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HomeMy WebLinkAbout17-251RESOLUTION NO. 17-251 A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY FISCAL YEARS 2016/17, 2017/18. AND 2018/19 LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE PLAN FOR THE STATE HOUSING INITIATIVE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM WHEREAS, on April 19, 2016, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, adopted the Fiscal Years 2016/17/ 2017/18 and 2018/19 State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) pursuant to Resolution No. 2016-062; and, WHEREAS, it is the intent of the County, to the greatest extent feasible, to provide as much flexibility as possible in the administration of the SHIP Program so that improvements to the housing standards for the very low and low -to -moderate income residents of the County may be achieved through the use of SHIP and other County Housing programs; and, WHEREAS, the County has determined that certain amendments to the SHIP LHAP will better serve the residents of the County in meeting the goals of the SHIP Program; WHEREAS, the County has reviewed the proposed amendments with the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to ensure that the language changes comply with the SHIP Program. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, as follows: A. Resolution No. 16-062 is hereby amended by adoption of Amendment I to the St. Lucie County Fiscal Years 2016/17, 2017/18, and 2018/19 Local Housing Assistance Plan for the SHIP Program, a copy of which is incorporated herein by reference. B. The County Administrator and/or designee is hereby directed to coordinate the implementation of said amendments. C. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption. After motion and second the vote on this resolution was as follows: Chairman Chris Dzadovsky AYE Vice Chair Tod Mowery AYE Commissioner Linda Bartz AYE Commissioner Frannie Hutchinson AYE Commissioner Cathy Townsend AYE PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 7th day of November, 2017. ATTEST: 1 eputy Clerk BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA BY: G Chai an APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS: f%� �� As County Attorney RESOLUTION NO. 2017-254 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY PERTAINING TO INDRIO SAVANNAHS PRESERVE AND RELATING TO THE GOPHER TORTOISE RELOCATION RECIPIENT SITE PERMIT ISSUED BY THE FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION (FWC) PURSUANT TO APPLICATION NUMBER 23132; INTENDING TO MEET AND PROVIDE THE FINANCIAL ASSURANCE FOR LONG TERM MAINTENANCE OF THE SITE AS REQUIRED BY THE FWC GOPHER TORTOISE PERMITTING GUIDELINES; PROVIDING FOR APPROVAL AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN; PROVIDING FOR LONG TERM MAINTENANCE THROUGH ANNUAL BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS AS NECESSARY; PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT RIGHTS BY FWC; AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, St. Lucie County owns the property known as Indrio Savannahs Preserve, encompassing 402.44 -acres, located at 5275 Tozour Road, Fort Pierce, Florida 34951, which is depicted in attached Exhibit A; and WHEREAS, the County has submitted permit application #23132 to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), to establish a Gopher Tortoise Relocation Recipient Site for Public Conservation Lands on a portion of the Indrio Savannahs Preserve property as depicted and described on attached Exhibit B; and WHEREAS, the County has established and approved the Indrio Savannahs Preserve Gopher Tortoise Management Plan for the Indrio Savannahs Preserve Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site, attached as Exhibit C, in compliance with FWC regulations and permit requirements; and WHEREAS, a condition precedent to the issuance of the Indrio Savannahs Preserve Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site permit, FWC is requiring St. Lucie County to execute a Memorandum of Agreement (attached as Exhibit D) to establish an agreement between the parties to provide mutually beneficial support in their respective efforts to establish a gopher tortoise public conservation lands recipient site within the Indrio Savannahs Preserve and provide FWC with financial assurance regarding the long-term management and maintenance of the recipient site; and WHEREAS, the FWC Gopher Tortoise Permitting Guidelines, as revised January 2017, allows St. Lucie County to meet its financial assurance obligation by providing evidence of a "general appropriation or allocation approved by a public governing body for habitat management"; and Page 1 WHEREAS, the County understands and agrees that it is responsible for the long term maintenance, management, and monitoring of the Indrio Savannahs Preserve Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site in accord with the permit approvals issued by the FWC and fully intends to annually appropriate the funds necessary to properly discharge its responsibility; and WHEREAS, FWC has agreed to accept St. Lucie County's commitment to provide the necessary funds via annual appropriations to meet the financial assurance requirement and provide for the maintenance, management, and monitoring of the Indrio Savannahs Preserve Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site as contemplated by the FWC permit to be issued in response to permit application #23132, along with the Indrio Savannahs Preserve Gopher Tortoise Habitat Management Plan and the required Memorandum of Agreement (collectively hereafter "Indrio Savannahs Preserve Permit Documents"); and WHEREAS, the County finds that it is in the best interest of the citizens of St. Lucie County to provide financial assurance to FWC in the manner contemplated by this Resolution. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida: 1. This Board accepts and approves the findings set out above. 2. This Board approves the Memorandum of Agreement attached as Exhibit 'D' and authorizes the Chairman to sign the Memorandum of Agreement. After motion and second, the vote on this resolution was as follows: Chris Dzadovsky, Chairman AYE Tod Mowery, Vice -Chairman AYE Commissioner Linda Bartz AYE Commissioner Frannie Hutchinson AYE Commissioner Cathy Townsend AYE PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 7T" day of November, 2017. Page 2 ATTEST Deputy Clerk BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA f:y7 Chairman APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS County Attorney Page 3 Approved by FHFC: TBD Adopted by BOCC: TBD ST. LUCIE COUNTY STATE HOUSING INITIATIVES PARTNERSHIP (SHIP) LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE PLAN (LHAP) 2016-2017, 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 - 1 - Table of Contents Description Page # Section I, Program Details 3 Section II, Housing Strategies 8 A. Owner Occupied Rehabilitation 8 B. Purchase Assistance 9 C. Emergency Repairs 11 D. Disaster Mitigation 12 E. Rental Development -New Construction 13 F. Demolition/New Construction 14 G. Security and/or Utility Deposits 15 Section III, Incentive Strategies 16 A. Expedited Permitting 16 B. Ongoing Review Process 16 Exhibits A. Administrative Budget for each fiscal year covered in the Plan. B. Timeline for Estimated Encumbrance and Expenditure. C. Housing Delivery Goals Chart (HDGC) For Each Fiscal Year Covered in the plan. D. Signed LHAP Certification. E. Executed Resolution F. Resolution 10-060 Expedited Permitting Approved by FHFC: TBD Adopted by BOCC: TBD - 2 - Program Details: A. Name of the participating local government: St. Lucie County Is there an Interlocal Agreement: Yes No X B. Purpose of the program: St. Lucie County developed a Local Housing Assistance Plan for the purposes of developing and implementing policies and programs that meet the housing needs of the very low, low, and moderate income households. The plan facilitates the production and preservation of affordable housing and compliments the housing element of St. Lucie County's comprehensive plan specific to affordable housing. C. Fiscal years covered by the Plan: ✓ 2016-2017 ✓ 2017-2018 ✓ 2018-2019 D. Governance: The State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Program is established in accordance with section 420.907-9079, Florida Statutes and Chapter 67-37, Florida Administrative Code. St. Lucie County's SHIP Program compliments the housing initiatives identified in the comprehensive plan. Local Housing Partnership: The SHIP Program encourages building active partnerships between government, lenders, builders and developers, real estate professionals, advocates for low-income persons and community groups. F. Leveraging: The Plan is intended to increase the availability of affordable residential units by combining local resources and cost saving measures into a local housing partnership and using public and private funds to reduce the SHIP funds may be leveraged with or used to supplement other Florida Housing Finance Corporation programs and to provide local match to obtain federal housing grants or programs. G. Public Input: Public input was solicited through face to face meetings with housing providers, social service providers and local lenders and neighborhood associations, as well as through the local newspaper in the advertising of the Local Housing Assistance Plan and the Notice of Funding Availability. H. Advertising and Outreach: SHIP funding availability shall be advertised in a newspaper of general circulation and periodicals serving ethnic and diverse neighborhoods, at least 30 days before the beginning of the application period. If no funding is available due to a waiting list, no notice of funding availability is required. Waiting List/Priorities: A waiting list will be established when there are eligible applicants for strategies that no longer have funding available. Those households on the waiting list will be notified of their status. Applicants will be maintained in an order that is consistent with the time applications were submitted as well as any established funding priorities as described in this plan. Approved by FHFC: TBD Adopted by BOM TBD -3- Priorities for funding described here apply to all strategies unless otherwise stated in the strategy: The County will accept applications during the advertised "Application Period" which will be 30 days. From the end of the application period, applicants will have 30 days to submit all required documentation in order to be deemed eligible. Applications will be placed in order of receipt and separated based on strategy applied for. When funds are available for a particular strategy, the applicants from the waiting list will be contacted in order received to update the application for SHIP assistance. Applicants will be placed in the queue for assistance once they have provided all required documentation and been deemed SHIP eligible. Once there is a list of eligible applicants, they will be ranked giving first priority to households qualifying as Special Needs households. These applicants will further be ranked with priority given to very -low income, then low, then moderate. After serving enough Special Needs households to meet set -asides, all applicants deemed eligible will be considered equally with priority given to very -low, then low, then moderate income groups. Ranking Priority: 1. Special Needs Households a. Very low b. Low C. Moderate 2. After Special Needs Set -asides a. Very Low b. Low C. Moderate J. Discrimination: In accordance with the provisions of ss.760.20-760.37, it is unlawful to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status in the award application process for eligible housing. K. Support Services and Counseling: St. Lucie County has several partnerships with organizations such as the Council of Social Agencies (COSA), Support Reliance of Emergency Resiliency (SAFER), Roundtable of St. Lucie County, and Career Source Research Coast. All of these agencies provide support to residents in need. St. Lucie County is a member of the Martin/St. Lucie Lending Consortium which provides homeownership counseling to the County's purchase assistance applicants. In addition, the County's Human Services Division provides additional support services such as assistance with education, prescriptions, housing, and case management to assist clients with the goal of becoming self-sufficient. L. Purchase Price Limits: The sales price or value of new or existing eligible housing may not exceed 90% of the average area purchase price in the statistical area in which the eligible housing is located. Such Approved by FHFC: TBD Adopted by BOCC: TBD -4- average area purchase price may be that calculated for any 12 -month period beginning not earlier than the fourth calendar year prior to the year in which the award occurs. The sales price of new and existing units, which can be lower but may not exceed 90% of the median area purchase price established by the U.S. Treasury Department or as described above. The methodology used is: X U.S. Treasury Department Local HFA Numbers M. Income Limits, Rent Limits and Affordability: The Income and Rent Limits used in the SHIP Program are updated annually by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and posted at www.floridahousing.org. Affordable means that monthly rents or mortgage payments including taxes and insurance do not exceed 30 percent of that amount which represents the percentage of the median annual gross income for the households as indicated in Sections 420.9071, F.S. However, it is not the intent to limit an individual household's ability to devote more than 30% of its income for housing, and housing for which a household devotes more than 30% of its income shall be deemed Affordable if the first institutional mortgage lender is satisfied that the household can afford mortgage payments in excess of the 30% benchmark and in the case of rental housing does not exceed those rental limits adjusted for bedroom size. N. Welfare Transition Program: Should an eligible sponsor be used, the County will develop a qualification system and selection criteria for applications for Awards to eligible sponsors shall be developed, which includes a description that demonstrates how eligible sponsors that employ personnel from the Welfare Transition Program will be given preference in the selection process. O. Monitoring and First Right of Refusal: In the case of rental housing, the staff and any entity that has administrative authority for implementing the local housing assistance plan assisting rental developments shall annually monitor and determine tenant eligibility or, to the extent another governmental entity provides periodic monitoring and determination, a municipality, county or local housing financing authority may rely on such monitoring and determination of tenant eligibility. However, any loan or grant in the original amount of $10,000 or less shall not be subject to these annual monitoring and determination of tenant eligibility requirements. Tenant eligibility will be monitored annually for no less than 15 years or the term of assistance whichever is longer unless as specified above. Eligible sponsors that offer rental housing for sale before 15 years or that have remaining mortgages funded under this program must give a first right of refusal to eligible nonprofit organizations for purchase at the current market value for continued occupancy by eligible persons. Approved by FHFC: TBD Adopted by BOCC: TBD -5- Administrative Budget: A line -item budget of proposed Administrative Expenditures is attached as Exhibit A. St. Lucie County finds that the moneys deposited in the local housing assistance trust fund shall be used to administer and implement the local housing assistance plan. Section 420.9075 Florida Statute and Chapter 67-37, Florida Administrative Code, states: "A county or an eligible municipality may not exceed the 5 percent limitation on administrative costs, unless its governing body finds, by resolution, that 5 percent of the local housing distribution plus 5 percent of program income is insufficient to adequately pay the necessary costs of administering the local housing assistance plan." Section 420.9075 Florida Statute and Chapter 67-37, Florida Administrative Code, further states: "The cost of administering the program may not exceed 10 percent of the local housing distribution plus 5 percent of program income deposited into the trust fund, except that small counties, as defined in s. 120.52(19), and eligible municipalities receiving a local housing distribution of up to $350,000 may use up to 10 percent of program income for administrative costs." The applicable local jurisdiction has adopted the above findings in the resolution attached as Exhibit E. Q. Program Administration: Administration of the LHAP will be performed by the St. Lucie County Department of Community Services -Housing. R. Project Delivery Costs: Project delivery costs performed by non -salaried housing department employees shall include storage box fees, temporary relocation fees, survey fees, appraisal fees, title services fees, permitting fees, environmental testing fees, recording fees, counseling costs, and inspection fees. For construction projects, project delivery costs will not exceed 2% of the constructions costs. For purchase assistance, project delivery costs will not exceed 2% of the purchase price of the home. S. Essential Service Personnel Definition: "Essential Services Personnel' refer to active duty/reserve military personnel; teacher and educators; employees of school districts, community colleges, or universities; police and fire personnel including police, fire, emergency medical service and 9-1-1 dispatchers; health care personnel and employees of hospitals and assisted living facilities. T. Describe efforts to incorporated green building and energy saving products and processes: All housing rehabilitation and new construction will incorporate "green" standards including, but not limited to: • Any appliances replaced or installed shall be Energy Star; • Any door and/or window replaced or installed shall be Energy Star; • Any lighting fixture replaced or installed shall be Energy Star. Weatherization shall be incorporated into all homes rehabilitated, including but not limited to weatherization of the attic, floor insulation, if appropriate, and sealing of all exterior walls. New construction is presumed to meet the minimum insulation and sealing requirements. Any replaced or new HVAC unit shall have a SEER rating of at least 15. U. Describe efforts to meet the 20% Special Needs set-aside: For each annual allocation with a requirement to serve persons with special needs, the County will meet the requirement through the following housing programs, further defined in the strategies section. Approved by FHFC: TBD Adopted by BOM TBD -6- • Owner Occupied Rehabilitation • Purchase Assistance • Emergency Repair • Disaster Mitigation • Rental Development -New Construction Persons with special needs, as defined in F.S. 420.0004 (13) means an adult requiring independent living services in order to maintain housing or development independent living skills and who has a disabling condition, a young adult formerly in foster care who is eligible for services under F.S. 409.1451(5); a survivor of domestic violence as defined in F.S. 741.28; or a person receiving benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program or the supplemental Security Income (SSI) program or from veterans disability benefits. The County will give first priority to serving persons with developmental disabilities, as defined in F.S. with an emphasis on home modifications, including technological enhancements and devices, which allow the homeowner to remain independent in their own homes and maintain homeownership. V. Describe efforts to reduce homelessness: Efforts to end homelessness will be addressed utilizing the Security and/or Utility Deposits strategy as funding allows. Section II. LHAP Strategies: A. owner,Occupied iccupied Mhabilitation Code 3 a. Summary of Strategy: SHIP funds will be allocated for rehabilitation repairs to correct substandard conditions, eliminate code violations, upgrade major systems, make modifications for accessibility, and make general property site improvements to improve the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants. Storm resistant construction or other elements that reduce long term costs related to the maintenance, utilities, and insurance may also be incorporated. Funds may be used to assist with the payment of relocation costs associated with rehabilitation of the occupants. Funds may also be used for the removal and disposal of asbestos or lead based paint. Funds may not be utilized for mobile homes. SHIP funding assistance per unit for all activities shall be determined at all times by the County and shall be based on evidenced need and available SHIP funds in the requested activity. b. Fiscal Years Covered: 2016-2017, 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 C. Income Categories to be served: very low, low, and moderate d. Maximum award: $75,000 Approved by FHFC: TBD Adopted by BOCC: TBD -7- e. Terms: 1. Funds will be awarded as a deferred loan secured by a recorded mortgage and note. 2. Interest Rate: 0% 3. Term: 10 years 4. Forgiveness: The loan is forgiven on a prorated basis so that 10% of the principal is forgiven annually. 5. Default/Recapture: The loan will be determined to be in default if any of the following occurs during the Loan term: • sale, transfer, or conveyance of property; • Conversion to a rental property; • Loss of homestead exemption status; or failure to occupy the home as primary residence; • Failure to maintain homeowners insurance for the period of the deferred payment loan; • Should the homeowner refinance the first mortgage for more favorable terms as evidenced by documentation provided by the lender, St. Lucie County will consider subordination of its loan. The refinance cannot result in cash out to the homeowner or SHIP funds are required to be repaid. If any of these occur, the outstanding balance will be due and payable. In cases where the qualifying homeowner(s) die(s) during the loan term, the loan will be forgiven. Project delivery costs will be a grant to the applicant and not included in the mortgage and note. f. Recipient Selection Criteria: Applicants will be ranked for assistance based on a first -qualified, first - complete basis with the priorities for Special Needs and income groups as described in section I. (1) of this plan. Other eligibility criteria includes: • Applicants must be able to demonstrate the ability to pay property taxes, insurance, utilities, and mortgage payments, if applicable. • Applicants must not have been previously assisted with any federal or state funding administered by St. Lucie County in the past five (5) years. • No assistance will be granted to any property owner who is in arrears with property taxes, mortgage payments, or County utility payments at the time of application. • Applicants must own and occupy the assisted home as their primary residence and have homestead exemption at the time the application for assistance is submitted. • The property must have clear title and be free of any adverse liens and/or judgments. g. Sponsor/Developer Selection Criteria: N/A Approved by FHFC: TBD Adopted by BOM TBD -8- h. Additional Information: All work will be performed by contractors on the County's approved contractors list. Prior to rehabilitation work commencing, applicants will be required to attend Non - Delinquency Post Purchase Counseling, which will be funded by SHIP funds. The counseling provider must be approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Applicants receiving assistance for handicap accessibility modifications only will be exempt from the counseling requirement. B. Purchase Ass stancO ; �God� i and 2 a. Summary of Strategy: SHIP funds will be awarded for down payment and closing costs (DPA/CC) to households to purchase a newly constructed or existing home. A newly constructed home must have received a certificate of occupancy within the last twelve months. A minimum annual gross household income of $25,000 is required. Prospective homebuyers must qualify as a First Time Homebuyer under the HUD definition: • An individual who has had no ownership in a principal residence during the 3 -year period ending on the date of purchase of the property. This includes a spouse (if either meets the above test, they are considered first-time homebuyers). • A single parent who has only owned with a former spouse while married. An individual who is a displaced homemaker and has only owned with a spouse. • An individual who has only owned a principal residence not permanently affixed to a permanent foundation in accordance with applicable regulations. • An individual who has only owned a property that was not in compliance with state, local or model building codes and which cannot be brought into compliance for less than the cost of constructing a permanent structure. Homes being purchased that need repairs as deemed required by FHA guidelines and St. Lucie County Housing Division may be purchased providing the 1st mortgage lender and loan product guidelines are in agreement. b. Fiscal Years Covered: 2016-2017, 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 C. Income Categories to be served: very low, low, and moderate d. Maximum award: Very Low: DPA/CC: $50,000 Repairs: $15,000 Low: DPA/CC: $50,000 Repairs: $15,000 Moderate: DPA/CC: $50,000 Repairs: $15,000 In no case shall the maximum award per unit exceed a combined amount of $65,000. e. Terms: 1 Funds will be awarded as a deferred subordinate loan secured by a Approved by FHFC: TBD Adopted by BOCC: TBD -9- recorded mortgage and note and will include any down payment, closing costs, and repairs costs. 2 Interest Rate: 0% 3. Term: 10 years 4. Forgiveness: Funds will be forgiven on a prorated basis so that 10% of the principal is forgiven annually. 5. Default/Recapture: The loan will be determined to be in default if any of the following occurs during the loan term: • sale, transfer, or conveyance of property; • Conversion to a rental property; • Loss of homestead exemption status; or failure to occupy the home as primary residence; • Failure to maintain homeowners insurance for the period of the deferred payment loan; • Should the homeowner refinance the first mortgage for more favorable terms as evidenced by documentation provided by the lender, St. Lucie County may consider subordination of its loan. The refinance cannot result in cash out to the homeowner or SHIP funds are required to be repaid. If any of these occur, the outstanding balance will be due and payable. In cases where the qualifying homeowner(s) die(s) during the loan term, the loan will be forgiven. Project delivery costs will be a grant to the applicant and not included in the mortgage and note. f. Recipient Selection Criteria: Applicants will be ranked for assistance based on a first -qualified, first - complete basis with the priorities for Special Needs and income groups as described in section I. (1) of this plan. Applicants must contribute at least $500 to the purchase and attend at least 6 hours of pre- purchase homebuyer education provided by a housing counseling agency approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. g. Sponsor/Developer Selection Criteria: N/A h. Additional Information: Applicants must secure a first mortgage by an approved lender. Front end ratios should not exceed 30%, however, it is not the intent to limit an individual household's ability to devote more than 30% of its income for housing, and housing for which a household devotes more than 30% of its income shall be deemed affordable if the first institutional mortgage lender is satisfied that the household can afford mortgage payments in excess of the 30% benchmark. Approved by FHFC: TBD Adopted by BOM TBD 10- C. Emergdncy Repair Code G a. Summary of Strategy: Funds will be awarded to applicants in need of rehabilitation of their home related to a dire situation that needs to be mitigated immediately. This includes, but is not limited to: damaged roofing that is actively leaking, damaged windows causing exposure to the elements, sewage backup, or electrical or plumbing problems that could cause damage to the home or is an immediate health hazard to the occupants. A/C replacement is eligible with documentation from a physician stating it is medically necessary. Funds may also be awarded to pay insurance deductibles, directly to the insurance company for any emergency repairs covered by the homeowner's policy. Proof of insurance claim must be submitted, if applicable. Funds may be used to assist with the payment of relocation costs associated with rehabilitation of the residence. Funds may not be utilized for mobile homes. b. Fiscal Years Covered: 2016-2017, 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 C. Income Categories to be served: Very low, low, moderate d. Maximum award: $30,000 e. Terms: 1. Loan: Funds will be awarded as a forgivable loan secured by a recorded subordinate mortgage and note. 2. Interest Rate: 0% 3. Term: 5 years 4. Forgiveness: The loan will be forgiven at a rate of 20% per year. 5. Default/Recapture: The loan will be determined to be in default if any of the following occurs during the Loan term: • sale, transfer, or conveyance of property; • Conversion to a rental property; • Loss of homestead exemption status; or failure to occupy the home as primary residence; • Failure to maintain homeowners insurance for the period of the deferred payment loan; • Should the homeowner refinance the first mortgage for more favorable terms as evidenced by documentation provided by the lender, St. Lucie County may consider subordination of its loan. The refinance cannot result in cash out to the homeowner or SHIP funds are required to be repaid. If any of these occur, the outstanding balance will be due and payable. In cases where the qualifying homeowner(s) die(s) during the loan term, the loan will be forgiven. Project delivery costs will be a grant to the applicant and not included in the mortgage and note. f. Recipient Selection Criteria: Applicants will be selected on a first -qualified, first complete basis. In addition, the applicant must have the need for an immediate repair. Approved by FHFC: TBD Adopted by BOCC: TBD - 11 - g. Sponsor/Developer Selection Criteria: N/A h. Additional Information: An applicant requesting an emergency repair will be required to allow the Housing Rehabilitation Specialist to access the home for an inspection to determine the need for the repair. D. Disaster Mitigation ; ,z Code S a. Summary of Strategy: Funds will be allocated to assist households following a disaster as declared by Executive Order by the President of the United States or Governor of the State of Florida. This strategy will only be implemented in the event of a disaster using any funds that have not yet been encumbered or additional disaster funds issued by Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Funds may be used for items such as, but not limited to: • The purchase of emergency supplies for eligible households to weatherproof damaged homes; • Interim repairs to avoid further damage; • Tree and debris removal required to make the individual housing unit habitable; • Construction of wells or repairs to existing wells where public water is not available; • Payment of insurance deductibles for rehabilitation of homes covered under homeowners insurance policies; • First and last month rent, as well as security deposits for eligible recipients who have been displaced from their homes due to disaster; b. Fiscal Years Covered: 2016-2017, 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 C. Income Categories to be served: Very low, low, moderate d. Maximum award: $10,000 e. Terms: 1. Funds will be awarded as a grant with no recapture terms. 2. Interest Rate: NA 3. Term: N/A 4. Forgiveness/Repayment: N/A 5. Default/Recapture: N/A f. Recipient Selection Criteria: Applicants will be assisted on a first -qualified, first -complete basis. g. Sponsor/Developer Selection Criteria: N/A Approved by FHFC: TBD Adopted by BOCC: TBD -12- h. Additional Information: This strategy will be advertised at the beginning of the yearly hurricane season. For housing repairs, it must be documented that the applicant did not receive funds from FEMA, SBA, or homeowners insurance. A self -declaration will suffice. E. Rental;Oevelopment-New Construction : Code 21 a. Summary of Strategy: Funds will be awarded to developers to construct or rehabilitate affordable rental units. This funding is intended to be used as gap financing required for the project. In cases where a smaller development (less than 50 units) is being proposed that includes Special Needs units, the county may choose to provide a larger amount of the overall construction financing. b. Fiscal Years Covered: 2016-2017, 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 C. Income Categories to be served: very low, low and moderate d. Maximum award: Up to $75,000 for developments of 50 units or less Up to $120,000 for developments of more than 50 units e. Terms: 1. Loan/grant: For for-profit developers, funds will be awarded as a loan secured by a recorded subordinate mortgage and note. For non-profit developers, funds will be awarded as a forgivable loan secured by a recorded subordinate mortgage and note. 2. Interest Rate: 0%. 3. Term: 15 years 4. Forgiveness/Repayment: a. For For -profits, the loan is due and payable at the end of the term unless the county negotiates an extended loan term to secure affordable rental units in the best interest of the county's residents. b. For Non -profits, the loan is forgiven on a prorated basis beginning in year six so that 10% of the loan is forgiven annually from years six through fifteen. 5. Default/Recapture: For all awards, a default will be determined as: sale, transfer, or conveyance of property; conversion to another use; failure to maintain standards for compliance as required by any of the funding sources. If any of these occur, the outstanding balance will be due and payable. f. Recipient Selection Criteria: All applicants for residence in a SHIP -assisted unit must meet income qualifications of the program as determined by the St. Lucie County Housing Division. g. Developer Selection Criteria: Developers will apply to the county through an RFQ process that is open year round. The RFQ will require proof of developer experience in providing affordable rental housing, proof of financial capacity, evidence of site control (or contract for sale), proof of ability to Approved by FHFC: TBD Adopted by BOCC: TBD -13- proceed once all funding is closed, proof of non-profit status, and a housing unit design plan that meets with the county's housing element in the Comprehensive Plan. The County reserves the right to select developments that meet all the above requirements and: 1. Are in areas of immediate need due to lack of available units; 2. Propose to preserve and improve existing units. All funding awards will be subject to closing on other funding sources. h. Additional Information: Developers will be required to meet compliance reporting requirements on the development necessary to meet the statutory requirements for monitoring of SHIP rental units. F. Demolition/Reconstruction Code 4 a. Summary of Strategy: This strategy is designed to assist eligible homeowners with a replacement home when it has been determined that it is not economically feasible to rehabilitate the existing home. Reconstruction will occur when the cost to rehabilitate an existing home is 60% or more of the cost to construct a replacement home or at the discretion of the Housing Manager. When replacement is recommended, a completed preliminary inspection report, scope of work, and cost estimate must be completed. b. Fiscal Years Covered: 2016-2017, 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 C. Income Categories to be served: very low, low, and moderate d. Maximum award: $100,000 e. Terms: 1. Funds will be awarded as a deferred loan secured by a recorded mortgage and note. 2. Interest Rate: 0% 3. Term: 10 years 4. Forgiveness: The loan is forgiven on a prorated basis so that 10% of the principal is forgiven annually. 5. Default/Recapture: The loan will be determined to be in default if any of the following occurs during the Loan term: Approved by FHFC: TBD Adopted by BOCC: TBD • sale, transfer, or conveyance of property; • Conversion to a rental property; • Loss of homestead exemption status; or failure to occupy the home as primary residence; • Failure to maintain homeowners insurance for the period of the deferred payment loan; -14- • Should the homeowner refinance the first mortgage for more favorable terms as evidenced by documentation provided by the lender, St. Lucie County may consider subordination of its loan. The refinance cannot result in cash out to the homeowner or SHIP funds are required to be repaid. If any of these occur, the outstanding balance will be due and payable. In cases where the qualifying homeowner(s) die(s) during the loan term, the loan will be forgiven. Project delivery costs will be a grant to the applicant and not included in the mortgage and note. f. Recipient Selection Criteria: Applicants will be ranked for assistance based on a first -qualified, first - complete basis with the priorities for Special Needs and income groups as described in section I. (1) of this plan. g. Sponsor/Developer Selection Criteria: N/A h. Additional Information: All work will be performed by contractors on the County's approved contractors list. G. Security and/or Utility UepWts Code 23 a. Summary of Strategy: The purpose of this strategy will be to provide rental assistance in the form of security deposits, first and last month rent, and utility deposits. Applicants must show that they will be able to sustain future rental payments. Sustainability shall mean that housing costs do not exceed 35% of the household's gross monthly income. b. Fiscal Years Covered: 2016-2017, 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 C. Income Categories to be served: very low, low, and moderate d. Maximum award: $5,000 per household. Assistance will only be provided one time per household. e. Terms: 1. The assistance will be in the form of a grant with no recapture requirement. 2. Interest Rate: N/A 3. Term: N/A 4. Forgiveness: N/A 5. Default/Recapture: N/A f. Recipient Selection Criteria: Recipients will be assisted on a first -qualified, first -complete basis. Eligible hardships include, but are not limited to: unemployment or underemployment through no fault of the applicant, sudden medical expenses, divorce or separation, death in the family, or unforeseen vehicle repair bills. Applicants whose hardships involve domestic abuse shall be given priority and be Approved by FHFC: TBD Adopted by BOCC: TBD -15- documented in a police report within the previous 12 months. Applicants must have been served with an eviction notice. g. Sponsor/Developer Selection Criteria: N/A h. Additional Information: N/A a. Summary of Strategy: SHIP funds will be allocated to assist residents who have been cited with a code violation(s) by providing assistance to abate the violation. Eligible violations include: • Building without a permit; • Repair of broken windows; • Painting; • Roof Repair. Funds may not be utilized for mobile homes. In cases where multiple violations have been cited, the homeowner must abate all SHIP ineligible violations prior to receiving SHIP CVAP assistance. b. Fiscal Years Covered: 2016-2017, 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 C. Income Categories to be served: very low, low, and moderate d. Maximum award: $5,000 e. Terms: 1. The assistance will be in the form of a grant with no recapture requirement. 2. Interest Rate: N/A 3. Term: N/A 4. Forgiveness: N/A 5. Default/Recapture: N/A f. Recipient Selection Criteria: Applicants will be selected on a first -qualified, first served basis. Additionally, the following criteria must be met. • Applicants must be able to demonstrate the ability to pay property taxes, insurance, utilities, and mortgage payments, if applicable. • No assistance will be granted to any property owner who is in arrears with property taxes, mortgage payments, or County utility payments at the time of application. • Applicants must own and occupy the assisted home as their primary residence and have homestead exemption at the time the application for assistance is submitted. • Homeowners cannot be assisted more than once within a 24 month period. Homeowners cannot be assisted with SHIP CVAP for the same violation more than once. Approved by FHFC: TBD Adopted by BOCC: TBD -16- g. Sponsor/Developer Selection Criteria: N/A h. Additional Information: Applicants must be able to document a hardship. The hardship must be related to death, disability or illness, divorce, or reduced income through no fault of their own. III. LHAP Incentive Strategies A. Name of the Strategy: Expedited Permitting On March 9, 2010, Resolution 10-060 was passed directing the St. Lucie County Building Department to expedite the review of all building permit applications for County funded affordable housing projects. A stamp was created so that permit applications that meet such criteria are easily identified by the Building Department. B. Name of the Strategy: Ongoing Review Process County staff is assigned the task of reviewing proposed regulations, which may significantly affect affordable housing in unincorporated St. Lucie County. The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee will be notified of any such finding and be given the opportunity to provide their comments and feedback. Findings will be reported and recommendations made to the Board of County Commissioners when appropriate. IV. EXHIBITS: A. Administrative Budget for each fiscal year covered in the Plan. B. Timeline for Estimated Encumbrance and Expenditure. C. Housing Delivery Goals Chart (HDGC) For Each Fiscal Year Covered in the plan. D. Signed LHAP Certification. E. Executed Resolution F. Resolution 10-060 Expedited Permitting Approved by FHFC: TBD Adopted by BOCC: TBD -17-