81_FR_66753 81 FR 66565 - Project Approval for Single-Family Condominiums

81 FR 66565 - Project Approval for Single-Family Condominiums

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 188 (September 28, 2016)

Page Range66565-66576
FR Document2016-23258

This proposed rule would implement HUD's authority under the single-family mortgage insurance provisions of the National Housing Act to insure one-family units in a multifamily project, including a project in which the dwelling units are attached, or are manufactured housing units, semi-detached, or detached, and an undivided interest in the common areas and facilities which serve the project. The rule would codify requirements for Direct Endorsement lenders to meet in order to be approved for the Direct Endorsement Lender Review and Approval Process (DELRAP) authority for condominiums, and basic standards that projects must meet to be approved as condominiums in which individual units would be eligible for mortgage insurance, as well as particular cases such as Single-Unit Approvals and site condominiums. The rule provides a method by which certain approval standards could be varied efficiently to meet market needs while providing for public comment where appropriate. Currently, single-family condominium project approval is provided under HUD's Condominium Project Approval and Processing Guide and related Mortgagee Letters. Condominiums under this rule are distinct from condominiums in which the project has a blanket mortgage insured by HUD.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 188 (Wednesday, September 28, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 188 (Wednesday, September 28, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66565-66576]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-23258]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

24 CFR Parts 203 and 234

[Docket No. FR-5715-P-01]
RIN 2502-AJ30


Project Approval for Single-Family Condominiums

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

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: This proposed rule would implement HUD's authority under the 
single-family mortgage insurance provisions of the National Housing Act 
to insure one-family units in a multifamily project, including a 
project in which the dwelling units are attached, or are manufactured 
housing units, semi-detached, or detached, and an undivided interest in 
the common areas and facilities which serve the project. The rule would 
codify requirements for Direct Endorsement lenders to meet in order to 
be approved for the Direct Endorsement Lender Review and Approval 
Process (DELRAP) authority for condominiums, and basic standards that 
projects must meet to be approved as condominiums in which individual 
units would be eligible for mortgage insurance, as well as particular 
cases such as Single-Unit Approvals and site condominiums. The rule 
provides a method by which certain approval standards could be varied 
efficiently to meet market needs while providing for public comment 
where appropriate. Currently, single-family condominium project 
approval is provided under HUD's Condominium Project Approval and 
Processing Guide and related Mortgagee Letters.
    Condominiums under this rule are distinct from condominiums in 
which the project has a blanket mortgage insured by HUD.

DATES: Comment due date: November 28, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding 
this proposed rule to the Regulations Division, Office of General 
Counsel, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street 
SW., Room 10276, Washington, DC 20410-0500. Communications must refer 
to the above docket number and title. There are two methods for 
submitting public comments. All submissions must refer to the above 
docket number and title.
    1. Submission of Comments by Mail. Comments may be submitted by 
mail to the Regulations Division, Office of General Counsel, Department 
of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room 10276, 
Washington, DC 20410-0500.
    2. Electronic Submission of Comments. Interested persons may submit 
comments electronically through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at 
www.regulations.gov. HUD strongly encourages commenters to submit 
comments electronically. Electronic submission of comments allows the 
commenter maximum time to prepare and submit a comment, ensures timely 
receipt by HUD, and enables HUD to make them immediately available to 
the public. Comments submitted electronically through the 
www.regulations.gov Web site can be viewed by other commenters and 
interested members of the public. Commenters should follow the 
instructions provided on that site to submit comments electronically.

    Note:  To receive consideration as public comments, comments 
must be submitted through one of the two methods specified above. 
Again, all submissions must refer to the docket number and title of 
the rule.

    No Facsimile Comments. Facsimile (fax) comments are not acceptable.
    Public Inspection of Public Comments. HUD will make all properly 
submitted comments and communications available for public inspection 
and copying between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays at the above address. 
Due to security measures at the HUD Headquarters building, you must 
schedule an appointment in advance to review the public comments by 
calling the Regulations Division at 202-708-3055 (this is not a toll-
free number). Individuals with speech or hearing impairments may access 
this number via TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Relay Service at 
800-877-8339. Copies of all comments submitted are available for 
inspection and downloading at www.regulations.gov.

[[Page 66566]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elissa Saunders, Director, Office of 
Single Family Program Development, Office of Housing, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Washington, DC 
20410-8000; telephone number 202-708-2121 (this is not a toll-free 
number). Hearing- and speech-impaired persons may access this number 
through TTY by calling the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339 (this 
is a toll-free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

A. Prior Authority--Section 234 of the National Housing Act

    Prior to 2008, HUD's statutory authority to insure mortgages on 
condominium units came from section 234 of the National Housing Act (12 
U.S.C. 1715y) (the Act). Section 234 required that: The structure is or 
has been covered by a mortgage insured under another section of the 
Act; the mortgagor is acquiring or has acquired a family unit covered 
by a section 234 insured mortgage for his own use and occupancy; and 
the mortgagor will not own more than four one-family units covered by 
section 234 insured mortgages (Pub. L. 87-70, June 30, 1961, 75 Stat. 
161). Subsequent amendments allowed for a variety of project 
configurations in addition to vertical buildings (Pub. L. 97-35, August 
13, 1981, 95 Stat. 416); added an 80 percent mortgagor occupancy 
requirement; and removed the 4-unit limitation on ownership (Pub. L. 
98-181, November 30, 1983, 97 Stat. 1209).
    The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, Public Law 110-289, 
July 30, 2008 122 Stat. 2654 (HERA) was enacted July 30, 2008 and added 
a requirement to section 234(c) that the project have a blanket 
mortgage insured by the Secretary under section 234(d). HUD does not 
currently insure new mortgages on condominium units in projects with 
blanket mortgages. Although, there are existing mortgages that were 
previously insured under section 234, most condominium projects are not 
structured in this manner.

B. HERA of 2008 and Section 203 of the National Housing Act

    Section 2117 of Division B, Title I, Subtitle A of HERA, the FHA 
Modernization Act of 2008, amended the National Housing Act to provide 
authority for HUD to insure condominium units under the single-family 
program authorized by section 203 of the National Housing Act, 12 
U.S.C. 1709. Specifically, section 2117 amended the definition of 
``mortgage'' in section 201 of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1707), which 
definition also applies to section 203 of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1709), to 
include a mortgages on a one-family unit in a multifamily project, and 
an undivided interest in the common areas and facilities which serve 
the project. The HERA changes placed all authority for mortgage 
insurance of projects with blanket mortgages in section 234 of the Act, 
and units in other condominium projects under section 203 of the Act.

C. Current Regulations and Guidance

    Project approval for projects with FHA-insured blanket loans are 
governed according to the requirements of section 234 of the Act, 24 
CFR part 234, and other applicable policy guidance, including the 
Condominium Project Approval and Processing Guide (the Guide).

II. This Proposed Rule

    This proposed rule would codify basic regulatory requirements for 
condominium project approval, in addition to the current requirements 
under 24 CFR part 203. These requirements would be more flexible, less 
prescriptive, and more reflective of the current market than the 
requirements in the current section 234 program. The intent of this 
rule is to regulate where necessary to ensure financial soundness and 
project viability, but to be flexible where possible, and retain the 
ability to be responsive to the market.
    The rule proposes a new 24 CFR 203.8 that would codify DELRAP for 
condominiums. While a similar process is currently outlined in chapter 
1.2 of the Guide, this rule is proposing some changes based on HUD's 
experience. As now proposed, in order to participate in condominium 
project approval, a mortgagee would have to be granted DELRAP 
authority, and in order to be granted DELRAP authority, a mortgagee 
would have to be unconditionally approved for the Direct Endorsement 
program as provided in Sec.  203.3, and additionally have the following 
indicia of capability in underwriting condominium mortgages 
specifically: Staff with at least one year experience in underwriting 
mortgages on condominiums and/or condominium project approval; having 
originated not less than 10 condominium loans in HUD-approved projects; 
having an acceptable quality control plan that includes provisions 
specific to DELRAP; and ensuring that only staff members with the 
required experience participate in condominium project approval using 
DELRAP (proposed Sec.  203.8(b)).
    Under proposed Sec.  203.8(b)(2) and (b)(3), mortgagees would 
initially be granted conditional DELRAP authority upon providing a 
notice of their intent to participate in DELRAP. While conditionally 
approved, a mortgagee must submit all recommended Condominium Project 
approvals and denials to FHA for review, and may only proceed upon 
notification of HUD's agreement with the recommendation. Once the 
mortgagee has completed at least 5 DELRAP reviews to HUD's 
satisfaction, the mortgagee will be granted unconditional DELRAP 
authority and may approve condominium projects in accordance with HUD's 
requirements.
    Section 203.8(c) would provide for HUD's review of a DELRAP 
mortgagee's performance. HUD will monitor the performance on an ongoing 
basis, and, if there are no material deficiencies found, HUD will 
select a sample of project approvals, denials, or recertifications for 
post-action review. If the review shows deficiencies and the mortgagee 
has unconditional DELRAP authority, the mortgagee may be returned to 
conditional status. If additional reviews continue to show 
deficiencies, the mortgagee authority to participate in DELRAP may be 
terminated, or other action taken against the staff reviewer, under 
proposed Sec.  203.8(d), which includes any action available under 24 
CFR 203.3(d).
    Sections 203.8(d) and (e) provide for termination of DELRAP 
authority and requests for reinstatement of terminated authority. HUD 
may immediately terminate DELRAP authority or take actions under Sec.  
203.3(d) if the mortgagee violates any of the requirements and 
procedures established by the Secretary for mortgagees approved to 
participate in DELRAP, the Direct Endorsement program, or the Title II 
Single Family mortgage insurance program; or if other good cause 
exists; or for unacceptable performance. Actions under 24 CFR 203.3(d) 
include probation of Direct Endorsement lenders subject to conditions 
including additional training and changes to the mortgagee's quality 
control plan, or termination of Direct Endorsement approval. 
Termination of DELRAP authority would be effective upon the mortgagee's 
receipt of HUD's notice advising of the termination. Any termination of 
DELRAP authority is a separate action from an action for withdrawal of 
mortgagee approval by the Mortgagee Review Board, which could also be 
initiated by HUD.
    Under proposed Sec.  203.8(e), a mortgagee whose DELRAP authority 
is terminated under this section may request reinstatement if the 
mortgagee's

[[Page 66567]]

DELRAP authority has been terminated for at least 6 months. The request 
must address the eligibility criteria for participation in DELRAP under 
this rule as well as a corrective action plan, along with evidence that 
the mortgagee has implemented the corrective action plan. Following the 
request, HUD would be able to grant Conditional DELRAP authority if the 
mortgagee's application is complete and the Commissioner determines 
that the underlying causes for the termination have been satisfactorily 
remedied. The mortgagee would be required to complete successfully at 
least 5 test cases in accordance with Sec.  203.8(b)(3) in order to 
receive unconditional DELRAP authority.
    The rule proposes a minor change to current Sec.  203.17(a)(1), 
which section defines ``mortgage'' in accordance with section 201 of 
the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1707), but has not been updated to 
account for the addition of mortgages on one-family units in 
multifamily projects and an undivided interest in the common areas and 
facilities. Nor does the current regulatory definition include detached 
and semi-attached units. By revising this section to cross-reference 
section 201 of the National Housing Act rather than attempting to 
summarize it, HUD avoids the need to update this definition each time 
the statutory definition is revised, and eliminates confusion that may 
be caused by differences between the statutory language and HUD's 
regulation.
    This rule proposes to revise currently reserved Sec.  203.43b to 
include the regulations pertaining to the eligibility of projects for 
approval and for condominium units in approved projects for mortgage 
insurance.
    Section 203.43b(a) would provide definitions of the terms 
Condominium Project, Condominium Unit, Rental for Transient or Hotel 
Purposes, Condominium Association, Single-Unit Approval, and Site 
Condominium under part 203. While Condominium Unit refers to a one-
family unit in a multifamily project, including a project in which the 
dwelling units are attached, or are manufactured housing units, semi-
detached, or detached, and an undivided interest in the common areas 
and facilities that serve the project, the term Condominium Project 
refers to the project as a whole in which such units are located. The 
term Rental for Transient or Hotel Purposes cross-references to section 
513(e) of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1731b(e)). Single-Unit Approval means 
approval of a loan on a single unit in a project that is not approved 
as a condominium. The term Site Condominium means a single family 
totally detached dwelling (which does not have a shared garage or any 
other attached building, including such improvements as archways, or 
breezeways), which is encumbered by a declaration of condominium 
covenants or condominium form of ownership, and which consists of the 
entire structure as well as the site and air space and is not 
considered to be a common area or limited common area.
    Section 203.43b(b) would state that a mortgage on a Condominium 
Unit shall be eligible for insurance under section 203 of the National 
Housing Act if it meets the requirements of 24 CFR part 203, subpart A, 
except as provided for in Sec.  203.43b. Section 203.43b(c) would 
further specify that the unit, to be eligible for insurance under Sec.  
203.43b, must be located in a Condominium Project approved by HUD or 
DELRAP mortgagee approved under 24 CFR 203.8, or meet the additional 
requirements for approval as a Site Condominium or Single-Unit 
Approval.
    Under this rule, HUD and DELRAP lenders will not approve proposed 
or under construction projects; however, HUD or DELRAP lenders may 
approve legal phases of projects or completed projects. The 
condominiums that may be approved under this rule would be those where 
the work on the project or legal phase, including buildings and 
infrastructure of the project or legal phase, is fully complete. HUD 
would expect that all the requirements of local law would be met, 
including review and approval of the project or legal phase by the 
local jurisdiction and recordation in the property records of the 
condominium plat or development plan, as applicable (see Sec. Sec.  
203.43b(d)(4) and (d)(5)).
    Section 203.43b(d) would state the basic condominium project 
approval eligibility requirements. The project or legal phase must be 
complete as to construction of the buildings and infrastructure. In 
addition, any legal phases must be contiguous (in a vertical building) 
or must consist of adjoining or contiguous homes (in a development of 
detached or semi-detached homes), and the units or buildings and 
infrastructure in each phase must be constructed and be complete. The 
project or legal phase must also be primarily residential in nature 
(although a certain amount of floor space may be set aside for 
commercial activities, as stated at Sec.  203.43b(d)(6)(vii)) and not 
intended for transient or hotel purposes; must consist solely of one-
family units, which is a statutory requirement under 12 U.S.C. 1707(a); 
and must be in full compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws 
with respect to zoning, Fair Housing, and accessibility for persons 
with disabilities, including but not limited to the Fair Housing Act, 
42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq., Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, 29 
U.S.C. 794, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et 
seq., where relevant. Infrastructure includes the project's streets, 
storm water management, water and sewage systems, and utilities, along 
with the project's common elements and amenities, such as parking lots, 
community buildings, swimming pools, golf courses, playgrounds, and any 
similar items, called for in the project or legal phase.
    In addition to these general requirements, condominiums must meet 
further approval requirements as provided by HUD. Some of these 
requirements are underwriting matters or existing legal requirements 
such as the nature of the real estate title or leasehold; unit owner 
control of the Condominium Association; insurance coverage; and 
statements regarding financial condition, special assessments, property 
conditions, and pending legal actions. These are the types of matters 
that HUD routinely considers when determining eligibility for FHA 
programs.
    In addition, the rule would implement some regulatory standards 
specific to condominiums, but seeks to do so in a way that is flexible 
and responsive to the market while continuing to involve the public in 
the rulemaking process. Section 203.43b(d)(6)(vii) would provide for 
HUD to set a standard for the maximum commercial/nonresidential space 
within a range from 25 percent to 60 percent of the total floor area. 
Mixed-use developments are a way to integrate housing, land-use, 
economic and workforce development, as well as transportation and 
infrastructure development. However, the agency believes that allowing 
greater than 50 percent commercial/nonresidential space may have a 
negative impact on the residential character of the project; therefore, 
HUD would not expect in the near future to allow greater than 50 
percent commercial/nonresidential space. HUD may want to allow less 
based on the experience it gains with this program.
    Under 12 U.S.C. 1709(y)(2),\1\ either HUD or the DELRAP lender, at 
the option of the requester, may grant an exception to the standard 
regarding the maximum percentage of commercial/

[[Page 66568]]

nonresidential space set by HUD. In determining whether to grant such 
an exception, factors relating to the economy for the locality in which 
the condominium project is located, or specific to the project, 
including the total number of family units in the project, shall be 
considered. A DELRAP lender, in determining whether to grant a 
requested exception, shall follow any procedures that HUD may 
establish.
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    \1\ As amended by the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization 
Act of 2016, Public Law 114-201 (approved July 29, 2016).
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    Within this range, in order to remain flexible and responsive to 
the market, HUD would be able to vary by notice the percentage of 
commercial/nonresidential space allowed or required. If HUD decides to 
vary the upper and lower limits of the range itself, the rule provides 
a procedure that includes notice and an opportunity for public comment. 
This notice and comment procedure is stated at Sec.  203.43b(e) of this 
proposed rule.
    Sections 203.43b(d)(6)(viii) and (d)(6)(ix) would treat acceptable 
maximum percentages of units with FHA-insured mortgages and acceptable 
minimum levels of owner occupancy, respectively, in a similar manner, 
with overall ranges between 25 and 75 percent, within which HUD would 
be able to vary the amount by notice. The owner occupancy percentage 
includes both principal and secondary residences (or units that have 
been sold to purchasers who intend to occupy them as primary or 
secondary residences). Secondary residences are defined at Sec.  
203.18(f)(2), mean dwellings (i) Where the mortgagor maintains or will 
maintain a part-time place of abode and typically spends (or will 
spend) less than a majority of the calendar year; (ii) which is not a 
vacation home; and (iii) which the Commissioner has determined to be 
eligible for insurance in order to avoid undue hardship to the 
mortgagor. A person may have only one secondary residence at a time.
    While having too few owner occupants can detract from the viability 
of a project, requiring too many can harm its marketability. HUD's 
current standard of 50 percent has worked in the recent market; 
however, HUD specifically invites comment on this issue. For these 
elements as well, the procedure to change the upper and lower limits of 
the range itself by notice with an opportunity to comment would apply.
    Section 203.43b(d)(6)(x) addresses phasing of a project. While HUD 
understands that developing projects in phases as funding is secured 
may be necessary in some cases, HUD is concerned about the risk of 
approving phases in cases where failure to complete a phase could 
result in the failure of the project as a whole. Therefore, only legal 
phasing will be allowed. All phases must be contiguous and constructed 
so that they are separately sustainable, meet the requirements of Sec.  
203.43b(d), and be capable of being occupied even if a subsequent phase 
were to be delayed or even fail to be completed.
    Section 203.43b(d)(6)(xi) addresses reserve accounts. Per HUD's 
usual practice, this rule would require that the reserve account is 
funded with at least 10 percent of the monthly unit assessments, unless 
a lower amount is deemed acceptable by HUD based on a reserve study 
completed not more than 24 months before a request for a lower amount 
is received.
    Section 203.43b(d)(6)(xii) permits HUD to set requirements 
regarding such other matters that may affect the viability or 
marketability of the project or its units. Additionally, under proposed 
Sec.  203.43b(f), the Secretary may grant case by case exceptions to 
the regulatory requirements under Sec.  203.43b(d)(6). This is in 
accordance with the discretionary nature of the Secretary's authority 
to insure mortgages under 12 U.S.C. 1709(a).
    Proposed 203.43b(g) provides the basic mechanism for condominium 
approval. Condominiums would be submitted to either HUD or a DELRAP 
lender, and, if all eligibility criteria are met, would be approved and 
placed on the list of HUD-approved condominium projects. Under Sec.  
203.43b(g)(3), unless otherwise specified in writing by HUD, approval 
would be for a period of 3 years from the date of placement on the 
approved list; HUD may rescind approval at any time if the project 
fails to comply with any requirement for approval.
    Proposed 203.43b(g)(4) provides for renewal of a project approval. 
The condominium could request renewal, by submitting a request for 
recertification no earlier than 6 months before, and no later than 6 
months after, expiration of the approval. As long as the request is 
timely, it may be supported by updating previously submitted 
information, rather than by resubmitting new information. However, if 
the request is not submitted by the end of 6 months after the 
expiration of approval, a complete, new approval application would be 
required. HUD will specify the format for the request.
    Proposed 203.43b(h) would provide overall parameters for Single-
Unit Approval, that is, approvals of individual units in projects that 
are not otherwise approved to participate. A mortgage secured by a 
Single-Unit Approval may be acceptable if the percentage of such 
mortgages insured in a project is within an amount determined by the 
Secretary to be necessary for the viability and marketability of the 
project, which percentage, within the range established in this rule, 
will be specified by HUD by notice. In addition, the unit may only be 
eligible for approval on a Single-Unit Approval basis if it is not 
located in a Condominium Project that is approved under this section or 
has been subject to a negative determination for significant issues 
that affect the viability of the project. The project must be complete 
(i.e., not proposed, under construction, or subject to further phasing 
or annexation), including all common elements and those of the master 
association. The project must have a percentage of units sold within a 
range stated in the rule, with the specific percentage to be 
established by HUD through notice. Finally, the Single-Unit Approval 
must be in a project in which no single entity owns more than the 
percentage of units in the project that is within the range stated in 
rule, with the specific percentage to be established by HUD through 
notice. If HUD determines it is necessary to change the upper and lower 
limits of the ranges, it will issue a notice for comment.
    Proposed Sec.  203.43b(i) would govern site condominiums. Insurance 
and maintenance costs must be the sole responsibility of the owner, and 
any common assessments collected must be restricted to use solely for 
amenities outside of the footprint of the individual site.
    Condominium units that meet the statutory requirements of section 
203(k) of the Act, 12 U.S.C. 1709(k), are eligible for rehabilitation 
loans. Section 203(k) and the implementing HUD regulation at 24 CFR 
203.50(a)(1)(i) provides for rehabilitation loans for 1-4 unit 
structures that are primarily residential. A rehabilitation loan for an 
individual condominium unit under 203(k) necessarily excludes the 
building exterior and common elements, which are the responsibility of 
the Association, so that the 203(k) loan would be for the portion of 
the structure that is inside the unit including the installation of 
firewalls in the attic of a unit (proposed 24 CFR 203.50(a)(1)(iv)).
    In accordance with HUD's longstanding policy for 203(k) 
rehabilitation loans secured by condominium units, this proposed rule 
would add a provision stating that the maximum loan amount is 100 
percent of the after-improvement value of the unit for any Condominium 
Unit. (proposed 24 CFR 203.50(f)(3)).

[[Page 66569]]

    Finally, the proposed rule would address the continued 
applicability of 24 CFR part 234, which now applies, along with section 
234 of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1715y) and other HUD issuances specific to 
part 234, only in cases where projects have blanket mortgages insured 
by HUD. This proposed rule adds a new Sec.  234.2, entitled ``Savings 
clause,'' which clarifies that part 203 and this section apply in all 
cases except where the project has a blanket mortgage insured under 
section 234(d) of the Act, in which case section 234 of the Act, 24 CFR 
part 234, and other HUD issuances (including HUD Handbook 4265.1, Home 
Mortgage Insurance Condominiums; Chapter 11 of HUD Handbook 4150.1, 
Valuation Analysis for Home Mortgage Insurance and any Mortgagee 
Letters that discuss section 234 requirements) apply.
Requests for Public Comment
    (1) HUD seeks public comment specifically on the proposed 
requirement in Sec.  203.43b(d)(4) that the project or legal phase be 
``complete and ready for occupancy, including completion of the 
infrastructure of the project or legal phase, and not subject to 
further rehabilitation, construction, phasing, or annexation, except to 
the extent that approval is sought for legal phasing in compliance with 
the requirements of paragraph (d)(6)(x) of this section.'' Given that 
HUD approval of a fully completed project would not require an 
environmental review, while continuing the current practice of 
approving proposed or under construction projects could require 
environmental review, HUD seeks comments on how this rule would affect 
industry participation in the program.
    (2) HUD seeks public comment specifically on whether there is some 
other indicia of appropriate experience that could be used rather than, 
or in addition to, experience in underwriting condominium mortgages 
and/or condominium approval, or the number of loans originated; for 
instance, is there another type of experience that could provide an 
indication of competency in condominium project approval, and how would 
it provide such indication?
    (3) HUD seeks public comment specifically on the ranges this rule 
proposes to establish, within which HUD may set the specific 
requirements for percentages of Single-Unit Approvals, commercial 
space, FHA insured units, and owner-occupied units. HUD seeks comment 
on whether this range approach is the best approach, and whether the 
ranges proposed are appropriate. The agency would be interested in any 
data or evidence that could be provided either that the ranges, as 
proposed, are appropriate, or that a different set of ranges would be 
more appropriate or would yield additional benefits.
    (4) HUD seeks public comment specifically on the proposed revision 
of the period of project approval from 2 to 3 years, including whether 
there are any costs and benefits that would be associated with a 
shorter or longer timeframe.

III. Findings and Certifications

Paperwork Reduction Act
    The information collection requirements contained in this rule have 
been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). In accordance 
with the Paperwork Reduction Act, an agency 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.
    The burden of the information collections in this rule is estimated 
as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Number of     Frequency of    Total annual      Hours per     Total burden
     Information collection         respondents      response        responses       response          hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Package Preparation.............          15,000               1          15,000               2          30,000
Package Review..................          15,000               1          15,000               1          15,000
Quality Assurance...............          15,000              .2           3,000               1           3,000
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    Totals......................          45,000             2.2          33,000               4          48,000
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    In accordance with 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), HUD is soliciting comments 
from members of the public and affected agencies concerning this 
collection of information to:
    (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of 
the proposed collection of information;
    (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and
    (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., 
permitting electronic submission of responses.
    Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding the 
information collection requirements in this rule. Comments must refer 
to the proposal by name and docket number (FR-5563) and must be sent 
to:

HUD Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office 
Building, Washington, DC 20503, Fax: (202) 395-6947;
and
Reports Liaison Officer, Office of Public and Indian Housing, 
Department of Housing and Urban Development, Room, 451 7th Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20410.

Interested persons may submit comments regarding the information 
collection requirements electronically through the Federal eRulemaking 
Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. HUD strongly encourages 
commenters to submit comments electronically. Electronic submission of 
comments allows the commenter maximum time to prepare and submit a 
comment, ensures timely receipt by HUD, and enables HUD to make them 
immediately available to the public. Comments submitted electronically 
through the http://www.regulations.gov Web site can be viewed by other 
commenters and interested members of the public. Commenters should 
follow the instructions provided on that site to submit comments 
electronically.
Regulatory Planning and Review
    OMB reviewed this proposed rule under Executive Order 12866 
(entitled ``Regulatory Planning and Review''). This rule was determined 
to be a ``significant regulatory action,'' as defined in 3(f) of the 
order (although not an economically significant regulatory action, as 
provided under section 3(f)(1)

[[Page 66570]]

of the order). The docket file is available for public inspection 
between the hours of 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.
    The proposed rule establishes regulations concerning three aspects 
of the Direct Endorsement Lender Review and Approval Process (DELRAP) 
for single family condominiums. First, the rule establishes parameters 
regarding which kind of condominium projects are eligible for approval 
for the purpose of single unit mortgage insurance through the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development. Flexible approval standard 
requirements, will allow for projects to efficiently meet market needs. 
Second, the rule changes the frequency with which approved projects 
need to be reapproved from two years to three years. Third, the rule 
changes the standards for condominium DELRAP mortgagees in order to 
require minimum experience and quality control levels.
    The rule could result in multiple transfers: Among lenders, among 
condominium projects; and to FHA. The benefit of the proposed rule is 
to provide flexibility in implementation providing competent lenders a 
role in project approval. Costs arise from any administrative burden 
imposed upon the private sector or lost opportunities resulting from 
condominium project requirements. Many provisions of the rule (Single-
Unit Approval, flexible standards, a longer interval for condo 
approvals, and exceptions for environmental review) will reduce or 
eliminate the compliance costs of the rule. The Regulatory Impact 
Analysis discusses but does not monetize many of the difficult to 
evaluate impacts. Monetized annual impacts of the rule include the 
estimated paperwork burden of $2.1 million. HUD finds that increasing 
the periodicity of approval from 2 to 3 years reduces the costs of 
approval by $1 million annually.
    Greater detail and analysis than this brief summary can provide is 
available in the full initial Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) prepared 
for this rule, which is available for public inspection in the 
Regulations Division and may be viewed online at www.regulations.gov, 
under the docket number above. Due to security measures at the HUD 
Headquarters building, an advance appointment to review the public 
comments must be scheduled by calling the Regulations Division at (202) 
708-3055 (this is not a toll-free number). Individuals with speech or 
hearing impairments may access this number via TTY by calling the 
Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 
1531-1538) (UMRA) establishes requirements for Federal agencies to 
assess the effects of their regulatory actions on state, local, and 
tribal governments and the private sector. This rule does not impose 
any Federal mandate on any state, local, or tribal government or the 
private sector within the meaning of UMRA.
Environmental Review
    A Finding of No Significant Impact with respect to the environment 
has been made in accordance with HUD regulations in 24 CFR part 50 that 
implement section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)). The Finding is available for public 
inspection during regular business hours 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 the HUD Headquarters building, please schedule an 
appointment to review the Finding by calling the Regulations Division 
at (202) 402-3055 (this is not a toll-free number). Individuals with 
speech or hearing impairments may access this number via TTY by calling 
the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), 
generally requires an agency to conduct a regulatory flexibility 
analysis of any rule subject to notice and comment rulemaking 
requirements, unless the agency certifies that the rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
This proposed rule establishes regulations for single-family mortgage 
insurance of condominium units pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 1707 and 1709. 
However, HUD has been providing mortgage insurance for this purpose 
pursuant to statute and the Condominium Approval and Processing Guide 
published in 2011. While this rule makes some adjustments to the 
provisions on eligibility for DELRAP participation, and many DELRAP 
lenders are small entities, this rule is not so different as to create 
a significant economic impact.

A. Industry Sector Data Analysis

    Industries involved in mortgage origination and lending. Mortgage 
originators (reverse, purchase, refinance) include both brokers and 
lenders. The firms that participate in lending are divided among five 
primary groups: Banks, thrifts, mortgage banks, credit unions, and 
mortgage brokers. A precise description of these individual industries 
is as follows:
Commercial Banking (NAICS 522110)
    Entities primarily engaged in accepting demand and other deposits 
and making commercial, industrial, and consumer loans. Commercial banks 
and branches of foreign banks are included.
Savings Institutions (NAICS 522120)
    Entities primarily engaged in accepting time deposits, making 
mortgage and real estate loans, and investing in high-grade securities. 
Savings and loan associations and savings banks are included in this 
industry.
Credit Unions (NAICS 522130)
    Entities primarily engaged in accepting members' share deposits in 
cooperatives that are organized to offer consumer loans to their 
members.
Real Estate Credit (NAICS 522292)
    Entities primarily engaged in lending funds with real estate as 
collateral. This includes: Construction lending, farm mortgage lending, 
Federal Land Banks, home equity credit lending, loan correspondents 
(i.e., lending funds with real estate as collateral), mortgage banking 
(i.e., nondepository mortgage lending), and mortgage companies.
Mortgage and Nonmortgage Loan Brokers (NAICS 522310)
    Entities primarily engaged in arranging loans by bringing borrowers 
and lenders together on a commission or fee basis.
    During the 1980s and 1990s, mortgage lending evolved from the 
traditional portfolio lender model where single companies (bank and 
thrift depositories) performed all steps in the mortgage process--
making, closing, funding, servicing, and holding the loan--to a more 
specialized industry of originators, funding lenders, warehouse 
lenders, separate secondary market buyers of loans, and servicers.\2\ A 
major driving force behind the unbundling of the mortgage functions, as 
well as the rise of mortgage brokers, has been the rise and eventual 
dominance of mortgage securitization, which separated the provision of 
capital from loan origination and servicing. Brokers

[[Page 66571]]

originate loans mainly for wholesale lenders.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Michael G. Jacobides, ``Mortgage Banking Unbundling: 
Structure, Automation, and Profit,'' Mortgage Banking, January 2001, 
pages 28-40.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Studies of the mortgage brokerage industry do not find there to be 
high fixed costs for firms. There is little evidence of economies of 
scale in mortgage origination but there is some evidence that brokers 
are more efficient originators than mid-size and large lenders. Olson 
(2002) reports that his surveys find no economies of scale in mortgage 
production--a one-person firm produced as many loans per employee as a 
larger firm. Olson regards brokers as low-cost, highly-competitive 
firms, vigorously competing with one another and with little 
opportunity to earn above-normal profits.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Olson, David. 2002. ``Report of David Olson.'' Report 
submitted to U.S. District Court, Court of Minnesota in Civil Case 
No. 97-2068 DWF/SRN: Lonnie and Danny Glover (Plantiffs) vs. 
Standard Federal Bank, ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc. and Heartland 
Mortgage Corporation (Defendants).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Current State of the Market

    In 2014, 7,062 institutions reported data on nearly 10 million home 
mortgage applications, resulted in 6 million originations. This is down 
from 8.7 million originations in 2013. There was an historically high 
share of loans originated outside the federally insured banking system 
by institutions such as independent mortgage companies and credit 
unions, not subject to Community Reinvestment Act (Federal Reserve, 
2015).\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/bulletin/2015/pdf/2014_HMDA.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The share of mortgages originated by non-depository, independent 
mortgage companies has increased sharply in recent years. Small banks 
and credit unions have also increased market shares over the past 
decade. The fraction of originations attributable to large banks and 
their nonbank subsidiaries diminished. Banks and thrifts accounted for 
45 percent of all reported mortgage originations; independent mortgage 
companies 40 percent, credit unions over 9 percent, affiliates, 
remainder (Federal Reserve, 2015).
    In 2014, 7,062 reporting institutions, 4,118 banks and thrifts, 
3,367 were small (assets less than $1 billion), 1,984 credit unions, 
139 mortgage companies affiliated with depositories (banks and credit 
unions), 821 independent mortgage companies. In 2014, small banks and 
credit unions were much more likely to originate conventional higher-
priced loans than large banks and mortgage companies. Small banks and 
credit unions originated about 18 percent of conventional home-purchase 
loans, but accounted for 59 percent of higher-priced conventional home-
purchase loans (Federal Reserve, 2015).

C. Size Standards

    SBA's size standards (2016) define whether a business entity is 
small and, thus, eligible for Government programs and preferences 
reserved for ``small business'' concerns. Size standards have been 
established for types of economic activity, or industry, generally 
under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). For 
most industries considered, a ``small'' business is defined by revenue. 
Size standards are based on another criterion if revenue is not 
suitable, either because prices are volatile or there are more 
appropriate measures.
    According to the U.S. Census Bureau, revenue for Finance, Insurance 
and Real Estate includes commissions and fees from all sources, rents, 
net investment income, interest, dividends, royalties, and net 
insurance premiums earned. SBA considers a real estate credit small if 
its annual revenue is no greater than $38.5 million. A mortgage broker 
is defined as small if its revenue is no greater than $7.5 million.
    For three of the industries considered in this analysis (Commercial 
Banks, Savings Institutions, and Credit Unions), the SBA definition of 
small is by the dollar amount of assets ($550 million). Assets include: 
Cash, interest-earning loans, leases, securities, real estate, letters 
of credit, loans to other banks, any other financial assets, and 
intangible assets.
    The diversity of size standards makes it difficult to perform a 
precise analysis of the ubiquity small firms. This difficulty is 
compounded when sources of business statistics do not report their data 
by SBA's size standards and that industry definition may not be 
equivalent. When an exact correspondence is not possible, HUD will, by 
necessity, use an alternative size standard. For example, asset data is 
collected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for 
Commercial Banks and Savings Institutions. FDIC uses $1 billion as a 
means to categorize banks and thrifts, which is more inclusive than 
SBA's definition.

D. Prevalence of Small Firms

    Estimating the prevalence of small firms in making FHA-insured 
condominium loans requires combining statistics from different sources.

                                 FHA Insured Condominium Loans by Lender Type *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Forward condo     All condo
                                                    Firms (% of     loans (% of    loans *** (%      All condo
                 Type of lender                       number)        number of     of number of     loans (% of
                                                                      loans)          loans)      dollar volume)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank (Total)....................................              30              20              19               7
    Small Bank **...............................              13               3               3               1
    Large Bank..................................              17              17              16               6
Mortgage Company................................              66              79              79              93
    Affiliated..................................               1               0               0               0
    Independent.................................              65              79              79              93
Credit Union....................................               3               1               1               0
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
        Total ****..............................             100             100             100             100
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Source: Single Family Data Warehouse 6/1/14-5/31/16.
** Defined as having assets no greater than $1 Billion.
*** All = forward + HECM.
**** Percentages by lender type are rounded and so may not sum to 100.

    The table provides us with some insight concerning the types of 
firms that are involved in making FHA-condo loans. The predominant 
originators by any measure are mortgage companies. Independent mortgage 
companies make

[[Page 66572]]

79 percent of the loans and 93 percent of the dollar volume. The 
largest independent mortgage company, Quicken Loans, accounts for over 
5.5 percent of all condo loans. In this table, ``banks'' are equivalent 
to commercial banks and savings institutions. Small banks (assets of no 
greater than $1 billion) represent a small proportion of firms (13 
percent) and an even smaller percentage of condo loans (3 percent).
    Given the dominance of mortgage companies, an estimate of the small 
companies originating mortgage loans is essential to a good economic 
analysis. HUD has data concerning the total FHA-insured loans made by 
the firms also involved in the condo business. An estimate of the total 
loans can be arrived at by dividing FHA loans by FHA's market share. 
Doing so will lead to estimates that are inaccurately high for some and 
too low for others. On average the estimate will be correct. In the 
last three years (2013-2015), FHA's share of the dollar value of home 
purchases as varied around 15 percent.
    The estimated value of loans can be converted to an estimated 
revenue by multiplying by an appropriate percentage. Estimates of 
broker income vary between 1 and 3 percent. We use the lower to arrive 
for a more expansive count of small business. Of all condo lenders, 31 
percent of the firms are small mortgage companies (earning less than 
$7.5 million). These small mortgage companies make 5 percent of all 
condo loans and 2 percent of the dollar volume.
    We counted a total of only 39 credit unions over a two-year period. 
Credit Unions are not active in making condo loans. The proportion of 
loans and dollar value made by credit unions is very close to 0 
percent. Thus, accuracy in estimating the small/large percentage is not 
as important as for other types of lenders. We will assume that all 
credit unions are small because the average asset amount is 
significantly below $1 billion (Monthly Credit Union Estimates, May 
2016).
    Small firms constitute 47 percent of originators of FHA-insured 
condo loans, 9 percent of all condo loans, and 3 percent of the dollar 
volume.

                 Estimates of Prevalence of Small Loan Originators Involved in FHA Condo Lending
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Number of     Dollar volume
                                                                    Small firms     condo loans   of condo loans
                                                                        (%)             (%)             (%)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Banks...........................................................              13               3               1
Mortgage Companies..............................................              31               5               2
Credit Unions...................................................               3               1               0
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
    Total.......................................................              47               9               3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

E. Economic Impact

    Approximately half of the firms engaged in making FHA-insured 
condominium loans are estimated to be small. This share of small firms 
could change depending upon the regulatory impact of the rule and 
whether that impact is disproportionate. Although small business 
constitutes 47 percent of all firms, they originate only 9 percent of 
all loans, making it more difficult to pass on any costs of origination 
to borrowers. Reducing (raising) fixed costs benefits (harms) small 
firms disproportionately more than large ones.
    One aspect of the rule that could have a negative and 
disproportionate impact on small firms are any requirements to 
participate in the DELRAP program. While many of the requirements will 
be met with little difficulty by already-approved lenders, requirements 
that are related to the level of business activity would place a 
relatively higher burden on small firms. To be qualified for Direct 
Endorsement authority, a mortgagee must satisfy the following 
characteristics: Possess at least one of year experience in condo 
loans; have made at least 10 FHA approved condo loans; possess a 
quality control plan; and participating staff is limited to those with 
prior experience. All of these requirements would be easier to meet by 
larger firms with greater capacity. Nonetheless, small firms that have 
at least occasional experience should be able to satisfy the 
requirements without undue burden.
    Other elements of the rule lift regulatory burdens. First, allowing 
Single-Unit Approval enables small lenders business opportunities 
without the cost of seeking approval for an entire condominium 
project.\5\ Second, by providing that only completed projects may be 
approved, this rule eliminates the need for HUD to require an 
environmental review from lenders as a condition of approval. This 
change will benefit small firms that are less likely to retain 
specialists. Although some components of the rule raise the cost of 
compliance for small firms, other elements will expand their 
opportunities and allow them to spread the compliance costs over a 
greater number of loans. Also, participation in condominium insurance, 
like HUD's other mortgage insurance programs, is purely voluntary.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ As noted in the accompanying Regulatory Impact Analysis, the 
average cost of a project DELRAP approval would be $1,250. Extending 
the approval period to 3 years reduces this cost by approximately 
one-third for all lenders.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Therefore, the undersigned certifies that this rule will not have a 
significant impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    Notwithstanding HUD's view that this rule will not have a 
significant effect on a substantial number of small entities, HUD 
specifically invites comments regarding any less burdensome 
alternatives to this rule that will meet HUD's objectives as described 
in this preamble.
Executive Order 13132, Federalism
    Executive Order 13132 (entitled ``Federalism'') prohibits, to the 
extent practicable and permitted by law, an agency from promulgating a 
regulation that has federalism implications and either imposes 
substantial direct compliance costs on state and local governments and 
is not required by statute or preempts state law, unless the relevant 
requirements of section 6 of the Executive Order are met. This rule 
does not have federalism implications and does not impose substantial 
direct compliance costs on state and local governments or preempt state 
law within the meaning of the Executive Order.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number
    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number for 24 CFR parts 
203 and 234 is 14.117.

List of Subjects

24 CFR Part 203

    Hawaiian Natives, Home improvement, Indians-lands, Loan

[[Page 66573]]

programs-housing and community development, Mortgage insurance, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Solar energy.

24 CFR Part 234

    Condominiums, Mortgage insurance, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    For the reasons stated in the foregoing preamble, HUD proposes to 
amend 24 CFR parts 203 and 234 as follows:

PART 203--SINGLE FAMILY MORTGAGE INSURANCE

0
1. The authority citation for part 203 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1707, 1709, 1710, 1715b, 1715z-16, 1715u, 
and 1715z-21; 15 U.S.C. 1639c; 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).

Subpart A--Eligibility Requirements and Underwriting Procedures

0
2. Add Sec.  203.8 to read as follows:


Sec.  203.8  Approval of mortgagees for Direct Endorsement Lender 
Review and Approval Process (DELRAP).

    (a) General. Each mortgagee that chooses to participate in the 
review and approval of Condominium Projects, as set forth in Sec.  
203.43b, must be granted authority to participate in the Direct 
Endorsement Lender Review and Approval Process (DELRAP).
    (b) DELRAP Authority--(1) Eligibility. To be granted DELRAP 
authority, as described in Sec.  203.43b, a mortgagee must be 
unconditionally approved for the Direct Endorsement program as provided 
in Sec.  203.3 and meet the following requirements:
    (i) Have staff with at least one year of experience in underwriting 
mortgages on condominiums and/or condominium project approval;
    (ii) Have originated not less than 10 condominium loans in projects 
approved by the Commissioner;
    (iii) Have an acceptable quality control plan that includes 
specific provisions related to DELRAP; and
    (iv) Ensure that only staff members meeting the above experience 
requirements participate in the approval of a Condominium Project using 
DELRAP authority.
    (2) Conditional DELRAP Authority. Mortgagees will be granted 
Conditional DELRAP authority upon provision of notice to the 
Commissioner of the intent to use DELRAP. Mortgagees with Conditional 
DELRAP authority must submit all recommended Condominium Project 
approvals, denials and recertifications to FHA for review. If FHA 
agrees with the mortgagee's recommendation, it will advise the 
mortgagee that it may proceed with the recommended decision on the 
Condominium Project.
    (3) Unconditional DELRAP Authority. Mortgagees will be granted 
unconditional DELRAP authority after completing at least five (5) 
DELRAP reviews to the satisfaction of the Commissioner and may then 
exercise DELRAP authority to approve projects in accordance with 
requirements of the Commissioner.
    (c) Reviews. HUD will monitor a mortgagee's performance in DELRAP 
on an ongoing basis.
    (1) If the review shows that there are no material deficiencies, 
subsequent project approvals, denials or recertifications may be 
selected for post-action review based on a percentage as determined by 
the Commissioner.
    (2) If the review shows that there are deficiencies in the 
mortgagee's DELRAP performance, the mortgagee may be returned to 
Conditional DELRAP status.
    (3) If additional reviews continue to show deficiencies in the 
mortgagee's DELRAP performance, the mortgagee's authority to 
participate in DELRAP may be terminated or other action taken against 
the mortgagee or responsible staff reviewer.
    (d) Termination of DELRAP Authority. (1) HUD may immediately 
terminate the mortgagee's authority to participate in DELRAP or take 
any action listed in 24 CFR 203.3(d) if the mortgagee:
    (i) Violates any of the requirements and procedures established by 
the Secretary for mortgagees approved to participate in DELRAP, the 
Direct Endorsement program, or the Title II Single Family mortgage 
insurance program; or
    (ii) If HUD determines that other good cause exists.
    (2) Such termination will be effective upon receipt of HUD's notice 
advising of the termination.
    (3) Notwithstanding any provisions of this section, the 
Commissioner reserves the right to take administrative action, 
including revocation of DELRAP authority, against any mortgagee and 
staff reviewer because of unacceptable performance. Any termination 
instituted under this section is distinct from withdrawal of mortgagee 
approval by the Mortgagee Review Board under 24 CFR part 25.
    (e) Reinstatement. A mortgagee whose DELRAP authority is terminated 
under this section may request reinstatement if the mortgagee's DELRAP 
authority has been terminated for at least 6 months. In addition to 
addressing the eligibility criteria specified in paragraph (b)(1) of 
this section, the application for reinstatement must be accompanied by 
a corrective action plan addressing the issues that led to the 
termination of the mortgagee's DELRAP authority, along with evidence 
that the mortgagee has implemented the corrective action plan. The 
Commissioner may grant Conditional DELRAP authority if the mortgagee's 
application is complete and the Commissioner determines that the 
underlying causes for the termination have been satisfactorily 
remedied. The mortgagee will be required to complete successfully at 
least five (5) test cases in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) in order 
to receive unconditional DELRAP authority as provided in paragraph 
(b)(3) above.
0
3. Revise Sec.  203.17(a)(1) to read as follows:


Sec.  203.17  Mortgage provisions.

    (a) Mortgage form. (1) The term ``mortgage'' as used in this part, 
except Sec.  203.43c, shall have the meaning given in Section 201 of 
the National Housing Act, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1707).
* * * * *
0
4. Add 203.43b to read as follows:


Sec.  203.43b  Eligibility of mortgages on single-family condominium 
units.

    (a) Definitions. As used in this part:
    (1) Condominium Association (Association) means the organization, 
regardless of its formal legal name that consists of homeowners within 
a condominium project for the purpose of managing the financial and 
common-area assets.
    (2) Condominium Project shall mean the project in which one-family 
dwelling units are attached, semi-detached, or detached, or are 
manufactured housing units, and in which owners hold an undivided 
interest in the common areas and facilities that serve the project.
    (3) Condominium Unit shall mean real estate consisting of a one-
family unit in a multifamily project, including a project in which the 
dwelling units are attached, or are manufactured housing units, semi-
detached, or detached, and an undivided interest in the common areas 
and facilities that serve the project.
    (4) Infrastructure means the condominium project's streets, storm 
water management, water and sewage systems, and utilities, along with 
the project's common elements and amenities, such as parking lots, 
community buildings, swimming pools, golf courses, playgrounds, and any 
similar items, called for in the project or legal phase.
    (5) Rental for Transient or Hotel Purposes shall have the meaning 
given

[[Page 66574]]

in section 513(e) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1731b(e)).
    (6) Single-Unit Approval means approval of one unit in an 
unapproved condominium project under paragraph (h) of this section.
    (7) Site Condominium means a single family detached dwelling (which 
does not have a shared garage or any other attached building, including 
such improvements as archways, or breezeways), which is encumbered by a 
declaration of condominium covenants or condominium form of ownership, 
and which consists of the entire structure as well as the site and air 
space and is not considered to be a common area or limited common area.
    (b) Eligibility. A mortgage secured by a Condominium Unit shall be 
eligible for insurance under section 203 of the National Housing Act if 
it meets the requirements of this subpart, except as modified by this 
section.
    (c) Approval required. To be eligible for insurance under this 
section, a Condominium Unit must be located in a Condominium Project 
approved by HUD or a DELRAP mortgagee approved under Sec.  203.8, or 
meet the additional requirements for approval as a Site Condominium or 
Single-Unit Approval.
    (d) Condominium Project Approval: Eligibility Requirements. To be 
eligible for Condominium Project approval, the Condominium Project 
must:
    (1) Be primarily residential in nature and not be intended for 
rental for Transient or Hotel Purposes;
    (2) Consist of units that are solely one-family units;
    (3) Be in full compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and 
local laws with respect to zoning, Fair Housing, and accessibility for 
persons with disabilities, including but not limited to the Fair 
Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq., Section 504 of the Rehabilitation 
Act, 29 U.S.C. 794, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. 
12101 et seq., where relevant;
    (4) Be complete and ready for occupancy, including completion of 
all the infrastructure of the project or legal phase, and not subject 
to further rehabilitation, construction, phasing, or annexation, except 
to the extent that approval is sought for legal phasing in compliance 
with the requirements of paragraph (d)(6)(x) of this section;
    (5) Be reviewed and approved by the local jurisdiction with respect 
to the condominium plat or similar development plan and any phases; if 
applicable, the approved plat or development plan must have been 
recorded in the land records of the jurisdiction; and
    (6) Meet such further approval requirements as provided by the 
Commissioner through notices with respect to:
    (i) Nature of title to realty or leasehold interests;
    (ii) Control over, and organization of, the Condominium 
Association;
    (iii) Minimum insurance coverage for the Condominium Project;
    (iv) Planned or actual special assessments;
    (v) Financial condition of the Condominium Project;
    (vi) Existence of any pending legal action, or physical property 
condition;
    (vii) Commercial/non-residential space, which must be within a 
range between 25 and 60 percent of the total floor area (which range 
may be changed following the procedures in paragraph (d)(6) of this 
section), with the specific maximum and minimum percentages within that 
range to be established by HUD through notice, provided that such 
commercial/non-residential space does not negatively impact the 
residential use of the project or create adverse conditions to the 
occupants of individual condominium units.
    (viii) Acceptable maximum percentages of units with FHA-insured 
mortgages, which must be within a range between 25 and 75 percent of 
the total number of units in the project (which range may be changed 
following the procedures in paragraph (d)(6) of this section), with the 
specific maximum percentage of units with FHA-insured mortgages within 
that range to be established by HUD through notice.
    (ix) Acceptable minimum levels of owner occupancy, including units 
under a bona fide contract to purchase by a purchaser who occupies or 
will occupy the unit as their principal residence as well as a 
purchaser who occupies or intends to occupy the unit as a secondary 
residence, as defined in Sec.  203.18(f)(2), within a range between 25 
and 75 percent of the total number of units in the project (which may 
be changed following the procedures in paragraph (d)(6) of this 
section), with a specific minimum percentage to be established by HUD 
through notice.
    (x) Phasing, provided that only legal phasing is permitted and 
individual phases must contain sufficient numbers of units to be 
separately sustainable as required by HUD, so that the insurance fund 
is not put at undue risk. In determining whether to accept legal 
phasing, HUD will assess the potential risk to the insurance fund and 
other factors that HUD may publish in notices. Phases must meet HUD's 
requirements for approval in paragraph (d) of this section and must at 
a minimum be:
    (A) In a vertical building, contiguous, with all units built out 
and having a certificate of occupancy; or
    (B) In a detached or semi-detached development, consisting of 
groups of adjoining or contiguous homes (which may include, at HUD's 
discretion, easements for utilities and roads serving the homes), where 
all homes in a phase are built out and have a certificate of occupancy;
    (xi) Reserve requirements, provided the reserve account is funded 
with at least 10 percent of the monthly unit assessments, unless a 
lower amount is deemed acceptable by HUD based on a reserve study 
completed not more than 24 months before a request for a lower amount 
is received.
    (xii) Such other matters that may affect the viability or 
marketability of the project or its units.
    (e) The Secretary will publish any generally applicable change in 
the upper and lower limits of the ranges of percentages in paragraphs 
(d)(6)(vii) through (ix) of this section in a notice published for 30 
days of public comment. After considering the comments, the Department 
will publish a final notice announcing the new overall upper and lower 
limits of the range of percentages being implemented, and the date on 
which the new standard becomes effective.
    (f) The Secretary may grant an exception to any specifically 
prescribed requirements within paragraph (d)(6) of this section on a 
case-by-case basis in HUD's discretion, provided that:
    (1) In the case of an exception to the approval requirements for 
the commercial/nonresidential space percentage that HUD establishes 
under paragraph (d)(6)(vii) of this section, any request for such an 
exception and the determination of the disposition of such request may 
be made, at the option of the requester, under the direct endorsement 
lender review and approval process or under the HUD review and approval 
process through the applicable field office of the Department; and
    (2) In determining whether to allow such an exception, factors 
relating to the economy for the locality in which the project is 
located or specific to the project, including the total number of 
family units in the project, shall be considered. A DELRAP lender, in 
determining whether to grant a requested exception, shall follow any 
procedures that HUD may establish.
    (g) Application for Condominium Project approval and Renewal of 
Approval. (1) In order to become

[[Page 66575]]

approved, an application for Condominium Project approval, in 
accordance with the requirements of the Commissioner, must be submitted 
to either HUD or a DELRAP mortgagee, if consistent with the mortgagee's 
DELRAP approval.
    (2) The application will be reviewed and if all eligibility 
criteria have been met, the Condominium Project will be approved and 
placed on the list of HUD-approved Condominium Projects.
    (3) Unless otherwise specified in writing by HUD, Condominium 
Projects are approved for a period of three (3) years from the date of 
placement on the list of approved condominiums. HUD may rescind a 
Condominium Project's approval at any time if the project fails to 
comply with any requirement for approval.
    (4) Eligible parties may request renewal of the approval of an 
approved Condominium Project by submitting a request for 
recertification no earlier than 6 months prior to expiration of the 
approval or no later than 6 months after expiration of the approval. 
HUD shall specify the format for the recertification request, which 
shall allow the request to be supported by updating previously 
submitted information, rather than resubmission of all information. 
However, if the request for recertification is not submitted within 6 
months after the expiration of the Condominium Project's approval, a 
complete, new approval application is required.
    (h) Single-Unit Approval. (1) Limit on Single-Unit Approvals. HUD 
will not insure mortgages in an unapproved project if the percentage of 
such mortgages exceeds an amount determined by the Commissioner to be 
necessary for the protection of the insurance fund, which percentage 
will be specified by the Commissioner by notice.
    (2) Single-Unit Approvals. Mortgagees must ensure that the 
Condominium Unit is located in a Condominium Project that either meets 
the eligibility requirements for approval as set forth in paragraph (d) 
of this section as modified by this paragraph, except that HUD may 
provide that Single-Unit Approvals may be approved by meeting a subset 
of these standards, or less stringent standards, as stated by notice. 
In addition, a unit may be eligible for Single-Unit Approval if it:
    (i) Is not in a Condominium Project that is on the list of FHA-
approved Condominium Projects, or in a project that has been subject to 
adverse determination for significant issues that affect the viability 
of the project;
    (ii) Is in a project that is complete under paragraph (d)(4) of 
this section;
    (iii) Is not a manufactured housing condominium project or 2-4 unit 
project;
    (iv) Is not a manufactured home and is in a project that has at 
least 5 dwelling units; and
    (v) Is in a project in which the amount of Single-Unit Approvals is 
limited to a percentage of the total number of units in the project 
that is within a range of 0 to 20 percent, with the exact percentage 
within that range to be determined by HUD through notice.
    (3) HUD will publish any generally applicable change in the overall 
upper and lower limits of the range stated in paragraph (h)(2)(v) of 
this section by notice published for 30 days of public comment. After 
considering the comments, HUD will publish a final notice announcing 
the new upper and lower limit of the range of percentages being 
implemented, and the date on which the new standard becomes effective.
    (i) Site Condominium. Site condominiums are as defined in Sec.  
203.43b. Site Condominiums must meet all of the requirements of 
paragraph (d)(1) of this section for approval, except that:
    (1) Insurance and maintenance costs must be the sole responsibility 
of the unit owner; and
    (2) Any common assessments collected must be restricted to use 
solely for amenities outside of the footprint of the individual site.
0
5. Amend Sec.  203.50 to revise paragraphs (a)(1) and (f) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  203.50  Eligibility of rehabilitation loans.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (1) The term rehabilitation loan means a loan, advance of credit, 
or purchase of an obligation representing a loan or advancement of 
credit, made for the purpose of financing:
    (i) The rehabilitation of an existing one-to-four unit structure 
which will be used primarily for residential purposes;
    (ii) The rehabilitation of such a structure and refinancing of the 
outstanding indebtedness on such structure and the real property on 
which the structure is located;
    (iii) The rehabilitation of such a structure and the purchase of 
the structure and the real property on which it is located; or
    (iv) The rehabilitation of the interior space or the installation 
of firewalls in the attic of a condominium unit, as defined in Sec.  
203.43b, excluding any exteriors or areas that are the responsibility 
of the Association; and
* * * * *
    (f) The loan may not exceed an amount which, when added to any 
outstanding indebtedness of the borrower that is secured by the 
property, creates an outstanding indebtedness in excess of the lesser 
of:
    (1)(i) The limits prescribed in Sec.  203.18(a)(1) and (3) (in the 
case of a dwelling to be occupied as a principal residence, as defined 
in Sec.  203.18(f)(1));
    (ii) The limits prescribed in Sec.  203.18(a)(1) and (4) (in the 
case of a dwelling to be occupied as a secondary residence, as defined 
in Sec.  203.18(f)(2));
    (iii) Eighty-five (85) percent of the limits prescribed in Sec.  
203.18(c), or such higher limit, not to exceed the limits set forth in 
Sec.  203.18(a)(1) and (3), as the Secretary may prescribe (in the case 
of an eligible non-occupant mortgagor as defined in Sec.  
203.18(f)(3));
    (iv) The limits prescribed in Sec.  203.18a, based upon the sum of 
the estimated cost of rehabilitation and the Commissioner's estimate of 
the value of the property before rehabilitation;
    (2) The limits prescribed in the authorities listed in this 
paragraph (f), based upon 110 percent of the Commissioner's estimate of 
the value of the property after rehabilitation; or
    (3) For any Condominium Unit that is not a detached dwelling, 
attached townhouse dwelling, manufactured home (as defined in 24 CFR 
3280.2), or site condominium (as defined in Sec.  203.43b), 100 percent 
of the after-improvement value of the Condominium Unit.
* * * * *

PART 234--CONDOMINIUM OWNERSHIP MORTGAGE INSURANCE

0
6. The authority citation for part 234 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1715b and 1715y; 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).

Subpart A--Eligibility Requirements--Individually Owned Units

0
7. Add Sec.  234.2 to read as follows:


Sec.  234.2  Savings clause.

    Effective [date that is 30 days after the date of publication of 
the final rule], HUD's regulations at Sec.  203.43b of this chapter 
govern approval of real estate consisting of a one-family unit in a 
multifamily project, and an undivided interest in the common areas and 
facilities which serve the project, except where the project has a 
blanket mortgage insured under section 234(d) of the National Housing 
Act, 12 U.S.C.

[[Page 66576]]

1715y(d) (section 234(d)). Where the project has a blanket mortgage 
insured by HUD under section 234(d), this 24 CFR part 234 applies to 
the approval of a one-family unit in such project.

    Dated: September 21, 2016.
Edward L. Golding,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Housing.
[FR Doc. 2016-23258 Filed 9-27-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210-67-P



                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 188 / Wednesday, September 28, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                             66565

                                                  general population, or should they                      Federal Register, but Web sites are                   DATES:  Comment due date: November
                                                  include those nutrients that contribute                 subject to change over time.)                         28, 2016.
                                                  to general overall health? Should the                   1. U.S. Department of Health and Human                ADDRESSES: Interested persons are
                                                  nutrients be intrinsic to the foods, or                     Services and U.S. Department of                   invited to submit comments regarding
                                                  could they be provided in part—or in                        Agriculture. 2015–2020 Dietary                    this proposed rule to the Regulations
                                                  total—via fortification? Please provide                     Guidelines for Americans, 8th Edition,            Division, Office of General Counsel,
                                                  details of your reasoning and provide                       December 2015, available at http://
                                                                                                                                                                Department of Housing and Urban
                                                  any supportive data or information.                         health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/
                                                                                                              guidelines/.                                      Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room
                                                     • Are there current dietary                                                                                10276, Washington, DC 20410–0500.
                                                  recommendations (e.g., the Dietary                        Dated: September 23, 2016.                          Communications must refer to the above
                                                  Guidelines for Americans) or nutrient                   Leslie Kux,                                           docket number and title. There are two
                                                  intake requirements, such as those                      Associate Commissioner for Policy.                    methods for submitting public
                                                  described in the final rule updating the                [FR Doc. 2016–23365 Filed 9–27–16; 8:45 am]           comments. All submissions must refer
                                                  Nutrition Facts label (see 81 FR 33742;                 BILLING CODE 4164–01–P                                to the above docket number and title.
                                                  May 27, 2016) or those provided by the
                                                                                                                                                                  1. Submission of Comments by Mail.
                                                  Institute of Medicine (IOM) in the form
                                                                                                                                                                Comments may be submitted by mail to
                                                  of Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI)
                                                                                                          DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND                             the Regulations Division, Office of
                                                  (http://www.nationalacademies.org/
                                                                                                          URBAN DEVELOPMENT                                     General Counsel, Department of
                                                  hmd/Activities/Nutrition/
                                                                                                                                                                Housing and Urban Development, 451
                                                  SummaryDRIs/DRI-Tables.aspx), that
                                                                                                          24 CFR Parts 203 and 234                              7th Street SW., Room 10276,
                                                  should be reflected in criteria for use of
                                                                                                                                                                Washington, DC 20410–0500.
                                                  the term ‘‘healthy?’’                                   [Docket No. FR–5715–P–01]
                                                     • What are the public health benefits,                                                                       2. Electronic Submission of
                                                  if any, of defining the term ‘‘healthy’’ or             RIN 2502–AJ30                                         Comments. Interested persons may
                                                  other similar terms in food labeling?                                                                         submit comments electronically through
                                                  Please include any data or research                     Project Approval for Single-Family                    the Federal eRulemaking Portal at
                                                  related to public health benefits in your               Condominiums                                          www.regulations.gov. HUD strongly
                                                  reasoning.                                                                                                    encourages commenters to submit
                                                                                                          AGENCY:  Office of the Assistant                      comments electronically. Electronic
                                                     • What is consumers’ understanding                   Secretary for Housing—Federal Housing
                                                  of the meaning of the term ‘‘healthy’’ as                                                                     submission of comments allows the
                                                                                                          Commissioner, HUD.                                    commenter maximum time to prepare
                                                  it relates to food? What are consumers’                 ACTION: Proposed rule.
                                                  expectations of foods that carry a                                                                            and submit a comment, ensures timely
                                                  ‘‘healthy’’ claim? We are especially                                                                          receipt by HUD, and enables HUD to
                                                                                                          SUMMARY:   This proposed rule would                   make them immediately available to the
                                                  interested in any data or other                         implement HUD’s authority under the
                                                  information that evaluates whether or                                                                         public. Comments submitted
                                                                                                          single-family mortgage insurance                      electronically through the
                                                  not consumers associate, confuse, or                    provisions of the National Housing Act
                                                  compare the term ‘‘healthy’’ with other                                                                       www.regulations.gov Web site can be
                                                                                                          to insure one-family units in a                       viewed by other commenters and
                                                  descriptive terms and claims.                           multifamily project, including a project
                                                     • Would this change in the term                                                                            interested members of the public.
                                                                                                          in which the dwelling units are                       Commenters should follow the
                                                  ‘‘healthy’’ cause a shift in consumer                   attached, or are manufactured housing
                                                  behavior in terms of dietary choices?                                                                         instructions provided on that site to
                                                                                                          units, semi-detached, or detached, and                submit comments electronically.
                                                  For example, would it cause a shift                     an undivided interest in the common
                                                  away from purchasing or consuming                       areas and facilities which serve the                    Note: To receive consideration as public
                                                  fruits and vegetables that do not contain               project. The rule would codify                        comments, comments must be submitted
                                                  a ‘‘healthy’’ claim and towards                                                                               through one of the two methods specified
                                                                                                          requirements for Direct Endorsement                   above. Again, all submissions must refer to
                                                  purchasing or consuming processed                       lenders to meet in order to be approved               the docket number and title of the rule.
                                                  foods that bear this new ‘‘healthy’’                    for the Direct Endorsement Lender
                                                  claim?                                                  Review and Approval Process (DELRAP)                     No Facsimile Comments. Facsimile
                                                     • How will the food industry and                     authority for condominiums, and basic                 (fax) comments are not acceptable.
                                                  consumers regard a change in the                        standards that projects must meet to be                  Public Inspection of Public
                                                  definition of ‘‘healthy?’’                              approved as condominiums in which                     Comments. HUD will make all properly
                                                     • What would be the costs to industry                individual units would be eligible for                submitted comments and
                                                  of the change?                                          mortgage insurance, as well as                        communications available for public
                                                  Please provide supporting data,                         particular cases such as Single-Unit                  inspection and copying between 8 a.m.
                                                  consumer research, and other                            Approvals and site condominiums. The                  and 5 p.m. weekdays at the above
                                                  information to support your comments                    rule provides a method by which certain               address. Due to security measures at the
                                                  and responses to these questions.                       approval standards could be varied                    HUD Headquarters building, you must
                                                                                                          efficiently to meet market needs while                schedule an appointment in advance to
                                                  III. References                                         providing for public comment where                    review the public comments by calling
                                                     The following reference is on display                appropriate. Currently, single-family                 the Regulations Division at 202–708–
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  in the Division of Dockets Management                   condominium project approval is                       3055 (this is not a toll-free number).
                                                  (see ADDRESSES) and is available for                    provided under HUD’s Condominium                      Individuals with speech or hearing
                                                  viewing by interested persons between                   Project Approval and Processing Guide                 impairments may access this number
                                                  9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through                       and related Mortgagee Letters.                        via TTY by calling the toll-free Federal
                                                  Friday; it is also available electronically                Condominiums under this rule are                   Relay Service at 800–877–8339. Copies
                                                  at http://www.regulations.gov. (FDA has                 distinct from condominiums in which                   of all comments submitted are available
                                                  verified the Web site address, as of the                the project has a blanket mortgage                    for inspection and downloading at
                                                  date this document publishes in the                     insured by HUD.                                       www.regulations.gov.


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                                                  66566             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 188 / Wednesday, September 28, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        in section 201 of the Act (12 U.S.C.                     Under proposed § 203.8(b)(2) and
                                                  Elissa Saunders, Director, Office of                    1707), which definition also applies to               (b)(3), mortgagees would initially be
                                                  Single Family Program Development,                      section 203 of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1709),              granted conditional DELRAP authority
                                                  Office of Housing, Department of                        to include a mortgages on a one-family                upon providing a notice of their intent
                                                  Housing and Urban Development, 451                      unit in a multifamily project, and an                 to participate in DELRAP. While
                                                  7th Street SW., Washington, DC 20410–                   undivided interest in the common areas                conditionally approved, a mortgagee
                                                  8000; telephone number 202–708–2121                     and facilities which serve the project.               must submit all recommended
                                                  (this is not a toll-free number). Hearing-              The HERA changes placed all authority                 Condominium Project approvals and
                                                  and speech-impaired persons may                         for mortgage insurance of projects with               denials to FHA for review, and may
                                                  access this number through TTY by                       blanket mortgages in section 234 of the               only proceed upon notification of
                                                  calling the Federal Relay Service at 800–               Act, and units in other condominium                   HUD’s agreement with the
                                                  877–8339 (this is a toll-free number).                  projects under section 203 of the Act.                recommendation. Once the mortgagee
                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                                                                                    has completed at least 5 DELRAP
                                                                                                          C. Current Regulations and Guidance                   reviews to HUD’s satisfaction, the
                                                  I. Background                                             Project approval for projects with                  mortgagee will be granted unconditional
                                                  A. Prior Authority—Section 234 of the                   FHA-insured blanket loans are governed                DELRAP authority and may approve
                                                  National Housing Act                                    according to the requirements of section              condominium projects in accordance
                                                                                                          234 of the Act, 24 CFR part 234, and                  with HUD’s requirements.
                                                     Prior to 2008, HUD’s statutory                                                                                Section 203.8(c) would provide for
                                                  authority to insure mortgages on                        other applicable policy guidance,
                                                                                                          including the Condominium Project                     HUD’s review of a DELRAP mortgagee’s
                                                  condominium units came from section                                                                           performance. HUD will monitor the
                                                  234 of the National Housing Act (12                     Approval and Processing Guide (the
                                                                                                          Guide).                                               performance on an ongoing basis, and,
                                                  U.S.C. 1715y) (the Act). Section 234                                                                          if there are no material deficiencies
                                                  required that: The structure is or has                  II. This Proposed Rule                                found, HUD will select a sample of
                                                  been covered by a mortgage insured                                                                            project approvals, denials, or
                                                  under another section of the Act; the                      This proposed rule would codify
                                                                                                          basic regulatory requirements for                     recertifications for post-action review. If
                                                  mortgagor is acquiring or has acquired                                                                        the review shows deficiencies and the
                                                  a family unit covered by a section 234                  condominium project approval, in
                                                                                                          addition to the current requirements                  mortgagee has unconditional DELRAP
                                                  insured mortgage for his own use and                                                                          authority, the mortgagee may be
                                                  occupancy; and the mortgagor will not                   under 24 CFR part 203. These
                                                                                                          requirements would be more flexible,                  returned to conditional status. If
                                                  own more than four one-family units                                                                           additional reviews continue to show
                                                  covered by section 234 insured                          less prescriptive, and more reflective of
                                                                                                                                                                deficiencies, the mortgagee authority to
                                                  mortgages (Pub. L. 87–70, June 30, 1961,                the current market than the
                                                                                                                                                                participate in DELRAP may be
                                                  75 Stat. 161). Subsequent amendments                    requirements in the current section 234
                                                                                                                                                                terminated, or other action taken against
                                                  allowed for a variety of project                        program. The intent of this rule is to
                                                                                                                                                                the staff reviewer, under proposed
                                                  configurations in addition to vertical                  regulate where necessary to ensure
                                                                                                                                                                § 203.8(d), which includes any action
                                                  buildings (Pub. L. 97–35, August 13,                    financial soundness and project
                                                                                                                                                                available under 24 CFR 203.3(d).
                                                  1981, 95 Stat. 416); added an 80 percent                viability, but to be flexible where                      Sections 203.8(d) and (e) provide for
                                                  mortgagor occupancy requirement; and                    possible, and retain the ability to be                termination of DELRAP authority and
                                                  removed the 4-unit limitation on                        responsive to the market.                             requests for reinstatement of terminated
                                                  ownership (Pub. L. 98–181, November                        The rule proposes a new 24 CFR 203.8               authority. HUD may immediately
                                                  30, 1983, 97 Stat. 1209).                               that would codify DELRAP for                          terminate DELRAP authority or take
                                                     The Housing and Economic Recovery                    condominiums. While a similar process                 actions under § 203.3(d) if the mortgagee
                                                  Act of 2008, Public Law 110–289, July                   is currently outlined in chapter 1.2 of               violates any of the requirements and
                                                  30, 2008 122 Stat. 2654 (HERA) was                      the Guide, this rule is proposing some                procedures established by the Secretary
                                                  enacted July 30, 2008 and added a                       changes based on HUD’s experience. As                 for mortgagees approved to participate
                                                  requirement to section 234(c) that the                  now proposed, in order to participate in              in DELRAP, the Direct Endorsement
                                                  project have a blanket mortgage insured                 condominium project approval, a                       program, or the Title II Single Family
                                                  by the Secretary under section 234(d).                  mortgagee would have to be granted                    mortgage insurance program; or if other
                                                  HUD does not currently insure new                       DELRAP authority, and in order to be                  good cause exists; or for unacceptable
                                                  mortgages on condominium units in                       granted DELRAP authority, a mortgagee                 performance. Actions under 24 CFR
                                                  projects with blanket mortgages.                        would have to be unconditionally                      203.3(d) include probation of Direct
                                                  Although, there are existing mortgages                  approved for the Direct Endorsement                   Endorsement lenders subject to
                                                  that were previously insured under                      program as provided in § 203.3, and                   conditions including additional training
                                                  section 234, most condominium projects                  additionally have the following indicia               and changes to the mortgagee’s quality
                                                  are not structured in this manner.                      of capability in underwriting                         control plan, or termination of Direct
                                                                                                          condominium mortgages specifically:                   Endorsement approval. Termination of
                                                  B. HERA of 2008 and Section 203 of the                  Staff with at least one year experience               DELRAP authority would be effective
                                                  National Housing Act                                    in underwriting mortgages on                          upon the mortgagee’s receipt of HUD’s
                                                    Section 2117 of Division B, Title I,                  condominiums and/or condominium                       notice advising of the termination. Any
                                                  Subtitle A of HERA, the FHA                             project approval; having originated not               termination of DELRAP authority is a
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  Modernization Act of 2008, amended                      less than 10 condominium loans in                     separate action from an action for
                                                  the National Housing Act to provide                     HUD-approved projects; having an                      withdrawal of mortgagee approval by
                                                  authority for HUD to insure                             acceptable quality control plan that                  the Mortgagee Review Board, which
                                                  condominium units under the single-                     includes provisions specific to DELRAP;               could also be initiated by HUD.
                                                  family program authorized by section                    and ensuring that only staff members                     Under proposed § 203.8(e), a
                                                  203 of the National Housing Act, 12                     with the required experience participate              mortgagee whose DELRAP authority is
                                                  U.S.C. 1709. Specifically, section 2117                 in condominium project approval using                 terminated under this section may
                                                  amended the definition of ‘‘mortgage’’                  DELRAP (proposed § 203.8(b)).                         request reinstatement if the mortgagee’s


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                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 188 / Wednesday, September 28, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                               66567

                                                  DELRAP authority has been terminated                    Site Condominium means a single                       local laws with respect to zoning, Fair
                                                  for at least 6 months. The request must                 family totally detached dwelling (which               Housing, and accessibility for persons
                                                  address the eligibility criteria for                    does not have a shared garage or any                  with disabilities, including but not
                                                  participation in DELRAP under this rule                 other attached building, including such               limited to the Fair Housing Act, 42
                                                  as well as a corrective action plan, along              improvements as archways, or                          U.S.C. 3601 et seq., Section 504 of the
                                                  with evidence that the mortgagee has                    breezeways), which is encumbered by a                 Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. 794, and
                                                  implemented the corrective action plan.                 declaration of condominium covenants                  the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42
                                                  Following the request, HUD would be                     or condominium form of ownership,                     U.S.C. 12101 et seq., where relevant.
                                                  able to grant Conditional DELRAP                        and which consists of the entire                      Infrastructure includes the project’s
                                                  authority if the mortgagee’s application                structure as well as the site and air                 streets, storm water management, water
                                                  is complete and the Commissioner                        space and is not considered to be a                   and sewage systems, and utilities, along
                                                  determines that the underlying causes                   common area or limited common area.                   with the project’s common elements and
                                                  for the termination have been                              Section 203.43b(b) would state that a              amenities, such as parking lots,
                                                  satisfactorily remedied. The mortgagee                  mortgage on a Condominium Unit shall                  community buildings, swimming pools,
                                                  would be required to complete                           be eligible for insurance under section               golf courses, playgrounds, and any
                                                  successfully at least 5 test cases in                   203 of the National Housing Act if it                 similar items, called for in the project or
                                                  accordance with § 203.8(b)(3) in order to               meets the requirements of 24 CFR part                 legal phase.
                                                  receive unconditional DELRAP                            203, subpart A, except as provided for                   In addition to these general
                                                  authority.                                              in § 203.43b. Section 203.43b(c) would                requirements, condominiums must meet
                                                     The rule proposes a minor change to                  further specify that the unit, to be                  further approval requirements as
                                                  current § 203.17(a)(1), which section                   eligible for insurance under § 203.43b,               provided by HUD. Some of these
                                                  defines ‘‘mortgage’’ in accordance with                 must be located in a Condominium                      requirements are underwriting matters
                                                  section 201 of the National Housing Act                 Project approved by HUD or DELRAP                     or existing legal requirements such as
                                                  (12 U.S.C. 1707), but has not been                      mortgagee approved under 24 CFR                       the nature of the real estate title or
                                                  updated to account for the addition of                  203.8, or meet the additional                         leasehold; unit owner control of the
                                                  mortgages on one-family units in                        requirements for approval as a Site                   Condominium Association; insurance
                                                  multifamily projects and an undivided                   Condominium or Single-Unit Approval.                  coverage; and statements regarding
                                                  interest in the common areas and                           Under this rule, HUD and DELRAP                    financial condition, special assessments,
                                                  facilities. Nor does the current                        lenders will not approve proposed or                  property conditions, and pending legal
                                                  regulatory definition include detached                  under construction projects; however,                 actions. These are the types of matters
                                                  and semi-attached units. By revising                    HUD or DELRAP lenders may approve                     that HUD routinely considers when
                                                  this section to cross-reference section                 legal phases of projects or completed                 determining eligibility for FHA
                                                  201 of the National Housing Act rather                  projects. The condominiums that may                   programs.
                                                  than attempting to summarize it, HUD                    be approved under this rule would be                     In addition, the rule would
                                                  avoids the need to update this definition               those where the work on the project or                implement some regulatory standards
                                                  each time the statutory definition is                   legal phase, including buildings and                  specific to condominiums, but seeks to
                                                  revised, and eliminates confusion that                  infrastructure of the project or legal                do so in a way that is flexible and
                                                  may be caused by differences between                    phase, is fully complete. HUD would                   responsive to the market while
                                                  the statutory language and HUD’s                        expect that all the requirements of local             continuing to involve the public in the
                                                  regulation.                                             law would be met, including review and                rulemaking process. Section
                                                     This rule proposes to revise currently               approval of the project or legal phase by             203.43b(d)(6)(vii) would provide for
                                                  reserved § 203.43b to include the                       the local jurisdiction and recordation in             HUD to set a standard for the maximum
                                                  regulations pertaining to the eligibility               the property records of the                           commercial/nonresidential space within
                                                  of projects for approval and for                        condominium plat or development plan,                 a range from 25 percent to 60 percent of
                                                  condominium units in approved                           as applicable (see §§ 203.43b(d)(4) and               the total floor area. Mixed-use
                                                  projects for mortgage insurance.                        (d)(5)).                                              developments are a way to integrate
                                                     Section 203.43b(a) would provide                        Section 203.43b(d) would state the                 housing, land-use, economic and
                                                  definitions of the terms Condominium                    basic condominium project approval                    workforce development, as well as
                                                  Project, Condominium Unit, Rental for                   eligibility requirements. The project or              transportation and infrastructure
                                                  Transient or Hotel Purposes,                            legal phase must be complete as to                    development. However, the agency
                                                  Condominium Association, Single-Unit                    construction of the buildings and                     believes that allowing greater than 50
                                                  Approval, and Site Condominium under                    infrastructure. In addition, any legal                percent commercial/nonresidential
                                                  part 203. While Condominium Unit                        phases must be contiguous (in a vertical
                                                                                                                                                                space may have a negative impact on
                                                  refers to a one-family unit in a                        building) or must consist of adjoining or
                                                                                                                                                                the residential character of the project;
                                                  multifamily project, including a project                contiguous homes (in a development of
                                                                                                                                                                therefore, HUD would not expect in the
                                                  in which the dwelling units are                         detached or semi-detached homes), and
                                                                                                                                                                near future to allow greater than 50
                                                  attached, or are manufactured housing                   the units or buildings and infrastructure
                                                                                                                                                                percent commercial/nonresidential
                                                  units, semi-detached, or detached, and                  in each phase must be constructed and
                                                                                                                                                                space. HUD may want to allow less
                                                  an undivided interest in the common                     be complete. The project or legal phase
                                                                                                                                                                based on the experience it gains with
                                                  areas and facilities that serve the                     must also be primarily residential in
                                                                                                                                                                this program.
                                                  project, the term Condominium Project                   nature (although a certain amount of
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                                                                                                                                                                   Under 12 U.S.C. 1709(y)(2),1 either
                                                  refers to the project as a whole in which               floor space may be set aside for
                                                                                                                                                                HUD or the DELRAP lender, at the
                                                  such units are located. The term Rental                 commercial activities, as stated at
                                                                                                                                                                option of the requester, may grant an
                                                  for Transient or Hotel Purposes cross-                  § 203.43b(d)(6)(vii)) and not intended
                                                                                                                                                                exception to the standard regarding the
                                                  references to section 513(e) of the Act                 for transient or hotel purposes; must
                                                                                                                                                                maximum percentage of commercial/
                                                  (12 U.S.C. 1731b(e)). Single-Unit                       consist solely of one-family units, which
                                                  Approval means approval of a loan on                    is a statutory requirement under 12                     1 As amended by the Housing Opportunity
                                                  a single unit in a project that is not                  U.S.C. 1707(a); and must be in full                   Through Modernization Act of 2016, Public Law
                                                  approved as a condominium. The term                     compliance with all Federal, State, and               114–201 (approved July 29, 2016).



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                                                  66568             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 188 / Wednesday, September 28, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                  nonresidential space set by HUD. In                     failure of the project as a whole.                    percentage of such mortgages insured in
                                                  determining whether to grant such an                    Therefore, only legal phasing will be                 a project is within an amount
                                                  exception, factors relating to the                      allowed. All phases must be contiguous                determined by the Secretary to be
                                                  economy for the locality in which the                   and constructed so that they are                      necessary for the viability and
                                                  condominium project is located, or                      separately sustainable, meet the                      marketability of the project, which
                                                  specific to the project, including the                  requirements of § 203.43b(d), and be                  percentage, within the range established
                                                  total number of family units in the                     capable of being occupied even if a                   in this rule, will be specified by HUD by
                                                  project, shall be considered. A DELRAP                  subsequent phase were to be delayed or                notice. In addition, the unit may only be
                                                  lender, in determining whether to grant                 even fail to be completed.                            eligible for approval on a Single-Unit
                                                  a requested exception, shall follow any                    Section 203.43b(d)(6)(xi) addresses                Approval basis if it is not located in a
                                                  procedures that HUD may establish.                      reserve accounts. Per HUD’s usual                     Condominium Project that is approved
                                                     Within this range, in order to remain                practice, this rule would require that the            under this section or has been subject to
                                                  flexible and responsive to the market,                  reserve account is funded with at least               a negative determination for significant
                                                  HUD would be able to vary by notice the                 10 percent of the monthly unit                        issues that affect the viability of the
                                                  percentage of commercial/                               assessments, unless a lower amount is                 project. The project must be complete
                                                  nonresidential space allowed or                         deemed acceptable by HUD based on a                   (i.e., not proposed, under construction,
                                                  required. If HUD decides to vary the                    reserve study completed not more than                 or subject to further phasing or
                                                  upper and lower limits of the range                     24 months before a request for a lower                annexation), including all common
                                                  itself, the rule provides a procedure that              amount is received.                                   elements and those of the master
                                                  includes notice and an opportunity for                     Section 203.43b(d)(6)(xii) permits                 association. The project must have a
                                                  public comment. This notice and                         HUD to set requirements regarding such                percentage of units sold within a range
                                                  comment procedure is stated at                          other matters that may affect the                     stated in the rule, with the specific
                                                  § 203.43b(e) of this proposed rule.                     viability or marketability of the project             percentage to be established by HUD
                                                     Sections 203.43b(d)(6)(viii) and                     or its units. Additionally, under                     through notice. Finally, the Single-Unit
                                                  (d)(6)(ix) would treat acceptable                       proposed § 203.43b(f), the Secretary may              Approval must be in a project in which
                                                  maximum percentages of units with                       grant case by case exceptions to the                  no single entity owns more than the
                                                  FHA-insured mortgages and acceptable                    regulatory requirements under                         percentage of units in the project that is
                                                  minimum levels of owner occupancy,                      § 203.43b(d)(6). This is in accordance                within the range stated in rule, with the
                                                  respectively, in a similar manner, with                 with the discretionary nature of the                  specific percentage to be established by
                                                  overall ranges between 25 and 75                        Secretary’s authority to insure                       HUD through notice. If HUD determines
                                                  percent, within which HUD would be                      mortgages under 12 U.S.C. 1709(a).                    it is necessary to change the upper and
                                                  able to vary the amount by notice. The                     Proposed 203.43b(g) provides the
                                                                                                                                                                lower limits of the ranges, it will issue
                                                  owner occupancy percentage includes                     basic mechanism for condominium
                                                                                                                                                                a notice for comment.
                                                  both principal and secondary residences                 approval. Condominiums would be
                                                                                                          submitted to either HUD or a DELRAP                      Proposed § 203.43b(i) would govern
                                                  (or units that have been sold to
                                                  purchasers who intend to occupy them                    lender, and, if all eligibility criteria are          site condominiums. Insurance and
                                                  as primary or secondary residences).                    met, would be approved and placed on                  maintenance costs must be the sole
                                                  Secondary residences are defined at                     the list of HUD-approved condominium                  responsibility of the owner, and any
                                                  § 203.18(f)(2), mean dwellings (i) Where                projects. Under § 203.43b(g)(3), unless               common assessments collected must be
                                                  the mortgagor maintains or will                         otherwise specified in writing by HUD,                restricted to use solely for amenities
                                                  maintain a part-time place of abode and                 approval would be for a period of 3                   outside of the footprint of the individual
                                                  typically spends (or will spend) less                   years from the date of placement on the               site.
                                                  than a majority of the calendar year; (ii)              approved list; HUD may rescind                           Condominium units that meet the
                                                  which is not a vacation home; and (iii)                 approval at any time if the project fails             statutory requirements of section 203(k)
                                                  which the Commissioner has                              to comply with any requirement for                    of the Act, 12 U.S.C. 1709(k), are eligible
                                                  determined to be eligible for insurance                 approval.                                             for rehabilitation loans. Section 203(k)
                                                  in order to avoid undue hardship to the                    Proposed 203.43b(g)(4) provides for                and the implementing HUD regulation
                                                  mortgagor. A person may have only one                   renewal of a project approval. The                    at 24 CFR 203.50(a)(1)(i) provides for
                                                  secondary residence at a time.                          condominium could request renewal, by                 rehabilitation loans for 1–4 unit
                                                     While having too few owner                           submitting a request for recertification              structures that are primarily residential.
                                                  occupants can detract from the viability                no earlier than 6 months before, and no               A rehabilitation loan for an individual
                                                  of a project, requiring too many can                    later than 6 months after, expiration of              condominium unit under 203(k)
                                                  harm its marketability. HUD’s current                   the approval. As long as the request is               necessarily excludes the building
                                                  standard of 50 percent has worked in                    timely, it may be supported by updating               exterior and common elements, which
                                                  the recent market; however, HUD                         previously submitted information,                     are the responsibility of the Association,
                                                  specifically invites comment on this                    rather than by resubmitting new                       so that the 203(k) loan would be for the
                                                  issue. For these elements as well, the                  information. However, if the request is               portion of the structure that is inside the
                                                  procedure to change the upper and                       not submitted by the end of 6 months                  unit including the installation of
                                                  lower limits of the range itself by notice              after the expiration of approval, a                   firewalls in the attic of a unit (proposed
                                                  with an opportunity to comment would                    complete, new approval application                    24 CFR 203.50(a)(1)(iv)).
                                                  apply.                                                  would be required. HUD will specify the                  In accordance with HUD’s
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                                                     Section 203.43b(d)(6)(x) addresses                   format for the request.                               longstanding policy for 203(k)
                                                  phasing of a project. While HUD                            Proposed 203.43b(h) would provide                  rehabilitation loans secured by
                                                  understands that developing projects in                 overall parameters for Single-Unit                    condominium units, this proposed rule
                                                  phases as funding is secured may be                     Approval, that is, approvals of                       would add a provision stating that the
                                                  necessary in some cases, HUD is                         individual units in projects that are not             maximum loan amount is 100 percent of
                                                  concerned about the risk of approving                   otherwise approved to participate. A                  the after-improvement value of the unit
                                                  phases in cases where failure to                        mortgage secured by a Single-Unit                     for any Condominium Unit. (proposed
                                                  complete a phase could result in the                    Approval may be acceptable if the                     24 CFR 203.50(f)(3)).


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                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 188 / Wednesday, September 28, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                                          66569

                                                     Finally, the proposed rule would                                       extent that approval is sought for legal                approach, and whether the ranges
                                                  address the continued applicability of                                    phasing in compliance with the                          proposed are appropriate. The agency
                                                  24 CFR part 234, which now applies,                                       requirements of paragraph (d)(6)(x) of                  would be interested in any data or
                                                  along with section 234 of the Act (12                                     this section.’’ Given that HUD approval                 evidence that could be provided either
                                                  U.S.C. 1715y) and other HUD issuances                                     of a fully completed project would not                  that the ranges, as proposed, are
                                                  specific to part 234, only in cases where                                 require an environmental review, while                  appropriate, or that a different set of
                                                  projects have blanket mortgages insured                                   continuing the current practice of                      ranges would be more appropriate or
                                                  by HUD. This proposed rule adds a new                                     approving proposed or under                             would yield additional benefits.
                                                  § 234.2, entitled ‘‘Savings clause,’’                                     construction projects could require                       (4) HUD seeks public comment
                                                  which clarifies that part 203 and this                                    environmental review, HUD seeks                         specifically on the proposed revision of
                                                  section apply in all cases except where                                   comments on how this rule would affect                  the period of project approval from 2 to
                                                  the project has a blanket mortgage                                        industry participation in the program.                  3 years, including whether there are any
                                                  insured under section 234(d) of the Act,                                    (2) HUD seeks public comment                          costs and benefits that would be
                                                  in which case section 234 of the Act, 24                                  specifically on whether there is some                   associated with a shorter or longer
                                                  CFR part 234, and other HUD issuances                                     other indicia of appropriate experience                 timeframe.
                                                  (including HUD Handbook 4265.1,                                           that could be used rather than, or in                   III. Findings and Certifications
                                                  Home Mortgage Insurance                                                   addition to, experience in underwriting
                                                  Condominiums; Chapter 11 of HUD                                           condominium mortgages and/or                            Paperwork Reduction Act
                                                  Handbook 4150.1, Valuation Analysis                                       condominium approval, or the number                       The information collection
                                                  for Home Mortgage Insurance and any                                       of loans originated; for instance, is there             requirements contained in this rule have
                                                  Mortgagee Letters that discuss section                                    another type of experience that could                   been submitted to the Office of
                                                  234 requirements) apply.                                                  provide an indication of competency in                  Management and Budget (OMB) under
                                                                                                                            condominium project approval, and                       the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
                                                  Requests for Public Comment
                                                                                                                            how would it provide such indication?                   (44 U.S.C. 3501–3520). In accordance
                                                    (1) HUD seeks public comment                                              (3) HUD seeks public comment                          with the Paperwork Reduction Act, an
                                                  specifically on the proposed                                              specifically on the ranges this rule                    agency may not conduct or sponsor, and
                                                  requirement in § 203.43b(d)(4) that the                                   proposes to establish, within which                     a person is not required to respond to,
                                                  project or legal phase be ‘‘complete and                                  HUD may set the specific requirements                   a collection of information unless the
                                                  ready for occupancy, including                                            for percentages of Single-Unit                          collection displays a currently valid
                                                  completion of the infrastructure of the                                   Approvals, commercial space, FHA                        OMB control number.
                                                  project or legal phase, and not subject to                                insured units, and owner-occupied                         The burden of the information
                                                  further rehabilitation, construction,                                     units. HUD seeks comment on whether                     collections in this rule is estimated as
                                                  phasing, or annexation, except to the                                     this range approach is the best                         follows:

                                                                                                                                                                                       Total                           Total
                                                                                                                                               Number of          Frequency                           Hours per
                                                                             Information collection                                                                                   annual                          burden
                                                                                                                                              respondents        of response                          response
                                                                                                                                                                                    responses                          hours

                                                  Package Preparation ...........................................................                   15,000                    1          15,000                   2      30,000
                                                  Package Review ..................................................................                 15,000                    1          15,000                   1      15,000
                                                  Quality Assurance ................................................................                15,000                   .2           3,000                   1       3,000

                                                        Totals ............................................................................         45,000                  2.2          33,000                   4      48,000



                                                    In accordance with 5 CFR                                                   Interested persons are invited to                    submit comments electronically.
                                                  1320.8(d)(1), HUD is soliciting                                           submit comments regarding the                           Electronic submission of comments
                                                  comments from members of the public                                       information collection requirements in                  allows the commenter maximum time to
                                                  and affected agencies concerning this                                     this rule. Comments must refer to the                   prepare and submit a comment, ensures
                                                  collection of information to:                                             proposal by name and docket number                      timely receipt by HUD, and enables
                                                    (1) Evaluate whether the proposed                                       (FR–5563) and must be sent to:                          HUD to make them immediately
                                                  collection of information is necessary                                    HUD Desk Officer, Office of                             available to the public. Comments
                                                  for the proper performance of the                                            Management and Budget, New                           submitted electronically through the
                                                  functions of the agency, including                                           Executive Office Building,                           http://www.regulations.gov Web site can
                                                  whether the information will have                                            Washington, DC 20503, Fax: (202)                     be viewed by other commenters and
                                                  practical utility;                                                           395–6947;                                            interested members of the public.
                                                    (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the                                                                                                Commenters should follow the
                                                                                                                            and
                                                  agency’s estimate of the burden of the                                                                                            instructions provided on that site to
                                                  proposed collection of information;                                       Reports Liaison Officer, Office of Public
                                                                                                                                                                                    submit comments electronically.
                                                    (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and                                      and Indian Housing, Department of
                                                  clarity of the information to be                                             Housing and Urban Development,                       Regulatory Planning and Review
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                                                  collected; and                                                               Room, 451 7th Street SW.,                               OMB reviewed this proposed rule
                                                    (4) Minimize the burden of the                                             Washington, DC 20410.                                under Executive Order 12866 (entitled
                                                  collection of information on those who                                    Interested persons may submit                           ‘‘Regulatory Planning and Review’’).
                                                  are to respond, including through the                                     comments regarding the information                      This rule was determined to be a
                                                  use of appropriate automated collection                                   collection requirements electronically                  ‘‘significant regulatory action,’’ as
                                                  techniques or other forms of information                                  through the Federal eRulemaking Portal                  defined in 3(f) of the order (although not
                                                  technology, e.g., permitting electronic                                   at http://www.regulations.gov. HUD                      an economically significant regulatory
                                                  submission of responses.                                                  strongly encourages commenters to                       action, as provided under section 3(f)(1)


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                                                  66570             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 188 / Wednesday, September 28, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                  of the order). The docket file is available             via TTY by calling the Federal Relay                  originators (reverse, purchase,
                                                  for public inspection between the hours                 Service at (800) 877–8339.                            refinance) include both brokers and
                                                  of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays in the                                                                          lenders. The firms that participate in
                                                                                                          Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
                                                  Regulations Division, Office of General                                                                       lending are divided among five primary
                                                  Counsel, Department of Housing and                        Title II of the Unfunded Mandates                   groups: Banks, thrifts, mortgage banks,
                                                  Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW.,                  Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531–                    credit unions, and mortgage brokers. A
                                                  Room 10276, Washington, DC 20410–                       1538) (UMRA) establishes requirements                 precise description of these individual
                                                  0500.                                                   for Federal agencies to assess the effects            industries is as follows:
                                                     The proposed rule establishes                        of their regulatory actions on state,
                                                  regulations concerning three aspects of                 local, and tribal governments and the                 Commercial Banking (NAICS 522110)
                                                  the Direct Endorsement Lender Review                    private sector. This rule does not                      Entities primarily engaged in
                                                  and Approval Process (DELRAP) for                       impose any Federal mandate on any                     accepting demand and other deposits
                                                  single family condominiums. First, the                  state, local, or tribal government or the             and making commercial, industrial, and
                                                  rule establishes parameters regarding                   private sector within the meaning of                  consumer loans. Commercial banks and
                                                  which kind of condominium projects                      UMRA.                                                 branches of foreign banks are included.
                                                  are eligible for approval for the purpose                                                                     Savings Institutions (NAICS 522120)
                                                                                                          Environmental Review
                                                  of single unit mortgage insurance
                                                  through the Department of Housing and                     A Finding of No Significant Impact                    Entities primarily engaged in
                                                  Urban Development. Flexible approval                    with respect to the environment has                   accepting time deposits, making
                                                  standard requirements, will allow for                   been made in accordance with HUD                      mortgage and real estate loans, and
                                                  projects to efficiently meet market                     regulations in 24 CFR part 50 that                    investing in high-grade securities.
                                                  needs. Second, the rule changes the                     implement section 102(2)(C) of the                    Savings and loan associations and
                                                  frequency with which approved projects                  National Environmental Policy Act of                  savings banks are included in this
                                                  need to be reapproved from two years to                 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)). The                      industry.
                                                  three years. Third, the rule changes the                Finding is available for public                       Credit Unions (NAICS 522130)
                                                  standards for condominium DELRAP                        inspection during regular business
                                                  mortgagees in order to require minimum                  hours in the Regulations Division,                      Entities primarily engaged in
                                                  experience and quality control levels.                  Office of General Counsel, Department                 accepting members’ share deposits in
                                                     The rule could result in multiple                    of Housing and Urban Development,                     cooperatives that are organized to offer
                                                  transfers: Among lenders, among                         451 7th Street SW., Room 10276,                       consumer loans to their members.
                                                  condominium projects; and to FHA. The                   Washington, DC 20410–0500. Due to                     Real Estate Credit (NAICS 522292)
                                                  benefit of the proposed rule is to                      security measures at the HUD                            Entities primarily engaged in lending
                                                  provide flexibility in implementation                   Headquarters building, please schedule                funds with real estate as collateral. This
                                                  providing competent lenders a role in                   an appointment to review the Finding                  includes: Construction lending, farm
                                                  project approval. Costs arise from any                  by calling the Regulations Division at                mortgage lending, Federal Land Banks,
                                                  administrative burden imposed upon                      (202) 402–3055 (this is not a toll-free               home equity credit lending, loan
                                                  the private sector or lost opportunities                number). Individuals with speech or                   correspondents (i.e., lending funds with
                                                  resulting from condominium project                      hearing impairments may access this                   real estate as collateral), mortgage
                                                  requirements. Many provisions of the                    number via TTY by calling the Federal                 banking (i.e., nondepository mortgage
                                                  rule (Single-Unit Approval, flexible                    Relay Service at (800) 877–8339.                      lending), and mortgage companies.
                                                  standards, a longer interval for condo
                                                  approvals, and exceptions for                           Regulatory Flexibility Act                            Mortgage and Nonmortgage Loan
                                                  environmental review) will reduce or                       The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)               Brokers (NAICS 522310)
                                                  eliminate the compliance costs of the                   (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), generally requires              Entities primarily engaged in
                                                  rule. The Regulatory Impact Analysis                    an agency to conduct a regulatory                     arranging loans by bringing borrowers
                                                  discusses but does not monetize many                    flexibility analysis of any rule subject to           and lenders together on a commission or
                                                  of the difficult to evaluate impacts.                   notice and comment rulemaking                         fee basis.
                                                  Monetized annual impacts of the rule                    requirements, unless the agency certifies               During the 1980s and 1990s, mortgage
                                                  include the estimated paperwork                         that the rule will not have a significant             lending evolved from the traditional
                                                  burden of $2.1 million. HUD finds that                  economic impact on a substantial                      portfolio lender model where single
                                                  increasing the periodicity of approval                  number of small entities. This proposed               companies (bank and thrift depositories)
                                                  from 2 to 3 years reduces the costs of                  rule establishes regulations for single-              performed all steps in the mortgage
                                                  approval by $1 million annually.                        family mortgage insurance of                          process—making, closing, funding,
                                                     Greater detail and analysis than this                condominium units pursuant to 12                      servicing, and holding the loan—to a
                                                  brief summary can provide is available                  U.S.C. 1707 and 1709. However, HUD                    more specialized industry of originators,
                                                  in the full initial Regulatory Impact                   has been providing mortgage insurance                 funding lenders, warehouse lenders,
                                                  Analysis (RIA) prepared for this rule,                  for this purpose pursuant to statute and              separate secondary market buyers of
                                                  which is available for public inspection                the Condominium Approval and                          loans, and servicers.2 A major driving
                                                  in the Regulations Division and may be                  Processing Guide published in 2011.                   force behind the unbundling of the
                                                  viewed online at www.regulations.gov,                   While this rule makes some adjustments                mortgage functions, as well as the rise
                                                  under the docket number above. Due to
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                                                                                                          to the provisions on eligibility for                  of mortgage brokers, has been the rise
                                                  security measures at the HUD                            DELRAP participation, and many                        and eventual dominance of mortgage
                                                  Headquarters building, an advance                       DELRAP lenders are small entities, this               securitization, which separated the
                                                  appointment to review the public                        rule is not so different as to create a               provision of capital from loan
                                                  comments must be scheduled by calling                   significant economic impact.                          origination and servicing. Brokers
                                                  the Regulations Division at (202) 708–
                                                  3055 (this is not a toll-free number).                  A. Industry Sector Data Analysis
                                                                                                                                                                 2 Michael G. Jacobides, ‘‘Mortgage Banking
                                                  Individuals with speech or hearing                        Industries involved in mortgage                     Unbundling: Structure, Automation, and Profit,’’
                                                  impairments may access this number                      origination and lending. Mortgage                     Mortgage Banking, January 2001, pages 28–40.



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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 188 / Wednesday, September 28, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                                                       66571

                                                  originate loans mainly for wholesale                                      reported mortgage originations;                                 income, interest, dividends, royalties,
                                                  lenders.                                                                  independent mortgage companies 40                               and net insurance premiums earned.
                                                     Studies of the mortgage brokerage                                      percent, credit unions over 9 percent,                          SBA considers a real estate credit small
                                                  industry do not find there to be high                                     affiliates, remainder (Federal Reserve,                         if its annual revenue is no greater than
                                                  fixed costs for firms. There is little                                    2015).                                                          $38.5 million. A mortgage broker is
                                                  evidence of economies of scale in                                            In 2014, 7,062 reporting institutions,                       defined as small if its revenue is no
                                                  mortgage origination but there is some                                    4,118 banks and thrifts, 3,367 were                             greater than $7.5 million.
                                                  evidence that brokers are more efficient                                  small (assets less than $1 billion), 1,984                         For three of the industries considered
                                                  originators than mid-size and large                                       credit unions, 139 mortgage companies                           in this analysis (Commercial Banks,
                                                  lenders. Olson (2002) reports that his                                    affiliated with depositories (banks and                         Savings Institutions, and Credit
                                                  surveys find no economies of scale in                                     credit unions), 821 independent                                 Unions), the SBA definition of small is
                                                  mortgage production—a one-person firm                                     mortgage companies. In 2014, small                              by the dollar amount of assets ($550
                                                  produced as many loans per employee                                       banks and credit unions were much                               million). Assets include: Cash, interest-
                                                  as a larger firm. Olson regards brokers                                   more likely to originate conventional                           earning loans, leases, securities, real
                                                  as low-cost, highly-competitive firms,                                    higher-priced loans than large banks                            estate, letters of credit, loans to other
                                                  vigorously competing with one another                                     and mortgage companies. Small banks                             banks, any other financial assets, and
                                                  and with little opportunity to earn                                       and credit unions originated about 18                           intangible assets.
                                                  above-normal profits.3                                                    percent of conventional home-purchase
                                                                                                                            loans, but accounted for 59 percent of                             The diversity of size standards makes
                                                  B. Current State of the Market                                                                                                            it difficult to perform a precise analysis
                                                                                                                            higher-priced conventional home-
                                                     In 2014, 7,062 institutions reported                                   purchase loans (Federal Reserve, 2015).                         of the ubiquity small firms. This
                                                  data on nearly 10 million home                                                                                                            difficulty is compounded when sources
                                                  mortgage applications, resulted in 6                                      C. Size Standards                                               of business statistics do not report their
                                                  million originations. This is down from                                      SBA’s size standards (2016) define                           data by SBA’s size standards and that
                                                  8.7 million originations in 2013. There                                   whether a business entity is small and,                         industry definition may not be
                                                  was an historically high share of loans                                   thus, eligible for Government programs                          equivalent. When an exact
                                                  originated outside the federally insured                                  and preferences reserved for ‘‘small                            correspondence is not possible, HUD
                                                  banking system by institutions such as                                    business’’ concerns. Size standards have                        will, by necessity, use an alternative
                                                  independent mortgage companies and                                        been established for types of economic                          size standard. For example, asset data is
                                                  credit unions, not subject to Community                                   activity, or industry, generally under the                      collected by the Federal Deposit
                                                  Reinvestment Act (Federal Reserve,                                        North American Industry Classification                          Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for
                                                  2015).4                                                                   System (NAICS). For most industries                             Commercial Banks and Savings
                                                     The share of mortgages originated by                                   considered, a ‘‘small’’ business is                             Institutions. FDIC uses $1 billion as a
                                                  non-depository, independent mortgage                                      defined by revenue. Size standards are                          means to categorize banks and thrifts,
                                                  companies has increased sharply in                                        based on another criterion if revenue is                        which is more inclusive than SBA’s
                                                  recent years. Small banks and credit                                      not suitable, either because prices are                         definition.
                                                  unions have also increased market                                         volatile or there are more appropriate                          D. Prevalence of Small Firms
                                                  shares over the past decade. The                                          measures.
                                                  fraction of originations attributable to                                     According to the U.S. Census Bureau,                            Estimating the prevalence of small
                                                  large banks and their nonbank                                             revenue for Finance, Insurance and Real                         firms in making FHA-insured
                                                  subsidiaries diminished. Banks and                                        Estate includes commissions and fees                            condominium loans requires combining
                                                  thrifts accounted for 45 percent of all                                   from all sources, rents, net investment                         statistics from different sources.

                                                                                                              FHA INSURED CONDOMINIUM LOANS BY LENDER TYPE *
                                                                                                                                                                                          Forward condo         All condo        All condo
                                                                                                                                                                             Firms             loans            loans ***          loans
                                                                                                Type of lender                                                           (% of number)     (% of number       (% of number      (% of dollar
                                                                                                                                                                                             of loans)          of loans)         volume)

                                                  Bank (Total) .....................................................................................................                 30                20                19                     7
                                                      Small Bank ** ............................................................................................                     13                 3                 3                     1
                                                      Large Bank ...............................................................................................                     17                17                16                     6
                                                  Mortgage Company .........................................................................................                         66                79                79                    93
                                                      Affiliated ....................................................................................................                 1                 0                 0                     0
                                                      Independent ..............................................................................................                     65                79                79                    93
                                                  Credit Union .....................................................................................................                  3                 1                 1                     0

                                                               Total **** ............................................................................................              100              100                100                100
                                                     * Source: Single Family Data Warehouse 6/1/14–5/31/16.
                                                     ** Defined as having assets no greater than $1 Billion.
                                                     *** All = forward + HECM.
                                                     **** Percentages by lender type are rounded and so may not sum to 100.
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                                                    The table provides us with some                                         that are involved in making FHA-condo                           any measure are mortgage companies.
                                                  insight concerning the types of firms                                     loans. The predominant originators by                           Independent mortgage companies make

                                                    3 Olson, David. 2002. ‘‘Report of David Olson.’’                        Lonnie and Danny Glover (Plantiffs) vs. Standard                  4 http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/bulletin/

                                                  Report submitted to U.S. District Court, Court of                         Federal Bank, ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc.                     2015/pdf/2014_HMDA.pdf.
                                                  Minnesota in Civil Case No. 97–2068 DWF/SRN:                              and Heartland Mortgage Corporation (Defendants).



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                                                  66572                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 188 / Wednesday, September 28, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                  79 percent of the loans and 93 percent                                      at by dividing FHA loans by FHA’s                                        all condo loans and 2 percent of the
                                                  of the dollar volume. The largest                                           market share. Doing so will lead to                                      dollar volume.
                                                  independent mortgage company,                                               estimates that are inaccurately high for                                    We counted a total of only 39 credit
                                                  Quicken Loans, accounts for over 5.5                                        some and too low for others. On average                                  unions over a two-year period. Credit
                                                  percent of all condo loans. In this table,                                  the estimate will be correct. In the last                                Unions are not active in making condo
                                                  ‘‘banks’’ are equivalent to commercial                                      three years (2013–2015), FHA’s share of                                  loans. The proportion of loans and
                                                  banks and savings institutions. Small                                       the dollar value of home purchases as                                    dollar value made by credit unions is
                                                  banks (assets of no greater than $1                                         varied around 15 percent.                                                very close to 0 percent. Thus, accuracy
                                                  billion) represent a small proportion of                                       The estimated value of loans can be                                   in estimating the small/large percentage
                                                  firms (13 percent) and an even smaller                                      converted to an estimated revenue by                                     is not as important as for other types of
                                                  percentage of condo loans (3 percent).                                      multiplying by an appropriate                                            lenders. We will assume that all credit
                                                     Given the dominance of mortgage                                          percentage. Estimates of broker income                                   unions are small because the average
                                                  companies, an estimate of the small                                         vary between 1 and 3 percent. We use                                     asset amount is significantly below $1
                                                  companies originating mortgage loans is                                     the lower to arrive for a more expansive                                 billion (Monthly Credit Union
                                                  essential to a good economic analysis.                                      count of small business. Of all condo                                    Estimates, May 2016).
                                                  HUD has data concerning the total FHA-                                      lenders, 31 percent of the firms are                                        Small firms constitute 47 percent of
                                                  insured loans made by the firms also                                        small mortgage companies (earning less                                   originators of FHA-insured condo loans,
                                                  involved in the condo business. An                                          than $7.5 million). These small                                          9 percent of all condo loans, and 3
                                                  estimate of the total loans can be arrived                                  mortgage companies make 5 percent of                                     percent of the dollar volume.

                                                                           ESTIMATES OF PREVALENCE OF SMALL LOAN ORIGINATORS INVOLVED IN FHA CONDO LENDING
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Number of        Dollar volume
                                                                                                                                                                                                       Small firms      condo loans       of condo loans
                                                                                                                                                                                                         (%)                (%)                 (%)

                                                  Banks ...........................................................................................................................................              13                   3               1
                                                  Mortgage Companies ..................................................................................................................                          31                   5               2
                                                  Credit Unions ...............................................................................................................................                   3                   1               0

                                                        Total ......................................................................................................................................             47                   9               3



                                                  E. Economic Impact                                                          least occasional experience should be                                    a substantial number of small entities,
                                                     Approximately half of the firms                                          able to satisfy the requirements without                                 HUD specifically invites comments
                                                  engaged in making FHA-insured                                               undue burden.                                                            regarding any less burdensome
                                                  condominium loans are estimated to be                                         Other elements of the rule lift                                        alternatives to this rule that will meet
                                                  small. This share of small firms could                                      regulatory burdens. First, allowing                                      HUD’s objectives as described in this
                                                  change depending upon the regulatory                                        Single-Unit Approval enables small                                       preamble.
                                                  impact of the rule and whether that                                         lenders business opportunities without
                                                                                                                                                                                                       Executive Order 13132, Federalism
                                                  impact is disproportionate. Although                                        the cost of seeking approval for an entire
                                                  small business constitutes 47 percent of                                    condominium project.5 Second, by                                            Executive Order 13132 (entitled
                                                  all firms, they originate only 9 percent                                    providing that only completed projects                                   ‘‘Federalism’’) prohibits, to the extent
                                                  of all loans, making it more difficult to                                   may be approved, this rule eliminates                                    practicable and permitted by law, an
                                                  pass on any costs of origination to                                         the need for HUD to require an                                           agency from promulgating a regulation
                                                  borrowers. Reducing (raising) fixed                                         environmental review from lenders as a                                   that has federalism implications and
                                                  costs benefits (harms) small firms                                          condition of approval. This change will                                  either imposes substantial direct
                                                  disproportionately more than large ones.                                    benefit small firms that are less likely to                              compliance costs on state and local
                                                     One aspect of the rule that could have                                   retain specialists. Although some                                        governments and is not required by
                                                  a negative and disproportionate impact                                      components of the rule raise the cost of                                 statute or preempts state law, unless the
                                                  on small firms are any requirements to                                      compliance for small firms, other                                        relevant requirements of section 6 of the
                                                  participate in the DELRAP program.                                          elements will expand their                                               Executive Order are met. This rule does
                                                  While many of the requirements will be                                      opportunities and allow them to spread                                   not have federalism implications and
                                                  met with little difficulty by already-                                      the compliance costs over a greater                                      does not impose substantial direct
                                                  approved lenders, requirements that are                                     number of loans. Also, participation in                                  compliance costs on state and local
                                                  related to the level of business activity                                   condominium insurance, like HUD’s                                        governments or preempt state law
                                                  would place a relatively higher burden                                      other mortgage insurance programs, is                                    within the meaning of the Executive
                                                  on small firms. To be qualified for                                         purely voluntary.                                                        Order.
                                                  Direct Endorsement authority, a                                               Therefore, the undersigned certifies                                   Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
                                                  mortgagee must satisfy the following                                        that this rule will not have a significant                               Number
                                                  characteristics: Possess at least one of                                    impact on a substantial number of small
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                                                  year experience in condo loans; have                                        entities.                                                                  The Catalog of Federal Domestic
                                                  made at least 10 FHA approved condo                                           Notwithstanding HUD’s view that this                                   Assistance number for 24 CFR parts 203
                                                  loans; possess a quality control plan;                                      rule will not have a significant effect on                               and 234 is 14.117.
                                                  and participating staff is limited to those                                                                                                          List of Subjects
                                                                                                                                 5 As
                                                                                                                                    noted in the accompanying Regulatory
                                                  with prior experience. All of these
                                                  requirements would be easier to meet by                                     Impact Analysis, the average cost of a project                           24 CFR Part 203
                                                                                                                              DELRAP approval would be $1,250. Extending the
                                                  larger firms with greater capacity.                                         approval period to 3 years reduces this cost by                            Hawaiian Natives, Home
                                                  Nonetheless, small firms that have at                                       approximately one-third for all lenders.                                 improvement, Indians-lands, Loan


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                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 188 / Wednesday, September 28, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                            66573

                                                  programs-housing and community                          mortgagee that it may proceed with the                a corrective action plan addressing the
                                                  development, Mortgage insurance,                        recommended decision on the                           issues that led to the termination of the
                                                  Reporting and recordkeeping                             Condominium Project.                                  mortgagee’s DELRAP authority, along
                                                  requirements, Solar energy.                               (3) Unconditional DELRAP Authority.                 with evidence that the mortgagee has
                                                                                                          Mortgagees will be granted                            implemented the corrective action plan.
                                                  24 CFR Part 234                                         unconditional DELRAP authority after                  The Commissioner may grant
                                                    Condominiums, Mortgage insurance,                     completing at least five (5) DELRAP                   Conditional DELRAP authority if the
                                                  Reporting and recordkeeping                             reviews to the satisfaction of the                    mortgagee’s application is complete and
                                                  requirements.                                           Commissioner and may then exercise                    the Commissioner determines that the
                                                    For the reasons stated in the foregoing               DELRAP authority to approve projects                  underlying causes for the termination
                                                  preamble, HUD proposes to amend 24                      in accordance with requirements of the                have been satisfactorily remedied. The
                                                  CFR parts 203 and 234 as follows:                       Commissioner.                                         mortgagee will be required to complete
                                                                                                            (c) Reviews. HUD will monitor a                     successfully at least five (5) test cases in
                                                  PART 203—SINGLE FAMILY                                  mortgagee’s performance in DELRAP on                  accordance with paragraph (b)(2) in
                                                  MORTGAGE INSURANCE                                      an ongoing basis.                                     order to receive unconditional DELRAP
                                                                                                            (1) If the review shows that there are              authority as provided in paragraph
                                                  ■  1. The authority citation for part 203               no material deficiencies, subsequent                  (b)(3) above.
                                                  is revised to read as follows:                          project approvals, denials or                         ■ 3. Revise § 203.17(a)(1) to read as
                                                    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1707, 1709, 1710,                recertifications may be selected for post-            follows:
                                                  1715b, 1715z–16, 1715u, and 1715z–21; 15                action review based on a percentage as
                                                  U.S.C. 1639c; 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).                        determined by the Commissioner.                       § 203.17   Mortgage provisions.
                                                                                                            (2) If the review shows that there are                (a) Mortgage form. (1) The term
                                                  Subpart A—Eligibility Requirements                      deficiencies in the mortgagee’s DELRAP                ‘‘mortgage’’ as used in this part, except
                                                  and Underwriting Procedures                             performance, the mortgagee may be                     § 203.43c, shall have the meaning given
                                                  ■   2. Add § 203.8 to read as follows:                  returned to Conditional DELRAP status.                in Section 201 of the National Housing
                                                                                                            (3) If additional reviews continue to               Act, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1707).
                                                  § 203.8 Approval of mortgagees for Direct               show deficiencies in the mortgagee’s
                                                  Endorsement Lender Review and Approval                                                                        *     *     *     *    *
                                                                                                          DELRAP performance, the mortgagee’s
                                                  Process (DELRAP).                                                                                             ■ 4. Add 203.43b to read as follows:
                                                                                                          authority to participate in DELRAP may
                                                    (a) General. Each mortgagee that                      be terminated or other action taken                   § 203.43b Eligibility of mortgages on
                                                  chooses to participate in the review and                against the mortgagee or responsible                  single-family condominium units.
                                                  approval of Condominium Projects, as                    staff reviewer.                                         (a) Definitions. As used in this part:
                                                  set forth in § 203.43b, must be granted                   (d) Termination of DELRAP Authority.
                                                                                                                                                                   (1) Condominium Association
                                                  authority to participate in the Direct                  (1) HUD may immediately terminate the
                                                                                                                                                                (Association) means the organization,
                                                  Endorsement Lender Review and                           mortgagee’s authority to participate in
                                                                                                                                                                regardless of its formal legal name that
                                                  Approval Process (DELRAP).                              DELRAP or take any action listed in 24
                                                    (b) DELRAP Authority—(1) Eligibility.                                                                       consists of homeowners within a
                                                                                                          CFR 203.3(d) if the mortgagee:
                                                  To be granted DELRAP authority, as                                                                            condominium project for the purpose of
                                                                                                            (i) Violates any of the requirements
                                                  described in § 203.43b, a mortgagee                                                                           managing the financial and common-
                                                                                                          and procedures established by the
                                                  must be unconditionally approved for                                                                          area assets.
                                                                                                          Secretary for mortgagees approved to
                                                  the Direct Endorsement program as                       participate in DELRAP, the Direct                        (2) Condominium Project shall mean
                                                  provided in § 203.3 and meet the                        Endorsement program, or the Title II                  the project in which one-family
                                                  following requirements:                                 Single Family mortgage insurance                      dwelling units are attached, semi-
                                                    (i) Have staff with at least one year of              program; or                                           detached, or detached, or are
                                                  experience in underwriting mortgages                      (ii) If HUD determines that other good              manufactured housing units, and in
                                                  on condominiums and/or condominium                      cause exists.                                         which owners hold an undivided
                                                  project approval;                                         (2) Such termination will be effective              interest in the common areas and
                                                    (ii) Have originated not less than 10                 upon receipt of HUD’s notice advising                 facilities that serve the project.
                                                  condominium loans in projects                           of the termination.                                      (3) Condominium Unit shall mean
                                                  approved by the Commissioner;                             (3) Notwithstanding any provisions of               real estate consisting of a one-family
                                                    (iii) Have an acceptable quality                      this section, the Commissioner reserves               unit in a multifamily project, including
                                                  control plan that includes specific                     the right to take administrative action,              a project in which the dwelling units are
                                                  provisions related to DELRAP; and                       including revocation of DELRAP                        attached, or are manufactured housing
                                                    (iv) Ensure that only staff members                   authority, against any mortgagee and                  units, semi-detached, or detached, and
                                                  meeting the above experience                            staff reviewer because of unacceptable                an undivided interest in the common
                                                  requirements participate in the approval                performance. Any termination instituted               areas and facilities that serve the
                                                  of a Condominium Project using                          under this section is distinct from                   project.
                                                  DELRAP authority.                                       withdrawal of mortgagee approval by                      (4) Infrastructure means the
                                                    (2) Conditional DELRAP Authority.                     the Mortgagee Review Board under 24                   condominium project’s streets, storm
                                                  Mortgagees will be granted Conditional                  CFR part 25.                                          water management, water and sewage
                                                  DELRAP authority upon provision of                        (e) Reinstatement. A mortgagee whose                systems, and utilities, along with the
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                                                  notice to the Commissioner of the intent                DELRAP authority is terminated under                  project’s common elements and
                                                  to use DELRAP. Mortgagees with                          this section may request reinstatement if             amenities, such as parking lots,
                                                  Conditional DELRAP authority must                       the mortgagee’s DELRAP authority has                  community buildings, swimming pools,
                                                  submit all recommended Condominium                      been terminated for at least 6 months. In             golf courses, playgrounds, and any
                                                  Project approvals, denials and                          addition to addressing the eligibility                similar items, called for in the project or
                                                  recertifications to FHA for review. If                  criteria specified in paragraph (b)(1) of             legal phase.
                                                  FHA agrees with the mortgagee’s                         this section, the application for                        (5) Rental for Transient or Hotel
                                                  recommendation, it will advise the                      reinstatement must be accompanied by                  Purposes shall have the meaning given


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                                                  66574             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 188 / Wednesday, September 28, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                  in section 513(e) of the National                          (6) Meet such further approval                     (d) of this section and must at a
                                                  Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1731b(e)).                       requirements as provided by the                       minimum be:
                                                     (6) Single-Unit Approval means                       Commissioner through notices with                        (A) In a vertical building, contiguous,
                                                  approval of one unit in an unapproved                   respect to:                                           with all units built out and having a
                                                  condominium project under paragraph                        (i) Nature of title to realty or leasehold         certificate of occupancy; or
                                                  (h) of this section.                                    interests;                                               (B) In a detached or semi-detached
                                                     (7) Site Condominium means a single                     (ii) Control over, and organization of,            development, consisting of groups of
                                                  family detached dwelling (which does                    the Condominium Association;                          adjoining or contiguous homes (which
                                                  not have a shared garage or any other                      (iii) Minimum insurance coverage for               may include, at HUD’s discretion,
                                                  attached building, including such                       the Condominium Project;                              easements for utilities and roads serving
                                                  improvements as archways, or                               (iv) Planned or actual special                     the homes), where all homes in a phase
                                                  breezeways), which is encumbered by a                   assessments;                                          are built out and have a certificate of
                                                  declaration of condominium covenants                       (v) Financial condition of the                     occupancy;
                                                  or condominium form of ownership,                       Condominium Project;                                     (xi) Reserve requirements, provided
                                                                                                             (vi) Existence of any pending legal                the reserve account is funded with at
                                                  and which consists of the entire
                                                                                                          action, or physical property condition;               least 10 percent of the monthly unit
                                                  structure as well as the site and air                      (vii) Commercial/non-residential
                                                  space and is not considered to be a                                                                           assessments, unless a lower amount is
                                                                                                          space, which must be within a range                   deemed acceptable by HUD based on a
                                                  common area or limited common area.                     between 25 and 60 percent of the total
                                                     (b) Eligibility. A mortgage secured by                                                                     reserve study completed not more than
                                                                                                          floor area (which range may be changed                24 months before a request for a lower
                                                  a Condominium Unit shall be eligible                    following the procedures in paragraph
                                                  for insurance under section 203 of the                                                                        amount is received.
                                                                                                          (d)(6) of this section), with the specific               (xii) Such other matters that may
                                                  National Housing Act if it meets the                    maximum and minimum percentages                       affect the viability or marketability of
                                                  requirements of this subpart, except as                 within that range to be established by                the project or its units.
                                                  modified by this section.                               HUD through notice, provided that such                   (e) The Secretary will publish any
                                                     (c) Approval required. To be eligible                commercial/non-residential space does                 generally applicable change in the
                                                  for insurance under this section, a                     not negatively impact the residential use             upper and lower limits of the ranges of
                                                  Condominium Unit must be located in                     of the project or create adverse                      percentages in paragraphs (d)(6)(vii)
                                                  a Condominium Project approved by                       conditions to the occupants of                        through (ix) of this section in a notice
                                                  HUD or a DELRAP mortgagee approved                      individual condominium units.                         published for 30 days of public
                                                  under § 203.8, or meet the additional                      (viii) Acceptable maximum                          comment. After considering the
                                                  requirements for approval as a Site                     percentages of units with FHA-insured                 comments, the Department will publish
                                                  Condominium or Single-Unit Approval.                    mortgages, which must be within a                     a final notice announcing the new
                                                     (d) Condominium Project Approval:                    range between 25 and 75 percent of the                overall upper and lower limits of the
                                                  Eligibility Requirements. To be eligible                total number of units in the project                  range of percentages being
                                                  for Condominium Project approval, the                   (which range may be changed following                 implemented, and the date on which the
                                                  Condominium Project must:                               the procedures in paragraph (d)(6) of                 new standard becomes effective.
                                                     (1) Be primarily residential in nature               this section), with the specific                         (f) The Secretary may grant an
                                                  and not be intended for rental for                      maximum percentage of units with                      exception to any specifically prescribed
                                                  Transient or Hotel Purposes;                            FHA-insured mortgages within that                     requirements within paragraph (d)(6) of
                                                     (2) Consist of units that are solely one-            range to be established by HUD through                this section on a case-by-case basis in
                                                  family units;                                           notice.                                               HUD’s discretion, provided that:
                                                     (3) Be in full compliance with all                      (ix) Acceptable minimum levels of                     (1) In the case of an exception to the
                                                  applicable Federal, State, and local laws               owner occupancy, including units                      approval requirements for the
                                                  with respect to zoning, Fair Housing,                   under a bona fide contract to purchase                commercial/nonresidential space
                                                  and accessibility for persons with                      by a purchaser who occupies or will                   percentage that HUD establishes under
                                                  disabilities, including but not limited to              occupy the unit as their principal                    paragraph (d)(6)(vii) of this section, any
                                                  the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. 3601 et                 residence as well as a purchaser who                  request for such an exception and the
                                                  seq., Section 504 of the Rehabilitation                 occupies or intends to occupy the unit                determination of the disposition of such
                                                  Act, 29 U.S.C. 794, and the Americans                   as a secondary residence, as defined in               request may be made, at the option of
                                                  with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et               § 203.18(f)(2), within a range between 25             the requester, under the direct
                                                  seq., where relevant;                                   and 75 percent of the total number of                 endorsement lender review and
                                                     (4) Be complete and ready for                        units in the project (which may be                    approval process or under the HUD
                                                  occupancy, including completion of all                  changed following the procedures in                   review and approval process through
                                                  the infrastructure of the project or legal              paragraph (d)(6) of this section), with a             the applicable field office of the
                                                  phase, and not subject to further                       specific minimum percentage to be                     Department; and
                                                  rehabilitation, construction, phasing, or               established by HUD through notice.                       (2) In determining whether to allow
                                                  annexation, except to the extent that                      (x) Phasing, provided that only legal              such an exception, factors relating to the
                                                  approval is sought for legal phasing in                 phasing is permitted and individual                   economy for the locality in which the
                                                  compliance with the requirements of                     phases must contain sufficient numbers                project is located or specific to the
                                                  paragraph (d)(6)(x) of this section;                    of units to be separately sustainable as              project, including the total number of
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                                                     (5) Be reviewed and approved by the                  required by HUD, so that the insurance                family units in the project, shall be
                                                  local jurisdiction with respect to the                  fund is not put at undue risk. In                     considered. A DELRAP lender, in
                                                  condominium plat or similar                             determining whether to accept legal                   determining whether to grant a
                                                  development plan and any phases; if                     phasing, HUD will assess the potential                requested exception, shall follow any
                                                  applicable, the approved plat or                        risk to the insurance fund and other                  procedures that HUD may establish.
                                                  development plan must have been                         factors that HUD may publish in                          (g) Application for Condominium
                                                  recorded in the land records of the                     notices. Phases must meet HUD’s                       Project approval and Renewal of
                                                  jurisdiction; and                                       requirements for approval in paragraph                Approval. (1) In order to become


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                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 188 / Wednesday, September 28, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                            66575

                                                  approved, an application for                               (ii) Is in a project that is complete              exteriors or areas that are the
                                                  Condominium Project approval, in                        under paragraph (d)(4) of this section;               responsibility of the Association; and
                                                  accordance with the requirements of the                    (iii) Is not a manufactured housing                *       *    *     *      *
                                                  Commissioner, must be submitted to                      condominium project or 2–4 unit                          (f) The loan may not exceed an
                                                  either HUD or a DELRAP mortgagee, if                    project;                                              amount which, when added to any
                                                  consistent with the mortgagee’s                            (iv) Is not a manufactured home and                outstanding indebtedness of the
                                                  DELRAP approval.                                        is in a project that has at least 5                   borrower that is secured by the
                                                     (2) The application will be reviewed                 dwelling units; and                                   property, creates an outstanding
                                                  and if all eligibility criteria have been                  (v) Is in a project in which the amount            indebtedness in excess of the lesser of:
                                                  met, the Condominium Project will be                    of Single-Unit Approvals is limited to a                 (1)(i) The limits prescribed in
                                                  approved and placed on the list of HUD-                 percentage of the total number of units               § 203.18(a)(1) and (3) (in the case of a
                                                  approved Condominium Projects.                          in the project that is within a range of              dwelling to be occupied as a principal
                                                     (3) Unless otherwise specified in                    0 to 20 percent, with the exact                       residence, as defined in § 203.18(f)(1));
                                                  writing by HUD, Condominium Projects                    percentage within that range to be                       (ii) The limits prescribed in
                                                  are approved for a period of three (3)                  determined by HUD through notice.                     § 203.18(a)(1) and (4) (in the case of a
                                                  years from the date of placement on the                    (3) HUD will publish any generally                 dwelling to be occupied as a secondary
                                                  list of approved condominiums. HUD                      applicable change in the overall upper                residence, as defined in § 203.18(f)(2));
                                                  may rescind a Condominium Project’s                     and lower limits of the range stated in                  (iii) Eighty-five (85) percent of the
                                                  approval at any time if the project fails               paragraph (h)(2)(v) of this section by                limits prescribed in § 203.18(c), or such
                                                  to comply with any requirement for                      notice published for 30 days of public                higher limit, not to exceed the limits set
                                                  approval.                                               comment. After considering the                        forth in § 203.18(a)(1) and (3), as the
                                                     (4) Eligible parties may request                     comments, HUD will publish a final                    Secretary may prescribe (in the case of
                                                  renewal of the approval of an approved                  notice announcing the new upper and                   an eligible non-occupant mortgagor as
                                                  Condominium Project by submitting a                     lower limit of the range of percentages               defined in § 203.18(f)(3));
                                                  request for recertification no earlier than             being implemented, and the date on                       (iv) The limits prescribed in
                                                  6 months prior to expiration of the                     which the new standard becomes                        § 203.18a, based upon the sum of the
                                                  approval or no later than 6 months after                effective.                                            estimated cost of rehabilitation and the
                                                  expiration of the approval. HUD shall                      (i) Site Condominium. Site                         Commissioner’s estimate of the value of
                                                  specify the format for the recertification              condominiums are as defined in                        the property before rehabilitation;
                                                  request, which shall allow the request to               § 203.43b. Site Condominiums must                        (2) The limits prescribed in the
                                                  be supported by updating previously                     meet all of the requirements of                       authorities listed in this paragraph (f),
                                                  submitted information, rather than                      paragraph (d)(1) of this section for                  based upon 110 percent of the
                                                  resubmission of all information.                        approval, except that:                                Commissioner’s estimate of the value of
                                                  However, if the request for                                (1) Insurance and maintenance costs                the property after rehabilitation; or
                                                  recertification is not submitted within 6               must be the sole responsibility of the                   (3) For any Condominium Unit that is
                                                  months after the expiration of the                      unit owner; and                                       not a detached dwelling, attached
                                                  Condominium Project’s approval, a                          (2) Any common assessments                         townhouse dwelling, manufactured
                                                  complete, new approval application is                   collected must be restricted to use solely            home (as defined in 24 CFR 3280.2), or
                                                  required.                                               for amenities outside of the footprint of             site condominium (as defined in
                                                     (h) Single-Unit Approval. (1) Limit on               the individual site.                                  § 203.43b), 100 percent of the after-
                                                  Single-Unit Approvals. HUD will not                     ■ 5. Amend § 203.50 to revise                         improvement value of the
                                                  insure mortgages in an unapproved                       paragraphs (a)(1) and (f) to read as                  Condominium Unit.
                                                  project if the percentage of such                       follows:                                              *       *    *     *      *
                                                  mortgages exceeds an amount
                                                  determined by the Commissioner to be                    § 203.50    Eligibility of rehabilitation loans.      PART 234—CONDOMINIUM
                                                  necessary for the protection of the                     *       *    *    *      *                            OWNERSHIP MORTGAGE INSURANCE
                                                  insurance fund, which percentage will                      (a) * * *
                                                  be specified by the Commissioner by                        (1) The term rehabilitation loan                   ■ 6. The authority citation for part 234
                                                  notice.                                                 means a loan, advance of credit, or                   continues to read as follows:
                                                     (2) Single-Unit Approvals. Mortgagees                purchase of an obligation representing a                Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1715b and 1715y; 42
                                                  must ensure that the Condominium Unit                   loan or advancement of credit, made for               U.S.C. 3535(d).
                                                  is located in a Condominium Project                     the purpose of financing:
                                                  that either meets the eligibility                          (i) The rehabilitation of an existing              Subpart A—Eligibility Requirements—
                                                  requirements for approval as set forth in               one-to-four unit structure which will be              Individually Owned Units
                                                  paragraph (d) of this section as modified               used primarily for residential purposes;              ■   7. Add § 234.2 to read as follows:
                                                  by this paragraph, except that HUD may                     (ii) The rehabilitation of such a
                                                  provide that Single-Unit Approvals may                  structure and refinancing of the                      § 234.2    Savings clause.
                                                  be approved by meeting a subset of                      outstanding indebtedness on such                        Effective [date that is 30 days after the
                                                  these standards, or less stringent                      structure and the real property on which              date of publication of the final rule],
                                                  standards, as stated by notice. In                      the structure is located;                             HUD’s regulations at § 203.43b of this
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                                                  addition, a unit may be eligible for                       (iii) The rehabilitation of such a                 chapter govern approval of real estate
                                                  Single-Unit Approval if it:                             structure and the purchase of the                     consisting of a one-family unit in a
                                                     (i) Is not in a Condominium Project                  structure and the real property on which              multifamily project, and an undivided
                                                  that is on the list of FHA-approved                     it is located; or                                     interest in the common areas and
                                                  Condominium Projects, or in a project                      (iv) The rehabilitation of the interior            facilities which serve the project, except
                                                  that has been subject to adverse                        space or the installation of firewalls in             where the project has a blanket
                                                  determination for significant issues that               the attic of a condominium unit, as                   mortgage insured under section 234(d)
                                                  affect the viability of the project;                    defined in § 203.43b, excluding any                   of the National Housing Act, 12 U.S.C.


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                                                  66576             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 188 / Wednesday, September 28, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                  1715y(d) (section 234(d)). Where the                    Background and Explanation of                         the taxpayer controls and which are
                                                  project has a blanket mortgage insured                  Provisions                                            determined, under regulations prescribed by
                                                  by HUD under section 234(d), this 24                                                                          the Secretary, to be engaged in the same or
                                                                                                             This document contains amendments                  similar trades or businesses or related trades
                                                  CFR part 234 applies to the approval of                 to the Income Tax Regulations (26 CFR                 or businesses, or
                                                  a one-family unit in such project.                      part 1) relating to RICs. Section 851 of                (iii) the securities of one or more qualified
                                                    Dated: September 21, 2016.                            the Internal Revenue Code (Code) sets                 publicly traded partnerships (as defined in
                                                  Edward L. Golding,                                      forth requirements for qualifying as a                [section 851(h)]).
                                                  Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for                RIC.                                                    These proposed regulations relate to
                                                  Housing.                                                   Section 851(a) provides that a RIC is              the RIC income test and asset
                                                  [FR Doc. 2016–23258 Filed 9–27–16; 8:45 am]             any domestic corporation that (1) at all              diversification requirements. Section A.
                                                  BILLING CODE 4210–67–P
                                                                                                          times during the taxable year is                      of this preamble concerns the meaning
                                                                                                          registered under the Investment                       of security. Section B. of this preamble
                                                                                                          Company Act of 1940, Public Law 76–                   addresses inclusions under sections
                                                                                                          768, 54 Stat. 789 (codified as amended                951(a)(1)(A)(i) and 1293(a). These
                                                  DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY                              at 15 U.S.C. 80a–1—80a–64 (2016)) (the                proposed regulations also revise
                                                                                                          1940 Act), as a management company or                 § 1.851–2(b)(1) of the existing final
                                                  Internal Revenue Service
                                                                                                          unit investment trust or has in effect an             regulations to merely incorporate
                                                                                                          election under the 1940 Act to be                     changes to section 851(b)(2) since the
                                                  26 CFR Part 1
                                                                                                          treated as a business development                     existing final regulations were
                                                  [REG–123600–16]                                         company; or (2) is a common trust fund                published in the Federal Register on
                                                                                                          or other similar fund excluded by                     November 26, 1960, in TD 6500 (25 FR
                                                  RIN 1545–BN55                                           section 3(c)(3) of the 1940 Act from the              11910).
                                                                                                          definition of ‘‘investment company’’
                                                  Guidance under Section 851 Relating                     and is not included in the definition of              A. Defining Securities
                                                  to Investments in Stock and Securities                  ‘‘common trust fund’’ by section 584(a).                The income test and asset
                                                  AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS),                    To be treated as a RIC for a taxable               diversification requirements both use
                                                  Treasury.                                               year, a corporation must satisfy the                  the term ‘‘securities.’’ For purposes of
                                                  ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
                                                                                                          income test set forth in section 851(b).              the income test, a security is defined by
                                                                                                          The income test under section 851(b)(2)               reference to section 2(a)(36) of the 1940
                                                  SUMMARY:   This document provides                       requires that at least 90 percent of the              Act, while section 851(c) provides rules
                                                  guidance relating to the income test and                corporation’s gross income for the                    and definitions that apply for purposes
                                                  the asset diversification requirements                  taxable year be derived from:                         of the asset diversification requirements
                                                  that are used to determine whether a                       (A) dividends, interest, payments with             of section 851(b)(3) but does not
                                                  corporation may qualify as a regulated                  respect to securities loans (as defined in            specifically define ‘‘security.’’ Section
                                                  investment company (RIC) for federal                    section 512(a)(5)), and gains from the sale or        851(c)(6), however, provides that the
                                                  income tax purposes. These proposed                     other disposition of stock or securities (as          terms used in section 851(b)(3) and (c)
                                                  regulations provide guidance to                         defined in section 2(a)(36) of the [1940 Act])
                                                                                                          or foreign currencies, or other income                have the same meaning as when used in
                                                  corporations that intend to qualify as                  (including but not limited to gains from              the 1940 Act. An asset is therefore a
                                                  RICs.                                                   options, futures or forward contracts) derived        security for purposes of the income test
                                                  DATES:  Written or electronic comments                  with respect to its business of investing in          and the asset diversification
                                                  and requests for a public hearing must                  such stock, securities, or currencies, and (B)        requirements if it is a security under the
                                                                                                          net income derived from an interest in a              1940 Act.
                                                  be received by December 27, 2016.                       qualified publicly traded partnership (as               The Treasury Department and the IRS
                                                  ADDRESSES: Send submissions to:                         defined in [section 851(h)]).                         have in the past addressed whether
                                                  CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–123600–16), Room                         Section 851(b)(3) provides that to be              certain instruments or positions are
                                                  5203, Internal Revenue Service, P.O.                    treated as a RIC a corporation also must              securities for purposes of section 851. In
                                                  Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station,                         satisfy the following asset                           particular, Rev. Rul. 2006–1 (2006–1 CB
                                                  Washington, DC 20044. Submissions                       diversification requirements at the close             261) concludes that a derivative contract
                                                  may be hand delivered Monday through                    of each quarter of the corporation’s                  with respect to a commodity index is
                                                  Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and                  taxable year:                                         not a security for purposes of section
                                                  4 p.m. to: CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG–123600–
                                                                                                            (A) at least 50 percent of the value of its         851(b)(2). The ruling also holds that
                                                  16), Courier’s Desk, Internal Revenue
                                                                                                          total assets is represented by—                       income from such a contract is not
                                                  Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW.,                    (i) cash and cash items (including                  qualifying other income for purposes of
                                                  Washington, DC 20224, or sent                           receivables), Government securities and               section 851(b)(2) because that income is
                                                  electronically via the Federal                          securities of other [RICs], and                       not derived with respect to the RIC’s
                                                  eRulemaking Portal at                                     (ii) other securities for purposes of this          business of investing in stocks,
                                                  www.regulations.gov (IRS REG–123600–                    calculation limited, except and to the extent
                                                                                                          provided in [section 851(e)], in respect of any       securities, or currencies. Rev. Rul.
                                                  16).
                                                                                                          one issuer to an amount not greater in value          2006–1 was modified and clarified by
                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                                                                              Rev. Rul. 2006–31 (2006–1 CB 1133),
                                                                                                          than 5 percent of the value of the total assets
                                                  Concerning the proposed regulations,                    of the taxpayer and to not more than 10               which states that Rev. Rul. 2006–1 was
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                                                  Matthew Howard of the Office of                         percent of the outstanding voting securities          not intended to preclude a conclusion
                                                  Associate Chief Counsel (Financial                      of such issuer, and                                   that income from certain instruments
                                                  Institutions and Products) at (202) 317–                  (B) not more than 25 percent of the value           (such as certain structured notes) that
                                                  7053; concerning submissions of                         of its total assets is invested in—
                                                                                                            (i) the securities (other than Government
                                                                                                                                                                create commodity exposure for the
                                                  comments and requests for a public                                                                            holder is qualifying income under
                                                                                                          securities or the securities of other [RICs]) of
                                                  hearing, Regina Johnson (202) 317–6901                  any one issuer,                                       section 851(b)(2).
                                                  (not toll-free numbers).                                  (ii) the securities (other than the securities        After the issuance of Rev. Rul. 2006–
                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              of other [RICs]) of two or more issuers which         31, the IRS received a number of private


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Document Created: 2016-09-28 01:08:50
Document Modified: 2016-09-28 01:08:50
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rule.
ContactElissa Saunders, Director, Office of Single Family Program Development, Office of Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Washington, DC 20410-8000; telephone number 202-708-2121 (this is not a toll-free number). Hearing- and speech-impaired persons may access this number through TTY by calling the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339 (this is a toll-free number).
FR Citation81 FR 66565 
RIN Number2502-AJ30
CFR Citation24 CFR 203
24 CFR 234
CFR AssociatedHawaiian Natives; Home Improvement; Indians-Lands; Loan Programs-Housing and Community Development; Mortgage Insurance; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Solar Energy and Condominiums

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