' s security interest is subordinate to not lower than a second position on the record title to the single-f.;mily dwelling or the rental residential property. Z=ro interest forgivable loans shall be forgiven afte five years from the completion date of the remedial measures, as determined by the Community Development anager, or his or her designee, provided the applica t retains ownership of the single-family dwelling or the rental residential property during that five-year ime period. Should the applicant relinquish his or he • ownership interest in the single-family dwelling or the rental residential property during the five-year t=rm of the zero interest forgivable loan, the balance of the loan shall be repaid on a pro-rated basis of that five-year term at the time such ownership interes is relinquished. D. Partial Grants : Partial loans or gra is shall not be awarded to participants in the Lead-Based Print Control/Abatement Program. E. Conditions; Agreement Required: Prog am participation shall require the execution of an agreement bet een the applicant, the property owner, when different from the a.plicant, and the City. The Community Development Manager, or h s or her designee, is authorized to execute the agreement on b-half of the City. The agreement shall include, but is not limited to, the following requirements for the applicant : 1. The applicant shall complete the lead-based paint control or abatement on or wi hin the dwelling unit designated within the agreement within a six (6) month period from the date of the execution of the agreement . 13 2. The applicant shall retain owner-hip of and continue to occupy, when applicable, the si gle-family dwelling or rental residential property on which the lead-based paint control or abatement has been performed for a period not less than five (5 years following the rehabilitation completion date as determined by the Community Development Manager. Should the applicant relinquish his or her ownership interest in the single- family dwelling or the renta residential property during the five-year term of the zero interest forgivable loan, the balance •f the loan shall be repaid on a pro-rated basis of that five-year term at the time such ownership interesi is relinquished or at the time any one of the applicable eligibility requirements is no longer being satisfied. 3. An applicant owning rental res . dential property shall provide the names, addresses, a d household incomes for the tenants residing in each d elling unit . When the rental residential property is of owner-occupied, the applicant shall rent, at not more than the Section 8 Fair Market Rent Rates, not les- than fifty-one percent (51%) of the dwelling units (o e of two units; two of three units, or; three of four units) in the rental residential property to househo' ds meeting the current Section 8 guidelines established by HUD for a period not less than six (6) months following the completion date of the lead-based paint co trol or abatement , as determined by the Community Dev=lopment Manager. 2 .30 . 100 : GRANTS; GENERAL: A. Evaluations Required: The Community Development Manager, or his or her designee, shall evaluate or ca se to be evaluated all single-family dwellings or rental residential properties for which a grant or loan is sought pursuant to the terms of this Chapter to determine whether they are lawful and to confirm compliance with the Property Maintenance Code . Such evaluation shall be made prior to the execution •f any agreement for a grant . A second evaluation shall be made following completion of work and prior to the payment of any gran. . B. Applications and Guidelines : The Community Development Manager, or his or her designee, is hereby authorized and directed to prepare and distribute the appropriate forms and 14 guidelines for the implementation of this hapter. C. Limitations : Grants or loans authorized under this Chapter shall be limited to the reimbursement of a tual expenses incurred for eligible repairs, shall be payable .nly upon satisfactory completion of the designated repairs and -.hall be limited to the amount approved at the time of execution of the rehabilitation grant agreement . No grants shall .e approved for any rehabilitation, repair, reconstruction , lead-based paint abatement or accessibility improvement a tivities initiated or completed prior to the execution of the ehabilitation grant or loan agreement . The Community Development Manager, or his or her designee, may make direct payments to the contractor performing the work on the eligible repairs upon the satisfactory completion of the designated repairs. D. Extension Of Contract : The Community iievelopment Manager, or his or her designee, may grant a one time extension to a rehabilitation grant agreement authorized under this Chapter not exceeding six (6) months when ther- are circumstances, difficulties, or hardships that make unr-asonable the time for compliance specified by the rehabilitati•n grant agreement . For the consideration of time extensions, personal circumstances peculiar to the property owner may consti ute such circumstances within the meaning of this subsection as ay material shortages, labor strikes, or seasonal limitations pr-venting the completion of the work contemplated in the rehabilit-tion grant agreement . E. Failure To Perform: Failure to perf.rm the obligations of the rehabilitation grant agreement shall -ubject the applicant to repayment of any grant monies received. F. Penalty For Misrepresentation or ailure to Comply with Conditions : Any person who wilfully makes any false statement or misrepresentation in obtaining a loan or grant under the provisions of this Chapter, or willfully :ails to comply with the applicable conditions affecting that pers.n' s grant or loan shall be subject to a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100 . 00) nor more than five hundred doll-rs ($500 . 00) , shall be required to reimburse the City for the am.unt of the grant, plus the City' s costs in administering that g ant, and shall forfeit the right to any future participation in any program authorized under the Residential Rehabilitation Prog •am Ordinance . " Section 2 . That all ordinances or marts of ordinances in 15 conflict with the provisions of this ordinance be and are hereby repealed. Section 3 . That this ordinance shal be in full force and effect upon its passage and publication i the manner provided by law. s Ed Sch.ck Ed Schock, Mayor Presented: September 12, 2001 Passed: September 12 , 2001 Omnibus Vote : Yeas : 6 Nays : 0 Recorded: September 13 , 2001 Published: September 14, 2001 Attest : s/ Dolonna Mecum Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk 16 NI ��1OFEk %., � " Item No. City of ElginAgenda op Q1, E •-- .... July 6, 2001 G I e N i TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council QUALITY HOUSING FROM: Joyce A. Parker, City Manager SUBJECT: Revisions to the Residential Rehabilitation Ordinance of the City of Elgin, Chapter 2 . 30 of the Elgin Municipal Code PURPOSE The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the Mayor and members of the City Council with information to consider changes to the City' s Residential Rehabilitation Grant Program and revisions to the Residential Rehabilitation Grant Ordinance of the City of Elgin. rft. BACKGROUND In July 2000, the U. S . Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provided the City of Elgin with the services of a consultant to assist in a review and potential restructuring of the Residential Rehabilitation Program. The consultant assessed the design and procedural aspects of the program and recommended changes that would simplify program administration and insure compliance with HUD guidelines and regulations, including lead- based paint regulations . Based on the consultant' s recommendations as -well as the City' s efforts to comply with lead-based paint requirements, the program guidelines and eligibility requirements are proposed to be revised. The major changes to the Residential Rehabilitation Program are as follows : ► The revised Residential Rehabilitation Program consists of 5 components-Single Family Owner Occupied Rehabilitation, Rental Property Rehabilitation, Emergency Repair, Handicap Accessibility, and Lead-based Paint Control/Abatement . Please note the Emergency Repair Program has been expanded to include rik repairs to water/sewer service, furnace, electrical systems and water heater emergencies . l Residential Rehabilitation Ordinance - Revisions July 6, 2001 Page 2 ► To be eligible for program funds, a 1 households must meet HUD' s Section 8 income limits . ► Housing rehabilitation is limited te exterior improvements except for qualifying emergency repairs and handicap accessibility improvements . ► Rental properties will only be eligi.le for forgivable loans rather than outright grants . If pro.erty owners continue to own the property for 5 years followinn the award of the loan, then the loan will be forgiven. Lie s will be placed on the properties to provide a means to m.nitor ownership of the properties . ► Funding for the rehabilitation of single family owner occupied and rental properties will not =xceed $5, 000 with an additional $2 , 500 toward lead-based paint abatement . This amount was selected since, historica ly, $5, 000 has been the average allocation per house and the focus of the program is to serve as many households as poss ble. Also, lead-based paint regulations require more omprehensive testing, evaluation and treatment measures fo . residential properties em. receiving more than $5, 000 in federa assistance . ► The target area component of the p •ogram has been removed since the location no longer qualifie_ as a slum and blighted area. ► Funding for the Lead-based Paint Co' trol/Abatement program will not exceed $10, 000 per property .nd will be available for up to three qualified high-risk properties . Residences with children having high blood lead levees will be targeted for this program. Properties will be identified and selected in coordination with the Kane County Heath Department and their lead testing requirement for kinderg. rten-aged children. The 2001-2002 Community Development Block erant_(CDBG) program year will be the first year in which the ity of Elgin will be administering the new lead regulation-. . The Planning and Neighborhood Services Department will mon tor the success of this new ordinance in implementing and complying with these standards . Periodically, staff will report to the City Council on the ordinance' s effectiveness. COMMUNITY GROUPS/INTERESTED GROUPS CONTAC ED Victor Thornton, Director, Community Plan ing Department, HUD tow Shirley Williams, Consultant, TONYA, Inc . t Residential Rehabilitation Ordinance - Rev sions July 6, 2001 Page 3 (/)4„..--FINANCIAL IMPACT The City Council allocated $590 , 000 in program year 2001-2002 CDBG funds to the Residential Rehabilitation Program. The program guidelines must be revised before these fu ds can be expended. It is anticipated that the City will receive its CDBG allocation in August 2001 . L GAL IMPACT The City of Elgin' s CDBG Program must be in compliance with federal lead-based paint regulations (Requireme' ts for Notification, Evaluation and Reduction of Lead-based Pai, t Hazards in Federally Owned Residential Property and Housi, g Receiving Federal Assistance, 24CFR part 35) by August 10 , 2001 . An ordinance to incorporate the proposed changes to the pr.gram is being drafted. ALTERNATIVES To approve the recommended revisions to the Residential Rehabilitation Program or request alternative revisions to the Residential Rehabilitation Program. RECOMMENDATION The recommendation is that the Mayor and silty Council approve the changes to the Residential Rehabilitatio Grant Program and the revised Residential Rehabilitation Grant ordinance of the City of Elgin, Chapter 2 . 30 of the Elgin Municipa Code . Respectfull submitted, (� LL cc Joyce I�. Pa ker City Manage . JAP/jaw Attachment r CDBG Residential Rehabilitation 'rograms Proposed Revisions A. Name: Single Family Owner Occupied Reha s ilitation Program Terms: CDBG Grant Priority: Exterior Improvements Area: City-Wide Eligibility: Household income qualification based i n HUD's Section 8 income limits. 1. Extremely Low and Very Low Income (50% or less of median family income) eligible for 100%grant, City share for rehab wog k not to exceed $5,000,plus 100% grant toward lead-based paint activities, not to xceed $2,500. 2. Low Income(greater than 50%,but not greater than 80%of median family income) eligible for 100%grant, City share for rehab work not to exceed$3,750,plus 100% grant toward lead-based paint activities, not to xceed $2,500. B. Name: Rental Property (1 to 4 units) Rehabi itation Program Terms: CDBG 0% interest, forgivable loan .fter 5 years from date of the City's approval of the improvements. If own:rship changes, loan is paid back on a pro-rated basis(i.e. 50%repaid if sold n 2'/2 years,20%repaid if sold after rub* 4 years, etc). Lien is placed on the pro o erty and City will subordinate -no lower than second position. Lien waiv:d after five years. Priority: Exterior improvements Area: City-Wide Eligibility: Household income qualification based on HUD's Section 8 income limits. Occupancy: If owner-occupied,owner must meet S-ction 8 income guidelines. If non- owner occupied, 51% of units must h.,ve households that meet Section 8 income guidelines (1 out of 2 units, 2 o t of 3 units, 3 out of 4 units). 1. 50/50 matching program, City share for reh.b work not to exceed $5,000 per building plus 100% grant toward lead based p. nt activities, not to exceed$2,500. C. Name: Emergency Repair Program Terms: CDBG Grant Priority: Eligible repairs are limited to water sewer service, furnace, electrical systems, and water heater emergenc es. Area: City-Wide Eligibility: Household income qualification bases on HUD's Section 8 income limits. Occupancy: Owner occupied single family only. 1. 100% grant, not to exceed $3,000. 2. Residential Rehabilitation Grant Coordinator must be notified by the Water Department of a water service leak or by the Co Oe Administration Department of an emergency or code deficient sewer, furnace, el ctrical, or water heater system. D. Name: Handicap Accessibility Program Terms: . CDBG Grant Area: City-Wide Occupancy: If owner-occupied,owner must meet S-ction 8 income guidelines. If non- owner occupied, 51% of units must h;ve households that meet Section 8 income guidelines(1 out of 2 units, 2 o t of 3 units, 3 out of 4 units). 1. 100%grant,City share toward improvement not to exceed$5,000,plus 100%grant toward administrative fees and lead based pain activities, not to exceed $2,500. E. Name: Lead Based Paint Control/Abatemen Program Terms: CDBG 0% interest, forgivable loan ,fter 5 years from date of the City's approval of the improvements. If own-rship changes, loan is paid back on a pro-rated basis(i.e. 50%repaid if sold in 2 V2 years,20%repaid if sold after 4 years, etc). Lien placed on the prope y, City will subordinate - no lower than second position. Lien waived aft:i five years. Area: City-Wide Occupancy: If owner-occupied,owner must meet 'ection 8 income guidelines. If non- owner occupied, 51% of units must ave households that meet Section 8 income guidelines (1 out of 2 units, 2 out of 3 units, 3 out of 4 units). 1. Available funding targeted for high risk prope ies as defined by a City/County staff panel. Properties will be identified based upo8 child lead-level test results. 2. Owner-occupied dwelling unit: 100% oan, City share toward interim control/abatement not to exceed $10,000. 3. Non-owner occupied dwelling unit: 50/50 patching program, City share toward interim control/abatement not to exceed $5,001 (in the form of a forgivable loan). Andrea Paetsch - Elgin's TA-Joyce Parker.doc Page 1 U.S.DEPARTMENT O' HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Illinois State Office 77 W.Jackson Blvd. Chicago,Illinois 60604 3507 OFFICE OF COMMUNITY PLANNING&DEVELOPMENT July 27, 2000 Ms. Joyce Parker City Manager City of Elgin • 150 Dexter court • Elgin, Illinois 60120 • • Dear Ms. Parker: • SUBJECT: TONYA Rehabilitation Technical Assistance We closed one of the monitoring findings contingent on your .cceptance of technical • assistance on the design of your rehabilitation program. That technical assistance is • in the form of a report prepared by Shirley Williams of TONY•, Inc., who made an on-site visit to Elgin on July 11-12, 2000. The report was rec:ived in my officeon • July 24, 2000 and is being sent to you as an attachment to th s correspondence. We find the report to be quite comprehensive and hope that ou will find value in it's content. I urge you to implement the recommendations in th= report as soon as • • practical. • This letter is being transmitted electronically (to paetsch_a@i ityofelgin.org) and by regular mail so that you may make use of the attachments to the report. If you have questions or need clarification on any aspect of t le report, please call • Valton Nunn, Community Planning and Development Repres-ntative, at (312) 353- 1696, extension 2709. He will contact Ms. Williams and pro ide you a response. I •• appreciated the opportunity to meet with you briefly on July 11, 2000 and look • forward to continuing dialogue to address any issues we ma have. • Sincerely, Victor H. Thornton Director Enclosure Andrea Paetsch - Elgin TA TONYA Report.doc Page 1 HOUSING REHABILITATION TECHNIC • ASSISTANCE ELGIN, ILLINOIS The purpose of the technical assistance provided, on Jul, 11-12, 2000, was to make an assessment of the administration and mana:ement of the city's housing rehabilitation program; and to recommend fundamental revisions, additions, and suggestions for general improvement of the existing program. The assessment included review of the following: Administrative Guidelines The City has simple, unencumbered operating procedu es. The approach requires greater involvement on the part of the participating ho l eowners and contractors. The process is characterized as: ■ The homeowner obtains estimates from two contractors. ■ Program staff reviews the contractor's propo al for reasonableness of cost and compliance with program requirements. (.14 ■ The homeowner selects contractor and monitors contractor performance. The contractor initiates payment requests. Essential control is maintained by the City, (not necess.rily in this order) such as: ■ Performs intake to determine homeowner eli:ibility. ■ Inspects property to ensure it is in eligible ar:a and prepares a deficiency report. ■ Inspects for contract compliance and payme t approval for quality work only. ■ Upon receipt of appropriate invoices, a chec, for payment of satisfactorily completed work is basically made payable to homeowner and the contractor. The assessment also included: ■ Review of chronological steps from intake to completion of an individual case. • ■ Review of rehabilitation forms and paperwork. • _.__., " ,,, ., L) r‘ rteport.doc t MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROEMENT 1. The Rehab Specialist indicated he makes abo t 200 inspections a year and of the initial inspections has about 25% fall-out. Cu ently, the initial inspection is made before the homeowner is determined to •e income eligible. Also, at the time of the initial inspection and before the dei iciency list is prepared, the homeowner is given instructions to get two es iimates of the work needed. It is recommended that the following steps be con•ucted in this order: (2) Determine that homeowner is income e iigible (3) Conduct initial inspection (4) Prepare and provide deficiency list to homeowner (5) homeowner obtains estimates from two ontractors detailing scope of work based on the deficiency list 2. The city was cautioned that more attention nee•s to be given to verifying and reporting all applicant income in order to a.sure compliance with HUD regulations. Since the requested assistance is d rectly related to household income, it is extremely important that all of the ousehold income (including appropriate multifamily rental income) always 'ome under close scrutiny. For some single family applicants, a summary ol applicant income information is requested and provided directly by IRS which is certainly acceptable. However, in other cases, this is not the practice. It is recommended that the city be consistent in obtaining income verifications: .,lso, there is a need to get clear understanding of the information provided on the tax forms. Other options open to the city are to forward verification of em.loyment forms to all identified employers and/or request latest tax return from a•plicant. The applicant income should be transferred from the IRS or r verification forms and reported in the appropriate place on the appli ation." For the multifamily applicants, all rental income ust be satisfactorily verified in a consistent manner. It is suggested that the cup ent form used by the city be revised to include (1) an additional line to show r;ntal income; and (2) add "Tenant rented from (date) to (date) ." Also, i determining eligibility of rental income for multifamily applicants only the et income should be used. Net income from real estate should be calculat•d on the basis of gross rental r Andrea Paetsch - Elgin TA TONYA Report.doc rage income less expenditures for mortgage interest, d-preciation, insurance, real estate taxes, maintenance, repairs and other cash -xpenditures for property. The city currently uses a form to obtain tenant inco e information. It is recommended that the following items be added to t is form: (1) initial rental date; and (2) number of bedrooms. 3. Dispute Resolution Procedure The City should develop a procedure for handling d sputes between the homeowner and the contractor relating to contractee work. A suggested process is offered below: 1. When a situation evolves into a dispute betw.en the homeowner and contractor, the Rehab Specialist will sit dow with both parties and listen to each party's position. The problem will b: evaluated objectively within the scope of the contract and a decision will be rendered. 2. The Rehab Specialist will record the stated p oblem and his proposed solution in the case file. 3. If either the homeowner or contractor disagr:es with the Rehab Specialist's decision or if a decision cannot be reached, t' e Division Manager and/or an internal panel could be established to inte vene. 4. The Division Manager or panel will listen to all sides of the dispute, evaluate the work that is in dispute and render a decis on if appropriate. 5. If the homeowner and/or contractor are not s.tisfied with the Division Manager's decision, the case may be referrer to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for mediation/arbitration, if ti is is offered in your State. 6. If your BBB offers this service, each party ill be advised that the decision of the BBB is legally binding. The Rehab S•ecialist will then develop a case file to be sent to the BBB, which usuallh includes a referral letter summarizing the problem, a copy of the reh.bilitation contract, and any other documents required. Andrea Paetsch - Elgin TA TONYA Report.doc Page 4 4. Sweat Equity While sweat equity or the owner contractor approach may very well expand the rehab work, staff is cautioned to use good judgment in allowing homeowners to perform work. This practice can put homeowners in debt situations due to their inappropriate use of equipmen' and materials. There should be evidence of their skill to perform. Further, it should be clear that reimbursement will only be made for acceptable wor anship, the cost of materials, and supplies. Owners acting as their own ontractor should be - required to signed an acknowledgment form indicati g their ability to perform the work. (A suggested format attached.) 5. Monitoring of Rents The City should develop a process for monitoring o i tenant rents for the 6 month period stated in the Administrative Guidelines. A simple suggestion is to send a form letter to the tenant after the 6 month pe iod requesting the amount of current rent payment. Then the Rehab Specialist can compare this amount to the amount paid when the grant was approved. If t e rent level has not been maintained, the City should take the appropriate act on to recover funds. 6. Fact Sheet It was noted that when the Rehab Specialist conduc s the initial inspection, extensive verbal instructions were given to the pote, tial client. As discussed, it is suggested that a Fact Sheet be developed to sho all the steps required to followed to obtain assistance. Since homeowners aving work done prior to approval has been an ongoing problem in the progr:m, it is recommended that a clause stating something to the effect that "all wor performed prior to approval is ineligible" be added to the Fact Sheet. This clau.e needs to be communicated to potential clients verbally and in writing as often :s possible. Also, the City needs to be consistent in adhering to this rule and .t pay when this occurs. Andrea Paetsch - Elgin TA TONYA Report.doc rdgC 7. Log Sheet It is recommended that the City keep a log sheet stap ed to the inside of each case folder. This log sheet will contain the chronolo!y of events, showing dates and description of all actions. For example, date of i itial client visit, receipt of all verifications, inspections, approval, payments, problems pertinent to case, etc. This practice is very helpful to auditors or anyo ie reviewing case files. (A suggested format attached) 8. Re-Structuring Financial Assistance • The budgeted amount for housing rehabilitation is re atively small (about $700,000) and Admin. (about $80,000). Currently, t e City only has a direct grant program. The average grant is $4-5,000. It is oted that investor grants are quite common and this could be a area vulnerabl- to waste. It is strongly recorhmended that the structure of financial assistan e be carefully re-analyzed to not only meet needs of the target population but to determine its ability or inability to pay. Providing a grant to an applicant o i low income may be • appropriate while providing the same assistance to . moderate income applicant may be wasting valuable resources. When people have the ability to pay • something, this should be encouraged.• Usually a lo v interest loan program is established to address this situation: However, in your particular case, this may not be feasible at this time when such factors as ext:nt of rehab, target population, staff capability, budget, as well as the cost of the new lead-based paint requirements are considered. It may be bene ficial to consider a Deferred Loan or Forgivable Loan program which could res It in recapture of some funds in the future. The characteristics of a Deferred Loan program are outlined below: 1. The applicant must be an individual or fan ily who owns and and occupies eligible residential property or is a purchaser occupant of an eligible property. 2. Applicant must be income eligible accord ing to program guidelines and has no other means of firm cing repairs and improvements. 3. Interest rate - 0% 4. Term of loan - Repayment of loan occur- on sale or transfer of interest in property. r Andrea Paetsch - Elgin TA TONYA Report.doc rdyc o The Forgivable Loan is characterized by some of the same, above, except the repayment is calculated by a graduated reduction of repayment over a specific term. The City Attorney's office would need to develo N necessary legal instruments for the above mentioned programs. Other options for considering financial restructu ing could include • conformance to specific stipulations: such as, • 1. Eliminating non-owner occupied inves or grants. To be eligible for an • investor loan, the applicant should be ai individual or family who owns and continues to occupy a one to two unit residential • property. The investment loans could .e intended for homeowners who have a very low, fixed income. V-ry low income is interpreted to mean 50% or less than a ea median as adjusted for household size. • 2. Make 100% grants to those persons wi h income at or below 50% of the median and who have no other me.:ns of financing repairs and • • improvements to home, while applica its earning over 50% and less than 80% could be eligible for.a lesse grant (maybe 90 or 75% of maximum grant, or whatever city deter .ines). 3. Matching grant (with personal or priv.;to funds); to be eligible for a matching grant, the applicant should .e an individual or family who owns and occupies a one-to- fou dwelling unit residential property with income at or below 80° The City of Elgin will match dollar-for-dollar to a maximu of$4,000 (or whatever is determined by city) . The above are several creative approaches to r:structuring financial assistance which may be helpful should the Cit, of Elgin decide to reassess the needs of the target population. Andrea Paetsch - Elgin TA TONYA Report.doc • 9. Lead-Based Paint Requirement The cost of the new lead-based paint requirement was briefly discussed. For your information the costs associated with the evaluation and reduction of lead- based paint hazards in housing structures are eligible expenses under the CDBG. Typically these expenses might include: • Inspecting buildings for possible lead-based paint hazards; • Testing surfaces to see if they contain lead- based paint; ■ The abatement of lead hazards; and ■ Payment of temporary relocation costs to protect residents from hazards while abatement work is taking place. • • The city's grants that are under $4,000 will fall under Approach#1 of the regulations which presumes that lead-based paint is present and requires the use of safe work practices on all surfaces being disturbed. The grants that are $5,000 and over fall under Approach#2 which requires paint testing on deteriorated paint, safe work practices and unit-wide clearance. Also, the city must distribute lead hazard • information pamphlets to all homeowners and tenants participating in the program. The above is a summary of required activities. It is recommended that the city examine the requirements in more detail to ensure that the rehabilitation program is in full compliance. - . ,r„ c�uf i.JJC . _ r OWNER-CONTRACTOR ACKN•WLEDGMENT FORM Owner Name Property Addr•ss Case No. I hereby certify that , ' ehabilitation Specialist, has explained the advantages of selecting a contra ctor to complete the approved list of work for my property. However, I ha e chosen to act as my own contractor and perform the work myself bee.use I acknowledge and understand that I will only be reimbursed for the cost of materials, supplies and work satisfactorily co pleted. Submitted by: Ho U eowner date Rehabilitation Specialist Approval Disapproval - Comments: r Andrea Paetsch - Elgin TA TONYA Report.doc -�- - CASE FOLDER LOG DATE COMMENTS