Part B—HOPE for Homeownership of Single Family Homes

§12891. Program authority

The Secretary is authorized to make—

(1) planning grants to help applicants develop homeownership programs in accordance with this part; and

(2) implementation grants to enable applicants to carry out homeownership programs in accordance with this part.

(Pub. L. 101–625, title IV, §441, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4172; Pub. L. 102–550, title I, §181(a)(2)(B)(ii), Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3735.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1992—Pub. L. 102–550 struck out "(a) In General" before "The Secretary is authorized" and subsec. (b) which read as follows: "Authorization of Appropriations.—There are authorized to be appropriated for grants under this part $36,000,000 for fiscal year 1991, and $195,000,000 for fiscal year 1992. Any amounts appropriated pursuant to this subsection shall remain available until expended."

§12892. Planning grants

(a) Grants

The Secretary is authorized to make planning grants to applicants for the purpose of developing homeownership programs under this part. The amount of a planning grant under this section may not exceed $200,000, except that the Secretary may for good cause approve a grant in a higher amount.

(b) Eligible activities

Planning grants may be used for activities to develop homeownership programs (which may include programs for cooperative ownership), including—

(1) identifying eligible properties;

(2) training and technical assistance of applicants related to the development of a specific homeownership program;

(3) studies of the feasibility of specific homeownership programs;

(4) inspection for lead-based paint hazards, as required by section 4822(a) of this title;

(5) preliminary architectural and engineering work;

(6) homebuyer counseling and training;

(7) planning for economic development, job training, and self-sufficiency activities that promote economic self-sufficiency for homebuyers and homeowners under the homeownership program;

(8) development of security plans; and

(9) preparation of an application for an implementation grant under this part.

(c) Application

(1) Form and procedures

An application for a planning grant shall be submitted by an applicant in such form and in accordance with such procedures as the Secretary shall establish.

(2) Minimum requirements

The Secretary shall require that an application contain at a minimum—

(A) a request for a planning grant, specifying the activities proposed to be carried out, the schedule for completing the activities, the personnel necessary to complete the activities, and the amount of the grant requested;

(B) a description of the applicant and a statement of its qualifications;

(C) identification and description of the eligible properties likely to be involved, and a description of the composition of the potential homebuyers and residents of the areas in which such eligible properties are located, including family size and income;

(D) a certification by the public official responsible for submitting the comprehensive housing affordability strategy under section 12705 of this title that the proposed activities are consistent with the approved housing strategy of the State or unit of general local government within which the project is located (or, during the first 12 months after November 28, 1990, that the application is consistent with such other existing State or local housing plan or strategy that the Secretary shall determine to be appropriate); and

(E) a certification that the applicant will comply with the requirements of the Fair Housing Act [42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.], title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 [42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.], section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 [29 U.S.C. 794], and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 [42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.], and will affirmatively further fair housing.

(d) Selection criteria

The Secretary shall, by regulation, establish selection criteria for a national competition for assistance under this section, which shall include—

(1) the qualifications or potential capabilities of the applicant;

(2) the extent of interest in the development of a homeownership program;

(3) the potential of the applicant for developing a successful and affordable homeownership program and the availability and suitability of eligible properties in the applicable geographic area with respect to the application;

(4) national geographic diversity among housing for which applicants are selected to receive assistance; and

(5) such other factors that the Secretary shall require that (in the determination of the Secretary) are appropriate for purposes of carrying out the program established by this part in an effective and efficient manner.

(Pub. L. 101–625, title IV, §442, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4172; Pub. L. 102–550, title X, §1012(j)(1), Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3906.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Fair Housing Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(E), is title VIII of Pub. L. 90–284, Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 81, which is classified principally to subchapter I (§3601 et seq.) of chapter 45 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3601 of this title and Tables.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(E), is Pub. L. 88–352, July 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 241. Title VI of the Act is classified generally to subchapter V (§2000d et seq.) of chapter 21 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2000a of this title and Tables.

The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(E), is title III of Pub. L. 94–135, Nov. 28, 1975, 89 Stat. 728, which is classified generally to chapter 76 (§6101 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 6101 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1992—Subsec. (b)(4) to (9). Pub. L. 102–550 added par. (4) and redesignated former pars. (4) to (8) as (5) to (9), respectively.

§12893. Implementation grants

(a) Grants

The Secretary is authorized to make implementation grants to applicants for the purpose of carrying out homeownership programs approved under this part.

(b) Eligible activities

Implementation grants may be used for activities to carry out homeownership programs (which may include programs for cooperative ownership), including the following activities:

(1) Architectural and engineering work.

(2) Acquisition of the property for the purpose of transferring ownership to eligible families in accordance with a homeownership program meeting the requirements of this part.

(3) Rehabilitation of the property covered by the homeownership program, in accordance with standards established by the Secretary.

(4) Abatement of lead-based paint hazards, as required by section 4822(a) of this title.

(5) Administrative costs of the applicant, which may not exceed 15 percent of the amount of assistance provided under this section.

(6) Counseling and training of homebuyers and homeowners under the homeownership program.

(7) Relocation of eligible families who elect to move.

(8) Any necessary temporary relocation of homebuyers during rehabilitation.

(9) Legal fees.

(10) Defraying costs for the ongoing training needs of the recipient that are related to developing and carrying out the homeownership program.

(11) Economic development activities that promote economic self-sufficiency of homebuyers and homeowners under the homeownership program.

(c) Matching funding

(1) In general

Each recipient shall assure that contributions equal to not less than 25 percent of the grant amounts under this section are provided from non-Federal sources to carry out the homeownership program.

(2) Form

Such contributions may be in the form of—

(A) cash contributions from non-Federal resources which may not include funds from a grant made under section 5306(b) or section 5306(d) of this title;

(B) payment of administrative expenses, as defined by the Secretary, from non-Federal resources, including funds from a grant made under section 5306(b) or section 5306(d) of this title;

(C) the value of taxes, fees, or other charges that are normally and customarily imposed but are waived, foregone, or deferred in a manner that facilitates the implementation of a homeownership program assisted under this part;

(D) the value of investment in on-site and off-site infrastructure required for a homeownership program assisted under this part; or

(E) such other in-kind contributions as the Secretary may approve.

Contributions for administrative expenses shall be recognized only up to an amount equal to 7 percent of the total amount of grants made available under this section.

(d) Application

(1) Form and procedure

An application for an implementation grant shall be submitted by an applicant in such form and in accordance with such procedures as the Secretary shall establish.

(2) Minimum requirements

The Secretary shall require that an application contain at a minimum—

(A) a request for an implementation grant, specifying the amount of the grant requested and its proposed uses;

(B) a description of the qualifications and experience of the applicant in providing low-income housing;

(C) a description of the proposed homeownership program, consistent with section 12894 of this title and the other requirements of this part specifying the activities proposed to be carried out and their estimated costs, identifying reasonable schedules for carrying it out, and demonstrating that the program will comply with the affordability requirements under section 12894(b) of this title;

(D) an identification and description of the properties to be acquired under the homeownership program and a description of the composition of potential eligible families, including family size and income;

(E) a description of and commitment for the resources that are expected to be made available to provide the matching funding required under subsection (c) and of other resources that are expected to be made available in support of the homeownership program;

(F) identification and description of the financing proposed for any (i) rehabilitation and (ii) acquisition (I) of the project, where applicable, by an entity for transfer to eligible families, and (II) by eligible families of ownership interests in, or shares representing, units in the project;

(G) the proposed sales prices for the properties, the basis for such price determinations, and terms to an entity, if any, that will purchase that property for resale to eligible families;

(H) the proposed sales prices, if any, and terms to eligible families;

(I) identification and description of the entity that will operate and manage the property;

(J) a certification by the public official responsible for submitting the comprehensive housing affordability strategy under section 12705 of this title that the proposed activities are consistent with the approved housing strategy of the State or unit of general local government within which the project is located (or, during the first 12 months after November 28, 1990, that the application is consistent with such other existing State or local housing plan or strategy that the Secretary shall determine to be appropriate); and

(K) a certification that the applicant will comply with the requirements of the Fair Housing Act [42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.], title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 [42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.], section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 [29 U.S.C. 794], and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 [42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.], and will affirmatively further fair housing.

(e) Selection criteria

The Secretary shall establish selection criteria for assistance under this part, which shall include—

(1) the ability of the applicant to develop and carry out the proposed homeownership program, taking into account the qualifications and experience of the applicant and the quality of any related ongoing program of the applicant;

(2) the feasibility of the homeownership program;

(3) the quality and viability of the proposed homeownership program;

(4) the extent to which suitable eligible property is available for use under the program in the area to be served, and the extent to which the types of property expected to be covered by the proposed homeownership program are federally owned;

(5) whether the approved comprehensive housing affordability strategy for the jurisdiction within which the eligible property is located includes the proposed homeownership program as one of the general priorities identified pursuant to section 12705(b)(7) of this title;

(6) national geographic diversity among housing for which applicants are selected to receive assistance; and

(7) the extent to which a sufficient supply of affordable rental housing of the type assisted under this part exists in the locality, so that the implementation of the homeownership program will not appreciably reduce the number of such rental units available to residents currently residing in such units or eligible for residency in such units.

(f) Approval

The Secretary shall notify each applicant, not later than 6 months after the date of the submission of the application, whether the application is approved or not approved.

(Pub. L. 101–625, title IV, §443, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4174; Pub. L. 102–550, title X, §1012(j)(2), Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3906; Pub. L. 103–233, title II, §221, Apr. 11, 1994, 108 Stat. 366.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Fair Housing Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(2)(K), is title VIII of Pub. L. 90–284, Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 81, as amended, which is classified principally to subchapter I (§3601 et seq.) of chapter 45 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3601 of this title and Tables.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in subsec. (d)(2)(K), is Pub. L. 88–352, July 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 241, as amended. Title VI of the Act is classified generally to subchapter V (§2000d et seq.) of chapter 21 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2000a of this title and Tables.

The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, referred to in subsec. (d)(2)(K), is title III of Pub. L. 94–135, Nov. 28, 1975, 89 Stat. 728, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 76 (§6101 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 6101 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1994—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 103–233 substituted "25 percent" for "33 percent".

1992—Subsec. (b)(4) to (11). Pub. L. 102–550 added par. (4) and redesignated former pars. (4) to (10) as (5) to (11), respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–233 applicable with respect to any amounts made available to carry out subchapter II (§12721 et seq.) of this chapter after Apr. 11, 1994, and any amounts made available to carry out that subchapter before that date that remain uncommitted on that date, with Secretary to issue any regulations necessary to carry out such amendment not later than end of 45-day period beginning on that date, see section 209 of Pub. L. 103–233, set out as a note under section 5301 of this title.

§12894. Homeownership program requirements

(a) In general

A homeownership program under this part shall provide for acquisition by eligible families of ownership interests in, or shares representing, units in an eligible property under any arrangement determined by the Secretary to be appropriate, such as cooperative ownership (including limited equity cooperative ownership) and fee simple ownership (including condominium ownership), for occupancy by the eligible families.

(b) Affordability

A homeownership program under this part shall provide for the establishment of sales prices (including principal, insurance, taxes, and interest and closing costs) for initial acquisition of the property, and for sales to eligible families, such that the eligible family shall not be required to expend more than 30 percent of the adjusted income of the family per month to complete a sale under the homeownership program.

(c) Eligible property

A property may not participate in a homeownership program under this part unless all tenants or occupants of the property (at the time of ¹ the application for the implementation grant covering the property is filed with the Secretary) participate in the homeownership program.

(d) Plan

A homeownership program under this part shall provide, and include a plan, for—

(1) identifying and selecting eligible families to participate in the homeownership program;

(2) providing relocation assistance to families who elect to move; and

(3) ensuring continued affordability of the property to homebuyers and homeowners.

(e) Housing quality standards

The application shall include a plan ensuring that the unit—

(1) will be free from any defects that pose a danger to health or safety before transfer of an ownership interest in, or shares representing, a unit to an eligible family; and

(2) will, not later than 2 years after the transfer to an eligible family, meet minimum housing standards established by the Secretary for the purpose of this title.²

(f) Preference for acquisition of vacant units

Each homeownership program under this part shall provide that, in making vacant units in eligible properties available for acquisition by eligible families, preference shall be given to eligible families who reside in public or Indian housing.

(Pub. L. 101–625, title IV, §444, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4176; Pub. L. 102–550, title I, §181(f), Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3736.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This title, referred to in subsec. (e)(2), is title IV of Pub. L. 101–625, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4148, known as the Homeownership and Opportunity Through HOPE Act, which enacted this subchapter and subchapter II–A (§1437aaa et seq.) of chapter 8 of this title, amended sections 1437c, 1437f, 1437l, 1437p, 1437r, and 1437s of this title and section 1709 of Title 12, Banks and Banking, and enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 1437c, 1437aa, and 1437aaa of this title. For complete classification of title IV to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1437aaa of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1992—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 102–550 added subsec. (f).

¹ So in original. The word "of" probably should not appear.

² So in original. See References in Text note below.

§12895. Other program requirements

(a) Cost limitations

The Secretary may establish cost limitations on eligible activities under this part, subject to the provisions of this part.

(b) Use of proceeds from sales to eligible families

Any entity that transfers ownership interests in, or shares representing, units to eligible families, or another entity specified in the approved application, may use the proceeds, if any, from the initial sale for costs of the homeownership program, including operating expenses, improvements to the project, business opportunities for low-income families, supportive services related to the homeownership program, additional homeownership opportunities, and other activities approved by the Secretary.

(c) Restrictions on resale by homeowners

(1) In general

(A) Transfer permitted

A homeowner under a homeownership program may transfer the homeowner's ownership interest in, or shares representing, the unit, except that a homeownership program may establish restrictions on the resale of units under the program.

(B) Right to purchase

Where a resident management corporation, resident council, or cooperative has jurisdiction over the unit, the corporation, council, or cooperative shall have the right to purchase the ownership interest in, or shares representing, the unit from the homeowner for the amount specified in a firm contract between the homeowner and a prospective buyer. If such an entity does not have jurisdiction over the unit or elects not to purchase and if the prospective buyer is not a low-income family, the public housing agency or the implementation grant recipient shall have the right to purchase the ownership interest in, or shares representing, the unit for the same amount.

(C) Promissory note required

The homeowner shall execute a promissory note equal to the difference between the market value and the purchase price, payable to the public housing agency or other entity designated in the homeownership plan, together with a mortgage securing the obligation of the note.

(2) 6 years or less

In the case of a transfer within 6 years of the acquisition under the program, the homeownership program shall provide for appropriate restrictions to assure that an eligible family may not receive any undue profit. The plan shall provide for limiting the family's consideration for its interest in the property to the total of—

(A) the contribution to equity paid by the family;

(B) the value, as determined by such means as the Secretary shall determine through regulation, of any improvements installed at the expense of the family during the family's tenure as owner; and

(C) the appreciated value determined by an inflation allowance at a rate which may be based on a cost-of-living index, an income index, or market index as determined by the Secretary through regulation and agreed to by the purchaser and the entity that transfers ownership interests in, or shares representing, units to eligible families (or another entity specified in the approved application), at the time of initial sale, and applied against the contribution to equity.

Such an entity may, at the time of initial sale, enter into an agreement with the family to set a maximum amount which this appreciation may not exceed.

(3) 6–20 years

In the case of a transfer during the period beginning 6 years after the acquisition and ending 20 years after the acquisition, the homeownership program shall provide for the recapture by the Secretary or the program of an amount equal to the amount of the declining balance on the note described in paragraph (1)(C).

(4) Use of recaptured funds

Fifty percent of any portion of the net sales proceeds that may not be retained by the homeowner under the plan approved pursuant to this subsection shall be paid to the entity that transferred ownership interests in, or shares representing, units to eligible families, or another entity specified in the approved application, for use for improvements to the project, business opportunities for low-income families, supportive services related to the homeownership program, additional homeownership opportunities, and other activities approved by the Secretary. The remaining 50 percent shall be returned to the Secretary for use under this part, subject to limitations contained in appropriations Acts. Such entity shall keep and make available to the Secretary all records necessary to calculate accurately payments due the Secretary under this subsection.

(d) Third party rights

The requirements under this part regarding quality standards, resale, or transfer of the ownership interest of a homeowner shall be judicially enforceable against the grant recipient with respect to actions involving rehabilitation, and against purchasers of property under this subsection or their successors in interest with respect to other actions by affected low-income families, resident management corporations, resident councils, public housing agencies, and any agency, corporation, or authority of the United States Government. The parties specified in the preceding sentence shall be entitled to reasonable attorney fees upon prevailing in any such judicial action.

(e) Protection of nonpurchasing families

No tenant residing in a dwelling unit in a property on the date the Secretary approves an application for an implementation grant may be evicted by reason of a homeownership program approved under this part.

(h) ¹ Records and audit of recipients of assistance

(1) In general

Each recipient shall keep such records as may be reasonably necessary to fully disclose the amount and the disposition by such recipient of the proceeds of assistance received under this part (and any proceeds from financing obtained or sales under subsections (b) and (c)), the total cost of the homeownership program in connection with which such assistance is given or used, and the amount and nature of that portion of the program supplied by other sources, and such other sources as will facilitate an effective audit.

(2) Access by Secretary

The Secretary shall have access for the purpose of audit and examination to any books, documents, papers, and records of the recipient that are pertinent to assistance received under this part.

(3) Access by Comptroller General

The Comptroller General of the United States, or any of the duly authorized representatives of the Comptroller General, shall also have access for the purpose of audit and examination to any books, documents, papers, and records of the recipient that are pertinent to assistance received under this part.

(Pub. L. 101–625, title IV, §445, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4177.)

¹ So in original. Probably should be "(f)".

§12896. Definitions

For purposes of this part:

(1) The term "applicant" means a private nonprofit organization, cooperative association, or a public agency (including an agency or instrumentality thereof) in cooperation with a private nonprofit organization.

(2) The term "displaced homemaker" has the same meaning as in section 12704 of this title.

(3) The term "eligible family" means a family or individual who—

(A) has an income that does not exceed 80 percent of the median income for the area, as determined by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger families; and

(B) is a first-time homebuyer.

(4) The term "eligible property" means a single family property, containing no more than four units, that is owned or held by the Secretary, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Resolution Trust Corporation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Transportation, the General Services Administration, any other Federal agency, a State or local government (including any in rem property), or a public housing agency or an Indian housing authority (excluding public or Indian housing under the United States Housing Act of 1937 [42 U.S.C. 1437 et seq.] and including properties held by institutions within the jurisdiction of the Resolution Trust Corporation).

(5) The term "first-time homebuyer" has the same meaning as in section 12704 of this title.

(6) The term "homeownership program" means a program for homeownership under this part.

(7) The term "Indian housing authority" has the meaning given such term in section 3(b)(11) ¹ of the United States Housing Act of 1937.

(8) The term "low-income family" has the meaning given such term in section 3(b)(2) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 [42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(2)].

(9) The term "public housing agency" has the meaning given such term in section 3(b)(6) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 [42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(6)].

(10) The term "recipient" means an applicant approved to receive a grant under this part or such other entity specified in the approved application that will assume the obligations of the recipient under this part.

(11) The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(12) The term "single parent" means an individual who—

(A) is unmarried or legally separated from a spouse; and

(B)(i) has 1 or more minor children for whom the individual has custody or joint custody; or

(ii) is pregnant.

(Pub. L. 101–625, title IV, §446, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4179; Pub. L. 102–550, title I, §181(g)(2), (h), Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3736.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The United States Housing Act of 1937, referred to in par. (4), is act Sept. 1, 1937, ch. 896, as revised generally by Pub. L. 93–383, title II, §201(a), Aug. 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 653, and amended, which is classified generally to chapter 8 (§1437 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1437 of this title and Tables.

Section 3(b)(11) of the United States Housing Act of 1937, referred to in par. (7), was classified to section 1437a(b)(11) of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–330, title V, §501(b)(1)(D), Oct. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 4041, and a new section 1437a(b)(11), defining "public housing agency plan", was enacted by Pub. L. 105–276, title V, §506(4), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2524.

Amendments

1992—Par. (4). Pub. L. 102–550 inserted "the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Transportation, the General Services Administration, any other Federal agency," after "Corporation," and substituted "(excluding public or Indian housing under the United States Housing Act of 1937 and including" for "(including scattered site single family properties, and".

¹ See References in Text note below.

§12897. Limitation on selection criteria

In establishing criteria for selecting applicants to receive assistance under this part, the Secretary may not establish any selection criterion or criteria that grant or deny such assistance to an applicant (or have the effect of granting or denying assistance) based on the implementation, continuation, or discontinuation of any public policy, regulation, or law of any jurisdiction in which the applicant or project is located.

(Pub. L. 101–625, title IV, §447, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4180.)

§12898. Implementation

Not later than the expiration of the 180-day period beginning on the date funds authorized under this part first become available for obligation, the Secretary shall by notice establish such requirements as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this part. Such requirements shall be subject to section 553 of title 5. The Secretary shall issue regulations based on the initial notice before the expiration of the 8-month period beginning on the date of the notice.

(Pub. L. 101–625, title IV, §448, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4180.)

§12898a. Enterprise zone homeownership opportunity grants

(a) Statement of purpose

It is the purpose of this section—

(1) to encourage homeownership by families in the United States who are not otherwise able to afford homeownership;

(2) to encourage the redevelopment of economically depressed areas; and

(3) to provide better housing opportunities in federally approved and equivalent State-approved enterprise zones.

(b) Definitions

For purposes of this section the following definitions shall apply:

(1) Home

The term "home" means any 1- to 4-family dwelling. Such term includes any dwelling unit in a condominium project or cooperative project consisting of not more than 4 dwelling units, any town house, and any manufactured home.

(2) Metropolitan statistical area

The term "metropolitan statistical area" means a metropolitan statistical area as established by the Office of Management and Budget.

(3) Nonprofit organization

The term "nonprofit organization" means a private nonprofit corporation, or other private nonprofit legal entity, that is approved by the Secretary as to financial responsibility.

(4) Secretary

The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(5) State

The term "State" means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States.

(6) Unit of general local government

The term "unit of general local government" means any borough, city, county, parish, town, township, village, or other general purpose political subdivision of a State.

(c) Assistance to nonprofit organizations

(1) In general

The Secretary may provide assistance to nonprofit organizations to carry out enterprise zone homeownership opportunity programs to promote homeownership in federally approved and equivalent State-approved enterprise zones in accordance with the provisions of this section. Such assistance shall be made in the form of grants.

(2) Applications

Applications for assistance under this section shall be made in such form, and in accordance with such procedures, as the Secretary may prescribe.

(d) Eligible uses of assistance

(1) In general

Any nonprofit organization receiving assistance under this section shall use such assistance to provide loans to families purchasing homes constructed or rehabilitated in accordance with an enterprise zone homeownership opportunity program approved under this section.

(2) Specific requirements

Each loan made to a family under this subsection shall—

(A) be secured by a second mortgage held by the Secretary on the property involved;

(B) be in an amount not exceeding $15,000;

(C) bear no interest; and

(D) be repayable to the Secretary upon the sales, lease, or other transfer of such property.

(e) Program requirements

(1) In general

Assistance provided under this section may be used only in connection with an enterprise zone homeownership opportunity program of construction or rehabilitation of homes.

(2) Family need

Each family purchasing a home under this section shall—

(A) have a family income on the date of such purchase that is not more than the median income for a family of 4 persons (adjusted for family size) in the metropolitan statistical area in which a federally approved or equivalent State-approved enterprise zone is located; and

(B) not have owned a home during the 3-year period preceding such purchase.

(3) Downpayment

Each family purchasing a home under this section shall make a downpayment of not less than 5 percent of the sale price of such home.

(4) Leasing prohibition

No family purchasing a home under this section may lease such home.

(f) Terms and conditions of assistance

(1) Local consultation

No proposed enterprise zone homeownership opportunity program may be approved by the Secretary under this section unless the applicant involved demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that—

(A) it has consulted with and received the support of residents of the neighborhood in which such program is to be located; and

(B) it has the approval of each unit of general local government in which such program is to be located.

(2) Program schedule

Each applicant for assistance under this section shall submit to the Secretary an estimated schedule for completion of its proposed enterprise zone homeownership opportunity program, which schedule shall have been agreed to by each unit of general local government in which such program is to be located.

(3) Location

All homes constructed or rehabilitated under such program will be located in federally approved or equivalent State-approved enterprise zones.

(4) Sales contracts

Sales contracts entered into under such program will contain provisions requiring repayment of any loan made under this section upon the sale or other transfer of the home involved, unless the Secretary approves a transfer of such home without repayment (in which case the second mortgage held by the Secretary on such home shall remain in force until such loan is fully repaid).

(g) Program selection criteria

(1) In general

In selecting enterprise zone homeownership opportunity programs for assistance under this section from among eligible programs, the Secretary shall make such selection on the basis of the extent to which—

(A) non-Federal public or private entities will contribute land necessary to make each program feasible;

(B) non-Federal public and private financial or other contributions (including tax abatements, waivers of fees related to development, waivers of construction, development, or zoning requirements, and direct financial contributions) will reduce the cost of home ¹ constructed or rehabilitated under each program;

(C) each program will produce the greatest number of units for the least amount of assistance provided under this section, taking into consideration the cost differences among different market areas; and

(D) each program provides for the involvement of local residents in the planning, and construction or rehabilitation, of homes.

(2) Exception

To the extent that non-Federal public entities are prohibited by the law of any State from making any form of contribution described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall not consider such form of contribution in evaluating such program.

(h) Regulations

Not later than 180 days after October 28, 1992, the Secretary shall issue final regulations to carry out the provisions of this title.² Any such regulations shall be issued in accordance with section 553 of title 5, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a)(2) of such section.

(i) Funding

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $30,000,000 in each of fiscal years 1993 and 1994.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title I, §186, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3748.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, and not as part of subtitle C (§§441–448) of title IV of Pub. L. 101–625 which comprises this part.

Executive Documents

Termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "homes".

² So in original. Probably should be "this section."