[Code 1975, §§ 31-17, 31-27, 31-38, 31-49; Code 1992, § 28-1]
It is acknowledged that it is a proper public purpose of the state and its political subdivisions to provide housing for its citizens of low income and to encourage the development of such housing by providing for a service charge in lieu of property taxes in accordance with the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966, Public Act No. 346 of 1966 (MCL 125.1401 et seq.). The City is authorized by such Act to establish or change the service charge to be paid in lieu of taxes by any or all classes of housing exempt from taxation under the Act at any amount it chooses, not to exceed the taxes that would be paid but for the Act. It is further acknowledged that such housing for persons of low income is a public necessity, and as the City will be benefited and improved by such housing, the encouragement of the housing by providing certain real estate tax exemption therefor is a valid public purpose; further, that the continuance of the sections of this article for tax exemption and the service charge in lieu of taxes during the periods contemplated are essential to the determination of economic feasibility of housing developments which are constructed and financed in reliance thereon.
[Code 1975, §§ 31-18, 31-28, 31-39, 31-50; Code 1992, § 28-2]
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
ACT
The State Housing Development Authority Act, Public Act No. 346 of 1966 (MCL 125.1401 et seq.).
ANNUAL SHELTER RENT
As defined by the Act.
AUTHORITY
The State Housing Development Authority.
CONTRACT RENTS
As defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in regulations promulgated pursuant to the U.S. Housing Act of 1937, as amended by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
A development which contains a significant element of housing for persons of low income and such elements of other housing, commercial, recreational, industrial, communal, and educational facilities as the Authority determines improve the quality of the development as it relates to housing for persons of low income.
HUD
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
LOWER INCOME UNITS
Units which are rented to lower income persons who are defined as persons with an adjusted income equal to or less than 50% of median income applicable to the area in which the housing development is located or as otherwise may be determined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Rents for lower income units shall not exceed 30% of the adjusted income of lower income persons.
MORTGAGE LOAN
A loan to be made by the Authority to the sponsor for the construction and permanent financing of the housing development.
OWNER
One or more individuals, corporations, partnerships or other legal entities that hold valid legal title to the project that is the subject of this article.
SPONSOR
Persons or entities which have applied to the Authority for a mortgage loan to finance a housing development.
UTILITIES
Fuel, water, sanitary sewer service and/or electrical service.
[Code 1975, § 31-3; Code 1992, § 28-5]
(a) 
Housing projects or units within the boundaries of the City or units financed as described in Public Act No. 346 of 1966 (MCL 125.1401 et seq.) and allowed to be tax exempt under such Act shall not have the tax exemption applied to them unless otherwise provided in this article. This subsection shall not apply to housing projects or units for the elderly, as defined in the Act.
(b) 
The owner of a housing project containing units for the elderly shall annually submit to the City Assessor a certified statement declaring the square footage leased as units for the elderly compared to the total square footage leased for the housing project.