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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLow to Moderate Income Task Force Agenda Abstract - 6-6-1988, Item E2 r 1 005 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Action Agenda Item No. 152. ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: June 6, 1988 SUBJECT: Staff Implementation Report - Housing Task Force Recommendations DEPARTMENT: Housing/Community Dev. PUBLIC HEARING YES: NO: X ATTACHMENT(S) : Staff Report INFORMATION CONTACT: Tara L. Fikes TELEPHONE NUMBER- Hillsborough - 732-8181 Chapel Hill - 968-4501 Mebane - 227-2031 Durham - 688-7331 PURPOSE: To provide the Board with a Staff Implementation Report on the Housing Task Force Recommendations. BACKGROUND: In September 1987, the Low and Moderate Income Housing Task Force presented a report of the housing conditions and housing needs in Orange County to the Board of . Commissioners. Embodied in this report was ten recommendations for addressing.the housing needs in the County. In October 1987, County staff presented a workplan for implementation of these recommendations. Since that time; strategies for action have been developed, . _ The attached reports provides objective. and realistic staff implementation measures for each Task Force recommendation. The Housing Task Force has also received this document. .006 . • q. STAFF IMPLEMENTATION REPORT HOUSING TASK FORCE RECOO(ENDATIONS The Board of Commissioners referred the Housing Task Force Report to the Manager for review and development of implementation strategies in September 1987. The Manager designated the Directors of Finance, Housing and Community Development, Planning, Economic Development, the CAT Coordinator and the Assistapit County Manager to work on this project. The Manager's Office convened the group for the purpose of formulating an action plan to accomplish the above stated tasks. In October 1987, this group presented a Staff Workplan for implementation of the Task Force recommendations. In :order to keep the Board of Commissioners informed of the progress of the previously presented Workplan, the following report has been prepared. The Low' and Moderate Income Housing Task Force has reviewed this document. For clarity, each task force recommendation is stated and then followed by a staff response. ..rte 007 STAFF REPORT PAGE 1 TASK EMIR M 9MMENDATIOI( QIi$ SUPPORT AND ENABLE THE CREATION OF AN ORANGE COUNTY NON- PROFIT HOUSING CORPORATION, CHARGED WITH PURPOSES OF CREATING HOUSING FOR ORANGE COUNTY CITIZENS NOT SERVED BY THE PRIVATE HOUSING MARKET, AND OF SUPPORTING PROGRAMS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF HOUSING QUALITY FOR ALL RESIDENTS. STAFF REPONSE Interested Task Force members along with the Housing Services Director are presently involved in an effort to develop a strategy for the development of a non-profit housing corporation in Orange County. Meetings are being held with area non-profit groups to determine how this corporation should be structured to meet the needs of Orange County. Much work still • needs to be done, however, the group envisions presenting a proposal to the Board of County Commissioners for their support (especially financial support) during the Fiscal Year 1988-89.: TAN FORCE RECOIQ DATION ', MQ REFER THIS REPORT TO THE ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING BOARD AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, AND TO PLANNING AND HOUSING/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF, FOR CONSIDERATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SPECIFIC POLICY PROPOSALS. STAFF RESPONSE Completed-the report was referred to the appropriate county boards and departments. WIE MB= ON =B$ INCREASE PRIORITY OF PROGRAMS FOR REHABILITATION OF MARGINAL AND SUBSTANDARD HOUSING. A. PREPARE A PORTFOLIO OF PUBLIC AND PUBLIC/PRIVATE SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR REHABILITATION EFFORTS, INCLUDING STATE AND FEDERAL LOAN AND SUBSIDY PROGRAMS AND TAX INCENTIVES DISCUSSED IN THIS REPORT -- PARTICULARLY FEDERAL LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDITS AND THE NORTH CAROLINA HOUSING TRUST FUNDS -- WITH THE INTENTION OF ASSISTING HOMEOWNERS AND LANDLORDS IN LOCATING THE BEST SOURCES OF HOME IMPROVEMENT FUNDING. oQ STAFF. REPORT PAGE 2 STAFF RESPONSE A portfolio of various public and public/private housing opportunities is available in the County Housing and Community Development Department in Hillsborough and Carrboro and will be available in the Resource Center in the Court Street Annex - Administrative Bldg in Hillsborough. This information and any technical assistance desired is available to the general public as well as local non-profit profit organizations. An itemized list of contents will be prepared for circulation to interested agencies and individuals. The availability of this information is being advertised through other departmental public relations methods. B. CREATE A FUND FOR SUBSIDIZATION OF REHABILITATION LOANS TO PERMIT FURTHER REDUCTION OF INTEREST RATES WHERE SUCH ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED OR WHERE PARTICULAR PUBLIC PURPOSES ARE SERVED. CONSIDER MAILING SUCH SUBSIDIES AVAILABLE SUBJECT TO AGREEMENTS, WHERE, APPLICABLE, TO SELL OR RENT SUCH REHABILITATED HOUSING TO LOW AND MODERATE INCOME INDIVIDUALS DIRECTLY OR THROUGH SECTION 8 OR OTHER RENTAL SUBSIDY PROGRAMS. STAFF RESPONSE The Housing and Community Development Department has designed a local Housing Rehabilitation Program. During FY 1988-89, County staff will identify possible sources of initial funding for a local housing trust fund to provide financial rehabilitation assistance. The recommended program will be presented to the BOCC for approval and implementation in FY 88-89. This effort will be hampered somewhat since presently, state legislation does not allow counties to use certain local general fund monies for housing purposes. Specifically, House Bill 238 passed in 1987 gives cities and towns authority to use general fund revenues for housing purposes. Counties were not included in this legislation. The Task Force suggests that a local bill be initiated in order to allow inclusion of Orange County in this legislation. C. SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE VOLUNTEER EFFORTS FOR HOUSING REHABILITATION SUCH AS THOSE SPONSORED BY WEATHERIZATION AND HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS OF ORANGE CONGREGATIONS IN MISSION AND THE CHAPEL HILL/CARRBORO INTERFAITH COUNCIL, BY PROVIDING SUCH ORGANIZATIONS WITH INFORMATION REGARDING FAMILIES IN NEED OF THEIR ASSISTANCE, BY WARMLY RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANT SERVICE PROVIDED BY SUCH GROUPS ADD BY NEIGHBORHOOD o CA. STAFF REPORT PAGE 3 IMPROVEMENT EFFORTS, AND BY COMMENDING PARTICIPATION IN VOLUNTEER REHABILITATION PROJECTS TO ORANGE COUNTY CITIZENS. sTAFF.RESPONSE The County will continue to support the volunteer efforts of these agencies by providing referral services and technical assistance to enhance their present housing efforts. Specifically, the County will continue to support the weatherization program sponsored by JOCCA, the InterFaith Council Shelter for the Homeless, and the "sweat-equity" new construction efforts of Habitat for Humanity as well as other local housing related efforts. D. MERE DILAPIDATED AN ABANDONED STRUCTURES CAN BE CONDEMNED AND PURCHASED BY TEE COUNTY GOVERNMENT FOR REHABILITATION PURPOSES, UNDERTAKE REHABILITATION AS A COUNTY PROJECT, OR PROJECT OF THE ORANGE COUNTY NON-PROFIT HOUSING CORPORATION, OR ENTER INTO CONTRACT ARRANGEMENTS KITH LOCAL BUILDERS FOR SUCH REHABILITATION, KITH TEE PURPOSE OF RESALE OF THE PROPERTY AND RECOVERY OF PURCHASE AND CONSTRUCTION COSTS, OR SUBSIDIZED RENTAL. STAFF RESPONSE Staff receives this recommendation as information and will review this option when land and/or abandoned structures is acquired by the County. The present County Community Development Program exercises this option in designated CD target areas. E. ACTIVELY SUPPORT THE RIGHT OF TENANTS TO DECENT ROUSING THROUGH RIGOROUS ENFORCEMENT OF THE ORANGE COUNTY MINIMUM ROUSING CODE. MAKE ALL COUNTY AGENCIES ANARE OF REFERRAL PROCEDURES FOR SUBSTANDARD HOUSING COMPLAINTS TO TEE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT BY PREPARING AND DISTRIBUTING THROUGH COUNTY AGENCIES A PAMPHLET DESCRIBING CODE ENFORCEMENT AND TEE RIGHTS OF RENTERS. LINK SUCH EFFORTS TO PROGRAMS FOR HOUSING REHABILITATION DESCRIBED ABOVE. STAFF RESPONSE All County Human Service Agencies are aware of referral procedures for Minimum Housing Code complaints to the Housing and Community Development Department. However, to enhance the knowledge of these agencies as well as inform the rental community in Orange County, the Department is preparing brochures/pamphlets describing the Minimum Housing Code 010. STAFF REPORT PAGE 6 Enforcement. Program as well as designing public service announcements to be made through local media publications. This.' will be accomplished by July 15, 1988. Further, inforioational sessions for various human service agencies will be conducted. Staff is also reviewing the present Minimum Housing Code to ensure that the procedure is clear and operable, thereby minimizing any potential enforcement problems. The inclusion of Mobile Home Parks in the Enforcement Program will also be examined. F. CONTINUE TO EMPHASIZE HOUSING REHABILITATION IN APPLICATIONS FOR CDBG GRANTS, AID EXPAND GRANT PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION TO THE NC HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY AND NC ROUSING COMMISSION WHEN SUCH AGENCIES MARE ORANGE COUNTY ELIGIBLE TO APPLY UNDER THEIR PROGRAMS. STAFF RESPONSE Housing rehabilitation will be emphasized in all grant applications prepared by the County. =ER FORCE, RECOMMENDATION FOUR AMEND THE COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE TO INCREASE INCENTIVES AND CREATE NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION OF LOW AND MODERATE INCOME SITE-BUILT OR MODULAR HOUSING. A. CURRENT PROVISIONS FOR BONUS INCENTIVES IN ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION 5.1 AND 6.22, WHICH APPLY ONLY TO PLANNED . DEVELOPMENTS AND WHICH ALLOW ONLY MINIMAL ADJUSTMENT IN RECREATION SPACE RATIOS FOR RB, AR AID R-1 ZONES, MINIMAL LUX AND FLOOR AREA RATIO ADJUSTMENTS, ARE DEMONSTRABLY INSUFFICIENT TO ENCOURAGE NEEDED NEW CONSTRUCTION. REWRITE THESE SECTIONS TO MAKE LUI AND FAR ALLOWANCES APPLICABLE TO ALL RESIDENTIAL ZONES. CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO A "SLIDING SCALE" FOR SUCH INCENTIVES, PROVIDE OVER 10% LOW AND MODERATE INCOME UNITS, UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 50%. FURTHER, SINCE REFERENCES TO HUD SECTION 8 GUIDELINES ARE OUTDATED, THEY SHOULD BE REVISED TO REFLECT CURRENT STATE AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS, AS WELL AS TEE CONTRIBUTIONS OF PRIVATE NON-PROFIT. ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY. B. DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT BONUS INCENTIVES TO AFFORDABLE SINGLE FAMILY CONSTRUCTION, SIMILAR TO REVISED INCENTIVES FOR PUD'S. Olt STAFF REPORT PAGE 5 C. • ENCOURAGE CONSTRUCTION OF DUPLEX AND TRIPLEX STRUCTURES BY PERMITTING DUPLEXES TO BE BUILT IN MINIMUM LOTS ONE AND ONE-RALF TIMES THAT OF THE APPLICABLE ZONE, AND ALLOWING TRIPLEXES ON DOUBLE LOTS. D. CONSIDER IMPLEMENTATION OF INCLUSIONART ZONING PROVISIONS FOR PUD'S AND SUBDIVISIONS, TYING ISSUANCE OF DEVELOPMENT PERMITS TO PROVISION OF NEEDED HOUSING FOR ALL INCOME GROUPS. THREE POSSIBILITIES WERE DISCUSSED BY THE TASK FORCE AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER IN EXPLORATION OF SUCK AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT. --ALLOCATE PERMITS TO BE GRANTED IN A GIVEN TEAR ACCORDING TO PRICE LEVEL GOALS TO BE MET BY NEW CONSTRUCTION. WHEN GOAL FOR A GIVEN PRICE LEVEL RAVE BEEN MET FOR THE TEAR, 'REQUIRE RESUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS TO MEET REQUIREMENTS FOR ANOTHER PRICE LEVEL, OR POSTPONE CONSIDERATION UNTIL TEE NEXT PERMITTING YEAR. --INTEGRATE INCLUSIONART ZONING CONCEPTS WITH PROPOSALS CURRENTLY UNDER DISCUSSION FOR TRANSFERABLE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS. GRANT TFR "POINTS" FOR PROVISION OF LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING AS WELL AS FOR OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION. --CREATE SPECIAL INCLUSIONARY ZONING OVERLAY DISTRICTS IN AREAS TO BE PROVIDED WITH URBAN WATER AND SEWER SERVICES IN ORDER TO ASSURE THAT A FAIR SHARE OF THE COST ADVANTAGES OF SUCH SERVICES ACCRUE TO LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSEHOLDS. E. INVESTIGATE SUGGESTIONS PROPOSED BY THE NATIONAL HOMEBUILDERS INSTITUTE IN A LETTER APPENDED TO THIS REPORT. DUE TO TEE TECHNICAL NATURE OF MANY OF THESE SUGGESTIONS, THE TASK FORCE HAS NOT REVIEWED THEM IN DETAIL, BUT RECOMMENDS TEAT THIS SE DONE BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF. STAFF RESPONSE The Ordinance Review Committee (ORC) of the County Planning Board has scheduled consideration of this recommendation as a part of updating Article 7 (Planned Developments) and Article 8 (Special Uses) of the Zoning Ordinance. This will occur during the fourth quarter with ORC review on October 11, 1988, a Public Hearing on November 28, 1988 and BOCC Decision on January 3, 1989. • • 012- STAFF REPORT • PAGE 6 ME FORCE RECOMMENDATION FISIE AMmm THE COUNTY ZONING AND HOUSING ORDINANCES TO PERMIT CONSTRUCTION OF NEW MOBILE HOME PARKS OF VARYING SIZES, ADEQUATE IN SUPPLY TO ALLEVIATE THE CURRENT SHORTAGE OF PARK SPACES, AND TO REQUIRE DESIGN AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS IN SEW AND EXISTING PARKS TO PROVIDE FOR SAYE, SANITARY, AND PLEASANT LIVING CONDITIONS FOR ALL RESIDENTS OF MOBILE HOME PARKS. SUBJECT TO CAUTIONS AND LIMITATIONS, WE RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO THE COUNTY ORDINANCE: A. DEVELOP STANDARDS FOR SMALL MOBILE HOME PARKS, TO BE PERMITTED ON TRACKS OF 5 TO 10 ACRES IN HIGH-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONES. B. DEVELOP STANDARDS FOR LARGE MOBILE HOME PARKS, TO BE PERMITTED USES ON TRACTS OF 10 TO 50 ACRES IN ZONES WHERE NOW ALLOWED. C. IN ALL MOBILE HOME PARKS, REQUIRE FULLY ADEQUATE LANDSCAPING AND BUFFERING FROM CONTIGUOUS USES AND PROVIDE FOR SPACING BETWEEN LOTS AND OVERALL TRAFFIC PLANNING TO ASSURE SAFETY AND ' E ERGENCY ACCESS, AND ADEQUATE AND WELL- MAINTAINED COMMON AREAS AND RECREATION SPACE, MINDFUL OF TEE NEEDS OF THE NEEDS OF FAMILIES. D. STRICTLY ENFORCE HOUSING CODE STANDARDS AND OTHER RELEVANT REGULATORY STANDARDS REQUIRING ADEQUATE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF ALL SANITARY FACILITIES, WATER SUPPLY, REFUSE DISPOSAL FACILITIES, AND RECREATION FACILITIES. MAKE ALL COUNTY AGENCIES AWARE OF REFERRAL PROCEDURES FOR SUBSTANDARD HOUSING COMPLAINTS TO THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT BY PREPARING AND DISTRIBUTING THROUGH comm AGENCIES A PAMPHLET ON THE RIGHTS OF MOBILE HOME PARK RESIDENTS, PROVISIONS OF SANITATION AND HOUSING CODES, AN PROCEDURES FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT. (**NOTE THE MINIMUM HOUSING CODE PRESENTLY DOES NOT PERTAIN TO MOBILE HOME PARKS) E. WHERE FEASIBLE, SUPPORT ACQUISITION OR DEVELOPMENT OF MOBILE HOME PARK COMMUNITIES THROUGH RESIDENT COOPERATIVES UTILIZING ASSISTANCE FROM FINANCIAL RESOURCES OF AN ORANGE COUNTY NON-PROFIT HOUSING CORPORATION, AND OTHER SOURCES SUCH AS NC HOUSING TRUST FUNDS, SECTION . 8 AID FARMERS HOME ADMINISTRATION. F. . UNDERTAKE A STUDY OF MODEL MOBILE HOME PARK REGULATIONS SUCH AS THOSE CONTAINED IN TEE FLORIDA MOBILE HOME LANDLORD • 013 STAFF REPORT PAGE 7 AND TENANT ACT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROPOSING SPECIAL LEGISLATION AUTHORIZING SIMILAR LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY, ADAPTED TO THE NEEDS OF ORANGE COUNTY, THROUGH A LOCAL BILL IN TEE NEXT SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. STAFF RESPONSE The Ordinance Review Committee (ORC) of the County Planning Board has scheduled consideration of this recommendation as a part of updating Article 7 (Planned Developments) and Article. 8 (Special Uses) of the Zoning Ordinance. This will occur during the fourth quarter with ORC review on October 11, 1988, a Public Bearing on November 28, 1988 and BOCC Decision on January 3, 1989. TA61C FORCE RECOMMENDATION S DEVELOP COUNTz-WIDE TRANSPORTATION PLANS TO ENCOURAGE RATIONAL, COST EFFECTIVE DEVELOPMENT, AND REVISE ROAD POLICIES ACCORDINGLY. A. PREPARE AND IMPLEMENT A COUNTY THOROUGHFARE PLAN IDENTIFYING ROADS TO BE DEVELOPED FOR LONG-TERM, COUNTY-WIDE TRANSPORTATION, AND REQUIRE SUCH ROADS TO BE PAVED TO NCDOT STANDARDS. OTHERWISE, ALLOW GRAVEL SURFACES AS AN OPTION IN NEW DEVELOPMENTS, SUBJECT TO ROAD MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS WHICH ALLOW ASSESSMENTS FOR LATER PAVING IF NEIGHBORHOOD ROADS ARE BROUGHT INTO COUNTY THOROUGHFARE PLANNING. UNNECESSARY PAVEMENT OF ROAD SURFACES IS EXPENSIVE, AND CAS REPRESENT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AFFFORDABILITY AND EXCESSIVE PRICES IN NEWLY-SUBDIVIDED AREAS. STAFF RESPONSE The Orange County Thoroughfare Plan is to be done in conjunction with NCDOT. The Comprehensive Division of the Planning Department is receiving assistance with this plan from the NCDOT Thoroughfare Planner. The proposed schedule for developing this plan follows. 1. Review of Land Use Plan and other pertinent local policies and documents - completed May 1, 1988. 2. Preparation of base map and data collection (traffic counts and base street data) - completed May 1, 1988. 3. Develop preliminary thoroughfare plan - State complete by July 1, 1988. 014 STAFF REPORT PAGE 8 4. • Local review and comment on Preliminary Plan - Lead role County - July-August, 1988. • 5. Develop street appendix to detail plan (preliminary) - State - August 1, 1988. 6. Finalize plan - Local and State effort - September- October, 1988. 7. Local adoption of Thoroughfare Plan - Local lead November-December, 1988. 8. Documentation of Thoroughfare Plan - State - after adoption. The County Attorney at the request of the Ordinance Review Committee has been asked to review and comment on the provision of allowing gravel surfaces as an option to paved road surfaces in new developments. Specifically, this review relates to a request from Habitat for Humanity to allow gravel surfaces in their Chestnut Oaks subdivision. A recommendation will be made by the Ordinance Review Committee during its fourth quarter review. B. PURSUE PLANS FOR COUDTY-WIDE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, KEEPING IN MIND THE BENEFITS OF SUCH A SYSTEM TO LOW AND MODERATE INCOME INDIVIDUALS BOTH IN TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND HOUSING CHOICES. STAFF RESPONSE Currently, the County has a Transportation Plan that addresses transportation needs of special populations under the umbrella of the human service delivery system. The present focus is the expansion of the existing Orange County Transportation Development Plan (TDP) , which outlines the County's human service transportation network. Several board and staff representatives from the Orange County Planning, Housing and Community Development, Social Services and Aging Departments as well as persons from InterFaith Council, CAT Transportation, and the Manager's office met with Helen Bunch, Consultant with the NC Department of Transportation on. December 8, 1987. A definite interest in pursuing the issue of public transportation in rural Orange County as well as the Region was generated during this meeting. It was decided that it would be 015r STAFF REPORT • PAGE 9 premature to apply for Section 18 (Public Transportation) funds in the Spring of 1988, since an application must be supported by an approved TDP. At present, Orange County's plan includes only human service transportation and it would take several months to revise the existing TDP to include other transportation needs. Therefore, the Human Services Transportation Board proposes that the County hire a Transportation Consultant to complete a Public Transportation Feasibility Study. The recommendations received from this study would be utilized in the revision of the present TDP. This effort has the full support of the Housing Task Force. TAU FORCE RECOMMENDATION SEVEN INITIATE AND CONTINUE PROGRAMS, EITHER DIRECTLY THROUGH COUNTY GOVERNMENT OR THROUGH A NONPROFIT HOUSING CORPORATION, TO PROMOTE MODERATE INCOME HOMEOWNERSHIP. A. DEVELOP SPECIFIC PARCELS OF COUNTY-OWNED SURPLUS LAND FOR LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING. CONSIDER CONSTRUCTION OF SUCH HOMES UNDER ARRANGEMENTS WITH HIGH SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION SHILLS COURSES. ALTERNATIVELY, CONSIDER DEVELOPMENT OF SUCH LOTS AS A DEMONSTRATION PROJECT FOR MANUFACTURED OR MODULAR HOUSING. IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT THERE ARE ONLY A FEW SUCH PARCELS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR SURPLUS USE. STAFF RESPONSE All County owned surplus land has been inventoried by the Housing and Community Development Department. Only a few, two (2) parcels are available for development of low and moderate income housing. B. ASSIST MODERATE INCOME FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS BY PREPARING A PORTFOLIO OF PUBLIC AND PUBLIC/PRIVATE FINANCING OPPORTUNITIES AND TAX INCENTIVE OPTIONS, BY PRESCREENING APPLICANTS FOR SUCH FINANCING AND AIDING IN COMPLETION OF PAPERWORK. PUBLICISE SUCH ASSISTANCE =ROUGH PREPARATION OF A BROCHURE DESCRIBING FINANCING OPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS, AND STATING COUNTY GOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT TO MODERATE INCOME HOMEOWNERSHIP THROUGH THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. t 1 0.16 STAFF REPORT PAGE 10 STAFF RESPONSE A portfolio of various public and public/private housing opportunities is available in the County Housing and Community Development Department in Hillsborough and Carrboro and will be available in the Resource Center in the Court Street Annex - Administrative Bldg in Hillsborough. This information and any technical assistance desired is available to the general public as well as local non-profit profit organizations. An itemized list of contents will be prepared for circulation to interested agencies and individuals. The availability of this information is being advertised through other departmental public relations methods. At this time a brochure outlining county governments financing options and requirements is not feasible in the absence of a local homeownership program. • C. STUDY MORTGAGE REQUIREMENTS OF LOCAL LENDERS TO DETERMINE WHETHER THESE DISCOURAGE MODERATE INCOME HOUSING CONSTRUCTION (E.G. THROUGH MIMINUM FLOOR AREA REQUIREMENTS IN EXCESS OF ZONING ORDINANCE PROVISIONS) OR PURCHASE OF MOBILE HOMES FOR LOCATION ON PURCHASER-OWNED LOTS, AND WORE KITH LOAN DEPARTMENTS TO CLARIFY ANY SUCH REQUIREMENTS IN THE SPRIRIT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT ACT. RECOGNIZE CONTRIBUTIONS OF LENDING INSTITUTIONS TO FAIR ROUSING UNDER THE COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT ACT. STAFF RESPONSE County staff has begun surveying all area lending institutions to determine their involvement in the Community Reinvestment Act. These institutions will be encouraged to comply with the requirements of the Reinvestment Act by encouraging the purchase of and investment in low and moderate income housing projects. D. CREATE A FUND FOR SUBSIDIZATION OF FIRST-TIME HOME PURCHASES BY QUALIFYING HOUSEHOLDS THROUGH LOW INTEREST SECOND MORTGAGE ARRANGEMENTS, INCLUDING IF FEASIBLE, DEFERRED PAYMENT PROVISIONS. STAFF RESPONSE This recommendation will be implemented simultaneously with Recommendation 2B. Establishment of a local Housing Fund will make funds available for not only housing rehabilitation but for downpayment assistance as well. Additionally, County - 017 STAFF REPORT PAGE 11 Staff has requested that the NC Housing Finance Agency consider Orange County to participate in a demonstration Downpayment Assistance Program the agency will launch in the Summer of 1988. ti E. INITIATE ARRAMMEETS TO FACILITATE INVESTMENTS UNDER THE LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT ALLOWANCE, FOR PURPOSES OF CONSTRUCTION OF NEW LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING. PUBLICIZE TEE NEED FOR SUCH INVESTMENTS AND THE AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION AND INVESTMENT CONTACTS THROUGH THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. STAFF RESPONSE Information and technical, assistance on the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program is available in the County Housing and Community Development Office to interested non-profit organizations. F. CONSIDER PURCHASE OF LARGE PARCELS OF LARD WITHIN AREAS SCHEDULED FOR URBAN SERVICES, FOR THE PURPOSE OF LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND SALE OF LOTS AND PUD SITES, PROVIDING DEFERRED REPAYMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS BY QUALIFYING MODERATE INCOME PURCHASERS. STAFF RESPONSE Acquisition of additional parcels is being investigated by the Housing and Community Development Department. G. CONTINUE CONTACTS WITH THE FARMERS HOME ADMtINISTRATION TO =COURAGE AVAILABILITY OF PROGRAM FUNDS TO ORANGE COMITY RESIDENTS, ALLOWING FOR THE NEEDS OF MODERATE INCOME CLIENTS AID FOR NIGH PRICES ON THE LOCAL REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND TA= =MEDIATE STEPS TO ENCOURAGE AUTHORIZATION OF LOCAL MOBILE HOME DEALERS FOR SALES ELIGIBLE FOR FMHA LOANS AND SUBSIDIES. STAFF RESPONSE The Orange County Farmers Home Administration office presently administers two programs-FmHA 502 -Homeownership Program and the FmBA 504 -Rural Rehabilitation Program. Many FmHA programs are available to non-profit housing organizations which again stresses the need for a such an agency in the County. Staff will continue to stress to the local office the need to make program funds available to County residents. 0 19 STAFF REPORT PAGE 12 Q. SPONSOR A ONE-DAY CONFERENCE ON LAND COOPERATIVES IN ORDER TO PROMOTE THE CONCEPT, EDUCATE INTERESTED RESIDENTS ON POTENTIAL BENEFITS AND PITFALLS, AND ENABLE COUNTY STAFF TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO SUCH GROUPS. MAKE A TRANSCRIPT OR VIDEOTAPE OF PROCEEDINGS AVAILABLE TO GROUPS WHO REQUEST IT. CONTINUE TO NETWORK WITH ANT POTENTIAL SUPPORT OR REFERRALS TO SUCH GROUPS. CONSIDER SUCH GROUPS, ASSUMING THEY MEET MODERATE INCOME QUALIFICATIONS AND DEMONSTRATE ORGANIZATIONAL VIABILITY, AS DEVELOPERS FOR SURPLUS COUNTY LAND OR OTHER SUPPORT AND DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS. STAFF RESPONSE County staff is working with a subcommittee of the Task Force to identify local contact's who are knowledgeable and/or involved in land cooperatives to assist in planning and implementing the suggested one-day conference during the Spring of 1989. MI FORCE REC SIENDATION EIGHT DEVELOP PROGRAMS TO ALLEVIATE HOUSING NEEDS OF SPECIAL POPULATIONS INCLUDING TEE ELDERLY, HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS, DEINSTITUTIONALIZED, CHRONICALLY MENTALLY ILL. PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED AND MENTALLY INDIGENT. A. STUDY THE ORANGE COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE TO IDENTIFY ANY SECTIONS WHICH MAY HAMPER THE DEVELOPMENT OF NECESSARY FACILITIES SUCH AS FAMILY CARE HOMES, GROUP HOMES, INDEPENDENT LIVING FACILITIES, BOARDING AND ROOMING HOUSES, TRANSITION HOMES, HOSPICES, AND COMMUNITY SHELTERS. ASSURE TEAT USE CATEGORIES AND STANDARDS PROVIDED ARE SUCH TEAT SUCH PUBLIC NECESSITIES CAN BE LOCATED AS PERMITTED USES IN APPROPRIATE AREAS. STAFF RESPONSE Article 8 (Special Uses) of the Zoning Ordinance is scheduled for review by the Ordinance Review Committee in October 1988 for the November 28, 1988 Public Hearing Cycle. B. CONTINUE TO AID COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING SERVICES TO THESE SPECIAL POPULATIONS THROUGH DIRECT GRANTS, INTERAGENCY COOPERATION, AND WARM SUPPORT FOR THEIR VITAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO ORANGE COUNTY. THESE GROUPS INCLUDE THE CHAPEL BILL/CARRBORO INTERFAITH COUNCIL, ORANGE CONGREGATIONS MEOW • 019 STAFF REPORT PAGE 13 IN. MISSION, ASSOCIATION FOR RETARDED CITIZENS, COMMUNITY HOUSING ALTERNATIVES, RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE, RESIDENTIAL SERVICES, INC., AND OTHERS. ASSIST IN THE FORMATION AND FUNDING OF ZEN GROUPS TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO SPECIAL POPULATIONS, AND PROVIDE FOR PROVISION OF SIMILAR SUPPORT THROUGH AN ORANGE COUNTY NONPROFIT HOUSING CORPORATION, STAFF RESPONSE The County has provided direct financial support to InterFaith Council and Community Housing Alternatives in their efforts to assist the homeless and the elderly. Continued assistance and support will be provided to these agencies and others addressing the needs of special populations. C. PROVIDE SPECIAL ASSISTANCE AS REQUIRED BY HANDICAPPED AND TROUBLED INDIVIDUALS IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH ELIGIBILITY FOR SECTION 8 AND OTHER RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AND ASSIST THESE PERSONS IN LOCATING RENTAL HOUSING. STAFF RESPONSE The Housing and Community Development Staff makes a special effort to assist handicapped and troubled individuals find suitable housing and participate in the Section 8 program. Additionally, the department proposes giving preferences for assistance to elderly and disabled qualified applicants. D. MAEE REVOLVING LON INTEREST LOAN FUNDS AVAILABLE UNDER REHABILITATION AND HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAMS FOR UPFITTI i OF STRUCTURES TO MEET REQUIREMENTS OF HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUALS AND FOR PROVISION OF HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS. STAFF RESPONSE This recommendation will be incorporated into programs designed for the proposed Local Housing Fund. E. INCLUDE PROVISIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN COUNTY HIDE TIANSPORTATION PLANNING. 020 STAFF REPORT PAGE 14 STAFF RESPONSE Inclusive in the study of county wide transportation needs proposed by the Human Service Transportation Board will be consideration of transportation needs for special populations. TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATION FINE COMlIIT ORANGE COUNTY, THROUGH COUNTY GOVERNMENT OR THROUGH A COMMUNITY BASED NONPROFIT HOUSING CORPORATION, TO A GOAL OF PROVIDING A FIXED PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL AVAILABLE HOUSING FOR LOW INCOME INDIVIDUALS THROUGH CONSTRUCTION OF NEN PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS AND AGGRESSIVE EXPANSION OF SUBSIDIZED RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES, REPRESENTING'AT LEAST TEN PERCENT OF ALL UNITS CONSTRUCTED. A. MAKE AN ONGOING COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT TEE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW RENTAL HOUSING FOR LON INCOME PERSONS EACH YEAR, INCLUDING ALLOCATION OF NECESSARY COSTS OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SUCH UNITS. TAKE A LEADERSHIP ROLE IN SECURING FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING FOR CONSTRUCTION OF NEW UNITS. B. EMPLOY METHODS OF COST ANALYSIS IN LOW INCOME HOUSING WHICH ACCURATELY REFLECT AFFORDABILITY FACTORS SUCH AS HEATING AND ENERGY USES, AND CONSTRUCT SUCH HOUSING TO HIGH STANDARDS OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY. STAFF RESPONSE It is general consensus among the staff and task force members that immediate attention should be given to improving existing housing conditions and availability. A more appropriate timetable for achieving goals relating to new construction projects could be developed in consultation with the proposed non-profit housing corporation which would represent a broad sector of the County's community. Additionally, Housee Bill 238 would have to be revised to allow counties to use specific general fund monies for housing purposes before active implementation of this recommendation could take place. County Staff is always seeking federal and state programs which would increase the housing stock in the County. However, new construction is not presently being emphasized by these levels of government, limited funding from all levels of government is available. 021. STAFF REPORT PAGE 15 C. ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR CONTACTING EACH DEVELOPER OF NEW MULTIFAMILY HOUSING TO EXPLAIN COMMUNITY NEEDS FOR UNITS AVAILABLE FOR SUBSIDIZED RENTALS UNDER SECTION 8 AND OTHER PROGRAMS, AND TO PROMOTE USE OF DENSITY BONUSES AND OTHER INCENTIVES, INCLUDING TAX INCENTIVES AND CONSTRUCTION SUBSIDY PROGRAMS. REQUIRE DISCLOSURE OF CONTRIBUTION BY ALL NEW PUD'S AND SUBDIVISIONS TOWARD MEETING COUNTY HOUSING GOALS, AND INCLUDE SUCH INFORMATION IN MATERIALS FORWARDED FOR CONSIDERATION BY TEE PLANNING BOARD AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. STAFF RESPONSE The County Housing and Community Development Department will coordinate implementation of this recommendation with the County Planning Department. Review of low and moderate income incentives for developers 'will take place duing the fourth quarter review cycle (November 1988) . D. PUBLICIZE THE.,NEED FOR SUBSIDIZED RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH ADVERTISEMENTS IN LOCAL MEDIA, EXPLAINING PROGRAMS AND CITING THE BACKLOG OF S00 FAMILIES CURRENTLY ON WAITING LISTS. INVITE CONCERNED COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN A "SECTION 8 HOUSE HUNT" TO LOCATE ELIGIBLE UNITS. CONTACT EACH LANDLORD RENTING OVER THREE UNITS WITHIN THE COUNTY TO PROVIDE INFORMATION REGARDING SUBSIDY PROGRAMS AND SOLICIT PARTICIPATION. STAFF RESPONSE A massive outreach/publicity campaign for the County's Section 8 Program has been planned for Fiscal Year 1988-89 which will be undertakened by the Housing and Community Development. This campaign will include but not be limited to: newspaper advertisements to attract new rental property owners, brochures explaining the program and informational sessions for landlords and tenants. All .022 STAFF REPORT PAGE 16 TASE FORCE RECOMMENDATION TSB ENCOURAGE THE ORANGE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION TO EXPLORE POSSIBILITIES FOR ATTRACTING OR ASSISTING IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ENTERPRISES FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF MODULAR AND OTHER LOW COST HOUSING. STAFF RESPONSE This recommendation has been referred to the Economic Development Commission.