[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township
of Westampton as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted
where applicable.]
[Adopted 10-20-2020 by Ord. No. 12-2020[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Art. I,
Municipal Housing Liaison and Administrative Agent, adopted 9-22-2009 by Ord. No. 11-2009.
The purpose of this article is to include provisions addressing
the Township of Westampton's constitutional obligation to provide
for its fair share of low- and moderate-income housing, as directed
by the Supreme Court and consistent with N.J.A.C. 5:93-1 et seq.,[1] as amended and supplemented, N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1 et seq.,
as amended and supplemented, and the New Jersey Fair Housing Act of
1985. This article is intended to assure compliance with the regulations
of the Council on Affordable Housing ("COAH") set forth at N.J.A.C.
5:93-1 et seq., and the Uniform Housing Affordability Controls, N.J.A.C.
5:80-26.1 et seq., including provisions for unit affordability controls
as well as eligibility for low- and moderate-income households. This
article shall apply except where inconsistent with applicable law.
[1]
Editor's Note: In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14B–5.1b,
Chapter 93, Substantive Rules of the New Jersey Council on Affordable
Housing for the Period Beginning June 6, 1994, expired on 10-16-2016.
It is the intent of this article to regulate the development
and management of low- and moderate-income units constructed in compliance
with the Housing Plan Element and Fair Share Plan of the Township
of Westampton.
A.Â
Trust
fund activity. On the first anniversary of the entry of the order
granting Westampton a final judgment of compliance and repose in In
The Matter Of The Adoption Of The Township Of Westampton Housing Element
And Fair Share Plan And Implementing Ordinances, and every anniversary
thereafter through the end of the repose period, the Township shall
provide annual reporting of its affordable housing trust fund activity
to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Council on Affordable
Housing or Division of Local Government Services, or other entity
designated by the State of New Jersey, with a copy provided to Fair
Share Housing Center and posted on the municipal website, using forms
developed for this purpose by the New Jersey Department of Community
Affairs, Council on Affordable Housing or Division of Local Government
Services. The reporting shall include an accounting of all affordable
housing trust fund activity, including the source and amount of funds
collected and the amount and purpose for which any funds have been
expended.
B.Â
Affordable
housing activity. On the first anniversary of the entry of the order
granting Westampton a final judgment of compliance and repose in In
The Matter Of The Adoption Of The Township Of Westampton Housing Element
And Fair Share Plan And Implementing Ordinances, and every anniversary
thereafter through the end of the repose period, the Township shall
provide annual reporting of the status of all affordable housing activity
within the Township through posting on the municipal website, with
copies provided to Fair Share Housing Center, using forms previously
developed for this purpose by the Council on Affordable Housing or
any other forms endorsed by the court-appointed special master and
Fair Share Housing Center. For the midpoint realistic opportunity
review due on July 1, 2020, as required pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:27D-313,
the Township shall post on its municipal website, with copies provided
to Fair Share Housing Center, a status report as to its implementation
of its affordable housing plan and an analysis of whether any unbuilt
sites or unfulfilled mechanisms continue to present a realistic opportunity.
Such posting shall invite any interested party to submit comments
to the Township, with copies provided to Fair Share Housing Center,
regarding whether any sites no longer present a realistic opportunity
and should be replaced. Any interested party may by motion request
a hearing before the court regarding these issues.
C.Â
Very-low-income
housing. For the review of very-low-income housing requirements required
by N.J.S.A. 52:27D-329.1, within 30 days of the third anniversary
of the entry of the order granting Westampton a final judgment of
compliance and repose in In The Matter Of The Adoption Of The Township
Of Westampton Housing Element And Fair Share Plan And Implementing
Ordinances, and every third year thereafter, the Township will post
on its municipal website, with copies provided to Fair Share Housing
Center, a status report as to its satisfaction of its very-low-income
requirements, including the family very-low-income requirements referenced
herein. Such posting shall invite any interested party to submit comments
to the Township, with copies provided to Fair Share Housing Center,
on the issue of whether the Township has complied with its very-low-income
housing obligation.
The following terms when used in this article shall have the
meanings given in this section:
The Fair Housing Act of 1985, P.L. 1985, c. 222 (N.J.S.A.
52:27D-301 et seq.).
Constructed in compliance with the technical design standards
of the Barrier Free Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-7.[1]
The entity designated by the Township to administer affordable
units in accordance with this article, the regulations of the Council
on Affordable Housing set forth at N.J.A.C. 5:93 et seq.,[2] and the Uniform Housing Affordability Controls set forth
at N.J.A.C. 5:80-26 et seq.
A regional marketing strategy designed to attract buyers
and/or renters of affordable units pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.15.
The average percentage of median income at which new restricted
units in an affordable housing development are affordable to low-
and moderate-income households.
A sales price or rent level that is within the means of a
low- or moderate-income household as defined within N.J.A.C. 5:93-7.4,[3] 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.
A development included in or approved pursuant to the Housing
Element and Fair Share Plan or otherwise intended to address the Township's
fair share obligation, and includes, but is not limited to, an inclusionary
development, a municipal construction project or a 100% affordable
housing development.
Any mechanism in a municipal fair share plan prepared or
implemented to address a municipality's fair share obligation.
A housing unit proposed or created pursuant to the Fair Housing
Act[4] and approved for crediting by the court and/or funded
through an affordable housing trust fund.
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 wherein the unit
is situated are 62 years of age or older; or 2) at least 80% of the
units are occupied by one person who 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.
The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency established
by P.L. 1983, c. 530 (N.J.S.A. 55:14K-1 et seq.).
A structure in which households live in distinct bedrooms,
yet share kitchen and plumbing facilities, central heat and common
areas. Alternative living arrangements include, but are not limited
to: transitional facilities for the homeless; Class A, B, C, D and
E boarding homes as regulated by the State of New Jersey Department
of Community Affairs; residential health care facilities as regulated
by the New Jersey Department of Health; group homes for the developmentally
disabled and mentally ill as licensed and/or regulated by the New
Jersey Department of Human Services; and congregate living arrangements.
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.
A household that has been certified by an administrative
agent as a low-income household or moderate-income household.
The Council on Affordable Housing, as established by the
New Jersey Fair Housing Act (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-301 et seq.).
The State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
A housing unit with health and safety code violations that
requires 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.
Any person, partnership, association, company or corporation
that is the legal or beneficial owner or owners of a lot or any land
included in a proposed development including the holder of an option
to contract to purchase, or other person having an enforceable proprietary
interest in such land.
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-1 et seq.
The plan that describes the mechanisms, strategies and the
funding sources, if any, by which the Township proposes to address
its affordable housing obligation as established in the Housing Element,
including the draft ordinances necessary to implement that plan, and
addresses the requirements of N.J.A.C. 5:93-5.[5]
The portion of the Township's Master Plan, required
by the Municipal Land Use Law ("MLUL"), N.J.S.A. 40:55D-28.b(3) and
the Act, that includes the information required by N.J.A.C. 5:93-5.1[6] and establishes the Township's fair share obligation.
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 gut rehabilitation
or reconstruction of a vacant residential structure.
A household with a total gross annual household income equal
to 50% or less of the regional median household income by household
size.
A restricted unit that is affordable to a low-income household.
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 and load-bearing structural
systems.
Housing not restricted to low- and moderate-income households
that may sell or rent at any price.
The median income by household size for the applicable housing
region, as adopted annually by COAH or a successor entity approved
by the court.
A household with a total gross annual household income in
excess of 50% but less than 80% of the regional median household income
by household size.
A restricted unit that is affordable to a moderate-income
household.
A structure containing five or more dwelling units.
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 court order.
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).
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 duly adopted Regional Income Limits published annually
by COAH or a successor entity.
The repair, renovation, alteration or reconstruction of any
building or structure, pursuant to the Rehabilitation Subcode, N.J.A.C.
5:23-6.
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.
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 amended and supplemented, but does not include a market-rate unit
financed under UHORP or MONI.
The Township of Westampton, in Burlington County, New Jersey.
The Uniform Housing Affordability Controls set forth in N.J.A.C.
5:80-26 et seq.
A household with a total gross annual household income equal
to 30% or less of the regional median household income by household
size.
A restricted unit that is affordable to a very-low-income
household.
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 a rehabilitation
program.
[1]
Editor’s Note: See now N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.14(b).
[2]
Editor's Note: In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14B–5.1b,
Chapter 93, Substantive Rules of the New Jersey Council on Affordable
Housing for the Period Beginning June 6, 1994, expired on 10-16-2016.
[3]
Editor's Note: In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14B–5.1b,
Chapter 93, Substantive Rules of the New Jersey Council on Affordable
Housing for the Period Beginning June 6, 1994, expired on 10-16-2016.
[4]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 52:27D-329.1 et seq.
[5]
Editor's Note: In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14B–5.1b,
Chapter 93, Substantive Rules of the New Jersey Council on Affordable
Housing for the Period Beginning June 6, 1994, expired on 10-16-2016.
[6]
Editor's Note: In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14B–5.1b,
Chapter 93, Substantive Rules of the New Jersey Council on Affordable
Housing for the Period Beginning June 6, 1994, expired on 10-16-2016.
A.Â
To
create realistic opportunities for the construction of affordable
housing, the following properties shall be zoned to require inclusionary
development or development of 100% affordable housing units:
B.Â
Inclusionary
developments shall adhere to the following project phasing schedule:
|
Maximum Percentage of Market-Rate Units Completed
|
Minimum Percentage of Low- and Moderate-Income Units Completed
|
|---|---|
|
25%
|
0%
|
|
25% +1 unit
|
10%
|
|
50%
|
50%
|
|
75%
|
75%
|
|
90%
|
100%
|
A.Â
Low/moderate
split and bedroom distribution of affordable housing units:
(1)Â
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.
(2)Â
At least 13% of all restricted rental units within each bedroom distribution
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.
(3)Â
At least 25% of the obligation shall be met through rental units,
including at least half in rental units available to families.
(4)Â
A maximum of 25% of the Township's obligation may be met with
age-restricted units. At least half of all affordable units in the
Township's plan shall be available to families.
(5)Â
In each affordable development, at least 50% of the restricted units
within each bedroom distribution shall be low-income units including
that 13% shall be very-low income.
(6)Â
Affordable developments that are not age-restricted shall be structured
in conjunction with realistic market demands such that:
(a)Â
The combined number of efficiency and one-bedroom units shall be
no greater than 20% of the total low- and moderate-income units;
(b)Â
At least 30% of all low- and moderate-income units shall be two-bedroom
units;
(c)Â
At least 20% of all low- and moderate-income units shall be three-bedroom
units; and
(d)Â
The remaining units may be allocated among two- and three-bedroom
units at the discretion of the developer.
(7)Â
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.
B.Â
Accessibility
requirements.
(2)Â
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:
(a)Â
An adaptable toilet and bathing facility on the first floor; and
(b)Â
An adaptable kitchen on the first floor; and
(c)Â
An interior accessible route of travel on the first floor; and
(d)Â
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; and
(e)Â
If not all of the foregoing requirements in Subsection B(2)(a) through (d) can be satisfied, then an interior accessible route of travel must be provided between stories within an individual unit, but if all of the terms of Subsection B(2)(a) through (d) above have been satisfied, then an interior accessible route of travel shall not be required between stories within an individual unit; and
(f)Â
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 Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-7,[2] or evidence that the Township has collected funds from
the developer sufficient to make 10% of the adaptable entrances in
the development accessible:
[1]Â
Where a unit has been constructed with an adaptable entrance,
upon the request of a person with disabilities who is purchasing or
will reside in the dwelling unit, an accessible entrance shall be
installed.
[2]Â
To this end, the builder of restricted units shall deposit funds
within the Township Affordable Housing Trust Fund sufficient to install
accessible entrances in 10% of the affordable units that have been
constructed with adaptable entrances.
[3]Â
The funds deposited under Subsection B(2)(f)[2] above shall be used by the Township 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.
[4]Â
The developer of the restricted units shall submit a design
plan and cost estimate to the Township Construction Official for the
conversion of adaptable to accessible entrances.
[5]Â
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 Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-7,[3] and that the cost estimate of such conversion is reasonable,
payment shall be made to the Township's Affordable Housing Trust
Fund in care of the Township Chief Financial Officer who shall ensure
that the funds are deposited into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund
and appropriately earmarked.
[3]
Editor’s Note: See now N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.14(b).
[6]Â
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 Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-7.[4]
[4]
Editor’s Note: See now N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.14(b).
[2]
Editor’s Note: See now N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.14(b).
C.Â
Maximum
rents and sales prices.
(1)Â
In establishing rents and sales prices of affordable housing units,
the administrative agent shall follow the procedures set forth in
UHAC utilizing the most recently published regional weighted average
of the uncapped Section 8 income limits published by HUD and by the
Superior Court.
(2)Â
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.
(3)Â
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 13% of all low-
and moderate-income rental units shall be affordable to very-low-income
households, earning 30% or less of the regional median household income,
with such very-low-income units counted toward the low-income housing
requirement.
(4)Â
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.
(5)Â
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:
(a)Â
A studio unit shall be affordable to a one-person household;
(b)Â
A one-bedroom unit shall be affordable to a one-and-one-half-person
household;
(c)Â
A two-bedroom unit shall be affordable to a three-person household;
(d)Â
A three-bedroom unit shall be affordable to a four-and-one-half-person
household; and
(e)Â
A four-bedroom unit shall be affordable to a six-person household.
(6)Â
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:
(7)Â
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 homeowners'
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.
(8)Â
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.
(9)Â
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.
(10)Â
The rent of low- and moderate-income units may be increased annually
based on the permitted percentage increase in the Regional Income
Limits chart. 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.
A.Â
Affordable
units shall utilize the same type of heating source as market units
within an inclusionary development.
B.Â
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 HUD for its Section 8 program.
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:
A.Â
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 and thereafter until the Township
takes action by ordinance to release the unit from such requirements;
prior to such action, a restricted ownership unit shall remain subject
to the requirements of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1, as may be amended and supplemented,
except that, for any units approved after October 13, 2016, such controls
shall be for at least 30 years, and until such time after the initial
thirty-year period as the Township elects by ordinance to release
the unit from such requirements.
B.Â
The
affordability control period for a restricted ownership unit shall
commence on the date the initial certified household takes title to
the unit.
C.Â
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 nonrestricted,
fair market value of the unit based on either an appraisal or the
unit's equalized assessed value without the restrictions in place.
D.Â
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 nonexempt sale after the unit's
release from the restrictions set forth in this article, an amount
equal to the difference between the unit's nonrestricted 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.
E.Â
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.
(1)Â
Provisions for first purchase money mortgagees.
(a)Â
The terms and restrictions of this article shall be subordinate only
to the first purchase money mortgage lien on any very-low-, low- and
moderate-income unit and in no way shall impair the first purchase
money mortgagee's ability to exercise the contract remedies available
to it in the event of default as such remedies are set forth in the
first purchase money mortgage documents for the unit.
(b)Â
So long as the first purchase money mortgage is not sold to the Federal
National Mortgage Association or in the secondary mortgage market,
the first purchase money mortgagee and/or mortgage servicer shall
serve written notice upon the Agency within 10 days after the first
purchase money mortgage is three months in arrears and within 10 calendar
days of the filing of the complaint seeking foreclosure of the first
purchase money mortgage held on a very-low-, low- and moderate-income
unit.
(c)Â
The obligation of the first purchase money mortgagee and/or servicer
to notify the Township Clerk and/or the administrative agent shall
cease automatically and immediately upon the sale of the first purchase
money mortgage to the Federal National Mortgage Association or in
the secondary mortgage market, unless the rules and regulations are
amended so as to not prohibit or exclude placing such obligation,
in which case an instrument duly evidencing same must be recorded
with the office of the Recorder, Burlington County, New Jersey, and
the Clerk of the Township of Westampton before any such obligation
shall exist.
(d)Â
Provided that the first purchase money mortgagee is obligated to
give the Township Clerk the above-mentioned notices, the first purchase
money mortgage shall also serve written notice of any proposed foreclosure
sale upon the Township Clerk at least 30 days prior to the first scheduled
date of such sale.
(e)Â
The first purchase money mortgagee shall serve notice upon the Township
Clerk within 30 days of the sale of the first purchase money mortgage
to the Federal National Mortgage Association or in the secondary mortgage
market.
(2)Â
The Township of Westampton or any instrumentality designated by the
Township shall have the right to purchase any mortgage which is in
default at any time prior to the entry of a foreclosure judgment or
within the redemption period thereafter. Notification of a default
and of the institution of a foreclosure action and of a Sheriff's
sale shall be served in writing upon the Township Clerk as aforesaid.
The Township of Westampton shall at all times be considered a party
defendant and/or shall have the right to intervene in any foreclosure
action seeking foreclosure of a first mortgage and/or shall have the
right to redeem and acquire the owner's equity of redemption
or to acquire the unit from the owner upon such terms and conditions
as may be determined by the Township.
(3)Â
In the event of foreclosure, the Township shall attempt to identify
a qualified very-low-, low- and moderate-income purchaser(s) as the
case may be and shall give notice to the foreclosing party, and effort
shall be made within the confines of the applicable foreclosure laws
to sell the housing unit to qualified very-low-, low- and moderate-income
households. If such efforts are unsuccessful, the restrictive covenants
shall remain in full force and effect. In any case, the Township shall
not lose credit for the very-low-, low- and moderate-income unit relating
to which the foreclosure proceeding took place.
(4)Â
Surplus funds. In the event of a foreclosure sale by the holder of
the first-purchase money mortgage, the owner shall be personally obligated
to pay to the Township any surplus funds. For purposes of this subsection,
surplus funds shall be the total amount paid to the Sheriff in excess
of the greater of the maximum resale price of the unit and the amount
required to pay and satisfy the first purchase money mortgage, including
the costs of foreclosure plus any second mortgages approved by the
Township. Surplus funds shall also include all payments to any junior
creditors out of such surplus funds, even if such were to the exclusion
of the owner. The Township shall be given a first-priority lien, second
only to the first purchase money mortgagee of a unit and any taxes
or public assessments by a duly authorized governmental body, equal
to the full amount of such surplus funds. This obligation of the owner
to pay this full amount of surplus funds to the Township shall be
deemed to be a personal obligation of the owner of record at time
of the foreclosure sale, and the Agency shall be empowered to enforce
the obligation of the owner in any appropriate court of law or equity
as though the same were a personal contractual obligation of the owner.
Neither the first purchase money mortgagee nor the purchaser at the
foreclosure sale shall be responsible or liable to the Township for
any portion of this excess. The Township may utilize up to 30% of
the surplus funds realized in any one calendar year, but in no event
to exceed $10,000 per calendar year, for the purpose of funding operating
expenses of the year, for the purpose of funding operating expenses
of the Township. Other surplus funds shall be used for increasing
the opportunities for affordable housing within the Township in accordance
with the provisions of this article.
(5)Â
Owner's equity.
(a)Â
Owner's equity shall be determined to be the difference between
the maximum resale price of the unit and the total of the assessments,
property taxes and other liens which may have been attached against
the unit prior to the foreclosure, provided that such total is less
than the maximum resale price.
(b)Â
If there are sums to which the owner is properly entitled, such sums
shall be turned over to the owner or placed in an escrow by the Agency
for the owner for a maximum period of two years. Any interest accrued
or earned on such balance while being held in escrow shall belong
to and shall be paid to the Agency.
(c)Â
This provision is subject, however, to applicable laws of the State
of New Jersey governing the distribution and payment of proceeds of
foreclosure sales.
F.Â
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 Uniform Construction 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.
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:
A.Â
The initial purchase price for a restricted ownership unit shall
be approved by the administrative agent.
B.Â
The administrative agent shall approve all resale prices, in writing
and in advance of the resale, to assure compliance with the foregoing
standards.
C.Â
The master deeds of inclusionary developments shall provide no distinction
between the condominium or homeowners' association fees and special
assessments paid by low- and moderate-income purchasers and those
paid by market purchasers.
D.Â
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.
A.Â
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.
B.Â
Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, the administrative agent
may, upon approval by the Township Committee, and subject to the court's
approval, permit moderate-income purchasers to buy low-income units
in housing markets if the administrative agent determines that there
is 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 and
pricing restrictions for low-income units.
C.Â
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 another
certified household for a period not to exceed one year.
D.Â
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 homeowners' association fees, as applicable) does
not exceed 33% of the household's eligible monthly income.
A.Â
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.
B.Â
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).
A.Â
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 adds 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.
B.Â
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 ten-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.
A.Â
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 the requirements
of this article for a period of at least 30 years and thereafter until
the Township takes action by ordinance to release the unit from such
requirements. Prior to such action, a restricted rental unit shall
remain subject to the requirements of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1, as may be
amended and supplemented, except that, for any units approved after
October 13, 2016, such controls shall be for at least 30 years, and
until such time after the initial thirty-year period as the Township
elects by ordinance to release the unit from such requirements.
B.Â
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 Burlington. The deed shall also identify each affordable
unit by apartment number and/or address and whether that unit is designated
as a very-low-, low- or moderate-income unit. Neither the unit nor
its affordability designation shall change throughout the term of
the deed restriction. A copy of the filed document shall be provided
to the administrative agent within 30 days of the receipt of a certificate
of occupancy.
C.Â
A restricted rental unit shall remain subject to the affordability
controls of this article despite the occurrence of any of the following
events:
A.Â
A written lease shall be required for all restricted rental units
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.
B.Â
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.
C.Â
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.
D.Â
No rent control ordinance or other pricing restriction shall be applicable
to either the market units or the affordable units in any development
in which at least 15% of the total number of dwelling units are restricted
rental units in compliance with this article.
A.Â
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:
(1)Â
Very-low-income rental units shall be reserved for households with
a gross household income less than or equal to 30% of median income.
(2)Â
Low-income rental units shall be reserved for households with a gross
household income less than or equal to 50% of median income.
(3)Â
Moderate-income rental units shall be reserved for households with
a gross household income less than 80% of median income.
B.Â
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 35%
(40% 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:
(1)Â
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;
(2)Â
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;
(3)Â
The household is currently in substandard or overcrowded living conditions;
(4)Â
The household documents the existence of assets with which the household
proposes to supplement the rent payments; or
(5)Â
The household documents reliable anticipated 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.
A.Â
The Township shall 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. The Township shall adopt an ordinance
creating the position of Municipal Housing Liaison. The Township shall
adopt a resolution appointing a Municipal Housing Liaison. The Municipal
Housing Liaison shall be appointed by the governing body and may be
a full- or part-time municipal employee. The Municipal Housing Liaison
shall be approved by the court and shall be duly qualified through
a training program sponsored by Affordable Housing Professionals of
New Jersey before assuming the duties of Municipal Housing Liaison.
B.Â
The Municipal Housing Liaison shall be responsible for oversight
and administration of the affordable housing program for the Township,
including the following responsibilities which may not be contracted
out to the administrative agent:
(1)Â
Serving as the Township's primary point of contact for all inquiries
from the state, affordable housing providers, administrative agents
and interested households;
(2)Â
Monitoring the status of all restricted units in the Township's
Fair Share Plan;
(3)Â
Compiling, verifying and submitting annual monitoring reports as
may be required by the court;
(4)Â
Coordinating meetings with affordable housing providers and administrative
agents, as needed; and
(5)Â
Attending continuing education opportunities on affordability controls,
compliance monitoring and affirmative marketing at least annually
and more often as needed.
C.Â
Subject to the approval of the court, the Township shall designate
one or more administrative agent(s) to administer newly constructed
affordable units in accordance with UHAC. An operating manual for
each affordable housing program shall be provided by the administrative
agent(s) to be adopted by resolution of the governing body and subject
to approval of the court. The operating manual(s) shall be available
for public inspection in the office of the Township Clerk, in the
office of the Municipal Housing Liaison, and in the office(s) of the
administrative agent(s). The Municipal Housing Liaison shall supervise
the contracting administrative agent(s).
The administrative agent shall be an independent entity serving
under contract to and reporting to the Township. For new sale and
rental developments, all of the fees of the administrative agent shall
be paid by the owners of the affordable units for which the services
of the administrative agent are required. For resales, single-family
homeowners and condominium homeowners shall be required to pay 3%
of the sales price for services provided by the administrative agent
related to the resale of their homes. That fee shall be collected
at closing and paid directly to the administrative agent. The administrative
agent shall perform the duties and responsibilities of an administrative
agent as set forth in UHAC, including those set forth in N.J.A.C.
5:80-26.14, 5:80-16 and 5:80-18 thereof, which include:
A.Â
Affirmative marketing:
(1)Â
Conducting an outreach process to affirmatively market affordable
housing units in accordance with the Township's affirmative marketing
plan and the provisions of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.15; and
(2)Â
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.
B.Â
Household certification:
(1)Â
Soliciting, scheduling, conducting and following up on interviews
with interested households;
(2)Â
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;
(3)Â
Providing written notification to each applicant as to the determination
of eligibility or non-eligibility;
(4)Â
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.;
(5)Â
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
(6)Â
Employing a random selection process as provided in the affirmative
marketing plan of the Township when referring households for certification
to affordable units.
(7)Â
Notifying the following entities of the availability of affordable
housing units in the Township of Westampton: Fair Share Housing Center,
the New Jersey State Conference of the NAACP, the Latino Action Network,
NORWESCAP, the Supportive Housing Association, and the Central Jersey
Housing Resource Center.
C.Â
Affordability controls:
(1)Â
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;
(2)Â
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;
(3)Â
Ensuring that the removal of the deed restrictions and cancellation
of the mortgage note are effectuated and properly filed with the Burlington
County Register of Deeds or County Clerk's office after the termination
of the affordability controls for each restricted unit;
(4)Â
Communicating with lenders regarding foreclosures; and
(5)Â
Ensuring the issuance of continuing certificates of occupancy or
certifications pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.10.
D.Â
Resales and rentals:
(1)Â
Instituting and maintaining an effective means of communicating information
between owners and the administrative agent regarding the availability
of restricted units for resale or rental; and
(2)Â
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.
E.Â
Processing requests from unit owners:
(1)Â
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;
(2)Â
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;
(3)Â
Notifying the Township of an owner's intent to sell a restricted
unit; and
(4)Â
Making determinations on requests by owners of restricted units for
hardship waivers.
F.Â
Enforcement:
(1)Â
Securing annually from the Township 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;
(2)Â
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;
(3)Â
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;
(4)Â
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;
(5)Â
Establishing a program for diverting unlawful rent payments to the
Township's Affordable Housing Trust Fund; and
(6)Â
Creating and publishing a written operating manual for each affordable
housing program administered by the administrative agent, to be approved
by the Township Committee and the court, setting forth procedures
for administering the affordability controls.
G.Â
Additional responsibilities:
(1)Â
The administrative agent shall have the authority to take all actions
necessary and appropriate to carry out its responsibilities hereunder.
(2)Â
The administrative agent shall prepare monitoring reports for submission
to the Municipal Housing Liaison in time to meet any monitoring requirements
and deadlines imposed by the court.
(3)Â
The administrative agent shall attend continuing education sessions
on affordability controls, compliance monitoring, and affirmative
marketing at least annually and more often as needed.
A.Â
The Township shall adopt by resolution an affirmative marketing plan,
subject to approval of the court that is compliant with N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.15,
as may be amended and supplemented.
B.Â
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.
In addition, the affirmative marketing plan shall maintain certain
notification requirements. It is a continuing program that directs
marketing activities toward Housing Region 4 and is required to be
followed throughout the period of restriction.
C.Â
The affirmative marketing plan shall provide a regional preference
for all households that live and/or work in Housing Region 4, comprised
of Burlington, Mercer, and Ocean Counties.
D.Â
The Township 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 Township
shall implement the affirmative marketing plan to assure the affirmative
marketing of all affordable units.
E.Â
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.
F.Â
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.
G.Â
The affirmative marketing process for available affordable units
shall begin at least four months (120 days) prior to the expected
date of occupancy.
H.Â
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 administration building and the municipal library in
the Township in which the units are located; and the developer's
rental office. Preapplications shall be e-mailed or mailed to prospective
applicants upon request.
(1)Â
In addition to other affirmative marketing strategies, the administrative
agent shall provide specific notice of the availability of affordable
housing units in Westampton, and copies of the applications forms,
to the following entities: Fair Share Housing Center, the New Jersey
State Conference of the NAACP, the Latino Action Network, STEPS, OCEAN
Inc., the Supportive Housing Association, and the Greater Red Bank,
Asbury Park/Neptune, Bayshore, Greater Freehold, Greater Long Branch,
and Trenton branches of the NAACP.
I.Â
The costs of advertising and affirmative marketing of the affordable
units shall be the responsibility of the developer, sponsor or owner.
A.Â
As provided under law pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:27D-311, a preference
of up to 50% of the affordable housing units in an inclusionary affordable
housing development or a 100% affordable housing development in the
Township of Westampton shall be provided to low- and moderate-income
veterans who served in time of war or other emergency, as defined
in N.J.S.A. 54:4-8.10.
(1)Â
This preference shall be established in the applicant selection process
for available affordable units so that applicants who are veterans
who served in time of war or other emergency, as referenced in N.J.S.A.
52:27D-311, and who apply within 90 days of the initial marketing
period shall receive preference for the rental of the agreed-upon
percentage of affordable units. After the first 90 days of the initial
120-day marketing period, if any of those units subject to the preference
remain available, then applicants from the general public shall be
considered for occupancy. Following the initial 120-day day marketing
period, previously qualified applicants and future qualified applicants
who are veterans who served in time of war or other emergency, as
referenced in N.J.S.A. 52:27D-311, shall be placed on a special waiting
list as well as the general waiting list. The veterans on the special
waiting list shall be given preference for affordable units, as the
units become available, whenever the percentage of preference-occupied
units falls below the agreed-upon percentage. Any agreement to provide
affordable housing preferences for veterans pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:27D-311
shall not affect a municipality's ability to receive credit for
the unit from the council, or its successor.
B.Â
Additionally, as shall be allowable by law, a preference shall also
apply to first responders of the Township of Westampton. "First responder"
shall be defined as a law enforcement officer; paid or volunteer firefighter;
paid or volunteer member of a duly incorporated first aid, emergency,
ambulance, or rescue squad association; or any other person who, in
the course of the person's employment, is dispatched to the scene
of a motor vehicle accident or other emergency situation for the purpose
of providing medical care or other emergency assistance; and who,
in the case of all the foregoing, has served in that capacity for
at least two years.
(1)Â
This preference shall be established in the applicant selection process
for available affordable units so that applicants who are first responders,
and who apply within 90 days of the initial 120-day marketing period,
shall receive preference for the rental of the agreed-upon percentage
of affordable units. After the first 90 days of the initial 120-day
marketing period, if any of those units subject to the preference
remain available, then applicants from the general public shall be
considered for occupancy. Following the initial 120-day marketing
period, previously qualified applicants and future qualified applicants
who are first responders shall be placed on a special waiting list
as well as the general waiting list. The first responders on the special
waiting list shall be given preference for affordable units, as the
units become available, whenever the percentage of preference-occupied
units falls below the agreed upon-percentage. Any agreement to provide
affordable housing preferences for first responders pursuant to N.J.S.A.
52:27D-311 shall not affect a municipality's ability to receive
credit for the unit from the council, or its successor.
A.Â
The responsibilities of the developer shall include but not be limited
to the following:
(1)Â
Submission of information as to financing terms readily available
to very-low-, low- and moderate-income households for use by the Township
in computing maximum sales prices.
(2)Â
Submission of an affordable housing plan and an affirmative marketing
plan to the Township for approval, and submission of proofs of publication
to ensure compliance with said plan.
(3)Â
The marketing of all very-low-, low- and moderate-income units in
accordance with the requirements of this article.
(4)Â
Submission of quarterly reports to the Township detailing the number
of very-low-, low- and moderate-income households who have signed
leases or purchase agreements, as well as the number who have taken
occupancy of lower-income units, including household size, number
of bedrooms in the unit, sales price and monthly carrying costs or,
in the case of rental units, the monthly rental charges and utilities
included.
B.Â
The developer's responsibilities hereunder shall expire automatically
with respect to for-sale of very-low-, low- and moderate-income units
upon the date upon which the last very-low-, low- and moderate-income
unit within the particular development is sold by the developer. With
respect to the rental of very-low-, low- and moderate-income units,
the developer's responsibilities shall be assumed by the landlord
and shall be performed by the landlord so long as such unit is a rental
of a very-low-, low- and moderate-income unit and is subject to the
restrictions of this article.
A.Â
Prior to reselling or renting his or her very-low-, low- or moderate-income
unit, the owner shall provide written proof to the Township that the
resale or rental has been approved by the authorized state agency.
B.Â
The owner shall only resell or rent his or her very-low-, low- or
moderate-income unit to a qualified purchaser or renter as determined
by the Township's administrative agent.
C.Â
The owner shall be responsible for guaranteeing that the necessary
documents are executed and filed at the closing of title or rental
of a very-low-, low- or moderate-income unit to assure that the unit
remains affordable to and occupied by very-low-, low- or moderate-income
households.
D.Â
In the event that any first mortgagee or other creditor of an owner
of a very-low-, low- and/or moderate-income unit exercises its contractual
or legal remedies available in the event of default or nonpayment
by the owner of a very-low-, low- and moderate-income unit, the owner
shall notify the Township in writing within 10 days of such exercise
by the first mortgagee or creditor and no later than 10 days after
service of any summons and complaint.
E.Â
Any owner of a very-low-, low- and moderate-income unit shall notify
the Township within 10 days, in writing, of any default in the performance
by the owner of any obligation under either the master deed of the
condominium association, including the failure to pay any lawful and
proper assessment by the condominium association, or any mortgage
or other lien against the very-low-, low- and moderate-income unit,
which default is not cured within 60 days of the date upon which the
default first occurs.
F.Â
The owner shall not permit any lien of any kind, which includes,
but is not limited to, any lien imposed by any federal, state or municipal
authority, other than a first purchase money mortgage, the Township-approved
second mortgage and/or lien of the Township to attach and remain on
the property for more than 60 days.
G.Â
The owner of a very-low-, low- and moderate-income unit shall keep
the unit in good repair and shall not commit waste thereon.
H.Â
The owner shall pay all taxes and public assessments and assessments
by the condominium association levied upon or assessed against the
unit, or any part thereof, as and when the same becomes due and before
penalties accrue.
I.Â
If a very-low-, low- and moderate-income unit is part of a condominium
association, the owner, in addition to paying any assessments required
to be paid by the master deed of the condominium, shall further fully
comply with all of the terms, covenants or conditions of said master
deed, as well as fully comply with all terms, conditions and restrictions
of this article.
J.Â
The owner will pay all charges of any utility authority when the
same become due and before penalties accrue.
As to any complex, development or property which contains a
very-low-, low- or moderate-income restricted unit for which a condominium
association organized under the Condominium Act (N.J.S.A. 46:8B-1
et seq.), or a homeowners' association has control, management
and/or supervision over such affordable unit(s), the condominium or
homeowners' association shall provide written notice to the Agency
if any owner and/or tenant of an affordable unit (regardless of whether
it is very-low-, low- or moderate-income qualified) shall become delinquent
in the payment of any monthly assessment(s), fee(s) or charge(s) where
the delinquency has existed for a period of 90 days. This written
notice shall be provided to the Agency regardless of the amount of
the assessment(s), fee(s), or charge(s) that are delinquent for a
period of 90 days.
A.Â
Upon the occurrence of a breach of any of the regulations governing
the affordable unit by an owner, developer or tenant, the Township
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.
B.Â
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 Township
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:
(1)Â
The Township may file a court action 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:
(a)Â
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;
(b)Â
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 Township affordable housing trust fund of
the gross amount of rent illegally collected;
(c)Â
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.
(2)Â
The Township may file a court action in the 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.
(a)Â
The judgment shall be enforceable, at the option of the Township,
by means of an execution sale by the sheriff, at which time the low-
and 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 Township,
including attorney's fees. The violating owner shall have his
right to possession terminated as well as his title conveyed pursuant
to the sheriff's sale.
(b)Â
The proceeds of the sheriff's sale shall first be applied
to satisfy the first purchase money mortgage lien and any prior liens
upon the low- and moderate-income unit. The excess, if any, shall
be applied to reimburse the Township for any and all costs and expenses
incurred in connection with either the court action resulting in the
judgment of violation or the sheriff's sale. In the event that
the proceeds from the sheriff's sale are insufficient to reimburse
the Township 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 Township 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 Township 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 Township 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 Township. Any interest
accrued or earned on such balance while being held in escrow shall
belong to and shall be paid to the Township, whether such balance
shall be paid to the owner or forfeited to the Township.
(c)Â
Foreclosure by the Township 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- and 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.
(d)Â
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 Township may acquire title to the low- and 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- and 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.
(e)Â
Failure of the low- and moderate-income unit to be either sold
at the sheriff's sale or acquired by the Township shall obligate
the owner to accept an offer to purchase from any qualified purchaser
which may be referred to the owner by the Township, with such offer
to purchase being equal to the maximum resale price of the low- and
moderate-income unit as permitted by the regulations governing affordable
housing units.
(f)Â
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.
Appeals from all decisions of an administrative agent appointed
pursuant to this article shall be filed in writing with the court.
