80_FR_17024 80 FR 16963 - HUD Approval of Requests for Transfers of Multifamily Housing Project-Based Rental Assistance, HUD-Held or Insured Debt, and Income-Based Use Restrictions

80 FR 16963 - HUD Approval of Requests for Transfers of Multifamily Housing Project-Based Rental Assistance, HUD-Held or Insured Debt, and Income-Based Use Restrictions

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 61 (March 31, 2015)

Page Range16963-16970
FR Document2015-06776

This notice establishes the terms and conditions by which HUD will approve a request for the transfer of project-based rental assistance, debt held or insured by the Secretary, and statutorily required income-based use restrictions from one multifamily housing project to another (or between several such projects). The Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2014 and the Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2015 give the Secretary the authority to approve transfer requests for fiscal years 2014 through 2016, provided that the Secretary publish a notice in the Federal Register establishing the terms and conditions for HUD approval of such transfers no later than 30 days before such notice takes effect. HUD believes that publication of the criteria will assist project owners to determine whether a transfer is feasible given the specific circumstances of their multifamily projects. Publication of the criteria will also facilitate HUD's review of transfer requests by helping owners formulate their requests in a manner that adequately addresses the statutory criteria.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 61 (Tuesday, March 31, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 61 (Tuesday, March 31, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16963-16970]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-06776]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

24 CFR Chapters VIII and IX

[Docket No. FR-5779-N-01]


HUD Approval of Requests for Transfers of Multifamily Housing 
Project-Based Rental Assistance, HUD-Held or Insured Debt, and Income-
Based Use Restrictions

AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal Housing 
Commissioner, HUD.

[[Page 16964]]


ACTION: Notice of requirements to transfer assistance.

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SUMMARY: This notice establishes the terms and conditions by which HUD 
will approve a request for the transfer of project-based rental 
assistance, debt held or insured by the Secretary, and statutorily 
required income-based use restrictions from one multifamily housing 
project to another (or between several such projects). The Department 
of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2014 and the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2015 
give the Secretary the authority to approve transfer requests for 
fiscal years 2014 through 2016, provided that the Secretary publish a 
notice in the Federal Register establishing the terms and conditions 
for HUD approval of such transfers no later than 30 days before such 
notice takes effect. HUD believes that publication of the criteria will 
assist project owners to determine whether a transfer is feasible given 
the specific circumstances of their multifamily projects. Publication 
of the criteria will also facilitate HUD's review of transfer requests 
by helping owners formulate their requests in a manner that adequately 
addresses the statutory criteria.

DATES: Effective: April 30, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancie-Ann Bodell, Acting Director, 
Office of Asset Management and Portfolio Oversight of Multifamily 
Housing, Office of Housing, Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room 6110, Washington, DC 20410; 
telephone number 202-708-2495 (this is not a toll-free number). Persons 
with hearing or speech impairments may access this number through TTY 
by calling the toll-free Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

A. Background

    Beginning with section 318 of the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development Appropriations Act, 2006 (Pub. L. 109-115, 119 Stat. 2396, 
approved November 30, 2005), HUD appropriations acts have contained a 
general provision authorizing the Secretary to approve requests from 
project owners for the transfer of certain rental assistance, debt, and 
income-based use restrictions between HUD-assisted projects. For fiscal 
years 2014 and 2015, this transfer authority is provided under section 
214 of Title II of Division L of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 
2014 (Pub. L. 113-76, 128 Stat. 5, approved January 17, 2014) (Section 
214).\1\ Section 214(a) states that ``[n]otwithstanding any other 
provision of law . . . the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development 
may authorize the transfer of some or all project-based assistance, 
debt held or insured by the Secretary and statutorily required low-
income and very low-income use restrictions if any, associated with one 
or more multifamily housing project or projects to another multifamily 
housing project or projects.'' Section 214(b) also allows for phased 
transfers of project-based assistance to accommodate the financing and 
other requirements related to rehabilitating or constructing the 
project or projects to which the assistance is transferred.
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    \1\ Section 212 of Title II of Division K of the Consolidated 
and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235, 
approved December 16, 2014) provides the same authority for fiscal 
years 2015 and 2016. For the sake of simplicity, this notice uses 
``Section 214'' to refer to the authority in both Acts, as the 
language other than the dates is identical.
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    HUD approval of transfers is subject to the conditions enumerated 
in the appropriations act for the applicable fiscal year. These 
statutory terms and conditions have, in general, been consistent from 
one appropriations act to the next. The statutory criteria for fiscal 
years 2014 through 2016 are enumerated in Section 214(c), which 
provides as follows:
     The transfer authorized in subsection (a) is subject to 
the following conditions:
    [cir] NUMBER AND BEDROOM SIZE OF UNITS.--

--For occupied units in the transferring project: The number of low-
income and very low-income units and the configuration (i.e. bedroom 
size) provided by the transferring project shall be no less than when 
transferred to the receiving project or projects and the net dollar 
amount of Federal assistance provided to the transferring project shall 
remain the same in the receiving project or projects.
--For unoccupied units in the transferring project: The Secretary may 
authorize a reduction in the number of dwelling units in the receiving 
project or projects to allow for a reconfiguration of bedroom sizes to 
meet current market demands, as determined by the Secretary and 
provided there is no increase in the project-based assistance budget 
authority.

    [cir] The transferring project shall, as determined by the 
Secretary, be either physically obsolete or economically nonviable.
    [cir] The receiving project or projects shall meet or exceed 
applicable physical standards established by the Secretary.
    [cir] The owner or mortgagor of the transferring project shall 
notify and consult with the tenants residing in the transferring 
project and provide a certification of approval by all appropriate 
local governmental officials.
    [cir] The tenants of the transferring project who remain eligible 
for assistance to be provided by the receiving project or projects 
shall not be required to vacate their units in the transferring project 
or projects until new units in the receiving project are available for 
occupancy.
    [cir] The Secretary determines that this transfer is in the best 
interest of the tenants.
    [cir] If either the transferring project or the receiving project 
or projects meets the condition specified in subsection (d)(2)(A),\2\ 
any lien on the receiving project resulting from additional financing 
obtained by the owner shall be subordinate to any FHA-insured mortgage 
lien transferred to, or placed on, such project by the Secretary, 
except that the Secretary may waive this requirement upon determination 
that such a waiver is necessary to facilitate the financing of 
acquisition, construction, and/or rehabilitation of the receiving 
project or projects.
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    \2\ Subsection (d)(2)(A) pertains to housing that is subject to 
a mortgage insured under the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1701 et 
seq.).
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    [cir] If the transferring project meets the requirements of 
subsection (d)(2),\3\ the owner or mortgagor of the receiving project 
or projects shall execute and record either a continuation of the 
existing use agreement or a new use agreement for the project where, in 
either case, any use restrictions in such agreement are of no lesser 
duration than the existing use restrictions.
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    \3\ Subsection (d)(2) defines the term ``multifamily housing 
project.''
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    [cir] The transfer does not increase the cost (as defined in 
section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, as amended) of any 
FHA-insured mortgage, except to the extent that appropriations are 
provided in advance for the amount of any such increased cost.
    HUD has exercised the transfer authority on a case-by-case basis, 
determining compliance with the statutory criteria based on the 
specific circumstances of the projects. Most of the statutory criteria 
are prescriptive, leaving little room for the exercise of agency 
discretion (for example, the requirement that the transfer not increase 
the cost of any FHA-insured mortgage). Others, however, are more

[[Page 16965]]

generally phrased, allowing for HUD interpretation in applying the 
criteria (for example, the requirement that the transferring project be 
either physically obsolete or economically nonviable, ``as determined 
by the Secretary''). Over time, HUD has developed uniform guidelines to 
facilitate the review of transfer requests and aid in determining 
compliance with the statutory criteria.
    Section 214(e)(1) requires that HUD publish by notice in the 
Federal Register the terms and conditions for HUD approval of 
transfers, no later than 30 days before such notice takes effect. This 
notice is being issued in accordance with the publication requirements 
of Section 214(e)(1). HUD believes that publication of the criteria 
will assist project owners in determining whether a transfer is 
appropriate given the specific circumstances of their multifamily 
projects. Publication of the criteria will also facilitate HUD's review 
of transfer requests by helping owners formulate their requests in a 
manner that adequately address the statutory criteria.
    Owners of multifamily housing projects, as defined by subsection 
(d)(2) of Section 214, who wish to request a transfer of rental 
assistance, debt, or income-based use restrictions under Section 214 
should submit a package containing the relevant materials outlined 
below to the HUD Hub/Program Center or Regional Center/Satellite Office 
for review. Owners can submit packages for review on or after the 
effective date of this notice. HUD will issue a subsequent Housing 
notice detailing procedural submission requirements and will follow 
this notice with a proposed rule to solicit comment before regulatory 
codification of these criteria.

B. Statutory Terms and Conditions for HUD Approval of Transfer Requests

    Commencing for transfer requests submitted pursuant to Section 214, 
HUD will evaluate the request, on a case-by-case basis, in accordance 
with the following criteria. The receiving property must be a 
multifamily housing project prior to or as a result of the Section 214 
transfer. The receiving project may already be HUD-affiliated, meaning 
it has existing HUD project-based rental assistance, an existing use 
restriction, or debt (either HUD-held or FHA-insured). HUD will approve 
a transfer under Section 214 to a HUD-affiliated property if the 
receiving property is in compliance with all business agreements with 
the Department or has a HUD-approved plan in place to correct any 
identified deficiencies. The receiving property may be existing, under 
construction, newly constructed, undergoing substantial rehabilitation, 
or undergoing moderate rehabilitation. Before Section 8 project-based 
rental assistance is transferred to the receiving property, the 
property must exist and be habitable (as demonstrated by a certificate 
of occupancy or like documentation). The numbered items below track the 
statutory criteria and, where HUD has been granted flexibility, 
establishes requirements and guidance on how HUD will assess compliance 
with the statutory factors.

1. Number and Bedroom Size of Units

    For occupied units in the transferring project: The number of low-
income and very low-income units and the configuration (i.e. bedroom 
size) provided by the transferring project shall be no less than when 
transferred to the receiving project or projects. The receiving owner 
\4\ must provide detailed information about the number of units and the 
corresponding unit size occupied by low-income and very-low income 
families respectively, as well as the proposed number of units for low 
and very-low income families and the corresponding unit configuration 
at the receiving project. In determining compliance with this 
requirement, HUD will consider the number of units occupied by low and 
very low-income families and their respective unit sizes, as well as 
whether the size of the occupied units is appropriate for the family 
size occupying those units. The net dollar amount of Federal assistance 
provided to the transferring project shall remain the same in the 
receiving project or projects. HUD Multifamily Hub/Program Center or 
Regional Center/Satellite Office staff will verify that the net dollar 
amount of Federal assistance transferred remains the same in the 
receiving project or projects.
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    \4\ The term ``owner'' refers to either the transferring or 
receiving owner unless specified.
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    For unoccupied units in the transferring project: HUD may authorize 
a reduction in the number of dwelling units in the receiving project or 
projects to allow for a reconfiguration of bedroom sizes to meet market 
demands, as demonstrated by the transferring owner, provided there is 
no increase in the project-based assistance budget authority. HUD 
Multifamily Hub/Program Center or Regional Center/Satellite Office 
staff will verify that the net dollar amount of Federal assistance 
transferred remains the same in the receiving project or projects. The 
transferring owner shall provide justification for a reduction in the 
number of dwelling units in one or more of the following ways:
    a. Evidence of all efforts to market the unit type proposed for 
reduction and evidence of the demand within the geographic market area 
for the proposed new unit type. The documentation may include evidence 
of the transferring owner's efforts, including:
    i. Property traffic reports.
    ii. Advertising details.
    iii. Age and/or income waivers requested.
    iv. Local housing authority wait list information or other 
affordable housing provider contacts made demonstrating that there is 
minimal or no demand for the unit type.
    b. Documentation that the average vacancy at the transferring 
property has been 25 percent or more over the past 24 months.
    c. Any other documentation that a reduction in the number of 
dwelling units is necessary to meet market demand, and approved by HUD.

2. Physical Obsolescence or Economic Nonviability

    Physical obsolescence shall be shown in one or more of the 
following ways:
    a. A Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) physical inspection score 
of 30 or below.
    b. Two or more consecutive REAC physical inspection scores of below 
60.
    c. Condemnation or other such notice by the local or state 
government rendering the property uninhabitable.
    d. A taking through eminent domain.
    e. Evidence that needed capital repairs cannot be made without the 
property losing financial viability.
    f. Any other proof of physical obsolescence provided by the owner 
and approved by HUD.
    Economic non-viability must be shown in one or more of the 
following ways:
    a. A market analysis justifying the inability of the property to 
meet current HUD-imposed affordability restrictions.
    b. A market analysis indicating limited to no market for the unit 
type(s).
    c. A demonstrated average vacancy of 25 percent or more over the 
past 24 months.
    d. Any other proof of economic non-viability provided by the owner 
and approved by HUD.
    The transferring owner is required to certify in writing that the 
material submitted to demonstrate compliance with this criterion is 
true and accurate. The Multifamily Hub/Program Center will review all 
submitted information and verify its accuracy.

[[Page 16966]]

3. Applicable Physical Standards

    The receiving project or projects must have a REAC physical 
inspection score of 60 or above. If the project does not have a current 
REAC physical inspection score, an inspection must be conducted prior 
to the transfer and the project must score 60 or above or have a HUD-
approved plan in place to correct any deficiencies.
    The receiving project must also meet all applicable accessibility 
requirements, including, but not limited to the accessibility 
requirements of the Fair Housing Act, section 504 of the Rehabilitation 
Act, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The owner 
must provide documentation acceptable to HUD that the receiving project 
is in compliance with all applicable accessibility requirements. The 
HUD Hub/Program Center or Regional Center/Satellite Office will review 
the submitted documentation and verify acceptability.

4. Notification and Consultation With Tenants and Local Governmental 
Officials

    The transferring owner must give the tenants and legitimate tenant 
organization(s) written notification of the proposed transfer and 
provide a minimum 30-day comment period. HUD will not accept a Section 
214 request for any project unless the transferring owner has notified 
the tenants of the proposed transfer and has provided the tenants with 
an opportunity to comment on the proposed transfer.
    a. The notification should include the address and phone of the 
appropriate HUD office, including the specific division and/or name and 
phone number of a contact at the appropriate HUD office. The 
notification should be provided in appropriate formats as necessary to 
meet the needs of all, including persons with limited English 
proficiency and formats for persons with vision, hearing, and other 
communication-related disabilities (e.g., Braille, audio, and large 
type, sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, etc.).
    b. The notification will include a description of the impact of the 
request on tenants' rental assistance and tenant contributions. The 
notification must also explain the tenants' relocation rights and 
responsibilities, including the assistance that tenants may become 
eligible to receive under the Uniform Relocation Act if acquisition, 
rehabilitation or demolition are involved (see section five below). In 
addition, the notification must inform the tenants that if a Section 8 
project-based rental assistance contract will be transferred, and it 
assists the unit they inhabit, they may be eligible for tenant 
protection vouchers if they choose not to relocate (see Section C 
below).
    c. The notice must be delivered directly to each unit in the 
project or mailed to each tenant and posted in at least 3 places/common 
areas throughout the project, including any project office. In a 
project greater than 4 stories, the notice may be served either by 
delivery to each unit or by posting. If the posting method is used, the 
notice must be posted in at least three conspicuous places within each 
building in which the affected dwelling units are located.
    i. The tenants (including any legal or other representatives acting 
for the tenants individually or as a group) have the right to inspect 
and copy the materials that the owner is required to submit to HUD for 
a period of 30 days from the date on which the notice is served to the 
tenants. Any tenant comments must be available in the project office 
during normal business hours for public reading and copying.
    ii. The tenants have the right, during this period, to submit 
written comments on the transfer to the transferring owner and the 
appropriate HUD office. Tenant representatives may assist tenants in 
preparing these comments.
    d. The transferring owner must hold a meeting with the tenants and 
legitimate tenant organizations to discuss the details of the 
notification and answer questions.
    e. Upon completion of the tenant comment period, the transferring 
owner must review the comments submitted by the tenants and their 
representatives and prepare a written evaluation of the comments. Any 
negative comments must be addressed. The transferring owner must then 
submit the following materials to the appropriate HUD office at the 
time of submission of the request for transfer under Section 214:
    i. A copy of the transferring owner's Notification to the tenants;
    ii. A sign-in sheet from the tenant meeting;
    iii. A copy of all the tenant comments;
    iv. The transferring owner's evaluation of the tenant comments and 
any responses the owner gave to negative comments; and
    v. A certification by the transferring owner that it has complied 
with all of the requirements of 24 CFR 245.410, 245.415, 245.416 
through 245.419, as applicable, and 245.420. The transferring owner 
must identify any Fair Housing litigation settlement agreements, 
voluntary compliance agreements, or other remedial agreements signed by 
the owner and HUD. The Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity 
(FHEO) will ensure there is no conflict between the agreements and the 
proposed transfer. If there is a conflict, the transferring owner may 
propose modifications to the remedial agreement as part of the transfer 
proposal.
    The owner must also provide a certification of approval from the 
relevant local government officials, which may include but are not 
limited to the:
    a. Local Mayor.
    b. City Council.
    c. Planning Commission.
    d. Health and Human Services Commission.
    e. Any other pertinent local government official or government 
body.
    Although in some cases, a certification of approval may be required 
from multiple local governmental officials, there must be at least one 
certification of approval from at least one local government official 
in all cases to warrant approval of a request for transfer of 
assistance, debt, or use restrictions.

5. Relocation of Tenants

    The tenants of the transferring project who remain eligible to 
receive assistance will not be required to vacate their units in the 
transferring project until new units in the receiving project are 
available for occupancy. If tenants must move as a direct result of 
acquisition, rehabilitation or demolition in connection with a transfer 
of assistance under Section 214, the Uniform Relocation Assistance and 
Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended (URA) may 
apply.
    HUD will review tenant relocations and protections on a case-by 
case-basis to ensure tenants are protected from permanent displacement. 
Under no circumstances shall the residents pay for any relocation costs 
incurred as a result of the transfer and the resulting move to the 
receiving property. It is within the owner's discretion whether to pay 
relocation costs for relocations to locations other than the receiving 
property. A Section 214 transaction where the tenants' relocation 
expenses are not paid, will not be approved by HUD.

6. Best Interest of the Tenants

    HUD will determine that the transfer is in the best interest of the 
tenants based on criteria including, but not limited to, the following:
    a. The transfer will preserve affordable and/or assisted housing in 
a

[[Page 16967]]

market area in need of such assistance/affordability.
    b. The transfer complies with section C of this notice. The site 
and neighborhood requirements ensure that the receiving property is in 
a location that affords the tenants at the transferring property the 
same or a better property location than the transferring site.
    c. All current tenants will receive the same level of assistance 
they are currently receiving. Tenants that move from the transferring 
project to the receiving project remain subject to their existing lease 
requirements and all occupancy rules. The receiving owner may not seek 
to terminate the lease of a tenant from the transferring project for 
actions that occurred prior to the Section 214 transfer but the tenant 
will be subject to ongoing eligibility requirements for actions that 
occur after the transfer. Any eviction procedures currently underway at 
the transferring project will not be affected by the transfer of budget 
authority.
    d. In scenarios where a Section 8 HAP contract will be transferred, 
and a tenant assisted by the HAP contract objects to relocating to the 
receiving property, the tenant may be eligible to receive a tenant 
protection voucher, subject to the availability of appropriations. A 
tenant may receive a TPV, if they meet the eligibility requirements for 
voucher assistance and the unit that they currently reside in is 
supported by a Section 8 project-based rental assistance contract that 
is subject to transfer as part of the Section 214 transfer. The owner 
will notify the tenant of their potential eligibility to receive a TPV 
at the time of tenant notification and subsequently notify the 
Multifamily Hub/PC regarding how many TPVs are requested. If TPVs are 
needed, the Multifamily Hub/PC should work with the Public and Indian 
Housing (PIH) field office to follow the procedures outlined in PIH 
Notice 2001-41.
    e. To determine if the Section 214 transfer is in the best interest 
of the tenants, the transferring owner must provide documentation that 
all tenants residing at the property at the time of the transfer are 
relocating to a property of greater economic solvency or better 
physical condition, or accepting a tenant protection voucher to move to 
a property that best meets their housing needs.
    f. If the transferring property is not fully assisted by a Section 
8 project-based rental assistance contract, HUD will approve or 
disapprove the transfer based upon its review of the information 
submitted and all tenant comments received.
    g. If the transferring property is not fully assisted by a Section 
8 project-based rental assistance contract, the transfer will only be 
approved if:
    i. There are no tenants at the transferring property; or
    ii. The property is occupied but the transfer will be to an 
immediately adjacent property; or
    iii. The unassisted tenants would have to move in the absence of 
the Section 214 transfer (e.g., the site is contaminated, the property 
is or will be condemned, the property is being taken via eminent 
domain, etc.); or
    iv. The transfer involves a 202 Direct Loan or a 202/811 Capital 
Advance or PRAC contract that must be transferred as a result of a 
state's response to the Olmstead Decision or state Medicaid/Medicare 
policies on congregate housing make it economically impossible to 
continue operating the property as originally conceived.
    h. If the tenants must be relocated, they will/did receive the 
protections provided under the URA, or other assistance if the URA is 
not triggered. No tenants will be displaced as a result of the 
transfer.

7. Subordination of Liens

    To demonstrate compliance, the receiving owner must submit one or 
more of the following as documentation:
    a.Verification from the FHA lender that any lien on the receiving 
project is subordinate to any FHA-insured mortgage lien.
    b. Other documentation as applicable.
    A receiving owner may submit a waiver request if the receiving 
owner believes it is necessary that a lien(s) not be subordinate to the 
FHA insured mortgage to facilitate the financing of acquisition, 
construction, or rehabilitation of the receiving project or projects. 
Such a request must demonstrate that the waiver is necessary to finance 
the transaction and that there is minimal risk to the FHA as a result 
of the waiver. HUD must approve all waiver requests.

8. Use Restrictions

    If a use restriction is in place at the receiving project, the 
receiving owner must sign a new or amended use restriction that 
includes all income and eligibility restrictions of the transferring 
use restriction and runs for the duration of the transferring project's 
existing use restriction or the use restriction at the receiving 
project, whichever is longer.

9. No Increased FHA-Insured Mortgage Costs

    Transfers must not increase the cost (as defined in section 502 of 
the Congressional Budget Act of 1874) of any FHA-insured mortgage. HUD 
will consider the transfer of an FHA-insured mortgage, or Secretary-
held formerly insured mortgage that is subsidized under either Section 
221(d)(3)-(d)(5) with below market interest rates or Section 236. In 
addition, in order to avoid a claim against the General Insurance Fund, 
HUD may approve the transfer of a non-subsidized FHA-insured mortgage 
in combination with the transfer of a project-based rental assistance 
contract and/or a use restriction to a receiving project. However, HUD 
will only consider the transfer of a non-subsidized FHA-insured 
mortgage when the transferring project is in danger of imminent default 
on its FHA-insured mortgage due to a finding that the project is 
physically obsolete and/or economically nonviable in compliance with 
the criteria and process set forth in this notice.

C. Site and Neighborhood Standards for the Receiving Property

    1. Transfers that involve Section 202 assistance must comply with 
the site and neighborhood requirements at 24 CFR 891.125.
    2. Transfers that involve Section 811 assistance must comply with 
the site and neighborhood requirements at 24 CFR 891.125 and 24 CFR 
891.320.
    3. All other receiving sites must comply with the site and 
neighborhood requirements below. The receiving owner must submit the 
address of the proposed property with their proposal and HUD will 
determine whether the site meets the following requirements:
    a. The site and neighborhood is suitable from the standpoint of 
facilitating and furthering full compliance with the applicable 
provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VIII of 
the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Executive Order 11063, and HUD 
regulations issued pursuant thereto.
    b. The neighborhood must not be one that is seriously detrimental 
to family life or in which substandard dwellings or other undesirable 
conditions predominate, unless there is actively in progress a 
concerted program to remedy the undesirable conditions.
    c. The housing must be accessible to social, recreational, 
educational, commercial, and health facilities and services, and other 
municipal facilities and services that are at least equivalent to those 
typically found in neighborhoods consisting largely of unassisted, 
standard housing of similar market rents.
    d. If the receiving project is new construction, and is not covered 
by the

[[Page 16968]]

existing regulations cited above for Section 202/811 properties, it may 
not be located in a racially mixed area if the project will cause a 
significant increase in the proportion of minority to nonminority 
residents in the area and may not be located in an area of minority 
concentration. If HUD determines that the receiving project will be 
located in an area of minority concentration, the receiving Owner must 
submit supporting data (e.g. census data, evidence of local 
revitalization efforts, etc.) in order for HUD to determine that they 
meet one of the exceptions below:
    i. Sufficient, comparable opportunities exist for housing for 
minority households in the income range to be served by the proposed 
project, outside areas of minority concentration. Sufficient does not 
require that in every locality there be an equal number of assisted 
units within and outside of areas of minority concentration. Rather, 
application of this standard should produce a reasonable distribution 
of assisted units each year which over a period of several years will 
approach an appropriate balance of housing opportunities within and 
outside areas of minority concentration. An appropriate balance in any 
jurisdiction must be determined in light of local conditions affecting 
the range of housing choices available for very low-income minority 
households and in relation to the racial mix of the locality's 
population.
    (A) Units may be considered to be comparable opportunities if they 
have the same household type and tenure type (owner/renter), require 
approximately the same total tenant payment, serve the same income 
group, are located in the same housing market, and are in standard 
condition.
    (B) Application of this sufficient, comparable opportunities 
standard involves assessing the overall impact of HUD-assisted housing 
on the availability of housing choices for very low-income minority 
households, in and outside areas of minority concentration, and must 
take into account the extent to which the following factors are 
present, along with any other factor relevant to housing choice:
    (1) A significant number of assisted housing units are available 
outside areas of minority concentration.
    (2) There is significant integration of assisted housing projects 
constructed or rehabilitated in the past ten years, relative to the 
racial mix of the eligible population.
    (3) There are racially integrated neighborhoods in the locality.
    (4) Programs are operated by the locality to assist minority 
households, as applicable, that wish to find housing outside areas of 
minority concentration.
    (5) Minority households have benefitted from local activities 
(e.g., acquisition and write-down of sites, tax relief programs for 
homeowners, acquisitions of units for use as assisted housing units) 
undertaken to expand choice for minority households (or families) 
outside of areas of minority concentration.
    (6) A significant proportion of minority households, have been 
successful in finding units in nonminority areas under the Section 8 
Certificate and Housing Voucher programs.
    (7) Comparable housing opportunities have been made available 
outside areas of minority concentration through other programs.
    ii. The project is necessary to meet overriding housing needs that 
cannot be met in that housing market area. Application of the 
overriding housing needs criterion, for example, permits approval of 
sites that are an integral part of an overall local strategy for the 
preservation or restoration of the immediate neighborhood and of sites 
in a neighborhood experiencing significant private investment that is 
demonstrably changing the economic character of the area (a 
``revitalizing area''). An overriding housing need, however, may not 
serve as the basis for determining that a site is acceptable if the 
only reason the need cannot otherwise be feasibly met is that 
discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, or national 
origin renders sites outside areas of minority concentration 
unavailable, or if the use of this standard in recent years has had the 
effect of circumventing the obligation to provide housing choice.
    4. All Section 214 transactions (including those involving Section 
202/811 properties) will be reviewed by HUD's Office of Policy 
Development and Research to assess whether there is sufficient demand 
for affordable rental housing in the receiving market area and to 
ensure that the transfer does not occur in neighborhoods with highly 
concentrated poverty.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Inter-Fair Market     Intra-Fair Market
                                 Rent (FMR) area       Rent (FMR) area
                                    transfers             transfers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              For Inter-FMR Area    For Intra-FMR
                               transfers, there      transfers, there
                               can be two types:     can be three types:
                               (1) Transferring to   (1) Within a metro
                               a new metropolitan    area to a new
                               (metro) area; or      neighborhood (Small
                               (2) transferring to   Area Fair Market
                               a new non-metro       Rent (SAFMR)/Zip);
                               county.               (2) within a metro
                                                     area, in the same
                                                     neighborhood (SAFMR/
                                                     Zip code); and (3)
                                                     within a non-metro
                                                     county.
New Metro Neighborhood......  For moves into a      Within a metro area
                               metro area, the       to a new
                               receiving             neighborhood (SAFMR/
                               property's            Zip code), the
                               neighborhood must     receiving
                               be in a SAFMR area    property's
                               with a poverty rate   neighborhood must
                               of less than 30       be in a SAFMR area
                               percent, unless:      with a poverty rate
                              a. The receiving       of less than 30
                               property is in a      percent, unless:
                               neighborhood         a. The receiving
                               receiving a Choice    property is in a
                               Neighborhoods Grant   neighborhood
                               or is part of a       receiving a Choice
                               significant state     Neighborhoods Grant
                               or local              or is part of a
                               revitalization        significant state
                               initiative that       or local
                               will result in new    revitalization
                               construction and      initiative that
                               substantial           will include and
                               rehabilitation of     result in new
                               mixed income          construction and
                               housing; or.          substantial
                              b. The receiving       rehabilitation of
                               property is in a      mixed income
                               SAFMR area with a     housing; or
                               poverty rate         b. The receiving
                               between 30 and 40     property is in a
                               percent; and          SAFMR area with a
                               either:.              poverty rate
                              1. Housing market      between 30 and 40
                               activity within the   percent; and either
                               SAFMR.

[[Page 16969]]

 
                               area would indicate       1. The proposed
                               that the area is           receiving site
                               revitalizing; or           has a higher
                              2. The poverty rate         SAFMR than the
                               has seen                   current site;
                               significant recent         or
                               decline.             2. The proposed
                                                     receiving site is
                                                     considered
                                                     immediately
                                                     adjacent (within \1/
                                                     2\ mile) to the
                                                     current site; or
                                                    3. Housing market
                                                     activity within the
                                                     SAFMR area would
                                                     indicate that the
                                                     area is
                                                     revitalizing; or
                                                    4. The poverty rate
                                                     has seen
                                                     significant recent
                                                     decline.
Old Metro Neighborhood......  N/A: By definition a  Within a metro area,
                               transfer to a new     and in the same
                               FMR area will be a    neighborhood (SAFMR/
                               transfer to a new     Zip code), the
                               neighborhood.         receiving
                                                     property's
                                                     neighborhood must
                                                     be in a SAFMR area
                                                     with a poverty rate
                                                     of less than 30
                                                     percent, unless:
                                                    a. The receiving
                                                     property is in a
                                                     neighborhood
                                                     receiving a Choice
                                                     Neighborhoods Grant
                                                     or is part of a
                                                     significant state
                                                     or local
                                                     revitalization
                                                     initiative that
                                                     will result in new
                                                     construction and
                                                     substantial
                                                     rehabilitation of
                                                     mixed income
                                                     housing; or
                                                    b. The SAFMR area is
                                                     between 30 and 40
                                                     percent and at
                                                     least 50 percent of
                                                     the units at the
                                                     receiving property
                                                     are unassisted and
                                                     either:
                                                    1. The proposed
                                                     receiving site is
                                                     considered
                                                     immediately
                                                     adjacent (within \1/
                                                     2\ mile) to the
                                                     current site; or
                                                    2. Housing market
                                                     activity within the
                                                     SAFMR area would
                                                     indicate that the
                                                     area is
                                                     revitalizing; or
                                                    3. The poverty rate
                                                     has seen
                                                     significant recent
                                                     decline.
Non-Metro...................  For moves to a non-   Within the same non-
                               metro county, the     metro county, the
                               receiving property    receiving property
                               must be in a county   must be in a county
                               that has a poverty    that has a poverty
                               rate less than 30     rate of less than
                               percent, unless:      30 percent, unless:
                              The county poverty    The county poverty
                               rate is between 30    rate is between 30
                               and 40 percent,       and 40 percent and:
                               and:.                1. The housing
                              1. The housing         market activity
                               market activity       within the county
                               within the county     would indicate that
                               would indicate that   the area is
                               the area is           revitalizing; or
                               revitalizing; or.    2. The poverty rate
                              2. The poverty rate    has seen
                               has seen              significant recent
                               significant recent    decline; or
                               decline; or.         3. The transaction
                              3. The transaction     is part of a
                               is part of a          statewide portfolio
                               statewide portfolio   preservation
                               preservation          strategy operated
                               strategy operated     by a Housing
                               by a Housing          Finance Agency or
                               Finance Agency or     is part of a
                               is part of a          significant state
                               significant state     or local
                               or local              revitalization
                               revitalization        initiative that
                               initiative that       will result in new
                               will result in new    construction and
                               construction and      substantial
                               substantial           rehabilitation of
                               rehabilitation of     mixed income
                               mixed income          housing.
                               housing.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

D. Additional Requirements of the Receiving Owner Prior to Approval

    The submission to HUD requesting a transfer under Section 214 must 
include the following information from the receiving owner:
    1. Written confirmation of acceptance of the Housing Assistance 
Payments (HAP) contract, Use Agreement, and/or debt, as applicable, and 
confirmation that the transfer is warranted by local demand for 
affordable housing.
    2. If the transfer involves project-based section 8 assistance, 
written evidence that the transfer of the HAP contract is warranted by 
local demands for affordable housing. Supporting documentation may 
include a market analysis showing eligible families in the area, a list 
of current tenants who are eligible for Section 8 assistance, or 
prospective tenants on waiting lists.
    3. If applicable, a written tenant selection plan, Tenant 
Relocation Plan and an Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan approved 
by HUD.
    4. A narrative detailing the capacity of the proposed owner and 
management agent of the receiving property to own, operate, manage, and 
if applicable, renovate affordable housing.
    5. The receiving owner must not be subject to any of the following 
actions that have not been resolved to HUD's satisfaction: (1) A charge 
from HUD concerning a systemic violation of the Fair Housing Act or a 
cause determination from a substantially equivalent state or local fair 
housing agency concerning a systemic violation of a substantially 
equivalent state or local fair housing law proscribing discrimination 
because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or 
familial status; and (2) A Fair Housing Act lawsuit filed by the 
Department of Justice alleging a pattern or practice of discrimination 
or denial of rights to a group of persons raising an issue of general 
public interest pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 3614(a); or (3) A letter of 
finding identifying systemic noncompliance under Title VI of the Civil 
Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or 
Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. HUD 
will determine if actions to resolve the charge, cause determination, 
lawsuit, or letter of findings are sufficient to resolve the matter.

[[Page 16970]]

Examples of actions that would normally be considered sufficient to 
resolve the matter include, but are not limited to, current compliance 
with:
    a. A voluntary compliance agreement (VCA) signed by all the 
parties;
    b. A HUD-approved conciliation agreement signed by all the parties;
    c. A conciliation agreement signed by all the parties and approved 
by the state governmental or local administrative agency with 
jurisdiction over the matter;
    d. A consent order or consent decree; or
    e. A final judicial ruling or administrative ruling or decision.
    6. Documentation to assist HUD in an environmental review of the 
transfer request in accordance with environmental regulations and 
requirements at 24 CFR part 50. HUD will conduct the environmental 
review as required by part 50 prior to approving a transfer. HUD will 
document compliance on Form HUD-4128, ``Environmental Assessment and 
Compliance Findings for the Related Laws.'' Applicants are responsible 
for submitting environmental information and reports, and should use 
Chapter 9 of the MAP Guide and the HUD Environmental Review Web site 
(available at https://www.onecpd.info/environmental-review/) for 
guidance on environmental review information requirements. If the 
transfer is to a site that is currently HUD-assisted, HUD-insured or 
HUD-held, a new Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) in 
accordance with ASTM E 1527-13 (or the most recent edition), including 
a Vapor Encroachment Screen in accordance with ASTM E 2600-10 (or the 
most recent edition), is not required, unless the transfer involves:
    a. Significant ground disturbance (digging) or construction not 
contemplated in the original application or incompatible with current 
engineering or institutional controls;
    b. Site expansion or addition;
    c. Transfer to a site for which a Phase I ESA in accordance with 
ASTM E 1527-05 (or a more recent edition) has not been prepared 
previously; or
    d. Any other activities which may result in contaminant exposure 
pathways not contemplated in the original application or incompatible 
with current engineering or institutional controls.
    After a request has been submitted to HUD, the requestor and other 
participants in the proposed transfer, including owners and contractors 
on the receiving project, may not undertake or commit funds for 
acquisition, rehabilitation, conversion, or construction of the 
receiving property until HUD has completed the environmental review and 
notified the requestor that the transfer to the receiving property is 
acceptable.

E. Post Approval Requirements

    Once HUD has received and reviewed the materials above and approved 
the transfer under Section 214, the owner of the receiving project must 
do the following as applicable:
    1. If there is a use restriction at the transferring property, sign 
a new or amended use restriction that includes all income and 
eligibility restrictions of the transferring use restriction and runs 
for the duration of the transferring project's existing use restriction 
or the use restriction at the receiving project, whichever is longer.
    2. If the transfer involves project based section 8 assistance, 
renew the HAP contract for a 20-year term at the time of the transfer 
and attach the Preservation Exhibit agreeing to the automatic renewal 
of the Section 8 HAP contract at the end of the 20-year term, subject 
to annual appropriations, for a minimum of the time remaining on the 
HAP contract that was in effect prior to the transfer under Section 
214.
    3. Receive approval through the Previous Participation Process 
including a 2530 review. The receiving owner must be in compliance with 
all business agreements for the receiving project and for any other HUD 
insured or assisted projects owned.
    4. Comply with all Departmental statutes, regulations, policies and 
procedures related to any assignment or amendment of a Section 8 HAP 
contract or other project-based rental assistance contract, required 
modification of loan documents and legal descriptions, or other 
necessary changes as a result of a Section 214 transfer.

F. Environmental Review

    A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) with respect to the 
environment has been made for this notice in accordance with HUD 
regulations at 24 CFR part 50, which implement section 102(2)(C) of the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)). The 
FONSI is available for public inspection between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
weekdays in the Regulations Division, Office of General Counsel, 
Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room 
10276, Washington, DC 20410-0500. Due to security measures at this HUD 
Headquarters Building, an advance appointment to review the FONSI must 
be scheduled by calling the Regulations Division at 202-708-3055 (not a 
toll free number).

G. Information Collection Requirements

    The information collection requirements contained in this document 
have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned 
OMB Control Number 2502-0608. In accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act, HUD may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, a collection of information unless the 
collection displays a currently valid OMB control number.

H. Implementation

    This notice will become effective April 30, 2015. HUD will begin 
accepting requests for transfers pursuant to this notice on or after 
the effective date. For questions regarding the submission or status of 
a transfer request, interested parties should contact their HUD 
Multifamily Hub/Program Center. The list of HUD Multifamily Hubs and 
Program Centers is available at: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/mfh/hsgmfbus/abouthubspcs.

    Dated: March 17, 2015.
Biniam Gebre,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal Housing Commissioner.
[FR Doc. 2015-06776 Filed 3-30-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4210-67-P



                                                                     Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 61 / Tuesday, March 31, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                               16963

                                                     501, TP–501, TP–502, and EPA                         2075(a), provides that where a                        gasoline containers must comply with
                                                     Regulation 40 CFR 59.623.                            ‘‘consumer product safety standard                    the requirements specified in § 1460.3,
                                                  Because the scope of the consumer                       under [the CPSA]’’ is in effect and                   which are considered to be a consumer
                                                  product safety rule is established by the               applies to a product, no state or political           product safety rule.
                                                  CGBPA, this rule does not incorporate                   subdivision of a state may either
                                                                                                          establish or continue in effect a                     § 1460.2   Definition.
                                                  by reference the scope section of ASTM                                                                          Portable gasoline container means
                                                  F2517–15 or Appendix X1 that relates to                 requirement dealing with the same risk
                                                                                                          of injury unless the state requirement is             any portable gasoline container
                                                  the scope section of ASTM F2517–15.                                                                           intended for use by consumers.
                                                                                                          identical to the federal standard.
                                                  V. Effective Date                                       (Section 26(c) of the CPSA also provides              § 1460.3 Requirements for child-resistance
                                                    As discussed in the preceding section,                that states or political subdivisions of              for closures on portable gasoline
                                                  this is a direct final rule. Unless the                 states may apply to the Commission for                containers.
                                                  Commission receives a significant                       an exemption from this preemption                        Each portable gasoline container
                                                  adverse comment by April 3, 2015, the                   under certain circumstances).                         manufactured on or after April 12, 2015
                                                  rule will become effective on April 12,                    As discussed above, under the                      for sale in the United States shall
                                                  2015.                                                   CGBPA, the child-resistance                           conform to the child-resistance
                                                                                                          requirements of ASTM F2517–15                         requirements for closures on portable
                                                  VI. Other Relevant Statutory Provisions                 became a consumer product standard                    gasoline containers specified in sections
                                                                                                          for CPSA purposes. Children’s Gasoline                2 through 6 of ASTM F2517–15
                                                  A. Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                                                                                          Burn Prevention Act, Pub. L 110–278,                  (including Appendixes X2 and X3
                                                     The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)                 Sec. 2(a) (July 17, 2008). The child-                 referenced therein), Standard
                                                  generally requires an agency to prepare                 resistance requirements of ASTM                       Specification for Determination of Child
                                                  a regulatory flexibility analysis of any                F2517–15, which will be codified under                Resistance of Portable Fuel Containers
                                                  rule subject to notice and comment                      this rule, will invoke the preemptive                 for Consumer Use, approved on January
                                                  rulemaking requirements under the                       effect of section 26(a) of the CPSA.                  1, 2015. The Director of the Federal
                                                  Administrative Procedure Act or any                                                                           Register approves the incorporation by
                                                  other statutes unless the agency certifies              VIII. Certification
                                                                                                                                                                reference listed in this section in
                                                  that the rule will not have a significant                  Section 14(a) of the CPSA requires                 accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1
                                                  economic impact on a substantial                        that products subject to a consumer                   CFR part 51. You may obtain a copy of
                                                  number of small entities. 5 U.S.C. 603                  product safety rule under the CPSA, or                these ASTM standards from ASTM
                                                  and 605. This rule merely codifies                      to a similar rule, ban, standard, or                  International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO
                                                  requirements that will take effect                      regulation under any other act enforced               Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA
                                                  through operation of law as specified in                by the Commission, be certified as                    19428–2959 USA, telephone: 610–832–
                                                  the CGBPA. The rule does not impose                     complying with all applicable CPSC                    9585; http://www.astm.org/. You may
                                                  any requirements beyond those put in                    requirements. 15 U.S.C. 2063(a). Such                 inspect copies at the Office of the
                                                  place by the CGBPA. Thus, the rule does                 certification must be based on a test of              Secretary, U.S. Consumer Product
                                                  not create new substantive obligations                  each product, or on a reasonable testing              Safety Commission, Room 820, 4330
                                                  for any entity, including any small                     program. Because ASTM F2517–15 is                     East West Highway, Bethesda, MD
                                                  entity. Accordingly, the Commission                     deemed a ‘‘consumer product safety                    20814, telephone 301–504–7923, or at
                                                  certifies that the rule will not have a                 rule’’ for CPSA purpose, portable                     the National Archives and Records
                                                  significant impact on a substantial                     gasoline containers manufactured on or                Administration (NARA). For
                                                  number of small entities.                               after April 12, 2015 are subject to the               information on the availability of this
                                                                                                          testing and certification requirements of             material at NARA, call 202–741–6030,
                                                  B. Environmental Considerations
                                                                                                          section 14 of the CPSA with respect to                or go to: http://www.archives.gov/
                                                    The Commission’s regulations                          ASTM F2517–15.                                        federal_register/code_of_
                                                  provide a categorical exclusion for the
                                                                                                          List of Subjects in 16 CFR Part 1460                  federalregulations/ibr_locations.html.
                                                  Commission’s rules from any
                                                  requirement to prepare an                                 Consumer protection, Gasoline,                      Alberta E. Mills,
                                                  environmental assessment or an                          Incorporation by reference, Safety.                   Acting Secretary, U.S. Consumer Product
                                                  environmental impact statement                            For the reasons stated above, the                   Safety Commission.
                                                  because they ‘‘have little or no potential              Commission adds part 1460 to                          [FR Doc. 2015–07151 Filed 3–30–15; 8:45 am]
                                                  for affecting the human environment.’’                  subchapter B of title 16 of the Code of               BILLING CODE 6355–01–P
                                                  16 CFR 1021.5(c)(2). This rule falls                    Federal Regulations to read as follows:
                                                  within the categorical exclusion, so no
                                                  environmental assessment or                             PART 1460—CHILDREN’S GASOLINE                         DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
                                                  environmental impact statement is                       BURN PREVENTION ACT                                   URBAN DEVELOPMENT
                                                  required.                                               REGULATION
                                                                                                                                                                24 CFR Chapters VIII and IX
                                                  C. Paperwork Reduction Act                              Sec.
                                                                                                          1460.1 Scope and application.                         [Docket No. FR–5779–N–01]
                                                    This direct final rule contains no                    1460.2 Definition.
                                                  collection of information. Therefore,                   1460.3 Requirements for child-resistance              HUD Approval of Requests for
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                  clearance by the Office of Management                        for closures on portable gasoline                Transfers of Multifamily Housing
                                                  and Budget under the Paperwork                               containers.                                      Project-Based Rental Assistance, HUD-
                                                  Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–                    Authority: Sec. 2, Pub. L. 110–278, 122             Held or Insured Debt, and Income-
                                                  3520) is not required.                                  Stat. 2602.                                           Based Use Restrictions
                                                  VII. Preemption                                         § 1460.1    Scope and application.                    AGENCY:  Office of the Assistant
                                                    Section 26(a) of the Consumer                           In accordance with the Children’s                   Secretary for Housing-Federal Housing
                                                  Product Safety Act (CPSA), 15 U.S.C.                    Gasoline Burn Prevention Act, portable                Commissioner, HUD.


                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   18:26 Mar 30, 2015   Jkt 235001   PO 00000   Frm 00003   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\31MRR1.SGM   31MRR1


                                                  16964              Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 61 / Tuesday, March 31, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  ACTION:  Notice of requirements to                      76, 128 Stat. 5, approved January 17,                     Æ The receiving project or projects
                                                  transfer assistance.                                    2014) (Section 214).1 Section 214(a)                   shall meet or exceed applicable physical
                                                                                                          states that ‘‘[n]otwithstanding any other              standards established by the Secretary.
                                                  SUMMARY:   This notice establishes the                  provision of law . . . the Secretary of                   Æ The owner or mortgagor of the
                                                  terms and conditions by which HUD                       Housing and Urban Development may                      transferring project shall notify and
                                                  will approve a request for the transfer of              authorize the transfer of some or all                  consult with the tenants residing in the
                                                  project-based rental assistance, debt                   project-based assistance, debt held or                 transferring project and provide a
                                                  held or insured by the Secretary, and                   insured by the Secretary and statutorily               certification of approval by all
                                                  statutorily required income-based use                   required low-income and very low-                      appropriate local governmental officials.
                                                  restrictions from one multifamily                       income use restrictions if any,                           Æ The tenants of the transferring
                                                  housing project to another (or between                  associated with one or more multifamily                project who remain eligible for
                                                  several such projects). The Department                  housing project or projects to another                 assistance to be provided by the
                                                  of Housing and Urban Development                        multifamily housing project or                         receiving project or projects shall not be
                                                  Appropriations Act, 2014 and the                        projects.’’ Section 214(b) also allows for             required to vacate their units in the
                                                  Department of Housing and Urban                         phased transfers of project-based                      transferring project or projects until new
                                                  Development Appropriations Act, 2015                    assistance to accommodate the                          units in the receiving project are
                                                  give the Secretary the authority to                     financing and other requirements                       available for occupancy.
                                                  approve transfer requests for fiscal years              related to rehabilitating or constructing                 Æ The Secretary determines that this
                                                  2014 through 2016, provided that the                    the project or projects to which the                   transfer is in the best interest of the
                                                  Secretary publish a notice in the                       assistance is transferred.                             tenants.
                                                  Federal Register establishing the terms                    HUD approval of transfers is subject                   Æ If either the transferring project or
                                                  and conditions for HUD approval of                      to the conditions enumerated in the                    the receiving project or projects meets
                                                  such transfers no later than 30 days                    appropriations act for the applicable                  the condition specified in subsection
                                                  before such notice takes effect. HUD                    fiscal year. These statutory terms and                 (d)(2)(A),2 any lien on the receiving
                                                  believes that publication of the criteria               conditions have, in general, been                      project resulting from additional
                                                  will assist project owners to determine                 consistent from one appropriations act                 financing obtained by the owner shall
                                                  whether a transfer is feasible given the                to the next. The statutory criteria for                be subordinate to any FHA-insured
                                                  specific circumstances of their                         fiscal years 2014 through 2016 are                     mortgage lien transferred to, or placed
                                                  multifamily projects. Publication of the                enumerated in Section 214(c), which                    on, such project by the Secretary, except
                                                  criteria will also facilitate HUD’s review              provides as follows:                                   that the Secretary may waive this
                                                  of transfer requests by helping owners                     • The transfer authorized in                        requirement upon determination that
                                                  formulate their requests in a manner                    subsection (a) is subject to the following             such a waiver is necessary to facilitate
                                                  that adequately addresses the statutory                 conditions:
                                                                                                                                                                 the financing of acquisition,
                                                  criteria.                                                  Æ NUMBER AND BEDROOM SIZE OF
                                                                                                                                                                 construction, and/or rehabilitation of
                                                                                                          UNITS.—
                                                  DATES: Effective: April 30, 2015.                                                                              the receiving project or projects.
                                                                                                          —For occupied units in the transferring                   Æ If the transferring project meets the
                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                             project: The number of low-income                   requirements of subsection (d)(2),3 the
                                                  Nancie-Ann Bodell, Acting Director,                        and very low-income units and the
                                                  Office of Asset Management and                                                                                 owner or mortgagor of the receiving
                                                                                                             configuration (i.e. bedroom size)
                                                  Portfolio Oversight of Multifamily                                                                             project or projects shall execute and
                                                                                                             provided by the transferring project
                                                  Housing, Office of Housing, Department                                                                         record either a continuation of the
                                                                                                             shall be no less than when transferred
                                                  of Housing and Urban Development,                                                                              existing use agreement or a new use
                                                                                                             to the receiving project or projects and
                                                  451 7th Street SW., Room 6110,                                                                                 agreement for the project where, in
                                                                                                             the net dollar amount of Federal
                                                  Washington, DC 20410; telephone                                                                                either case, any use restrictions in such
                                                                                                             assistance provided to the transferring
                                                  number 202–708–2495 (this is not a toll-                                                                       agreement are of no lesser duration than
                                                                                                             project shall remain the same in the
                                                  free number). Persons with hearing or                                                                          the existing use restrictions.
                                                                                                             receiving project or projects.
                                                  speech impairments may access this                      —For unoccupied units in the                              Æ The transfer does not increase the
                                                  number through TTY by calling the toll-                    transferring project: The Secretary                 cost (as defined in section 502 of the
                                                  free Federal Relay Service at 800–877–                     may authorize a reduction in the                    Congressional Budget Act of 1974, as
                                                  8339.                                                      number of dwelling units in the                     amended) of any FHA-insured mortgage,
                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                                 receiving project or projects to allow              except to the extent that appropriations
                                                                                                             for a reconfiguration of bedroom sizes              are provided in advance for the amount
                                                  A. Background                                                                                                  of any such increased cost.
                                                                                                             to meet current market demands, as
                                                    Beginning with section 318 of the                        determined by the Secretary and                        HUD has exercised the transfer
                                                  Department of Housing and Urban                            provided there is no increase in the                authority on a case-by-case basis,
                                                  Development Appropriations Act, 2006                       project-based assistance budget                     determining compliance with the
                                                  (Pub. L. 109–115, 119 Stat. 2396,                          authority.                                          statutory criteria based on the specific
                                                  approved November 30, 2005), HUD                                                                               circumstances of the projects. Most of
                                                                                                             Æ The transferring project shall, as                the statutory criteria are prescriptive,
                                                  appropriations acts have contained a                    determined by the Secretary, be either
                                                  general provision authorizing the                                                                              leaving little room for the exercise of
                                                                                                          physically obsolete or economically                    agency discretion (for example, the
                                                  Secretary to approve requests from                      nonviable.
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                  project owners for the transfer of certain                                                                     requirement that the transfer not
                                                  rental assistance, debt, and income-                      1 Section 212 of Title II of Division K of the
                                                                                                                                                                 increase the cost of any FHA-insured
                                                  based use restrictions between HUD-                     Consolidated and Further Continuing
                                                                                                                                                                 mortgage). Others, however, are more
                                                  assisted projects. For fiscal years 2014                Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113–235,
                                                                                                                                                                   2 Subsection (d)(2)(A) pertains to housing that is
                                                  and 2015, this transfer authority is                    approved December 16, 2014) provides the same
                                                                                                          authority for fiscal years 2015 and 2016. For the      subject to a mortgage insured under the National
                                                  provided under section 214 of Title II of               sake of simplicity, this notice uses ‘‘Section 214’’   Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.).
                                                  Division L of the Consolidated                          to refer to the authority in both Acts, as the           3 Subsection (d)(2) defines the term ‘‘multifamily

                                                  Appropriations Act, 2014 (Pub. L. 113–                  language other than the dates is identical.            housing project.’’



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                                                                     Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 61 / Tuesday, March 31, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                         16965

                                                  generally phrased, allowing for HUD                     may be existing, under construction,                  number of dwelling units in one or more
                                                  interpretation in applying the criteria                 newly constructed, undergoing                         of the following ways:
                                                  (for example, the requirement that the                  substantial rehabilitation, or undergoing               a. Evidence of all efforts to market the
                                                  transferring project be either physically               moderate rehabilitation. Before Section               unit type proposed for reduction and
                                                  obsolete or economically nonviable, ‘‘as                8 project-based rental assistance is                  evidence of the demand within the
                                                  determined by the Secretary’’). Over                    transferred to the receiving property, the            geographic market area for the proposed
                                                  time, HUD has developed uniform                         property must exist and be habitable (as              new unit type. The documentation may
                                                  guidelines to facilitate the review of                  demonstrated by a certificate of                      include evidence of the transferring
                                                  transfer requests and aid in determining                occupancy or like documentation). The                 owner’s efforts, including:
                                                  compliance with the statutory criteria.                 numbered items below track the                          i. Property traffic reports.
                                                     Section 214(e)(1) requires that HUD                  statutory criteria and, where HUD has                   ii. Advertising details.
                                                  publish by notice in the Federal                        been granted flexibility, establishes                   iii. Age and/or income waivers
                                                  Register the terms and conditions for                   requirements and guidance on how                      requested.
                                                  HUD approval of transfers, no later than                HUD will assess compliance with the
                                                  30 days before such notice takes effect.                                                                        iv. Local housing authority wait list
                                                                                                          statutory factors.
                                                  This notice is being issued in                                                                                information or other affordable housing
                                                  accordance with the publication                         1. Number and Bedroom Size of Units                   provider contacts made demonstrating
                                                  requirements of Section 214(e)(1). HUD                     For occupied units in the transferring             that there is minimal or no demand for
                                                  believes that publication of the criteria               project: The number of low-income and                 the unit type.
                                                  will assist project owners in                           very low-income units and the                           b. Documentation that the average
                                                  determining whether a transfer is                       configuration (i.e. bedroom size)                     vacancy at the transferring property has
                                                  appropriate given the specific                          provided by the transferring project                  been 25 percent or more over the past
                                                  circumstances of their multifamily                      shall be no less than when transferred                24 months.
                                                  projects. Publication of the criteria will              to the receiving project or projects. The               c. Any other documentation that a
                                                  also facilitate HUD’s review of transfer                receiving owner 4 must provide detailed               reduction in the number of dwelling
                                                  requests by helping owners formulate                    information about the number of units                 units is necessary to meet market
                                                  their requests in a manner that                         and the corresponding unit size                       demand, and approved by HUD.
                                                  adequately address the statutory criteria.              occupied by low-income and very-low                   2. Physical Obsolescence or Economic
                                                     Owners of multifamily housing                        income families respectively, as well as              Nonviability
                                                  projects, as defined by subsection (d)(2)               the proposed number of units for low
                                                  of Section 214, who wish to request a                   and very-low income families and the                    Physical obsolescence shall be shown
                                                  transfer of rental assistance, debt, or                 corresponding unit configuration at the               in one or more of the following ways:
                                                  income-based use restrictions under                     receiving project. In determining                       a. A Real Estate Assessment Center
                                                  Section 214 should submit a package                     compliance with this requirement, HUD                 (REAC) physical inspection score of 30
                                                  containing the relevant materials                       will consider the number of units                     or below.
                                                  outlined below to the HUD Hub/                          occupied by low and very low-income                     b. Two or more consecutive REAC
                                                  Program Center or Regional Center/                      families and their respective unit sizes,             physical inspection scores of below 60.
                                                  Satellite Office for review. Owners can                 as well as whether the size of the                      c. Condemnation or other such notice
                                                  submit packages for review on or after                  occupied units is appropriate for the                 by the local or state government
                                                  the effective date of this notice. HUD                  family size occupying those units. The                rendering the property uninhabitable.
                                                  will issue a subsequent Housing notice                  net dollar amount of Federal assistance                 d. A taking through eminent domain.
                                                  detailing procedural submission                         provided to the transferring project shall              e. Evidence that needed capital
                                                  requirements and will follow this notice                remain the same in the receiving project              repairs cannot be made without the
                                                  with a proposed rule to solicit comment                 or projects. HUD Multifamily Hub/                     property losing financial viability.
                                                  before regulatory codification of these                 Program Center or Regional Center/                      f. Any other proof of physical
                                                  criteria.                                               Satellite Office staff will verify that the           obsolescence provided by the owner
                                                  B. Statutory Terms and Conditions for                   net dollar amount of Federal assistance               and approved by HUD.
                                                  HUD Approval of Transfer Requests                       transferred remains the same in the                     Economic non-viability must be
                                                                                                          receiving project or projects.                        shown in one or more of the following
                                                     Commencing for transfer requests                        For unoccupied units in the
                                                  submitted pursuant to Section 214, HUD                                                                        ways:
                                                                                                          transferring project: HUD may authorize
                                                  will evaluate the request, on a case-by-                                                                        a. A market analysis justifying the
                                                                                                          a reduction in the number of dwelling
                                                  case basis, in accordance with the                                                                            inability of the property to meet current
                                                                                                          units in the receiving project or projects
                                                  following criteria. The receiving                                                                             HUD-imposed affordability restrictions.
                                                                                                          to allow for a reconfiguration of
                                                  property must be a multifamily housing                  bedroom sizes to meet market demands,                   b. A market analysis indicating
                                                  project prior to or as a result of the                  as demonstrated by the transferring                   limited to no market for the unit type(s).
                                                  Section 214 transfer. The receiving                     owner, provided there is no increase in                 c. A demonstrated average vacancy of
                                                  project may already be HUD-affiliated,                  the project-based assistance budget                   25 percent or more over the past 24
                                                  meaning it has existing HUD project-                    authority. HUD Multifamily Hub/                       months.
                                                  based rental assistance, an existing use                Program Center or Regional Center/                      d. Any other proof of economic non-
                                                  restriction, or debt (either HUD-held or                Satellite Office staff will verify that the           viability provided by the owner and
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                                                  FHA-insured). HUD will approve a                        net dollar amount of Federal assistance               approved by HUD.
                                                  transfer under Section 214 to a HUD-                    transferred remains the same in the                     The transferring owner is required to
                                                  affiliated property if the receiving                    receiving project or projects. The                    certify in writing that the material
                                                  property is in compliance with all                      transferring owner shall provide                      submitted to demonstrate compliance
                                                  business agreements with the                            justification for a reduction in the                  with this criterion is true and accurate.
                                                  Department or has a HUD-approved                                                                              The Multifamily Hub/Program Center
                                                  plan in place to correct any identified                    4 The term ‘‘owner’’ refers to either the          will review all submitted information
                                                  deficiencies. The receiving property                    transferring or receiving owner unless specified.     and verify its accuracy.


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                                                  16966              Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 61 / Tuesday, March 31, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  3. Applicable Physical Standards                        based rental assistance contract will be              HUD. The Office of Fair Housing and
                                                     The receiving project or projects must               transferred, and it assists the unit they             Equal Opportunity (FHEO) will ensure
                                                  have a REAC physical inspection score                   inhabit, they may be eligible for tenant              there is no conflict between the
                                                  of 60 or above. If the project does not                 protection vouchers if they choose not                agreements and the proposed transfer. If
                                                  have a current REAC physical                            to relocate (see Section C below).                    there is a conflict, the transferring
                                                                                                             c. The notice must be delivered                    owner may propose modifications to the
                                                  inspection score, an inspection must be
                                                                                                          directly to each unit in the project or               remedial agreement as part of the
                                                  conducted prior to the transfer and the
                                                                                                          mailed to each tenant and posted in at                transfer proposal.
                                                  project must score 60 or above or have
                                                                                                          least 3 places/common areas throughout                   The owner must also provide a
                                                  a HUD-approved plan in place to correct
                                                                                                          the project, including any project office.            certification of approval from the
                                                  any deficiencies.
                                                     The receiving project must also meet                 In a project greater than 4 stories, the              relevant local government officials,
                                                  all applicable accessibility                            notice may be served either by delivery               which may include but are not limited
                                                  requirements, including, but not limited                to each unit or by posting. If the posting            to the:
                                                  to the accessibility requirements of the                method is used, the notice must be                       a. Local Mayor.
                                                  Fair Housing Act, section 504 of the                    posted in at least three conspicuous                     b. City Council.
                                                  Rehabilitation Act, and Title II of the                 places within each building in which                     c. Planning Commission.
                                                  Americans with Disabilities Act. The                    the affected dwelling units are located.                 d. Health and Human Services
                                                                                                             i. The tenants (including any legal or             Commission.
                                                  owner must provide documentation
                                                                                                          other representatives acting for the                     e. Any other pertinent local
                                                  acceptable to HUD that the receiving
                                                                                                          tenants individually or as a group) have              government official or government
                                                  project is in compliance with all
                                                                                                          the right to inspect and copy the                     body.
                                                  applicable accessibility requirements.
                                                                                                          materials that the owner is required to                  Although in some cases, a
                                                  The HUD Hub/Program Center or
                                                                                                          submit to HUD for a period of 30 days                 certification of approval may be
                                                  Regional Center/Satellite Office will
                                                                                                          from the date on which the notice is                  required from multiple local
                                                  review the submitted documentation
                                                                                                          served to the tenants. Any tenant                     governmental officials, there must be at
                                                  and verify acceptability.
                                                                                                          comments must be available in the                     least one certification of approval from
                                                  4. Notification and Consultation With                   project office during normal business                 at least one local government official in
                                                  Tenants and Local Governmental                          hours for public reading and copying.                 all cases to warrant approval of a
                                                  Officials                                                  ii. The tenants have the right, during
                                                                                                                                                                request for transfer of assistance, debt,
                                                                                                          this period, to submit written comments
                                                     The transferring owner must give the                                                                       or use restrictions.
                                                                                                          on the transfer to the transferring owner
                                                  tenants and legitimate tenant
                                                                                                          and the appropriate HUD office. Tenant                5. Relocation of Tenants
                                                  organization(s) written notification of
                                                                                                          representatives may assist tenants in                   The tenants of the transferring project
                                                  the proposed transfer and provide a
                                                                                                          preparing these comments.                             who remain eligible to receive
                                                  minimum 30-day comment period. HUD                         d. The transferring owner must hold
                                                  will not accept a Section 214 request for                                                                     assistance will not be required to vacate
                                                                                                          a meeting with the tenants and
                                                  any project unless the transferring                                                                           their units in the transferring project
                                                                                                          legitimate tenant organizations to
                                                  owner has notified the tenants of the                                                                         until new units in the receiving project
                                                                                                          discuss the details of the notification
                                                  proposed transfer and has provided the                                                                        are available for occupancy. If tenants
                                                                                                          and answer questions.
                                                  tenants with an opportunity to comment                     e. Upon completion of the tenant                   must move as a direct result of
                                                  on the proposed transfer.                               comment period, the transferring owner                acquisition, rehabilitation or demolition
                                                     a. The notification should include the               must review the comments submitted by                 in connection with a transfer of
                                                  address and phone of the appropriate                    the tenants and their representatives                 assistance under Section 214, the
                                                  HUD office, including the specific                      and prepare a written evaluation of the               Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real
                                                  division and/or name and phone                          comments. Any negative comments                       Property Acquisition Policies Act of
                                                  number of a contact at the appropriate                  must be addressed. The transferring                   1970, as amended (URA) may apply.
                                                  HUD office. The notification should be                  owner must then submit the following                    HUD will review tenant relocations
                                                  provided in appropriate formats as                      materials to the appropriate HUD office               and protections on a case-by case-basis
                                                  necessary to meet the needs of all,                     at the time of submission of the request              to ensure tenants are protected from
                                                  including persons with limited English                  for transfer under Section 214:                       permanent displacement. Under no
                                                  proficiency and formats for persons                        i. A copy of the transferring owner’s              circumstances shall the residents pay
                                                  with vision, hearing, and other                         Notification to the tenants;                          for any relocation costs incurred as a
                                                  communication-related disabilities (e.g.,                  ii. A sign-in sheet from the tenant                result of the transfer and the resulting
                                                  Braille, audio, and large type, sign                    meeting;                                              move to the receiving property. It is
                                                  language interpreters, assistive listening                 iii. A copy of all the tenant comments;            within the owner’s discretion whether
                                                  devices, etc.).                                            iv. The transferring owner’s                       to pay relocation costs for relocations to
                                                     b. The notification will include a                   evaluation of the tenant comments and                 locations other than the receiving
                                                  description of the impact of the request                any responses the owner gave to                       property. A Section 214 transaction
                                                  on tenants’ rental assistance and tenant                negative comments; and                                where the tenants’ relocation expenses
                                                  contributions. The notification must                       v. A certification by the transferring             are not paid, will not be approved by
                                                  also explain the tenants’ relocation                    owner that it has complied with all of                HUD.
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                                                  rights and responsibilities, including the              the requirements of 24 CFR 245.410,
                                                                                                                                                                6. Best Interest of the Tenants
                                                  assistance that tenants may become                      245.415, 245.416 through 245.419, as
                                                  eligible to receive under the Uniform                   applicable, and 245.420. The                             HUD will determine that the transfer
                                                  Relocation Act if acquisition,                          transferring owner must identify any                  is in the best interest of the tenants
                                                  rehabilitation or demolition are                        Fair Housing litigation settlement                    based on criteria including, but not
                                                  involved (see section five below). In                   agreements, voluntary compliance                      limited to, the following:
                                                  addition, the notification must inform                  agreements, or other remedial                            a. The transfer will preserve
                                                  the tenants that if a Section 8 project-                agreements signed by the owner and                    affordable and/or assisted housing in a


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                                                                     Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 61 / Tuesday, March 31, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                          16967

                                                  market area in need of such assistance/                    g. If the transferring property is not             Congressional Budget Act of 1874) of
                                                  affordability.                                          fully assisted by a Section 8 project-                any FHA-insured mortgage. HUD will
                                                     b. The transfer complies with section                based rental assistance contract, the                 consider the transfer of an FHA-insured
                                                  C of this notice. The site and                          transfer will only be approved if:                    mortgage, or Secretary-held formerly
                                                  neighborhood requirements ensure that                      i. There are no tenants at the                     insured mortgage that is subsidized
                                                  the receiving property is in a location                 transferring property; or                             under either Section 221(d)(3)–(d)(5)
                                                  that affords the tenants at the                            ii. The property is occupied but the               with below market interest rates or
                                                  transferring property the same or a                     transfer will be to an immediately                    Section 236. In addition, in order to
                                                  better property location than the                       adjacent property; or                                 avoid a claim against the General
                                                  transferring site.                                         iii. The unassisted tenants would                  Insurance Fund, HUD may approve the
                                                     c. All current tenants will receive the              have to move in the absence of the                    transfer of a non-subsidized FHA-
                                                  same level of assistance they are                       Section 214 transfer (e.g., the site is               insured mortgage in combination with
                                                  currently receiving. Tenants that move                  contaminated, the property is or will be              the transfer of a project-based rental
                                                  from the transferring project to the                    condemned, the property is being taken                assistance contract and/or a use
                                                  receiving project remain subject to their               via eminent domain, etc.); or                         restriction to a receiving project.
                                                  existing lease requirements and all                        iv. The transfer involves a 202 Direct             However, HUD will only consider the
                                                  occupancy rules. The receiving owner                    Loan or a 202/811 Capital Advance or                  transfer of a non-subsidized FHA-
                                                  may not seek to terminate the lease of                  PRAC contract that must be transferred                insured mortgage when the transferring
                                                  a tenant from the transferring project for              as a result of a state’s response to the              project is in danger of imminent default
                                                  actions that occurred prior to the                      Olmstead Decision or state Medicaid/                  on its FHA-insured mortgage due to a
                                                  Section 214 transfer but the tenant will                Medicare policies on congregate                       finding that the project is physically
                                                  be subject to ongoing eligibility                       housing make it economically                          obsolete and/or economically nonviable
                                                  requirements for actions that occur after               impossible to continue operating the                  in compliance with the criteria and
                                                  the transfer. Any eviction procedures                   property as originally conceived.                     process set forth in this notice.
                                                  currently underway at the transferring                     h. If the tenants must be relocated,
                                                  project will not be affected by the                     they will/did receive the protections                 C. Site and Neighborhood Standards for
                                                  transfer of budget authority.                           provided under the URA, or other                      the Receiving Property
                                                     d. In scenarios where a Section 8 HAP                assistance if the URA is not triggered.                  1. Transfers that involve Section 202
                                                  contract will be transferred, and a tenant              No tenants will be displaced as a result              assistance must comply with the site
                                                  assisted by the HAP contract objects to                 of the transfer.                                      and neighborhood requirements at 24
                                                  relocating to the receiving property, the                                                                     CFR 891.125.
                                                  tenant may be eligible to receive a                     7. Subordination of Liens                                2. Transfers that involve Section 811
                                                  tenant protection voucher, subject to the                  To demonstrate compliance, the                     assistance must comply with the site
                                                  availability of appropriations. A tenant                receiving owner must submit one or                    and neighborhood requirements at 24
                                                  may receive a TPV, if they meet the                     more of the following as documentation:               CFR 891.125 and 24 CFR 891.320.
                                                  eligibility requirements for voucher                       a.Verification from the FHA lender                    3. All other receiving sites must
                                                  assistance and the unit that they                       that any lien on the receiving project is             comply with the site and neighborhood
                                                  currently reside in is supported by a                   subordinate to any FHA-insured                        requirements below. The receiving
                                                  Section 8 project-based rental assistance               mortgage lien.                                        owner must submit the address of the
                                                  contract that is subject to transfer as part               b. Other documentation as applicable.              proposed property with their proposal
                                                  of the Section 214 transfer. The owner                     A receiving owner may submit a                     and HUD will determine whether the
                                                  will notify the tenant of their potential               waiver request if the receiving owner                 site meets the following requirements:
                                                  eligibility to receive a TPV at the time                believes it is necessary that a lien(s) not              a. The site and neighborhood is
                                                  of tenant notification and subsequently                 be subordinate to the FHA insured                     suitable from the standpoint of
                                                  notify the Multifamily Hub/PC                           mortgage to facilitate the financing of               facilitating and furthering full
                                                  regarding how many TPVs are                             acquisition, construction, or                         compliance with the applicable
                                                  requested. If TPVs are needed, the                      rehabilitation of the receiving project or            provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights
                                                  Multifamily Hub/PC should work with                     projects. Such a request must                         Act of 1964, Title VIII of the Civil Rights
                                                  the Public and Indian Housing (PIH)                     demonstrate that the waiver is necessary              Act of 1968, Executive Order 11063, and
                                                  field office to follow the procedures                   to finance the transaction and that there             HUD regulations issued pursuant
                                                  outlined in PIH Notice 2001–41.                         is minimal risk to the FHA as a result                thereto.
                                                     e. To determine if the Section 214                   of the waiver. HUD must approve all                      b. The neighborhood must not be one
                                                  transfer is in the best interest of the                 waiver requests.                                      that is seriously detrimental to family
                                                  tenants, the transferring owner must                                                                          life or in which substandard dwellings
                                                  provide documentation that all tenants                  8. Use Restrictions                                   or other undesirable conditions
                                                  residing at the property at the time of                    If a use restriction is in place at the            predominate, unless there is actively in
                                                  the transfer are relocating to a property               receiving project, the receiving owner                progress a concerted program to remedy
                                                  of greater economic solvency or better                  must sign a new or amended use                        the undesirable conditions.
                                                  physical condition, or accepting a                      restriction that includes all income and                 c. The housing must be accessible to
                                                  tenant protection voucher to move to a                  eligibility restrictions of the transferring          social, recreational, educational,
                                                  property that best meets their housing                  use restriction and runs for the duration             commercial, and health facilities and
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                                                  needs.                                                  of the transferring project’s existing use            services, and other municipal facilities
                                                     f. If the transferring property is not               restriction or the use restriction at the             and services that are at least equivalent
                                                  fully assisted by a Section 8 project-                  receiving project, whichever is longer.               to those typically found in
                                                  based rental assistance contract, HUD                                                                         neighborhoods consisting largely of
                                                  will approve or disapprove the transfer                 9. No Increased FHA-Insured Mortgage                  unassisted, standard housing of similar
                                                  based upon its review of the information                Costs                                                 market rents.
                                                  submitted and all tenant comments                         Transfers must not increase the cost                   d. If the receiving project is new
                                                  received.                                               (as defined in section 502 of the                     construction, and is not covered by the


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                                                  16968              Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 61 / Tuesday, March 31, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  existing regulations cited above for                    type (owner/renter), require                          nonminority areas under the Section 8
                                                  Section 202/811 properties, it may not                  approximately the same total tenant                   Certificate and Housing Voucher
                                                  be located in a racially mixed area if the              payment, serve the same income group,                 programs.
                                                  project will cause a significant increase               are located in the same housing market,                  (7) Comparable housing opportunities
                                                  in the proportion of minority to                        and are in standard condition.                        have been made available outside areas
                                                  nonminority residents in the area and                     (B) Application of this sufficient,                 of minority concentration through other
                                                  may not be located in an area of                        comparable opportunities standard                     programs.
                                                  minority concentration. If HUD                          involves assessing the overall impact of                 ii. The project is necessary to meet
                                                  determines that the receiving project                   HUD-assisted housing on the                           overriding housing needs that cannot be
                                                  will be located in an area of minority                  availability of housing choices for very              met in that housing market area.
                                                  concentration, the receiving Owner                      low-income minority households, in                    Application of the overriding housing
                                                  must submit supporting data (e.g.                       and outside areas of minority                         needs criterion, for example, permits
                                                  census data, evidence of local                          concentration, and must take into                     approval of sites that are an integral part
                                                  revitalization efforts, etc.) in order for              account the extent to which the                       of an overall local strategy for the
                                                  HUD to determine that they meet one of                  following factors are present, along with             preservation or restoration of the
                                                  the exceptions below:                                   any other factor relevant to housing                  immediate neighborhood and of sites in
                                                    i. Sufficient, comparable                             choice:                                               a neighborhood experiencing significant
                                                  opportunities exist for housing for                       (1) A significant number of assisted
                                                                                                                                                                private investment that is demonstrably
                                                  minority households in the income                       housing units are available outside areas
                                                                                                                                                                changing the economic character of the
                                                  range to be served by the proposed                      of minority concentration.
                                                                                                            (2) There is significant integration of             area (a ‘‘revitalizing area’’). An
                                                  project, outside areas of minority                                                                            overriding housing need, however, may
                                                                                                          assisted housing projects constructed or
                                                  concentration. Sufficient does not                                                                            not serve as the basis for determining
                                                                                                          rehabilitated in the past ten years,
                                                  require that in every locality there be an                                                                    that a site is acceptable if the only
                                                                                                          relative to the racial mix of the eligible
                                                  equal number of assisted units within                                                                         reason the need cannot otherwise be
                                                                                                          population.
                                                  and outside of areas of minority                          (3) There are racially integrated                   feasibly met is that discrimination on
                                                  concentration. Rather, application of                   neighborhoods in the locality.                        the basis of race, color, creed, sex, or
                                                  this standard should produce a                            (4) Programs are operated by the                    national origin renders sites outside
                                                  reasonable distribution of assisted units               locality to assist minority households,               areas of minority concentration
                                                  each year which over a period of several                as applicable, that wish to find housing              unavailable, or if the use of this
                                                  years will approach an appropriate                      outside areas of minority concentration.              standard in recent years has had the
                                                  balance of housing opportunities within                   (5) Minority households have                        effect of circumventing the obligation to
                                                  and outside areas of minority                           benefitted from local activities (e.g.,               provide housing choice.
                                                  concentration. An appropriate balance                   acquisition and write-down of sites, tax                 4. All Section 214 transactions
                                                  in any jurisdiction must be determined                  relief programs for homeowners,                       (including those involving Section 202/
                                                  in light of local conditions affecting the              acquisitions of units for use as assisted             811 properties) will be reviewed by
                                                  range of housing choices available for                  housing units) undertaken to expand                   HUD’s Office of Policy Development
                                                  very low-income minority households                     choice for minority households (or                    and Research to assess whether there is
                                                  and in relation to the racial mix of the                families) outside of areas of minority                sufficient demand for affordable rental
                                                  locality’s population.                                  concentration.                                        housing in the receiving market area
                                                    (A) Units may be considered to be                       (6) A significant proportion of                     and to ensure that the transfer does not
                                                  comparable opportunities if they have                   minority households, have been                        occur in neighborhoods with highly
                                                  the same household type and tenure                      successful in finding units in                        concentrated poverty.

                                                                                                Inter-Fair Market Rent (FMR) area transfers                   Intra-Fair Market Rent (FMR) area transfers

                                                                                           For Inter-FMR Area transfers, there can be two                For Intra-FMR transfers, there can be three types: (1)
                                                                                             types: (1) Transferring to a new metropolitan                 Within a metro area to a new neighborhood (Small
                                                                                             (metro) area; or (2) transferring to a new non-               Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR)/Zip); (2) within a
                                                                                             metro county.                                                 metro area, in the same neighborhood (SAFMR/Zip
                                                                                                                                                           code); and (3) within a non-metro county.
                                                  New Metro Neighborhood ...........       For moves into a metro area, the receiving property’s         Within a metro area to a new neighborhood (SAFMR/
                                                                                             neighborhood must be in a SAFMR area with a                   Zip code), the receiving property’s neighborhood
                                                                                             poverty rate of less than 30 percent, unless:                 must be in a SAFMR area with a poverty rate of
                                                                                               a. The receiving property is in a neighborhood              less than 30 percent, unless:
                                                                                                 receiving a Choice Neighborhoods Grant or is                 a. The receiving property is in a neighborhood
                                                                                                 part of a significant state or local revitalization            receiving a Choice Neighborhoods Grant or is
                                                                                                 initiative that will result in new construction                part of a significant state or local revitalization
                                                                                                 and substantial rehabilitation of mixed income                 initiative that will include and result in new
                                                                                                 housing; or                                                    construction and substantial rehabilitation of
                                                                                               b. The receiving property is in a SAFMR area                     mixed income housing; or
                                                                                                 with a poverty rate between 30 and 40 per-                   b. The receiving property is in a SAFMR area
                                                                                                 cent; and either:                                              with a poverty rate between 30 and 40 per-
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                                                                                                    1. Housing market activity within the SAFMR                 cent; and either




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                                                                         Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 61 / Tuesday, March 31, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                                   16969

                                                                                                       Inter-Fair Market Rent (FMR) area transfers                  Intra-Fair Market Rent (FMR) area transfers

                                                                                                             area would indicate that the area is revi-                  1. The proposed receiving site has a higher
                                                                                                             talizing; or                                                   SAFMR than the current site; or
                                                                                                           2. The poverty rate has seen significant re-                  2. The proposed receiving site is considered
                                                                                                             cent decline.                                                  immediately adjacent (within 1⁄2 mile) to
                                                                                                                                                                            the current site; or
                                                                                                                                                                         3. Housing market activity within the SAFMR
                                                                                                                                                                            area would indicate that the area is revi-
                                                                                                                                                                            talizing; or
                                                                                                                                                                         4. The poverty rate has seen significant re-
                                                                                                                                                                            cent decline.
                                                  Old Metro Neighborhood .............            N/A: By definition a transfer to a new FMR area will         Within a metro area, and in the same neighborhood
                                                                                                    be a transfer to a new neighborhood.                        (SAFMR/Zip code), the receiving property’s neigh-
                                                                                                                                                                borhood must be in a SAFMR area with a poverty
                                                                                                                                                                rate of less than 30 percent, unless:
                                                                                                                                                                   a. The receiving property is in a neighborhood
                                                                                                                                                                      receiving a Choice Neighborhoods Grant or is
                                                                                                                                                                      part of a significant state or local revitalization
                                                                                                                                                                      initiative that will result in new construction
                                                                                                                                                                      and substantial rehabilitation of mixed income
                                                                                                                                                                      housing; or
                                                                                                                                                                   b. The SAFMR area is between 30 and 40 per-
                                                                                                                                                                      cent and at least 50 percent of the units at the
                                                                                                                                                                      receiving property are unassisted and either:
                                                                                                                                                                         1. The proposed receiving site is considered
                                                                                                                                                                            immediately adjacent (within 1⁄2 mile) to
                                                                                                                                                                            the current site; or
                                                                                                                                                                         2. Housing market activity within the SAFMR
                                                                                                                                                                            area would indicate that the area is revi-
                                                                                                                                                                            talizing; or
                                                                                                                                                                         3. The poverty rate has seen significant re-
                                                                                                                                                                            cent decline.
                                                  Non-Metro ...................................   For moves to a non-metro county, the receiving prop-         Within the same non-metro county, the receiving
                                                                                                    erty must be in a county that has a poverty rate            property must be in a county that has a poverty
                                                                                                    less than 30 percent, unless:                               rate of less than 30 percent, unless:
                                                                                                      The county poverty rate is between 30 and 40                 The county poverty rate is between 30 and 40
                                                                                                         percent, and:                                                percent and:
                                                                                                           1. The housing market activity within the                     1. The housing market activity within the
                                                                                                             county would indicate that the area is revi-                   county would indicate that the area is revi-
                                                                                                             talizing; or                                                   talizing; or
                                                                                                           2. The poverty rate has seen significant re-                  2. The poverty rate has seen significant re-
                                                                                                             cent decline; or                                               cent decline; or
                                                                                                           3. The transaction is part of a statewide                     3. The transaction is part of a statewide
                                                                                                             portfolio preservation strategy operated by                    portfolio preservation strategy operated by
                                                                                                             a Housing Finance Agency or is part of a                       a Housing Finance Agency or is part of a
                                                                                                             significant state or local revitalization ini-                 significant state or local revitalization ini-
                                                                                                             tiative that will result in new construction                   tiative that will result in new construction
                                                                                                             and substantial rehabilitation of mixed in-                    and substantial rehabilitation of mixed in-
                                                                                                             come housing.                                                  come housing.



                                                  D. Additional Requirements of the                             eligible for Section 8 assistance, or                 local fair housing law proscribing
                                                  Receiving Owner Prior to Approval                             prospective tenants on waiting lists.                 discrimination because of race, color,
                                                                                                                   3. If applicable, a written tenant                 religion, sex, national origin, disability,
                                                     The submission to HUD requesting a                         selection plan, Tenant Relocation Plan
                                                  transfer under Section 214 must include                                                                             or familial status; and (2) A Fair
                                                                                                                and an Affirmative Fair Housing                       Housing Act lawsuit filed by the
                                                  the following information from the                            Marketing Plan approved by HUD.
                                                  receiving owner:                                                                                                    Department of Justice alleging a pattern
                                                                                                                   4. A narrative detailing the capacity of           or practice of discrimination or denial of
                                                     1. Written confirmation of acceptance                      the proposed owner and management
                                                  of the Housing Assistance Payments                                                                                  rights to a group of persons raising an
                                                                                                                agent of the receiving property to own,
                                                  (HAP) contract, Use Agreement, and/or                         operate, manage, and if applicable,                   issue of general public interest pursuant
                                                  debt, as applicable, and confirmation                         renovate affordable housing.                          to 42 U.S.C. 3614(a); or (3) A letter of
                                                  that the transfer is warranted by local                          5. The receiving owner must not be                 finding identifying systemic
                                                  demand for affordable housing.                                subject to any of the following actions               noncompliance under Title VI of the
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                                                     2. If the transfer involves project-                       that have not been resolved to HUD’s                  Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of
                                                  based section 8 assistance, written                           satisfaction: (1) A charge from HUD                   the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or
                                                  evidence that the transfer of the HAP                         concerning a systemic violation of the                Section 109 of the Housing and
                                                  contract is warranted by local demands                        Fair Housing Act or a cause                           Community Development Act of 1974.
                                                  for affordable housing. Supporting                            determination from a substantially                    HUD will determine if actions to resolve
                                                  documentation may include a market                            equivalent state or local fair housing                the charge, cause determination,
                                                  analysis showing eligible families in the                     agency concerning a systemic violation                lawsuit, or letter of findings are
                                                  area, a list of current tenants who are                       of a substantially equivalent state or                sufficient to resolve the matter.


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                                                  16970              Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 61 / Tuesday, March 31, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  Examples of actions that would                          until HUD has completed the                           Division at 202–708–3055 (not a toll free
                                                  normally be considered sufficient to                    environmental review and notified the                 number).
                                                  resolve the matter include, but are not                 requestor that the transfer to the
                                                                                                                                                                G. Information Collection Requirements
                                                  limited to, current compliance with:                    receiving property is acceptable.
                                                     a. A voluntary compliance agreement                                                                          The information collection
                                                  (VCA) signed by all the parties;                        E. Post Approval Requirements                         requirements contained in this
                                                     b. A HUD-approved conciliation                          Once HUD has received and reviewed                 document have been approved by the
                                                  agreement signed by all the parties;                    the materials above and approved the                  Office of Management and Budget
                                                     c. A conciliation agreement signed by                transfer under Section 214, the owner of              (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction
                                                  all the parties and approved by the state               the receiving project must do the                     Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–3520) and
                                                  governmental or local administrative                    following as applicable:                              assigned OMB Control Number 2502–
                                                  agency with jurisdiction over the matter;                  1. If there is a use restriction at the            0608. In accordance with the Paperwork
                                                     d. A consent order or consent decree;                transferring property, sign a new or                  Reduction Act, HUD may not conduct or
                                                  or                                                      amended use restriction that includes                 sponsor, and a person is not required to
                                                     e. A final judicial ruling or                        all income and eligibility restrictions of            respond to, a collection of information
                                                  administrative ruling or decision.                      the transferring use restriction and runs             unless the collection displays a
                                                     6. Documentation to assist HUD in an                                                                       currently valid OMB control number.
                                                                                                          for the duration of the transferring
                                                  environmental review of the transfer
                                                                                                          project’s existing use restriction or the             H. Implementation
                                                  request in accordance with
                                                                                                          use restriction at the receiving project,
                                                  environmental regulations and                                                                                    This notice will become effective
                                                                                                          whichever is longer.
                                                  requirements at 24 CFR part 50. HUD                                                                           April 30, 2015. HUD will begin
                                                  will conduct the environmental review                      2. If the transfer involves project
                                                                                                                                                                accepting requests for transfers pursuant
                                                  as required by part 50 prior to approving               based section 8 assistance, renew the
                                                                                                                                                                to this notice on or after the effective
                                                  a transfer. HUD will document                           HAP contract for a 20-year term at the
                                                                                                                                                                date. For questions regarding the
                                                  compliance on Form HUD–4128,                            time of the transfer and attach the
                                                                                                                                                                submission or status of a transfer
                                                  ‘‘Environmental Assessment and                          Preservation Exhibit agreeing to the
                                                                                                                                                                request, interested parties should
                                                  Compliance Findings for the Related                     automatic renewal of the Section 8 HAP
                                                                                                                                                                contact their HUD Multifamily Hub/
                                                  Laws.’’ Applicants are responsible for                  contract at the end of the 20-year term,
                                                                                                                                                                Program Center. The list of HUD
                                                  submitting environmental information                    subject to annual appropriations, for a
                                                                                                                                                                Multifamily Hubs and Program Centers
                                                  and reports, and should use Chapter 9                   minimum of the time remaining on the
                                                                                                                                                                is available at: http://portal.hud.gov/
                                                  of the MAP Guide and the HUD                            HAP contract that was in effect prior to
                                                                                                                                                                hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/
                                                  Environmental Review Web site                           the transfer under Section 214.
                                                                                                                                                                housing/mfh/hsgmfbus/abouthubspcs.
                                                  (available at https://www.onecpd.info/                     3. Receive approval through the
                                                                                                          Previous Participation Process including                Dated: March 17, 2015.
                                                  environmental-review/) for guidance on
                                                                                                          a 2530 review. The receiving owner                    Biniam Gebre,
                                                  environmental review information
                                                  requirements. If the transfer is to a site              must be in compliance with all business               Acting Assistant Secretary for Housing—
                                                                                                          agreements for the receiving project and              Federal Housing Commissioner.
                                                  that is currently HUD-assisted, HUD-
                                                  insured or HUD-held, a new Phase I                      for any other HUD insured or assisted                 [FR Doc. 2015–06776 Filed 3–30–15; 8:45 am]
                                                  Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)                     projects owned.                                       BILLING CODE 4210–67–P

                                                  in accordance with ASTM E 1527–13 (or                      4. Comply with all Departmental
                                                  the most recent edition), including a                   statutes, regulations, policies and
                                                  Vapor Encroachment Screen in                            procedures related to any assignment or               DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
                                                  accordance with ASTM E 2600–10 (or                      amendment of a Section 8 HAP contract
                                                  the most recent edition), is not required,              or other project-based rental assistance              Internal Revenue Service
                                                  unless the transfer involves:                           contract, required modification of loan
                                                     a. Significant ground disturbance                    documents and legal descriptions, or                  26 CFR Part 1
                                                  (digging) or construction not                           other necessary changes as a result of a              [TD 9716 ]
                                                  contemplated in the original application                Section 214 transfer.
                                                                                                                                                                RIN 1545–BI65
                                                  or incompatible with current                            F. Environmental Review
                                                  engineering or institutional controls;                                                                        Certain Employee Remuneration in
                                                     b. Site expansion or addition;                          A Finding of No Significant Impact
                                                                                                          (FONSI) with respect to the                           Excess of $1,000,000 Under Internal
                                                     c. Transfer to a site for which a Phase
                                                                                                          environment has been made for this                    Revenue Code Section 162(m)
                                                  I ESA in accordance with ASTM E
                                                  1527–05 (or a more recent edition) has                  notice in accordance with HUD                         AGENCY:  Internal Revenue Service (IRS),
                                                  not been prepared previously; or                        regulations at 24 CFR part 50, which                  Treasury.
                                                     d. Any other activities which may                    implement section 102(2)(C) of the                    ACTION: Final regulations.
                                                  result in contaminant exposure                          National Environmental Policy Act of
                                                  pathways not contemplated in the                        1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)). The FONSI                SUMMARY:    This document contains final
                                                  original application or incompatible                    is available for public inspection                    regulations relating to the deduction
                                                  with current engineering or institutional               between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays in                 limitation for certain employee
                                                  controls.                                               the Regulations Division, Office of                   remuneration in excess of $1,000,000
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                                                     After a request has been submitted to                General Counsel, Department of                        under the Internal Revenue Code
                                                  HUD, the requestor and other                            Housing and Urban Development, 451                    (Code). These regulations affect publicly
                                                  participants in the proposed transfer,                  7th Street SW., Room 10276,                           held corporations.
                                                  including owners and contractors on the                 Washington, DC 20410–0500. Due to                     DATES:
                                                  receiving project, may not undertake or                 security measures at this HUD                            Effective date: These regulations are
                                                  commit funds for acquisition,                           Headquarters Building, an advance                     effective on April 1, 2015.
                                                  rehabilitation, conversion, or                          appointment to review the FONSI must                     Applicability date: For dates of
                                                  construction of the receiving property                  be scheduled by calling the Regulations               applicability, see § 1.162–27(j)(2)(vi).


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Document Created: 2015-12-18 11:48:16
Document Modified: 2015-12-18 11:48:16
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionNotice of requirements to transfer assistance.
DatesEffective: April 30, 2015.
ContactNancie-Ann Bodell, Acting Director, Office of Asset Management and Portfolio Oversight of Multifamily Housing, Office of Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room 6110, Washington, DC 20410; telephone number 202-708-2495 (this is not a toll-free number). Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access this number through TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.
FR Citation80 FR 16963 

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