CCLME.ORG - DIVISION 1. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

(continued)
(u) "Substantial Rehabilitation" means a Rehabilitation Project where the contract for Rehabilitation work equals or exceeds $25,000 per Unit.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(n), 50675.1(c) and 50675.11, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 50675, 50675.1(c) and 50675.2, Health and Safety Code.

s 7302. Eligible Project.
Proposed Projects are eligible only if:
(a) the Project includes the new construction or Rehabilitation of a Rental Housing Development or conversion of a nonresidential structure to a Rental Housing Development; for purposes of calculating Program loan amounts and for the purpose of determining compliance with Program requirements that a Rental Housing Development contain 5 or more Units, a single-family house is considered to be one Unit, and an apartment Unit in an apartment building is considered to be one Unit regardless of the number of bedrooms within the apartment Unit;
(b) other development funding sources are insufficient to cover Project development costs; and
(c) at the time of the application due date, the construction or Rehabilitation work has not commenced, except for emergency repairs to existing structures required to eliminate hazards or threats to health and safety.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(n), 50675.1(c) and 50675.11, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 50675.2(d), 50675.4 and 50675.7, Health and Safety Code.

s 7303. Eligible Sponsor.
(a) A Sponsor shall be any individual, joint venture, partnership, limited partnership, trust, corporation, limited liability corporation, local public entity, duly constituted governing body of an Indian reservation or rancheria, or other legal entity, or any combination thereof which meets the requirements of subsection (c), below.
(b) A Sponsor shall be organized on a for-profit, including limited profit, or nonprofit basis.
(c) In order to be eligible for funding, a Sponsor must demonstrate experience relevant to owning and developing affordable rental housing through one or more of the following:
(1) successful prior ownership and development of affordable rental housing;
(2) employment of a staff with demonstrated experience owning and developing affordable rental housing.
(d) Where 70% or more of the Units are reserved for Special Needs Populations, the Sponsor may qualify for development or ownership experience required by subsection (c)(1), above, by demonstrating that the Sponsor has experience owning and developing affordable rental housing or operating and developing affordable rental housing through the following:
(1) the Sponsor may qualify for development experience by contracting with a developer or development consultant for the provision of comprehensive development management services, provided that the Sponsor and the contractor have entered into an agreement acceptable to the Department making the contractor responsible for financial packaging, selection of other consultants, selecting the general construction contractor and property management agent, oversight of architectural design, construction management, and other major aspects of the development process; and
(2) the Sponsor may qualify for ownership experience if the role and responsibility of the Sponsor in the Projects submitted for such experience is commensurate with the ownership role and responsibilities in the proposed Project.
(e) If the Sponsor is a joint venture, and qualifies as an eligible Sponsor under the preceding subsections based on the experience of only one joint venture partner, that partner must have a controlling interest in the joint venture and a substantial and continued role in the Project's ongoing operations, as evidenced in the documents governing the joint venture.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(n), 50675.1(c) and 50675.11, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 50675.6 and 50675.7(c)(3), Health and Safety Code.

s 7304. Eligible Uses of Funds.
(a) Funds shall be used only for approved eligible costs that are incurred on the Project as set forth in this section, including the Refinance of interim loans used to pay such costs. In addition, the costs must be necessary and must be consistent with the lowest reasonable cost consistent with the Project's scope and area as determined by the Department.
(b) Eligible costs include the following:

(1) property acquisition;
(2) refinancing of existing long-term debt, only in connection with a Project involving Substantial Rehabilitation, and only to the extent necessary to reduce debt service to a level consistent with the provision of Affordable Rents in Assisted Units and with the Fiscal Integrity of the Project;
(3) land lease payments;
(4) construction and Rehabilitation work;
(5) off-site improvements, such as sewers, utilities and streets, directly related to, and required by the Rental Housing Development;
(6) on-site improvements related to the Rental Housing Development;
(7) architectural, appraisal, engineering, legal and other consulting costs and fees, which are directly related to the planning and execution of the Project and which are incurred through third-party contracts;
(8) development costs of a residential Unit reserved for an on-site manager, childcare facilities, and after-school care and social service facilities integrally linked to, and addressing the needs of the tenants of the Assisted Units;
(9) a reasonable developer fee subject to the provisions of Section 8312 of this title;
(10) Rent-Up Costs;
(11) carrying costs during construction, including insurance, construction financing fees and interest, taxes, and any other expenses necessary to hold the property while the Rental Housing Development is under construction;
(12) building permits and state and local fees;
(13) capitalized operating and capitalized replacement reserves up to the amount of the initial deposit required by the Department pursuant to Sections 8308(b) and 8309(b) of this title.
(14) escrow, title insurance, recording and other related costs;

(15) costs for items intended to assure the completion of construction, such as contractor bond premiums;
(16) environmental hazard reports, surveys, and investigations;
(17) costs of relocation benefits and assistance required by law; and
(18) any other costs of Rehabilitation or new construction approved by the Department.
(c) Except as provided in subsection (b)(8), above, no Program funds shall be used for costs associated exclusively with non-Restricted Units or Commercial Space. A Manager's Unit may be considered to be a Restricted Unit for the purpose of allocating development costs. If only a portion of the Rental Housing Development consists of Restricted Units, the Program loan amount shall not exceed the sum of the following:
(1) the costs of all items specified in subsection (b), above, associated exclusively with the Restricted Units;
(2) a share of the costs of common areas used primarily by residential tenants. This share shall be in direct proportion to the ratio between the gross floor area of the Restricted Units and the gross floor area of all residential Units; and
(3) a share of the cost of other items such as roofs that cannot specifically be allocated to Restricted Units, non-Restricted Units, or Commercial Space. This share shall be in direct proportion to the ratio between:
(A) the gross floor area of the Restricted Units, plus a share of the gross floor area of common areas used primarily by residential tenants in direct proportion to the ratio between the gross floor area of the Restricted Units and the gross floor area of all Units; and
(B) the total gross floor area of the structure or structures.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(n), 50675.1(c) and 50675.11, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 50675.2(e) and (h) and 50675.5, Health and Safety Code.

s 7305. [Reserved].

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(n), 50675.1(c) and 50675.11, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 50675.2(c), 50675.4(c)(1) and 50675.5(b)(8), Health and Safety Code.

s 7306. Type and Term of Loan.
(a) Program funds shall be used for post-construction, permanent financing only, except under an agreement with California Housing Finance Agency to provide construction period financing to eligible Projects receiving financing from both California Housing Finance Agency and the Program.
(b) The initial term of the loan shall be 55 years, commencing on the date of recordation of the Program loan documents.
(c) Upon request by the Sponsor, the Department may approve a 10-year extension of the loan term if the Department determines both of the following are met:
(1) The Sponsor is in compliance with the Regulatory Agreement and other Program loan documents and agrees to continue to comply during the extended term; and
(2) The extension is necessary to continue operations consistent with Program requirements.
(d) The Department may condition the extension on such terms as it deems necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Program.
(e) The Program loan shall be secured by the Project real property and improvements, subject only to liens, encumbrances and other matters of record approved by the Department. The Program loan shall have priority over loans from local public agencies and loans provided by the Affordable Housing Program administered by the Federal Home Loan Bank, provided that the Department may subordinate to these loans if they have a principal amount equal to or greater than twice the amount of the Program loan.
(f) Where the requirements of federal funding for a project, or the requirements of the low-income housing tax credits used in a project, would cause a violation of the requirements of these regulations, the requirements of these regulations may be modified as necessary to ensure program compatibility. Where the requirements of federal funding or tax credits create what are deemed to be minor inconsistencies as determined by the director of the Department, the Department may waive the requirements of these regulations as deemed necessary to avoid an unnecessary administrative burden. Any such modifications or waivers shall be included in the Regulatory Agreement or other documents governing the MHP loan.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(n), 50675.1(c) and 50675.11, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 50675.1(b), 50675.6 and 50675.8, Health and Safety Code.

s 7307. Maximum Loan Amounts.
(a) The loan amount shall not exceed the total eligible costs required, when considered with other available financing and assistance, in order to:
(1) enable the acquisition, development and construction or Rehabilitation of the Rental Housing Development;
(2) ensure that Rents for Assisted Units comply with Program requirements; and

(3) operate in compliance with all other Program requirements.
(b) The loan amount is further limited to the sum of:
(1) a base amount per Restricted Unit; plus
(2) the amount per Restricted Unit required to reduce Rents from 30% of 60% of Area Median Income to the actual maximum restricted Rent for the Unit, assuming that the Rent reduction will be achieved by substituting Program funds for private amortized debt, and calculated by the Department based on private market multifamily rental loan terms available at the time of issuance of each notice of funding availability.
The initial base amount shall be $30,000 per Restricted Unit. The Department may periodically adjust this amount as necessary to ensure a sufficient volume of applications that meet the objectives of the Program, as evidenced by high rating scores received under Section 7320(b). In making adjustments to the base amount, the Department shall consider (A) demand evidenced in previous funding rounds; (B) the total amount of Program funds available for award; (C) trends in Project development costs; and (D) trends in the terms and availability of supplemental development funding sources.
(c) For loan limit calculations, Unit count shall include the number of single-family houses plus the number of Units within an apartment building or Residential Hotel regardless of whether bedrooms are rented individually.
For Units receiving rental assistance under renewable rental subsidy contracts, the loan amount will be based on the level of income restriction that will apply following the closing of the Program loan.
(d) In each notice of funding availability, the Department shall establish a maximum per Project loan amount. This maximum shall be set at a level that ensures sufficient demand for Program funds while meeting the Program's geographic and other distribution goals, taking into account the demand evidenced in previous funding rounds, the availability of other sources of rental subsidy financing and the total amount of Program funds available for award.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(n), 50675.1(c) and 50675.11, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 50675.1 and 50675.6(e), Health and Safety Code.

s 7308. Interest Rate and Loan Repayments.
(a) Loans shall bear simple interest of 3% per annum on the unpaid principal balance. Interest shall accrue from the date that funds are disbursed by the Department to or on behalf of the Sponsor.
(b) For the first 30 years of the loan term, payments in the amount of 0.42% of the outstanding principal loan balance shall be payable to the Department commencing on the last day of the Initial Operating Year and continuing on each anniversary date thereafter. The balance of accrued interest shall be payable out of Operating Income remaining after payment of approved Operating Expenses, debt service on other loans, reserve deposits, and Sponsor Distributions. Commencing on the 30th anniversary of the last day of the Initial Operating Year, interest shall be payable in an amount equal to the lesser of: (1) the full amount of interest accruing on the outstanding principal loan amount; or (2) the amount determined by the Department to be necessary to cover the costs of continued monitoring of the Project for compliance with the requirements of the Program. HUD Section 811 and 202 projects will be subject to the requirements of this subsection.
(c) Except for the required payment of 0.42% of the outstanding principal loan balance, the Department shall permit the deferral of accrued interest for such periods and subject to such conditions as will enable the Sponsor to maintain Affordable Rents, maintain the Fiscal Integrity of the Project and pay allowable Distributions pursuant to Section 8314 of this title.
(d) All Program loan payments (including the 0.42% loan payment) shall be applied in the following order: (1) to any expenses incurred by the Department to protect the property or the Department's security interest in the property, or incurred due to the Sponsor's failure to perform any of the Sponsor's covenants and agreements contained in the deed of trust or other loan documents; (2) to the payment of accrued interest; and (3) to the reduction of principal.
(e) The total outstanding principal and interest, including deferred interest, shall be due and payable in full to the Department at the end of the loan term including any extension granted by the Department. The Department shall, at the end of the loan term, forgive that portion of the Program loan, including principal and deferred interest, applied to the costs of developing childcare facilities provided that such facilities have been operated for childcare purposes for a period of not less than 10 years.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(n), 50675.1(c) and 50675.11, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 50675.1 and 50675.6(c), Health and Safety Code.

s 7309. Appraisal and Market Study Requirements.
(a) As a condition of funding, the Department may require an appraisal or market study, or both, to:
(1) establish a market value for the land to be purchased or leased as part of the Project for purposes of evaluating the reasonableness of the purchase price or lease terms pursuant to Section 7304;
(2) assist with establishing other reasonable development costs pursuant to Section 7304;
(3) assess Fiscal Integrity;
(4) verify an adequate tenant market.
(b) Any appraisal required by the Department shall be prepared at the Sponsor's expense by an individual or firm which:
(1) has the appropriate license and the knowledge and experience necessary to competently appraise low-income residential rental property;
(2) is aware of, understands, and correctly employs those recognized methods and techniques that are necessary to produce a credible appraisal;
(3) in reporting the results of the appraisal, communicates each analysis, opinion and conclusion in a manner that is not misleading as to the true value and condition of the property; and
(4) is an independent third party having no identity of interest with the Sponsor, the partners of the Sponsor, the intended partners of the Sponsor, or with the general contractor.
(c) Any market study required by the Department shall be prepared at the Sponsor's expense by an individual or firm which:
(1) has the knowledge and experience necessary to conduct a competent market study for low-income residential rental property;
(2) is aware of, understands, and correctly employs those recognized methods and techniques that are necessary to produce a credible market study;
(3) in reporting the results of the market study, communicates each analysis, opinion and conclusion in a manner that is not misleading as to the true market needs for low-income residential property; and
(4) is an independent third party having no identity of interest with the Sponsor, the partners of the Sponsor, the intended partners of the Sponsor, or with the general contractor.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(n), 50675.1(c) and 50675.11, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 50675.1(c) and 50675.7(b)(3), Health and Safety Code.

s 7310. [Reserved].

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(n), 50675.1(c) and 50675.11, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 50675.1(c), 50675.2(b) and 50675.7, Health and Safety Code.

s 7311. Over-Income Households.
(a) If, at the time of recertification, a tenant household's income exceeds the limit for an income level applicable to new tenants that is greater than the income limit designated for the household, and, to the extent a rent increase for the household is permitted by statutes and regulations governing the low income housing tax credit program, the Sponsor:
(1) shall redesignate the tenant's Unit as a Unit at the higher income level;

(2) shall increase the tenant's Rent to the level applicable to Units at the higher income level; and
(3) shall designate the next available comparable Unit as a Unit at the income level originally applicable to the household unit the Unit mix required by the Program regulatory agreement is achieved. A Unit shall be deemed "comparable" if it has the same number of bedrooms as the original Unit.
For example, in a Project where the income limits utilized to qualify new tenants are 20%, 40% and 50% of Area Median Income, if the income of a household occupying a Unit designated as a 20% Unit increases to 48% of Area Median Income, the Sponsor must redesignate the household's Unit as a Unit at the 50% level, increase the tenant's Rent to the level applicable to Units at the 50% level, and designate the next available comparable Unit as a Unit at the 20% income level.
(b) If at the time of recertification a tenant household's income exceeds the income limit designated for the household's Unit, but does not exceed the limit for a higher income level applicable to new tenants, the Sponsor may increase the household's Rent to an amount not exceeding the Rent limit applicable to the household's income level at the time of recertification. For purposes of this subsection, income levels shall not be limited to those applicable to new tenants, and shall consist of five percent increments of area median income. Continuing with the example described in the subsection (a), the income levels utilized to establish Rent limits upon recertification would be 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, etc. A household occupying a Unit in this project with a 20% limit whose income, upon recertification, had increased to 32% of area median income could have their Rent increased to the Rent level applicable to the 35% income level.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(n), 50675.1(c) and 50675.11, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 50675.2(b), 50675.7 and 50675.8, Health and Safety Code.

s 7312. Rent Standards.
The Department shall establish Rent limits for Assisted Units in each Project in accordance with the following:
(a) Rent limits for initial occupancy and for each subsequent occupancy by a new Eligible Household shall be based on Unit type, applicable income limit, and area in which the Project is located, following the calculation procedures used by TCAC and using the income limits recognized by TCAC for purposes of application scoring as well as the income limits utilized by the Program for this purpose pursuant to Section 7320(b)(1). The maximum Rent limit shall be 30% of 60% of Area Median Income for the appropriate Unit size.
(b) Rents will be further restricted in accordance with Rent and income limits submitted by the Sponsor in its application for the Program loan, approved by the Department, and set forth in the Regulatory Agreement. Rents shall not exceed 30% of the applicable income eligibility level.
(c) Rents in Assisted Units may be adjusted no more often than annually. The amount and method of adjustment for Assisted Units shall be in accordance with the regulations and procedures used by TCAC.
(d) The Department may permit an annual Rent increase greater than that permitted by this section if the Project's continued Fiscal Integrity is jeopardized due to factors that could not be reasonably foreseen.
(e) For Units receiving HUD Section 8 or other similar rental assistance, the rules of the rental assistance program pertaining to Rent increases will prevail for as long as the rental assistance remains in place. Changes in the tenant contribution amounts may occur more often than annually as required by the rental assistance program.
(f) Where a Project is receiving renewable Project-based rental assistance:
(1) the Sponsor shall in good faith apply for and accept all renewals available;
(2) the Sponsor shall fund a transition reserve to be used in the event the rental assistance contract is terminated. The transition reserve shall be in an amount sufficient to prevent, for two years, Rent increases for Units that formerly received rental assistance and were restricted to households with incomes not exceeding a percentage of State Median Income, expressed as a percentage of Area Median Income. The transition reserve may be capitalized or funded from annual project cash flow in amounts to be approved by the Department. Use of funds in the reserve shall be subject to the review and approval of the Department; and
(3) if the Project-based rental assistance is terminated, Rents for Units previously covered by this assistance may be increased above the levels allowed pursuant to subsection (c), above, but only to the minimum extent required for Fiscal Integrity, as determined by the Department. In addition, Rents for such Units restricted to households with incomes not exceeding a percentage of State Median Income, expressed as a percentage of Area Median Income, shall not in any event be increased to an amount in excess of 30% of 50% of Area Median Income, adjusted by number of bedrooms in accordance with TCAC requirements.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(n), 50675.1(c) and 50675.11, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 50675.2(b) and (c) and 50675.8, Health and Safety Code.

s 7313. [Reserved].

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(n), 50675.1(c) and 50675.11, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 50675.1(c), 50675.5 and 50675.8(a)(5), Health and Safety Code.

s 7314. Limits on Design Features.
Except where required to secure local government approvals essential to completion of the Project, or where necessary to receive tax credits for historic preservation, costs associated with the following items are ineligible for funding with Program loan proceeds, and cannot be paid for from syndication proceeds or loans supported by Rents from Assisted Units:
(a) building and roof shapes, ornamentation and exterior finish schemes whose costs are in excess of the typical costs of these features in modestly designed rental housing;
(b) fireplaces, tennis courts, and similar amenities not typically found in modestly designed rental housing; and
(c) custom-made windows, ceramic tile floors and counters, hardwood floors, and similar features using materials not typically found in modestly designed rental housing, except where such materials have lower lifecycle costs due to lower operating, maintenance and replacement costs.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(n), 50675.1(c) and 50675.11, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 50675.5 and 50675.7(b), Health and Safety Code.

s 7315. Relocation Requirements.
(a) The Sponsor of a Project resulting in displacement of residential tenants shall be solely responsible for providing the assistance and benefits set forth in this section and in applicable state and federal law, and shall agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Department from any liabilities or claims for relocation-related costs.
(b) All tenants of a property who are displaced as a direct result of the development of a Project shall be entitled to relocation benefits and assistance as provided in Title 1, Division 7, Chapter 16 of the Government Code, commencing at Section 7260, and Subchapter 1 of Chapter 6 of Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations, commencing at Section 6000. Displaced tenants who are not replaced with Eligible Households under this Program shall be provided relocation benefits and assistance from funds other than Program funds.
(c) The Sponsor shall prepare a relocation plan in conformance with the provisions of California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Section 6038. The relocation plan shall be subject to the review and approval by the Department prior to the disbursement of Program funds.
(d) All Eligible Households who are temporarily displaced as a direct result of the development of the Project shall be entitled, upon initial occupancy of the Rental Housing Development, to occupy Assisted Units meeting the tenant occupancy standards set forth in Section 8305 of this title.
(e) All in-Eligible Households who are temporarily displaced as a direct result of the development of the Project shall be entitled, upon initial occupancy of the Rental Housing Development, to occupy any available non-Assisted Units for which they qualify.
(f) Notwithstanding the preceding subsections, tenants who are notified in writing prior to their occupancy of an existing Unit that the Unit may be demolished as a result of funding provided under the Program shall not be eligible for relocation benefits and assistance under this section. The form of any notices used for this purpose shall be subject to Department approval.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(n), 50675.1(c) and 50675.11, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Government Code, Title 1, Division 7, Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 7260).

s 7316. Construction Requirements.
(a) The Department may review Project plans and specifications to ensure the following objectives:
(1) Maintenance, repair, and replacement costs shall be minimized during the useful life of the Rental Housing Development through use of durable, low maintenance materials and equipment and design features that minimize wear and tear.

(2) Operating costs shall be minimized during the useful life of the Rental Housing Development.
(3) Tenant security shall be enhanced through features such as those designed to prevent or discourage unauthorized access and to allow for ready monitoring of public areas.
(4) Unit sizes, amenities, and general design features shall not exceed the standard for new developments rented at or below the market rent in the area of the Project, and Unit density shall not be substantially less than the average for new developments with such Units.
(b) The Sponsor shall ensure that the construction work for the Project is performed in a competent, professional manner at the lowest reasonable cost consistent with the Project's scope, design and locality and not in excess of the total funds available.
(c) The Sponsor shall enter into a written contract for the construction or Rehabilitation work with a contractor having the appropriate state license. The contract shall be subject to the prior approval of the Department to determine compliance with Program requirements.
(d) The construction contract shall be a completely integrated agreement containing all the understandings, covenants, conditions and representations between the parties and shall specify a total contract price consistent with the Project budget approved by the Department.
(e) The Sponsor shall ensure that the construction contract requires compliance with state prevailing wage law (Chapter 1 of Part 7 of Division 2 of the Labor Code, commencing with Section 1720). The construction contract shall require the contractor to maintain labor records as required by law, and to make these records available to any enforcement agency upon request. Prior to the close of the Program loan, the Sponsor shall provide to the Department a certification that prevailing wages have been paid or will be paid, and that the records shall be available consistent with the requirements of this subsection.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(n), 50675.1(c) and 50675.11, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 50675.5 and 50675.7, Health and Safety Code.

s 7317. Application Process.
(a) The Department shall periodically issue a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) that specifies, among other things, the amount of funds available, application requirements, the allocation of rating points, minimum eligibility threshold point scores, the deadline for submittal of applications, the schedule for rating and ranking applications and awarding funds, and the general terms and conditions of funding commitments. A NOFA may declare as ineligible those Project applications for which the Department has issued, or concurrently will issue, a special NOFA pursuant to subsection (c)(4), below.
(b) Applications selected for funding shall be approved at loan amounts, terms, and conditions specified by the Department. For each Project selected for funding, the Department shall issue an award letter and a conditional loan commitment.
(c) In order to implement goals and purposes of the Program, the Department may adopt measures to direct funding awards to designated Project types including, but not limited to, Rural Area Projects, Projects located in areas needing additional funding to achieve a reasonable geographic distribution of Program funds, Projects preserving continued affordability, and Projects with specified funding characteristics, including, but not limited to, Projects receiving an award of tax credits from TCAC. These measures may include, but are not limited to:
(1) Issuing a special NOFA for designated Project types.
(2) Awarding bonus points within a particular NOFA to designated Project types.
(3) Reserving a portion of funds in the NOFA for designated Project types.

(4) Notwithstanding anything in these regulations to the contrary, a special NOFA issued pursuant to this subsection may establish an over-the-counter application process, meaning the Department continuously accepts and rates applications according to minimum threshold criteria published in a NOFA for the process, and makes loans to Projects that meet or exceed these criteria until the funding available for the process is exhausted. At a minimum, a special NOFA shall include a description of the application process and funding conditions, shall require compliance with Section 7320(a), and shall establish minimum funding threshold criteria based on the rating criteria set forth in Section 7320(b).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(n), 50675.1(c) and 50675.11, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 50675.1(c), 50675.6 and 50675.7, Health and Safety Code.

s 7318. Application Requirements.
(a) Application shall be made on a form made available by the Department requesting the information required by Multifamily Housing Program Regulations.
(b) An application shall be deemed complete when the Department is able to review the application and assess the proposed Project's feasibility pursuant to Section 8310 of this title and to determine from the information provided whether the Project is eligible for rating and ranking pursuant to Section 7320.
(c) Submission of an application by the applicant and a co-applicant must be authorized by resolutions of the governing boards of both the applicant and co-applicant, unless the applicants are individuals.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(n), 50675.1(c) and 50675.11, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 50675.6 and 50675.7, Health and Safety Code.

s 7319. [Reserved].

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(n), 50675.1(c) and 50675.11, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Section 50675.7, Health and Safety Code.

s 7320. Project Selection.
(a) Projects shall not be eligible for an award of funds unless the application demonstrates that all of the following conditions exist:
(1) The applicant is an eligible Sponsor pursuant to Section 7303;
(2) The Project involves an eligible Project pursuant to Section 7302;
(3) All proposed uses of Program funds are eligible pursuant to Section 7304;

(4) The application is complete pursuant to Section 7318;
(5) The Project will maintain Fiscal Integrity consistent with proposed Rents in the Assisted Units and is feasible pursuant to Section 8310 of this title;
(6) The Project site is free from severe adverse environmental conditions, such as the presence of toxic waste that is economically infeasible to remove and that cannot be mitigated;
(7) The Project site is reasonably accessible to public transportation, shopping, medical services, recreation, schools, and employment in relation to the needs of the Project tenants;
(8) In Projects targeting Special Needs Populations, the Project will provide services suitable to the needs of the tenants, and the application demonstrates a specific, feasible plan for delivery and funding of those services including identification of service partners and funding sources; and
(9) The Project complies with the requirements of Sections 8302 and 8303 of this title.
(b) Applications shall be reviewed by the Department to determine compliance with subsection (a), above, and shall be rated and ranked in accordance with this subsection (b). Applications shall be ranked in the order of their point scores. The Department may establish a preliminary point score and ranking for applications prior to determining their compliance with subsection (a), above. If an application will not be within a fundable range as indicated by the preliminary ranking, the Department is not required to determine the application's compliance with subsection (a), above. Additional or alternative scoring may be implemented in particular NOFA's for designated Project types as described above in Section 7317(c).
The following criteria shall be used to rate applications:
(1) The extent to which the Project serves households at the lowest income levels - 35 points maximum.
Applications will be scored based on the percentage of Restricted Units limited to various percentages of the State Median Income, expressed as a percentage of Area Median Income and adjusted by household size, and in accordance with the following schedules:

High Income Areas
For purposes of this subchapter, "high income areas" means counties with Area Median Incomes that exceed 110% of the State Median Income.
(A) 0.75 points will be awarded for each percent of Restricted Units that are Restricted Units for households with incomes less than or equal to 40% of State Median Income, expressed as a percentage of Area Median Income.
(B) 1 point will be awarded for each percent of Restricted Units that are Restricted Units for households with incomes less than or equal to 35% of State Median Income, expressed as a percentage of Area Median Income.
(C) 1.5 points will be awarded for each percent of Restricted Units that are Restricted Units for households with incomes not exceeding 20% of State Median Income (adjusted by the Department to avoid exclusion of working CalWORKs recipients and individuals receiving SSI and expressed as a percentage of Area Median Income) for the first 10% of total Restricted Units; then 1 point for each subsequent percent of total Restricted Units.

Point scores will be rounded to the nearest one hundredth point in this category.
Other Areas
(D) .75 points will be awarded for each percent of Restricted Units that are Restricted Units for households with incomes less than or equal to 35% of State Median Income, expressed as a percentage of Area Median Income.
(E) 1 point will be awarded for each percent of Restricted Units that are Restricted Units for households with incomes less than or equal to 30% of State Median Income, expressed as a percentage of Area Median Income.
(F) 1.5 points will be awarded for each percent of Restricted Units that are Restricted Units for households with incomes not exceeding 20% of State Median Income (adjusted by the Department to avoid exclusion of working CalWORKs recipients and individuals receiving SSI and expressed as a percentage of Area Median Income) for the first 10% of total Restricted Units; then 1 point for each subsequent percent of total Restricted Units.
In Projects that rely on renewable Project-based rental assistance contracts to maintain Fiscal Integrity consistent with the targeted income limits (and associated tenant Rents), scores will be based on the income limits and Rents applicable under the rent subsidy contract.
Point scores will be rounded to the nearest one hundredth point in this category.
(2) The extent to which the Project addresses the most serious identified local housing needs -- 15 points maximum.
(A) 5 points will be awarded based on the receipt of:
1. a letter from the local housing agency, or city, or county in which the proposed Project will be located, stating that the proposed Project will address a serious local housing need as identified in a specific local policy document; or
2. for Projects with a minimum of 70% of Project Units reserved for Special Needs Populations, a letter from a local government entity responsible for delivery of Special Needs Populations' services, stating that the proposed Project will address a serious local housing need related to Special Needs Populations served by the Project.
(B) Projects will receive 10 additional points if:
1. at least 70% of the total Units are reserved for Special Needs Populations; or
2. at least 70% of the total Units have 2 or more bedrooms, and they are located in one of the following counties: San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa, Solano, Marin or Sonoma.
(C) For Projects not meeting the requirements of subsection (b)(2)(B), above, up to 10 points will be awarded on the basis of vacancy rate comparisons with competitive developments as described in subparagraph (3), below. (For purposes of the following vacancy rate comparison, Units reserved for Special Needs Populations in the proposed Project and competitive Projects shall not be considered.)
1. Competitive developments are multifamily rental developments with Units similar to those in the Project, which are not severely dilapidated, are not being purposely held vacant or partially vacant, and are not affected by some other unique situation that is artificially depressing occupancy levels. If the proposed Project is for the elderly, competitive Projects must be limited to this population;
2. Units similar to those in the Project are defined as Units with the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Where the proposed Project contains 3 or 4 bedroom Units and where 3 or 4 bedroom multifamily rental developments do not exist in the market area of the proposed Project, competitive developments will be those multifamily rental developments containing the largest Units in the market area of the proposed Project while meeting the requirements of subparagraph (1.), above;
3. Points will be awarded on the basis of either the weighted average vacancy rate, as documented by the Sponsor, of 5 or more competitive developments, nearest the proposed Project, or the vacancy rate for competitive Projects as determined by a market study, performed by a qualified third party in accordance with the Department's application of TCAC Market Study Guidelines dated February 2002 except that market studies for proposed elderly Projects shall be limited to competitive elderly developments as follows:

(i) 10 points will be awarded if the vacancy rate is lower than 3%.
(ii) 5 points will be awarded if the vacancy rate is at least 3% but less than or equal to 5%.
(3) The development and ownership experience of the Project Sponsor - 20 points maximum.
(A) Applications will be scored based on the number of subsidized Rental Housing Developments (including tax credit Projects) that the Sponsor has completed over the last 5 years and whether they have identified performance problems.
(B) A Sponsor may include the experience of its affiliated entities or its principals (e.g., employees responsible for managing development activities), but not the experience of non-management board members. A Sponsor may include the experience of a partner in order to gain experience points; however, the experienced partner must have a controlling interest in the partnership and a substantial and continued role in the Project's ongoing operations, as evidenced in partnership documents. In such cases, points will be awarded based only on the experience of the more experienced partner. Any dissolution of the partnership or withdrawal of the more experienced partner will require prior written approval by the Department.
(C) To be counted towards experience pursuant to subsection (b)(3), above, completed Projects cited for experience points must contain 10 or more Units, except if the proposed Project contains less than 15 Units and at least 70% of the total Units in the proposed Project are reserved for Special Needs Populations, completed Projects submitted for experience points must contain at least 5 Units.
(D) 4 points will be awarded for each Project completed in the 5 years preceding the application due date, up to a maximum of 20 points.
(E) Where at least 70% of the Units in the proposed Project are reserved for Special Needs Populations, the Sponsor may elect to have its application scored based on the lesser of:
1. The number of subsidized Rental Housing Developments that the Sponsor's development consultant or contracted developer has completed in the last five years;

2. The number of subsidized Rental Housing Developments that the Sponsor, or affiliates or principals of the Sponsor either own or operate under a long-term lease or other arrangement that involves all responsibilities commensurate with ownership.
To qualify for scoring under this alternative, the Sponsor must contract with the developer or development consultant for comprehensive development services, including financial packaging, selection of other consultants, selection of the construction contractor and property management agent, oversight of architectural design, construction management, and other major aspects of the development process.
Applications scored under this alternative shall be awarded 4 points per Rental Housing Development, up to a maximum of 20 points.
(F) 5 points will be deducted for each occurrence or event in the following categories, with a maximum deduction of 10 points per category and a maximum total deduction of 50 points:
1. removal or withdrawal under threat of removal as general partner;

2. failure to submit, when due, compliance documentation required under the Department Program;
3. use of reserve funds for Department-assisted Projects in a manner contrary to Program requirements, or failure to deposit reserve funds as required by the Department;
4. failure to provide promised supportive services to a Special Needs Population or other tenants of a publicly funded Project;
5. other significant violations of the requirements of Department programs or of the programs of other public agencies, such as the failure to adequately maintain a Project or the books and records thereof.
Events occurring in connection with Projects under the control of the Sponsor shall be used as the basis for point deductions. Such events shall have had a detrimental effect on the Project or the Department's ability to monitor the Project, as determined by the Department. Events shall not result in the deduction of points if they have been fully resolved as determined by, or to the satisfaction of, the Department as of the application due date.

(4) The percentage of Units for families or Special Needs Populations and "at-risk" Rental Housing Developments - 35 points maximum.
Applications will be scored based on the percentage of Project Units that will have 2 or more bedrooms, or that are reserved for Special Needs Populations. Projects must have at least 5 Units reserved for Special Needs Populations to receive points for Special Needs Populations' Units. To receive points for Special Needs Populations' Units, a complete and detailed supportive services plan acceptable to the Department, describing services appropriate to the needs of the targeted population, a line item budget, and documentation identifying proposed funding sources must accompany the application, along with detailed documentation acceptable to the Department describing the experience and capacity of the services provider.
(A) .2 points will be awarded for each percent of total Project Units that have 2 bedrooms.
(B) .7 points will be awarded for each percent of total Project Units that have 3 or more bedrooms.
(C) 1 point will be awarded for each percent of total Project Units that are reserved for a Special Needs Population or Populations.
(D) Projects approved by the Department as "at-risk", as defined by TCAC Regulations, will receive 35 points in this category.
Point scores will be rounded to the nearest one hundredth point in this category.
(5) Leverage of other funds, in those jurisdictions where they are available - 20 points maximum.
Applications will be scored based on the leverage of other funds, meaning the amount of non-Program funds for permanent funding of the development costs attributable to the Restricted Units, as a percentage of the requested amount of Program funds. Deferred developer fees will not be counted as leveraged funds. Land donations will be counted as leveraged funds where the value is established with a current appraisal. One-half point will be awarded for each full 5-percentage point increment above 100%. Rural Area Projects will be awarded one-half point for each full 5-percentage point increment above 50%. For example, a non-Rural Area Project where other funds are equal to 100% of requested Program funds will receive zero (0) points, a Project where other funds equal 150% will receive 5 points, a Project where other funds equal 250% will receive 15 points, and a Project where non-Program funds equal 300% of requested Program funds will receive the maximum 20 points.
(6) Project Readiness - 15 points maximum.
(A) 2.5 points will be awarded to Projects for each of the following circumstances as documented in the application. If a particular category is not applicable, full points shall be awarded in that category.
1. obtaining enforceable commitments for all construction financing, not including tax-exempt bonds, 4% tax credits, and funding to be provided by another Department program. Funds from other Department programs proposed for construction financing for the Project must be awarded prior to final rating and ranking for the MHP application;
2. completion of all necessary environmental clearances (California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act) and of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment;
3. obtaining all necessary and discretionary public land use approvals except building permits and other ministerial approvals;
4. either:
(a) the Sponsor has fee title ownership to the site or a long-term leasehold securing the site meeting the criteria for Program site control; or
(b) the Sponsor can demonstrate that the working drawings are at least 50% complete, as certified by the Project architect;
5. obtaining local design review approval to the extent such approval is required;
6. obtaining commitments for all deferred-payment financing, grants and subsidies, in accordance with TCAC requirements and with the same exceptions as allowed byTCAC. Deferred-payment financing, grant funds and subsidies from other Department programs proposed for Project financing must be awarded prior to final rating and ranking for the MHP application. (continued)