Matawan City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XVI
Affordable Housing
§ 34-110.1 Preamble.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § Preamble]
The Zoning Ordinance of the Borough of Matawan is hereby amended to include provisions addressing Matawan's constitutional obligation to provide for its fair share of low- and moderate-income housing, consistent with N.J.A.C. 5:97-1, et seq., as may be amended and supplemented, and N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1, et seq., as may be amended and supplemented, and pursuant to the New Jersey Fair Housing Act of 1985 and the Rules of the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing (COAH). This Ordinance is intended to provide assurances that low- and moderate-income units ("affordable units") are created with controls on affordability over time and that low- and moderate-income households shall occupy these units. This Ordinance shall apply except where inconsistent with applicable law.
The Borough of Matawan shall file annual monitoring reports regarding the status of any affordable housing developments in the Borough with COAH or its successor agencies as required by N.J.A.C. 5:96 et seq. Any report filed by Matawan with COAH and any report prepared by COAH in response shall be available to the public at Matawan Borough Hall, Borough Clerk's Office, 201 Main Street, Matawan, New Jersey, 07747, at the COAH offices at P.O. Box 813, 101 South Broad Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0813 and on COAH's website.
§ 34-110.2 Municipal Fair Share Obligation.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 1]
The Borough of Matawan has a fair share obligation consisting of a 141 unit prior round obligation and a 14 unit rehabilitation obligation, as of the year 2000. The Borough's third round obligation and 2010 rehabilitation obligation have yet to be determined.
§ 34-110.3 Definitions.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 2]
The following terms when used in this article shall have the meanings given in this section:
Shall mean the Fair Housing Act of 1985, P.L. 1985, c. 222
[N.J.S.A. 52:27D-301 et seq.]
Shall mean constructed in compliance with the technical design standards of the Barrier Free Sub Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-7.
Shall mean the entity responsible for the administration of affordable units in accordance with this article, N.J.A.C. 5:96, N.J.A.C. 5:97 and UHAC (N.J.A.C. 5:80-26).
Shall mean a regional marketing strategy designed to attract buyers and/or renters of affordable units pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.15.
Shall mean the average percentage of median income at which new restricted units in an affordable housing development are affordable to low- and moderate-income households.
Shall mean a sales price or rent level that is within the means of a low- or moderate income household as defined in N.J.A.C. 5:97-9 and in the case of an ownership unit, that the sales price for the unit conforms to the standards set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.6, as may be amended and supplemented, and, in the case of a rental unit, that the rent for the unit conforms to the standards set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.12, as may be amended and supplemented.
Shall mean a housing development of which all or a portion consists of restricted units.
Shall mean a development included in the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, and includes, but is not limited to, an inclusionary development, a municipal construction project or a 100% affordable housing development.
Shall mean any mechanism in a municipal Fair Share Plan prepared or implemented to address a municipality's fair share obligation.
Shall mean a housing unit proposed or created pursuant to the Act, credited pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:97-4, and/or funded through an affordable housing trust fund.
Shall mean the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency established by P.L. 1983, c. 530 (N.J.S.A. 55:14K-1, et seq.).
Shall mean a housing unit designed to meet the needs of and exclusively for, the residents of an age-restricted segment of the population such that: 1) all the residents of the development where the unit is situated are 62 years of age or older; or 2) at least 80% of the units are occupied by one person that is 55 years of age or older; or 3) the development has been designated by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as "housing for older persons" as defined in Section 807(b)(2) of the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. § 3607.
Shall mean a facility that is licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services to provide apartment-style housing and congregate dining and to assure that assisted living services are available when needed for four or more adult persons unrelated to the proprietor and that offers units containing, at a minimum, one unfurnished room, a private bathroom, a kitchenette and a lockable door on the unit entrance.
Shall mean a household that has been certified by an Administrative Agent as a low-income household or moderate-income household.
Shall mean the State of New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing.
Shall mean the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
Shall mean a housing unit with health and safety code violations that require the repair or replacement of a major system. A major system includes weatherization, roofing, plumbing (including wells), heating, electricity, sanitary plumbing (including septic systems), lead paint abatement and/or load bearing structural systems.
Shall mean any person, partnership, association, company or corporation that is the legal or beneficial owner or owners of a lot or any land proposed to be included in a proposed development including the holder of an option to contract or purchase, or other person having an enforceable proprietary interest in such land.
Shall mean the division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels, the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any use or change in the use of any building or other structure, or of any mining, excavation or landfill, and any use or change in the use of any building or other structure, or land or extension of use of land, for which permission may be required pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-l, et seq.
Shall mean a development containing both affordable units and market rate units. This term includes, but is not limited to: new construction, the conversion of a nonresidential structure to residential use and the creation of new affordable units through the reconstruction of a vacant residential structure.
Shall mean a household with a total gross annual household income equal to 50% or less of the median household income.
Shall mean a restricted unit that is affordable to a low-income household.
Shall mean the primary structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, or occupant service components of a building which include but are not limited to, weatherization, roofing, plumbing (including wells), heating, electricity, sanitary plumbing (including septic systems), lead paint abatement or load bearing structural systems.
Shall mean housing not restricted to low- and moderate-income households that may sell or rent at any price.
Shall mean the median income by household size for the applicable housing region, as adopted annually by COAH.
Shall mean a household with a total gross annual household income in excess of 50% but less than 80% of the median household income.
Shall mean a restricted unit that is affordable to a moderate-income household.
Shall mean any sale or transfer of ownership other than the transfer of ownership between husband and wife; the transfer of ownership between former spouses ordered as a result of a judicial decree of divorce or judicial separation, but not including sales to third parties; the transfer of ownership between family members as a result of inheritance; the transfer of ownership through an executor's deed to a class A beneficiary and the transfer of ownership by order.
Shall mean a process by which currently income-eligible households are selected for placement in affordable housing units such that no preference is given to one applicant over another except for purposes of matching household income and size with an appropriately priced and sized affordable unit (e.g., by lottery).
Shall mean the maximum housing value in each housing region affordable to a four-person household with an income at 80% of the regional median as defined by COAH's adopted Regional Income Limits published annually by COAH.
Shall mean the repair, renovation, alteration or reconstruction of any building or structure, pursuant to the Rehabilitation Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-6.
Shall mean the gross monthly cost of a rental unit to the tenant, including the rent paid to the landlord, as well as an allowance for tenant-paid utilities computed in accordance with allowances published by DCA for its Section 8 program. In assisted living residences, rent does not include charges for food and services.
Shall mean a dwelling unit, whether a rental unit or an ownership unit, that is subject to the affordability controls of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1, as may be amended and supplemented, but does not include a market-rate unit financed under UHORP or MONI.
Shall mean the Uniform Housing Affordability Controls set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:80-26, et seq.
Shall mean a household with a total gross annual household income equal to 30% or less of the median household income for the applicable housing region.
Shall mean a restricted unit that is affordable to a very low-income household.
Shall mean building insulation (for attic, exterior walls and crawl space), siding to improve energy efficiency, replacement storm windows, replacement storm doors, replacement windows and replacement doors, and is considered a major system for purposes of the rehabilitation program.
§ 34-110.4 Affordable Housing Programs.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 3]
a.
Matawan has or will establish the following programs to address its rehabilitation obligation and a portion of its prior round obligation:
2.
Inclusionary residential development of a portion of Block 120, Lot 5.01.
3.
In addition to the foregoing, any property in the Borough of Matawan that is currently zoned for nonresidential uses and is subsequently rezoned for residential purposes or receives a use variance to permit residential development shall provide an affordable housing set-aside of 15% if the affordable units will be for rent and 20% if the affordable units will be for sale.
§ 34-110.5 Rehabilitation.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 4]
a.
The following general guidelines shall apply to all developments, existing and proposed, that contain low- and moderate-income housing units, including any currently unanticipated future developments that will provide low- and moderate-income housing units.
1.
Matawan's rehabilitation program shall be designed to renovate deficient housing units occupied by low- and moderate-income households such that, after rehabilitation, these units will comply with the New Jersey State Housing Code pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:28. The rehabilitation program shall include an owner occupancy rehabilitation program and a renter occupancy rehabilitation program.
2.
Matawan will designate an Administrative Agent to administer its entire rehabilitation program.
3.
Both owner occupied and renter occupied units shall be eligible for rehabilitation funds.
4.
All rehabilitated units shall remain affordable to low- and moderate-income households for a period of 10 years (the control period). For owner-occupied units, the control period shall be enforced with a lien, and, for renter-occupied units, the control period shall be enforced with a deed restriction.
5.
Matawan shall dedicate a minimum of $10,000 for the hard costs associated with each unit to be rehabilitated through the rehabilitation program, and shall reserve sufficient additional funds to cover required administrative costs associated with the program.
6.
The Borough of Matawan shall adopt a resolution committing to fund any shortfall in the rehabilitation program.
7.
The Administrative Agent shall provide a rehabilitation manual for the rehabilitation program to be adopted by resolution of the Governing Body. The manual shall be continuously available for public inspection in the Office of the Borough Clerk and in the office of the Administrative Agent.
8.
Units in a rehabilitation program shall be exempt from N.J.A.C. 5:97-9 and UHAC, but shall be administered in accordance with the following:
(a)
Upon the initial rental of a vacant unit subsequent to rehabilitation, or if a renter-occupied unit is re-rented prior to the end of controls on affordability, the deed restriction shall require the unit to be rented to a low- or moderate-income household at an affordable rent and to be affirmatively marketed pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:97-9 and UHAC.
(b)
If a unit is renter-occupied, upon completion of the rehabilitation, the maximum rent shall be the lesser of the current rent or the maximum permitted rent pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:97-9 and UHAC.
(c)
Rents in rehabilitated units may increase annually based on the standards in N.J.A.C. 5:97-9.
(d)
Applicant and/or tenant households shall be certified as income-eligible in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:97-9 and UHAC, except that households in owner-occupied units shall be exempt from the regional asset limit.
§ 34-110.6 Phasing Schedule for Inclusionary Zoning.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 5]
Matawan has prepared and adopted zoning regulations governing a new inclusionary residential zone. The inclusionary residential zone provides for a 15% set-aside of restricted rental units or a 20% set-aside of restricted ownership units.
In all inclusionary developments constructed in the Borough of Matawan, the following schedule shall be followed:
Maximum Percentage of Market-Rate Units Completed | Minimum Percentage of Low- and Moderate-Income Units Completed |
|---|---|
25 | 0 |
25 + 1 | 10 |
50 | 50 |
75 | 75 |
90 | 100 |
§ 34-110.7 New Construction.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 6]
a.
New Construction.
1.
Low/Moderate Split and Bedroom Distribution of Affordable Housing Units:
(a)
The fair share obligation shall be divided equally between low- and moderate- income units, except that where there is an odd number of affordable housing units, the extra unit shall be a low-income unit. At least 10% of all restricted rental units shall be very low-income units (affordable to a household earning 30% or less of median income). The very low-income units shall be counted as part of the required number of low-income units within the development.
(b)
In each affordable development, at least 50% of the restricted units within each bedroom distribution shall be low-income units.
(c)
Affordable developments that are not age-restricted shall be structured in conjunction with realistic market demands such that:
(1)
The combined number of efficiency and one-bedroom units shall be no greater than 20% of the total low- and moderate-income units;
(2)
At least 30% of all low- and moderate-income units shall be two bedroom units;
(3)
At least 20% of all low- and moderate-income units shall be three bedroom units; and
(4)
The remaining units may be allocated among two- and three-bedroom units at the discretion of the developer.
(d)
Affordable developments that are age-restricted shall be structured such that the number of bedrooms shall equal the number of age-restricted low- and moderate-income units within the inclusionary development. This standard may be met by having all one-bedroom units or by having a two-bedroom unit for each efficiency unit.
2.
Accessibility Requirements:
(a)
The first floor of all restricted townhouse dwelling units and all restricted units in all other multistory buildings shall be subject to the technical design standards of the Barrier Free Sub Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-7 and N.J.A.C. 5:97-3.14.
(b)
All restricted townhouse dwelling units and all restricted units in other multistory buildings in which a restricted dwelling unit is attached to at least one other dwelling unit shall have the following features:
(1)
An adaptable toilet and bathing facility on the first floor;
(2)
An adaptable kitchen on the first floor;
(3)
An interior accessible route of travel on the first floor;
(4)
An adaptable room that can be used as a bedroom, with a door or the casing for the installation of a door, on the first floor;
(5)
An interior accessible route of travel between stories within an individual unit, except that if all of the terms of paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(4) above have been satisfied, an interior accessible route of travel shall not be required between stories within an individual unit; and
(6)
An accessible entranceway as set forth at P.L. 2005, c. 350 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-311a, et seq.) and the Barrier Free Sub Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-7 and N.J.A.C. 5:97-3.14, or evidence that Matawan has collected funds from the developer sufficient to make 10% of the adaptable entrances in the development accessible:
[a]
Where a unit has been constructed with an adaptable entrance, upon the request of a disabled person who is purchasing or will reside in the dwelling unit, an accessible entrance shall be installed.
[b]
To this end, the builder of restricted units shall deposit funds within the Borough of Matawan's Affordable Housing Trust Fund sufficient to install accessible entrances in 10% of the affordable units that have been constructed with adaptable entrances.
[c]
The funds deposited under paragraph (6)[b] above shall be used by the Borough of Matawan for the sole purpose of making the adaptable entrance of an affordable unit accessible when requested to do so by a person with a disability who occupies or intends to occupy the unit and requires an accessible entrance.
[d]
The developer of the restricted units shall submit a design plan and cost estimate for the conversion of adaptable to accessible entrances to the Construction Official of the Borough of Matawan.
[e]
Once the Construction Official has determined that the design plan to convert the unit entrances from adaptable to accessible meet the requirements of the Barrier Free Sub Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-7 and N.J.A.C. 5:97-3.14, and that the cost estimate of such conversion is reasonable, payment shall be made to the Borough's Affordable Housing Trust Fund in care of the Borough Treasurer who shall ensure that the funds are deposited into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and appropriately earmarked.
[f]
Full compliance with the foregoing provisions shall not be required where an entity can demonstrate that it is "site impracticable" to meet the requirements.
Determinations of site impracticability shall be in compliance with the Barrier Free Sub Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-7 and N.J.A.C. 5:97-3.14.
4.
Maximum Rents and Sales Prices:
(a)
In establishing rents and sales prices of affordable housing units, the Administrative Agent shall follow the procedures set forth in UHAC, utilizing the regional income limits established by COAH.
(b)
The maximum rent for restricted rental units within each affordable development shall be affordable to households earning no more than 60% of median income, and the average rent for restricted rental units shall be affordable to households earning no more than 52% of median income.
(c)
The developers and/or municipal sponsors of restricted rental units shall establish at least one rent for each bedroom type for both low-income and moderate-income units, provided that at least 10% of all low- and moderate-income rental units shall be affordable to very low-income households.
(d)
The maximum sales price of restricted ownership units within each affordable development shall be affordable to households earning no more than 70% of median income, and each affordable development must achieve an affordability average of 55% for restricted ownership units; in achieving this affordability average, moderate-income ownership units must be available for at least three different sales prices for each bedroom type, and low-income ownership units must be available for at least two different sales prices for each bedroom type.
(e)
In determining the initial sales prices and rent levels for compliance with the affordability average requirements for restricted units other than assisted living facilities and age restricted developments, the following standards shall be used:
(1)
A studio shall be affordable to a one-person household;
(2)
A one-bedroom unit shall be affordable to one and one-half person household;
(3)
A two-bedroom unit shall be affordable to a three-person household;
(4)
A three-bedroom unit shall be affordable to a four and one-half person household; and
(5)
A four-bedroom unit shall be affordable to a six-person household.
(f)
In determining the initial sales prices and rents for compliance with the affordability average requirements for restricted units in assisted living facilities and age restricted developments, the following standards shall be used:
(g)
The initial purchase price for all restricted ownership units shall be calculated so that the monthly carrying cost of the unit, including principal and interest (based on a mortgage loan equal to 95% of the purchase price and the Federal Reserve H.15 rate of interest), taxes, homeowner and private mortgage insurance and condominium or homeowner association fees do not exceed 28% of the eligible monthly income of the appropriate size household as determined under N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.4, as may be amended and supplemented; provided, however, that the price shall be subject to the affordability average requirement of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.3, as may be amended and supplemented.
(h)
The initial rent for a restricted rental unit shall be calculated so as not to exceed 30% of the eligible monthly income of the appropriate size household, including an allowance for tenant paid utilities, as determined under N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.4, as may be amended and supplemented; provided, however, that the rent shall be subject to the affordability average requirement of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.3, as may be amended and supplemented.
(i)
The price of owner-occupied low- and moderate-income units may increase annually based on the percentage increase in the regional median income limit for each housing region. In no event shall the maximum resale price established by the Administrative Agent be lower than the last recorded purchase price.
(j)
The rent of low- and moderate-income units may be increased annually based on the permitted percentage increase in the Housing Consumer Price Index for the United States. This increase shall not exceed 9% in any one year. Rents for units constructed pursuant to low-income housing tax credit regulations shall be indexed pursuant to the regulations governing low-income housing tax credits.
§ 34-110.8 Utilities.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 7]
a.
Utilities.
1.
Affordable units shall utilize the same type of heating source as market units within an inclusionary development.
2.
Tenant-paid utilities included in the utility allowance shall be set forth in the lease and shall be consistent with the utility allowance approved by DCA for its Section 8 program.
§ 34-110.9 Occupancy Standards.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 8]
a.
In referring certified households to specific restricted units, the Administrative Agent shall, to the extent feasible and without causing an undue delay in the occupancy of a unit, strive to:
§ 34-110.10 Control Periods for Restricted Ownership Units and Enforcement Mechanisms.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 9]
a.
Control Periods for Restricted Ownership Units and Enforcement Mechanisms.
1.
Control periods for restricted ownership units shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.5, as may be amended and supplemented, and each restricted ownership unit shall remain subject to the requirements of this article for a period of at least 30 years, until Matawan takes action to release the unit from such requirements; prior to such action, a restricted ownership unit must remain subject to the requirements of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1, as may be amended and supplemented.
2.
The affordability control period for a restricted ownership unit shall commence on the date the initial certified household takes title to the unit.
3.
Prior to the issuance of the initial Certificate of Occupancy for a restricted ownership unit and upon each successive sale during the period of restricted ownership, the Administrative Agent shall determine the restricted price for the unit and shall also determine the non-restricted, fair market value of the unit based on either an appraisal or the unit's equalized assessed value without the restrictions in place.
4.
At the time of the initial sale of the unit, the initial purchaser shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a recapture note obligating the purchaser (as well as the purchaser's heirs, successors and assigns) to repay, upon the first non-exempt sale after the unit's release from the restrictions set forth in this article, an amount equal to the difference between the unit's non-restricted fair market value and its restricted price, and the recapture note shall be secured by a recapture lien evidenced by a duly recorded mortgage on the unit.
5.
The affordability controls set forth in this article shall remain in effect despite the entry and enforcement of any judgment of foreclosure with respect to restricted ownership units.
6.
A restricted ownership unit shall be required to obtain a Continuing Certificate of Occupancy or a certified statement from the Construction Official stating that the unit meets all Code standards upon the first transfer of title following the removal of the restrictions provided under N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.5(a), as may be amended and supplemented.
§ 34-110.11 Price Restrictions for Restricted Ownership Units, Homeowner Association Fees and Resale Prices.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 10]
a.
Price restrictions for restricted ownership units shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1, as may be amended and supplemented, including:
1.
The initial purchase price for a restricted ownership unit shall be approved by the Administrative Agent.
2.
The Administrative Agent shall approve all resale prices, in writing and in advance of the resale, to assure compliance with the foregoing standards.
3.
The method used to determine the condominium association fee amounts and special assessments shall be indistinguishable between the low- and moderate-income unit owners and the market unit owners.
4.
The owners of restricted ownership units may apply to the Administrative Agent to increase the maximum sales price for the unit on the basis of anticipated capital improvements. Eligible capital improvements shall be those that render the unit suitable for a larger household or the addition of a bathroom. See subsection 34-110.14.
§ 34-110.12 Buyer Income Eligibility.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 11]
a.
Buyer Income Eligibility.
1.
Buyer income eligibility for restricted ownership units shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1, as may be amended and supplemented, such that low-income ownership units shall be reserved for households with a gross household income less than or equal to 50% of median income and moderate-income ownership units shall be reserved for households with a gross household income less than 80% of median income.
2.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, the Administrative Agent may, subject to COAH's approval, permit moderate-income purchasers to buy low-income units in housing markets determined by COAH to have an insufficient number of eligible low-income purchasers to permit prompt occupancy of the units. All such low-income units to be sold to moderate income households shall retain the required pricing restrictions for low-income units.
3.
A certified household that purchases a restricted ownership unit must occupy it as the certified household's principal residence and shall not lease the unit; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent may permit the owner of a restricted ownership unit, upon application and a showing of hardship, to lease the restricted unit to a certified household for a period not to exceed one year.
4.
The Administrative Agent shall certify a household as eligible for a restricted ownership unit when the household is a low-income household or a moderate-income household, as applicable to the unit, and the estimated monthly housing cost for the particular unit (including principal, interest, taxes, homeowner and private mortgage insurance and condominium or homeowner association fees, as applicable) does not exceed 33% of the household's eligible monthly income.
§ 34-110.13 Limitations on Indebtedness Secured by Ownership Unit; Subordination.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 12]
a.
Limitations on Indebtedness Secure by Ownership Unit; Subordination.
1.
Prior to incurring any indebtedness to be secured by a restricted ownership unit, the owner shall apply to the Administrative Agent for a determination in writing that the proposed indebtedness complies with the provisions of this section, and the Administrative Agent shall issue such determination prior to the owner incurring such indebtedness.
2.
With the exception of First Purchase Money Mortgages, neither an owner nor a lender shall at any time cause or permit the total indebtedness secured by a restricted ownership unit to exceed 95% of the maximum allowable resale price of the unit, as such price is determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.6(b).
§ 34-110.14 Capital Improvements to Ownership Units.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 13]
a.
Capital Improvements to Ownership Units.
1.
The owners of restricted ownership units may apply to the Administrative Agent to increase the maximum sales price for the unit on the basis of capital improvements made since the purchase of the unit. Eligible capital improvements shall be those that render the unit suitable for a larger household or that add an additional bathroom. In no event shall the maximum sales price of an improved housing unit exceed the limits of affordability for the larger household.
2.
Upon the resale of a restricted ownership unit, all items of property that are permanently affixed to the unit or were included when the unit was initially restricted (for example, refrigerator, range, washer, dryer, dishwasher, wall-to-wall carpeting) shall be included in the maximum allowable resale price. Other items may be sold to the purchaser at a reasonable price that has been approved by the Administrative Agent at the time of the signing of the agreement to purchase. The purchase of central air conditioning installed subsequent to the initial sale of the unit and not included in the base price may be made a condition of the unit resale provided the price, which shall be subject to 10-year, straight-line depreciation, has been approved by the Administrative Agent. Unless otherwise approved by the Administrative Agent, the purchase of any property other than central air conditioning shall not be made a condition of the unit resale. The owner and the purchaser must personally certify at the time of closing that no unapproved transfer of funds for the purpose of selling and receiving property has taken place at the time of or as a condition of resale.
§ 34-110.15 Control Periods for Restricted Rental Units.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 14]
a.
Control Periods for Restricted Rental Units.
1.
Control periods for restricted rental units shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.11, as may be amended and supplemented, and each restricted rental unit shall remain subject to such controls and to the requirements of this article for a period of at least 30 years from the date the unit is initially occupied by a certified household. The control period on a restricted unit shall terminate only at such time as the municipality opts to release the unit from the restrictions in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.ll(e), except that a low- or moderate-income household residing in a restricted rental unit at the termination of the control period shall be permitted to continue to reside in the unit for an indefinite period after the termination of the control period at the restricted rent level provided for by N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1 et seq., and the control period shall be deemed to have been automatically extended on that unit until the termination of such residency, provided that the occupant household continues to earn a gross annual income of less than 80% of the median income for the applicable COAH housing region. If at any time following the termination of the control period, the occupant household income is found to exceed 80% of the regional median income, the rental rate restriction shall expire at the later of the next scheduled lease renewal or 60 days. Nothing herein shall preclude the owner and the Borough from mutually agreeing to extend the control period on some or all of the low- and moderate-income units in the development. During the entire period that a restricted rental unit is subject to controls, it shall comply with and remain subject to the requirements of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1, as may be amended and supplemented.
2.
Deeds of all real property that include restricted rental units shall contain deed restriction language. The deed restriction shall have priority over all mortgages on the property, and the deed restriction shall be filed by the developer or seller with the records office of the County of Monmouth. A copy of the filed document shall be provided to the Administrative Agent within 30 days of the receipt of a Certificate of Occupancy.
3.
A restricted rental unit shall remain subject to the affordability controls of this article despite the occurrence of any of the following events:
§ 34-110.16 Rent Restrictions for Rental Units; Leases.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 15]
a.
Rent Restrictions for Rental Units; Leases.
1.
A written lease shall be required for all restricted rental units, except for units in an assisted living residence, and tenants shall be responsible for security deposits and the full amount of the rent as stated on the lease. A copy of the current lease for each restricted rental unit shall be provided to the Administrative Agent.
2.
No additional fees or charges shall be added to the approved rent (except, in the case of units in an assisted living residence, to cover the customary charges for food and services) without the express written approval of the Administrative Agent.
3.
Application fees (including the charge for any credit check) shall not exceed 5% of the monthly rent of the applicable restricted unit and shall be payable to the Administrative Agent to be applied to the costs of administering the controls applicable to the unit as set forth in this article.
§ 34-110.17 Tenant Income Eligibility.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 16]
a.
Tenant Income Eligibility.
1.
Tenant income eligibility shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.13, as may be amended and supplemented, and shall be determined as follows:
(a)
Very low-income rental units shall be reserved tor households with a gross household income less than or equal to 30% of median income.
(b)
Low-income rental units shall be reserved for households with a gross household income less than or equal to 50% of median income.
(c)
Moderate-income rental units shall be reserved for households with a gross household income less than 80% of median income.
2.
The Administrative Agent shall certify a household as eligible for a restricted rental unit when the household is a very low-income household, low-income household or a moderate income household, as applicable to the unit, and the rent proposed for the unit does not exceed thirty-five (35%) (forty percent (40%) percent for age-restricted units) of the household's eligible monthly income as determined pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.16, as may be amended and supplemented; provided, however, that this limit may be exceeded if one or more of the following circumstances exists:
(a)
The household currently pays more than 35% (40% for households eligible for age-restricted units) of its gross household income for rent, and the proposed rent will reduce its housing costs;
(b)
The household has consistently paid more than 35% (40% for households eligible for age-restricted units) of eligible monthly income for rent in the past and has proven its ability to pay;
(c)
The household is currently in substandard or overcrowded living conditions;
(d)
The household documents the existence of assets with which the household proposes to supplement the rent payments; or
(e)
The household documents proposed third-party assistance from an outside source such as a family member in a form acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the owner of the unit.
3.
The applicant shall file documentation sufficient to establish the existence of the circumstances in paragraphs 1(a) through 2(e) above with the Administrative Agent, who shall counsel the household on budgeting.
§ 34-110.18 Municipal Housing Liaison.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 17]
a.
Municipal Housing Liaison.
1.
COAH requires Matawan to appoint a specific municipal employee to serve as a Municipal Housing Liaison responsible for administering the affordable housing program, including affordability controls, the Affirmative Marketing Plan, monitoring and reporting, and, where applicable, supervising any contracted Administrative Agent. Matawan has adopted an ordinance creating the position of Municipal Housing Liaison. Matawan has, by resolution appointed a Municipal Housing Liaison. The Municipal Housing Liaison is appointed by the Governing Body and may be a full- or part-time municipal employee. The Municipal Housing Liaison shall be approved by COAH and shall be duly qualified before assuming the duties of Municipal Housing Liaison.
2.
The Municipal Housing Liaison shall be responsible for oversight and administration of the affordable housing program for Matawan, including the following responsibilities which may not be contracted out to the Administrative Agent:
(a)
Serving as Matawan's primary point of contact for all inquiries from the State, affordable housing providers, Administrative Agents and interested households;
(b)
Monitoring the status of all restricted units in the Borough of Matawan;
(c)
Compiling, verifying and submitting annual monitoring reports as required by COAH;
(d)
Coordinating meetings with affordable housing providers and Administrative Agents, as needed; and
(e)
Attending continuing education opportunities on affordability controls, compliance monitoring and affirmative marketing as offered or approved by COAH.
3.
Subject to the approval of the COAH, the Borough of Matawan shall designate one or more Administrative Agent(s) to administer newly constructed affordable units in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:96, N.J.A.C. 5:97 and UHAC. An Operating Manual shall be provided by the Administrative Agent(s) to be adopted by resolution of the Governing Body and subject to approval by the COAH. The Operating Manuals shall be available for public inspection in the Office of the Borough Clerk and in the office(s) of the Administrative Agent(s). The Municipal Housing Liaison shall supervise the contracting Administrative Agent(s).
§ 34-110.19 Administrative Agent.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 18]
a.
The Administrative Agent shall perform the duties and responsibilities of an Administrative Agent as set forth in UHAC, including those set forth in Sections 5:80-26.14, 16 and 18 thereof, which includes:
1.
Affirmative Marketing:
(a)
Conducting an outreach process to affirmatively market affordable housing units in accordance with the Affirmative Marketing Plan of the Borough of Matawan and the provisions of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.15; and
(b)
Providing counseling or contracting to provide counseling services to low- and moderate-income applicants on subjects such as budgeting, credit issues, mortgage qualification, rental lease requirements, and landlord/tenant law.
2.
Household Certification:
(a)
Soliciting, scheduling, conducting and following up on interviews with interested households;
(b)
Conducting interviews and obtaining sufficient documentation of gross income and assets upon which to base a determination of income eligibility for a low- or moderate income unit;
(c)
Providing written notification to each applicant as to the determination of eligibility or non-eligibility;
(d)
Requiring that all certified applicants for restricted units execute a certificate substantially in the form, as applicable, of either the ownership or rental certificates set forth in Appendices J and K of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1 et seq.;
(e)
Creating and maintaining a referral list of eligible applicant households living in the housing region and eligible applicant households with members working in the housing region where the units are located; and
(f)
Employing a random selection process as provided in the Affirmative Marketing Plan of the Borough of Matawan when referring households for certification to affordable units.
3.
Affordability Controls:
(a)
Furnishing to attorneys or closing agents forms of deed restrictions and mortgages for recording at the time of conveyance of title of each restricted unit;
(b)
Creating and maintaining a file on each restricted unit for its control period, including the recorded deed with restrictions, recorded mortgage and note, as appropriate;
(c)
Ensuring that the removal of the deed restrictions and cancellation of the mortgage note are effectuated and properly filed with the Monmouth County Register of Deeds or Monmouth County Clerk's office after the termination of the affordability controls for each restricted unit;
(d)
Communicating with lenders regarding foreclosures; and
(e)
Ensuring the issuance of Continuing Certificates of Occupancy or certifications pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.10.
4.
Resales and Re-Rentals:
(a)
Instituting and maintaining an effective means of communicating information between owners and the Administrative Agent regarding the availability of restricted units for resale or re-rental; and
(b)
Instituting and maintaining an effective means of communicating information to low- and moderate-income households regarding the availability of restricted units for resale or re-rental.
5.
Processing Requests from Unit Owners:
(a)
Reviewing and approving requests for determination from owners of restricted units who wish to take out home equity loans or refinance during the term of their ownership that the amount of indebtedness to be incurred will not violate the terms of this article;
(b)
Reviewing and approving requests to increase sales prices from owners of restricted units who wish to make capital improvements to the units that would affect the selling price, such authorizations to be limited to those improvements resulting in additional bedrooms or bathrooms and the depreciated cost of central air conditioning systems;
(c)
Notifying the municipality of an owner's intent to sell a restricted unit; and
(d)
Making determinations on requests by owners of restricted units for hardship waivers.
6.
Enforcement:
(a)
Securing annually from the municipality a list of all affordable housing units for which tax bills are mailed to absentee owners, and notifying all such owners that they must either move back to their unit or sell it.
(b)
Securing from all developers and sponsors of restricted units, at the earliest point of contact in the processing of the project or development, written acknowledgement of the requirement that no restricted unit can be offered, or in any other way committed, to any person, other than a household duly certified to the unit by the Administrative Agent;
(c)
The posting annually in all rental properties, including two-family homes, of a notice as to the maximum permitted rent together with the telephone number of the Administrative Agent where complaints of excess rent or other charges can be made;
(d)
Sending annual mailings to all owners of affordable dwelling units reminding them of the notices and requirements outlined in N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.18(d)4;
(e)
Establishing a program for diverting unlawful rent payments to the municipality's Affordable Housing Trust Fund or other appropriate municipal fund approved by the DCA; and
(f)
Creating and publishing a written operating manual, as approved by COAH, setting forth procedures for administering the affordability controls.
7.
Additional Responsibilities:
(a)
The Administrative Agent shall have the authority to take all actions necessary and appropriate to carry out its responsibilities, hereunder.
(b)
The Administrative Agent shall prepare monitoring reports for submission to the Municipal Housing Liaison in time for their submission by the Municipal Housing Liaison to COAH, as required by COAH.
(c)
The Administrative Agent shall attend continuing education sessions on affordability controls, compliance monitoring, and affirmative marketing as offered or approved by COAH.
§ 34-110.20 Affirmative Marketing Requirements.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 19]
a.
Affirmative Marketing Requirements.
1.
The Borough of Matawan shall adopt by resolution an Affirmative Marketing Plan that is compliant with N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.15, as may be amended and supplemented, and that is subject to approval by COAH.
2.
The Affirmative Marketing Plan is a regional marketing strategy designed to attract buyers and/or renters of all majority and minority groups, regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, disability, age or number of children to housing units which are being marketed by a developer, sponsor or owner of affordable housing. The Affirmative Marketing Plan is intended to target those potentially eligible persons who are least likely to apply for affordable units in that region. It is a continuing program that directs marketing activities throughout COAH Housing Region 4 and is required to be followed throughout the period of restriction.
3.
The Affirmative Marketing Plan shall provide a regional preference for all households that live and/or work in COAH Housing Region 4, comprised of Monmouth, Ocean and Mercer Counties.
4.
The municipality has the ultimate responsibility for adopting the Affirmative Marketing Plan and for the proper administration of the Affirmative Marketing Program, including initial sales and rentals and resales and re-rentals. The Administrative Agent designated by the Borough of Matawan shall implement the Affirmative Marketing Plan to assure the affirmative marketing of all affordable units.
5.
In implementing the Affirmative Marketing Plan, the Administrative Agent shall provide a list of counseling services to low- and moderate-income applicants on subjects such as budgeting, credit issues, mortgage qualification, rental lease requirements, and landlord tenant law.
6.
The Affirmative Marketing Plan shall describe the media to be used in advertising and publicizing the availability of housing. In implementing the Affirmative Marketing Plan, the Administrative Agent shall consider the use of language translations where appropriate.
7.
The affirmative marketing process for available affordable units shall begin at least four months prior to the expected date of occupancy.
8.
Applications for affordable housing shall be available in several locations, including, at a minimum, the County Administration Building and/or the County Library for each county within the housing region; the municipal building and the municipal library in the municipality in which the units are located; and the developer's rental office. Applications shall be mailed to prospective applicants upon request.
9.
The costs of advertising and affirmative marketing of the affordable units shall be the responsibility of the developer, sponsor or owner.
§ 34-110.21 Enforcement of Affordable Housing Regulations.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 20]
a.
Enforcement of Regulations.
1.
Upon the occurrence of a breach of any of the regulations governing the affordable unit by an Owner, Developer or Tenant, the municipality shall have all remedies provided at law or equity, including but not limited to foreclosure, tenant eviction, a requirement for household recertification, acceleration of all sums due under a mortgage, recuperation of any funds from a sale in violation of the regulations, injunctive relief to prevent further violation of the regulations, entry on the premises, and specific performance.
2.
After providing written notice of a violation to an owner, developer or tenant of a low or moderate-income unit and advising the owner, developer or tenant of the penalties for such violations, the municipality may take the following action(s) against the owner, developer or tenant for any violation that remains uncured for a period of 60 days after service of the written notice:
(a)
The municipality may file an action in Court pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:58-11 alleging a violation or violations of the regulations governing the affordable housing unit. If the owner, developer or tenant is adjudged by the Court to have violated any provision of the regulations governing affordable housing units the owner, developer or tenant shall be subject to one or more of the following penalties, at the discretion of the Court:
(1)
A fine of not more than $500 per day or imprisonment for a period not to exceed 90 days, or both, provided that each and every day that the violation continues or exists shall be considered a separate and specific violation of these provisions and not a continuation of the initial offense;
(2)
In the case of an owner who has rented a low- or moderate-income unit in violation of the regulations governing affordable housing units, payment into the Borough of Matawan Affordable Housing Trust Fund of the gross amount of rent illegally collected;
(3)
In the case of an owner who has rented a low- or moderate-income unit in violation of the regulations governing affordable housing units, payment of an innocent tenant's reasonable relocation costs, as determined by the Court.
(b)
The municipality may file an action in Superior Court seeking a judgment that would result in the termination of the owner's equity or other interest in the unit, in the nature of a mortgage foreclosure. Any such judgment shall be enforceable as if the same were a judgment of default of the First Purchase Money Mortgage and shall constitute a lien against the low- or moderate-income unit.
(1)
The judgment shall be enforceable, at the option of the municipality, by means of an execution sale by the Sheriff, at which time the low- or moderate-income unit of the violating owner shall be sold at a sale price which is not less than the amount necessary to fully satisfy and pay off any First Purchase Money Mortgage and prior liens and the costs of the enforcement proceedings incurred by the municipality, including attorney's fees. The violating owner shall have his right to possession terminated as well as his title conveyed pursuant to the Sheriffs' sale.
(2)
The proceeds of the Sheriffs' sale shall first be applied to satisfy the First Purchase Money Mortgage lien and any prior liens upon the low- or moderate-income unit. The excess, if any, shall be applied to reimburse the municipality for any and all costs and expenses incurred in connection with either the court action resulting in the judgment of violation or the Sheriffs' sale. In the event that the proceeds from the Sheriffs' sale are insufficient to reimburse the municipality in full as aforesaid, the violating owner shall be personally responsible for the full extent of such deficiency, in addition to any and all costs incurred by the municipality in connection with collecting such deficiency. In the event that a surplus remains after satisfying all of the above, such surplus, if any, shall be placed in escrow by the municipality for the owner and shall be held in such escrow for a maximum period of two years or until such earlier time as the owner shall make a claim with the municipality for such. Failure of the owner to claim such balance within the two-year period shall automatically result in a forfeiture of such balance to the municipality. Any interest accrued or earned on such balance while being held in escrow shall belong to and shall be paid to the municipality, whether such balance shall be paid to the owner or forfeited to the municipality.
(3)
Foreclosure by the municipality due to violation of the regulations governing affordable housing units shall not extinguish the restrictions of the regulations governing affordable housing units as the same apply to the low- or moderate-income unit. Title shall be conveyed to the purchaser at the Sheriff's sale, subject to the restrictions and provisions of the regulations governing the affordable housing unit. The owner determined to be in violation of the provisions of this plan and from whom title and possession were taken by means of the Sheriff's sale shall not be entitled to any right of redemption.
(4)
If there are no bidders at the Sheriff's sale, or if insufficient amounts are bid to satisfy the First Purchase Money Mortgage and any prior liens, the municipality may acquire title to the low- or moderate-income unit by satisfying the First Purchase Money Mortgage and any prior liens and crediting the violating owner with an amount equal to the difference between the First Purchase Money Mortgage and any prior liens and costs of the enforcement proceedings, including legal fees and the maximum resale price for which the low- or moderate-income unit could have been sold under the terms of the regulations governing affordable housing units. This excess shall be treated in the same manner as the excess which would have been realized from an actual sale as previously described.
(5)
Failure of the low- or moderate-income unit to be either sold at the Sheriff's sale or acquired by the municipality shall obligate the owner to accept an offer to purchase from any qualified purchaser which may be referred to the owner by the municipality, with such offer to purchase being equal to the maximum resale price of the low- or moderate income unit as permitted by the regulations governing affordable housing units.
(6)
The owner shall remain fully obligated, responsible and liable for complying with the terms and restrictions of governing affordable housing units until such time as title is conveyed from the owner.
§ 34-110.22 Appeals.
[Ord. No. 14-06 § 21]
Appeals from all decisions of an Administrative Agent appointed pursuant to this article shall be filed in writing with the Executive Director of COAH and the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs of the State of New Jersey.