The purpose of this article is to promote new, safe and affordable housing opportunities for residents in the city. The intent is to provide basic incentives and encourage applicants, developers and landowners to utilize the county State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program. The county grants office may be contacted at (850) 342-0175.

(Ord. No. 2001-06, § 2(14.01), 11-6-2001)

The following fees for services and utility connections may be reduced and/or waived by the city council, provided the criteria for the SHIP program are met and the applicant provides a minimum of two residential housing units:

(1)

Sewer connection fees.

(2)

Water connection fees.

(3)

Permit fees.

(4)

Other fees and costs deemed appropriate by development administrator and approved by the city council.

(Ord. No. 2001-06, § 2(14.02), 11-6-2001)

Applicants under the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program shall meet the following criteria:

(1)

Applicants for SHIP grants, in addition to meeting state SHIP requirements, must have been residents of the county for at least one year. Proof of residency must be established by:

a.

Rent receipts.

b.

Mortgage payments.

c.

Attest by affidavit.

(2)

If the property for which a SHIP grant has been given for purchase or renovation is sold within seven years of this transaction, the entire amount of the grant must be paid back to the county SHIP administration. There is no proration of this payback permissible.

(3)

A lien, also known as a security agreement, shall be placed on the deed of all property purchased with SHIP grants, disclosing the total amount of the grant and the beginning and ending dates of the seven-year period.

(Ord. No. 2001-06, § 2(14.03), 11-6-2001)

(a)

Applicants for SHIP grants must qualify according to state and county requirements, regarding income level, residency, etc.

(b)

All grants will be given on need, rather than maximum, fixed amount, basis.

(c)

Qualified applicants may be given grants equaling five percent of the mortgage, plus closing costs, with the exception that very low income applicants may be awarded additional funds totaling not more than ten percent of the mortgage plus closing costs, if deemed necessary by the lender in order to close the purchase.

(Ord. No. 2001-06, § 2(14.04), 11-6-2001)

The SHIP initiative also includes a repairs and renovation program to assist with improving the existing housing stock. The following applies to the housing renovation initiative:

(1)

The renovation and repairs program will assist homeowners with $7,500.00.

(2)

A lien, or security agreement, will be placed on the deed of all property purchased or renovated with SHIP grants for seven years.

(3)

Once applicants have been notified of income eligibility for the SHIP program, individuals must attend a mandatory credit counseling meeting in which rules for the SHIP program will be discussed.

(Ord. No. 2001-06, § 2(14.05), 11-6-2001)