[Ord. No. OR:09/01; amended 5-16-2019 by Ord. No. 19/11]
A.
Purpose.
1.
This section is intended to assure that very-low-, low-, and moderate-income
units ("affordable units") are created with controls on affordability
and that very-low-, low-, and moderate-income households shall occupy
these units. This section shall apply except where inconsistent with
applicable law.
2.
The Borough of Watchung entered into a settlement agreement between
the Borough and Fair Share Housing Center (FSHC) on June 7, 2018 (hereinafter
"FSHC Settlement Agreement"), and the Superior Court Order on Fairness
and Preliminary Compliance Hearing, preliminarily approving the FSHC
Settlement Agreement, was entered by the Court on September 19, 2018,
after a properly noticed fairness hearing. The FSHC Settlement Agreement
describes how the Borough of Watchung shall address its fair share
of very-low-, low-, and moderate-income housing which will be documented
in the Borough of Watchung Housing Element and Fair Share Plan (HEFSP)
itself.
3.
The Borough of Watchung shall track the status of the implementation
of the Fair Share Plan.
B.
Monitoring and Reporting Requirements. The Borough of Watchung shall
comply with the following monitoring and reporting requirements regarding
the status of the implementation of its FSHC Settlement Agreement.
1.
Beginning one year after the entry of the Borough's Round 3 Judgment
of Compliance and Repose, and on every anniversary of that date through
2025, the Borough shall provide an annual report of its Affordable
Housing Trust Fund activity to the New Jersey Department of Community
Affairs (NJDCA), Council on Affordable Housing (COAH), or New Jersey
Local Government Services (NJLGS), or other entity designated by the
State of New Jersey, with a copy provided to FSHC and posted on the
municipal website, using forms developed for this purpose by the NJDCA,
COAH, or NJLGS. The report 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. Such reporting shall include an accounting of development
fees collected from residential and nonresidential developers, payments
in lieu of constructing affordable units on site (if permitted by
ordinance or by agreement with the Borough), funds from the sale of
units with extinguished controls, barrier free escrow funds, rental
income from Borough-owned affordable housing units, repayments from
affordable housing program loans, and any other funds collected in
connection with Watchung's affordable housing programs, as well as
an accounting of the expenditures of revenues and implementation of
the Spending Plan approved by the Court.
2.
Beginning one year after the entry of the Borough's Round 3 Judgment
of Compliance and Repose, and on every anniversary of that date through
2025, the Borough agrees to provide an annual report of the status
of all affordable housing activity within the municipality through
posting on the municipal website with a copy of such posting provided
to FSHC, using forms previously developed for this purpose by COAH,
or any other forms endorsed by the Superior Court Appointed Special
Master and FSHC.
3.
The Fair Housing Act includes two provisions regarding action to
be taken by the Borough during its ten-year repose period. The Borough
will comply with those provisions as follows:
a.
For the midpoint realistic opportunity review due on July 1,
2020, as required pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:27D-313, the Borough will
post on its municipal website, with a copy provided to FSHC, a status
report as to its implementation of its HEFSP and an analysis of whether
any unbuilt sites or unfulfilled mechanisms continue to present a
realistic opportunity and whether the mechanisms to meet unmet need
should be revised or supplemented. Such posting shall invite any interested
party to submit comments to the Borough, with a copy to FSHC, regarding
whether any sites no longer present a realistic opportunity and should
be replaced and whether the mechanisms to meet unmet need should be
revised or supplemented. Any interested party may by motion request
a hearing before the Superior Court regarding these issues.
b.
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 Borough's Judgment of Compliance and Repose, and
every third year thereafter, the Borough will post on its municipal
website, with a copy provided to FSHC, 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 Borough and FSHC on the issue of whether
the Borough has complied with its very-low-income housing obligation
under the terms of this settlement.
c.
In addition to the foregoing postings, the Borough may also
elect to file copies of its reports with COAH or its successor agency
at the state level.
The following terms, when used in this article, shall have the
meanings given in this section:
A self-contained residential dwelling unit with a kitchen,
sanitary facilities, sleeping quarters and a private entrance, which
is created within an existing home, or through the conversion of an
existing accessory structure on the same site, or by an addition to
an existing home or accessory building, or by the construction of
a new accessory structure on the same site.
The Fair Housing Act of 1985, P.L. 1985, c. 222 (N.J.S.A.
52:27D-301 et seq.) as has been subsequently amended.
Constructed in compliance with the technical design standards
of the Barrier Free Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-7.
The entity designated by the Borough responsible for the
administration of affordable units in accordance with this article,
applicable COAH regulations and the Uniform Housing Affordability
Controls (UHAC) (N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1 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 restricted
units in an affordable housing development are affordable to low-
and moderate-income households.
A sales price or rent within the means of a very-low-, low-
or moderate-income household as defined by COAH in its applicable
regulations or an equivalent controlling New Jersey state agency;
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 housing development in which all or a portion of which
consists of restricted units.
A development included in or pursuant to the Borough's Fair
Share Plan or otherwise intended to address the Borough's current
or future fair share obligation, and includes, but is not limited
to, an inclusionary development, a municipal construction project
or a 100-percent affordable development.
Any mechanism in the Borough's Fair Share Plan prepared or
implemented to address the Borough's fair share obligation.
A housing unit proposed or created pursuant to the Act, credited
pursuant to applicable COAH regulations, the FSHC Settlement Agreement,
or an order of the Superior Court.
A housing unit designed to meet the needs of, and exclusively
for, the residents of an age-restricted segment of the population
where the head of household is a minimum age of either 62 years, or
55 years and meets the provisions of the 42 U.S.C. § 3601
et seq., except that due to death, a remaining spouse of less than
55 years of age shall be permitted to continue to reside.
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 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 very-low-income household, low-income household or moderate-income
household.
The New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing and/or its successors
and assigned pursuant to applicable laws.
The State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
A housing unit with health and safety code violations that
require the repair or replacement of a major system.
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.
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.
A development containing both affordable units and market-rate
units. This term includes, but is not necessarily limited to, new
construction, the conversion of a nonresidential structure to residential
and the creation of new affordable units through the reconstruction
of a vacant residential structure.
A household with a total gross annual household income equal
to 50% or less of the median household income.
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 or 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 updated annually by COAH or through a court-approved process.
A household with a total gross annual household income in
excess of 50% but less than 80% of the median household income.
A restricted unit that is affordable to a moderate-income
household.
The employee charged by the governing body with the responsibility
for oversight and administration of the affordable housing program
for Watchung.
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 the Department's adopted Regional Income Limits published
annually by COAH, a successor entity or established by the Court.
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 ownership unit,
that is subject to the affordability controls of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1,
as may be amended and supplemented.
The Department of Community Affairs of the State of New Jersey,
that was established under the New Jersey Fair Housing Act (N.J.S.A.
52:27D-301 et seq.).
The Uniform Housing Affordability Controls set forth in N.J.A.C.
5:80-26.1 et seq.
A household with a total gross annual household income equal
to 30% or less of the median household income.
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 rehabilitation.
A.
The provisions of this section shall apply to all affordable housing
developments and affordable housing units that currently exist and
that are proposed to be created within the Borough of Watchung pursuant
to the Borough's most recently adopted HEFSP.
B.
This section shall apply to all developments that contain very-low-,
low- and moderate-income housing units, including any currently unanticipated
future developments that will provide affordable housing units.
C.
In addition, any property in the Borough of Watchung that is currently zoned for nonresidential uses and that is subsequently rezoned for residential purposes or receives a zoning change or a use variance to permit residential development, or receives a zoning change or a density variance to permit higher density residential development in accordance with § 28-401AB.
A.
The Borough of Watchung and FSHC have agreed that the Borough's Round
3 (1999-2025) indigenous need Rehabilitation Obligation is four units,
as adjusted through the FSHC Settlement Agreement. The Borough will
address its Round 3 Rehabilitation Obligation via continuation of
the Borough Rehabilitation Program. The rehabilitation program will
update and 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 Borough Rehabilitation Program shall be operated in accordance
with the Borough's Rehabilitation Manual.
1.
All rehabilitated rental and owner-occupied units shall remain affordable
to low- and moderate-income households for a period of at least 10
years (the control period). For owner-occupied units, the control
period will be enforced with a lien, and for renter-occupied units
the control period will be enforced with a deed restriction.
2.
The Borough of Watchung shall dedicate an average of at least $10,000
for each unit to be rehabilitated through this program, reflecting
the minimum hard cost of rehabilitation for each unit.
3.
Units in the rehabilitation programs shall be administered in accordance
with the Borough Rehabilitation Manual, and the following:
a.
If a unit is vacant, upon initial rental subsequent to rehabilitation,
or if a renter-occupied unit is rerented prior to the end of controls
on affordability, the deed restriction shall require the unit to be
rented to an income-eligible household at an affordable rent and affirmatively
marketed pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:93-9 and UHAC.
b.
If a unit is renter-occupied, upon completion of the rehabilitation,
the maximum rate of rent shall be the lesser of the current rent or
the maximum permitted rent pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:93-9 and UHAC.
c.
Rents in rehabilitated units may increase annually based on the standards in N.J.A.C. 5:93-9 or the standards set forth in this article at Section 28-1007H.
d.
Applicant and/or tenant households shall be certified as income-eligible
in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:93-9 and UHAC, except that households
in owner-occupied units shall be exempt from the regional asset limit.
A.
The administration of an alternative living arrangement shall be
in compliance with N.J.A.C. 5:93-5.8 and UHAC, with the following
exceptions:
B.
With the exception of units established with capital funding through
a twenty-year operating contract with the Department of Human Services,
Division of Developmental Disabilities, alternative living arrangements
shall have at least thirty-year controls on affordability in accordance
with UHAC, unless an alternative commitment is approved by the Superior
Court.
C.
The service provider for the alternative living arrangement shall
act as the Administrative Agent for the purposes of administering
the affirmative marketing and affordability requirements for the alternative
living arrangement.
In inclusionary developments the following schedule shall be
followed:
|
Maximum Percentage of Market-Rate
|
Minimum Percentage of Very-Low-, Low- and Moderate-Income
|
|---|---|
|
Units Completed
|
Units Completed
|
|
25%
|
0%
|
|
25% + 1
|
10%
|
|
50%
|
50%
|
|
75%
|
75%
|
|
90%
|
100%
|
|
100%
|
—
|
A.
Low/Moderate Split and Bedroom Distribution of Affordable Housing
Units:
1.
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 13% of all restricted rental units shall be very-low-income
units (affordable to a household earning 30% or less of regional median
income). The very-low-income units shall be counted as part of the
required number of low-income units within the development. At least
25% of the obligation shall be met through rental units, including
at least half in rental units available to families. At least 50%
of the very-low-income units must be available to families. A maximum
of 25% may be age restricted.
2.
In each affordable development, at least 50% of the restricted units
within each bedroom distribution shall be very-low- or low-income
units.
3.
Affordable developments that are not age-restricted shall be structured
in conjunction with realistic market demands such that:
a.
The combined number of efficiency and one-bedroom units shall
be at least 10% and no greater than 20% of the total affordable units;
b.
At least 30% of all affordable units shall be two-bedroom units;
c.
At least 20% of all affordable units shall be three-bedroom
units; and
d.
The remaining units may be allocated among two-bedroom units
only.
4.
Affordable developments that are age-restricted shall be structured
such that the number of bedrooms shall equal the number of age-restricted
very-low-, 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.
Accessibility Requirements:
1.
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 Subcode (N.J.A.C.
5:23-7).
2.
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.
An adaptable toilet and bathing facility on the first floor;
and
b.
An adaptable kitchen on the first floor; and
c.
An interior accessible route of travel on the first floor; and
d.
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.
If all of the foregoing requirements in Subsection B2a through
B2d above cannot 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 B2a through B2d above have been
satisfied, then an interior accessible route of travel shall not be
required between stories within an individual unit; and
f.
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), or evidence that Watchung has collected funds from the developer
sufficient to make 10% of the adaptable entrances in the development
accessible:
(1)
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)
To this end, the builder of restricted units shall deposit funds
into the Borough of Watchung's Affordable Housing Trust Fund sufficient
to install accessible entrances in 10% of the affordable units that
have been constructed with adaptable entrances.
(3)
The funds deposited under Subsection B2f above shall be used
by the Borough of Watchung 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)
The developer of the restricted units shall submit a design
plan and cost estimate to the Construction Official of the Borough
of Watchung for the conversion of adaptable to accessible entrances.
(5)
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, 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 Chief Financial Officer who shall ensure that the funds
are deposited into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and appropriately
earmarked.
g.
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).
C.
Design:
1.
In inclusionary developments, very-low-, low-, and moderate-income
units shall be integrated with the market units to the extent possible.
2.
In inclusionary developments, very-low-, low-, and moderate-income
units shall have access to all of the same common elements and facilities
as the market units.
D.
Maximum Rents and Sales Prices:
1.
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.
2.
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.
The developers and/or municipal sponsors of restricted rental units
shall establish at least one rent for each bedroom type for very-low-,
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, which very-low-income units shall be part of the low-income
requirement.
4.
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.
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:
E.
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:
F.
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.
G.
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.
H.
Income limits for all units that are part of the Borough's HEFSP,
and for which income limits are not already established through a
federal program exempted from the UHAC pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1,
shall be updated by the Borough annually within 60 days of the publication
of determinations of median income by HUD as follows:
1.
Regional income limits shall be established for Region 3 based on
the median income by household size, which shall be established by
a regional weighted average of the uncapped Section 8 income limits
published by HUD. To compute this regional income limit, the HUD determination
of median county income for a family of four is multiplied by the
estimated households within the county according to the most recent
decennial Census. The resulting product for each county within the
housing region is summed. The sum is divided by the estimated total
households from the most recent decennial Census in the municipality's
housing region. This quotient represents the regional weighted average
of median income for a family of four. The income limit for a moderate-income
unit for a household of four shall be 80% of the regional weighted
average median income for a family of four. The income limit for a
low-income unit for a household of four shall be 50% of the regional
weighted average median income for a family of four. The income limit
for a very-low-income units for a household of four shall be 30% of
the regional weighted average median income for a family of four.
These income limits shall be adjusted by household size based on multipliers
used by HUD to adjust median income by household size. In no event
shall the income limits be less than the previous year.
2.
The income limits are the result of applying the percentages set
forth in Subsection H1 above to HUD's determination of median income
for the current fiscal year and shall be utilized by the Borough until
the Borough updates the income limits after HUD has published revised
determinations of median income for the next fiscal year.
3.
The Regional Asset Limit used in determining an applicant's eligibility
for affordable housing pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.16(b)3 shall be
calculated by the municipality annually by taking the percentage increase
of the income limits calculated pursuant to Subsection H1 above over
the previous year's income limits and applying the same percentage
increase to the Regional Asset Limit from the prior year. In no event
shall the Regional Asset Limit be less than that for the previous
year.
I.
In establishing sale prices and rents of affordable housing units,
the Administrative Agent shall follow the procedures set forth in
UHAC, utilizing the regional income limits established pursuant to
the process defined above:
1.
The resale prices of owner-occupied very-low-, low- and moderate-income
units may be increased annually based on the percentage increase in
the regional median income limit for each housing region determined
pursuant to Subsection H above. In no event shall the maximum resale
price established by the Administrative Agent be lower than the last
recorded purchase price.
2.
The rent levels of very-low-, low- and moderate-income units may
be increased annually based on the permitted percentage increase in
the Housing Consumer Price Index for the Northeast Urban Region, upon
its publication for the prior calendar year. 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.
Affordable units shall utilize the same type of heating source as
market units within an inclusionary development.
B.
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 the NJDCA 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.
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 section for a period of at least 30 years, until Watchung
Borough 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.
B.
The affordability control period for a restricted ownership unit
shall commence on the date the initial certified household takes title
to the unit.
C.
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.
At the time of the initial sale of the unit, the initial purchaser
shall execute and deliver to the Borough's 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
section, 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.
The affordability controls set forth in this section shall remain
in effect despite the entry and enforcement of any judgment of foreclosure
with respect to restricted ownership units.
F.
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.
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.
The initial purchase price for a restricted ownership unit shall
be approved by the Borough's Administrative Agent.
B.
The Borough's Administrative Agent shall approve all resale prices,
in writing and in advance of the resale, to assure compliance with
the foregoing standards.
C.
The master deeds of inclusionary developments shall provide no distinction
between the condominium or homeowner association fees and special
assessments paid by low- and moderate-income purchasers and those
paid by market purchasers, unless the master deed for the inclusionary
project was executed prior to the enactment of UHAC.
D.
The owners of restricted ownership units may apply to the Borough's 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 § 28-1014.
A.
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 very-low-income ownership units shall be reserved for households
with a gross household income less than or equal to 30% of median
income, 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.
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.
A.
Prior to incurring any indebtedness to be secured by a restricted
ownership unit, the owner shall apply to the Borough's Administrative
Agent for a determination in writing that the proposed indebtedness
complies with the provisions of this section, and the Borough's Administrative
Agent shall issue such determination prior to the owner incurring
such indebtedness.
B.
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 Borough's Administrative Agent, accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.6(b).
A.
The owners of restricted ownership units may apply to the Borough's
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.
B.
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 Borough's 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
Borough's Administrative Agent. Unless otherwise approved by the Borough's
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.
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 section for a period of at least 30 years, until Watchung
Borough takes action to release the unit from such requirements. Prior
to such action, a restricted rental unit must remain subject to the
requirements of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1, as may be amended and supplemented.
B.
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 Somerset. 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 Borough's Administrative Agent within 30 days of the receipt
of a certificate of occupancy.
C.
A restricted rental unit shall remain subject to the affordability
controls described in this section despite the occurrence of any of
the following events:
A.
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 Borough's
Administrative Agent.
B.
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 Borough's Administrative Agent.
C.
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 developer and/or landlord or to the Borough's
Administrative Agent. If the fees are paid to the Borough's Administrative
Agent, they are to be applied to the costs of administering the controls
applicable to the unit as set forth in this section.
D.
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.
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.
Very-low-income rental units shall be reserved for households with
a gross household income less than or equal to 30% of the regional
median household income by household size.
2.
Low-income rental units shall be reserved for households with a gross
household income less than or equal to 50% of the regional median
household income by household size.
3.
Moderate-income rental units shall be reserved for households with
a gross household income less than 80% of the regional median household
income by household size.
B.
The Borough's 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.
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.
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.
The household is currently in substandard or overcrowded living conditions;
4.
The household documents the existence of assets with which the household
proposes to supplement the rent payments; or
5.
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.
C.
The applicant shall file documentation sufficient to establish the
existence of the circumstances in Subsection B1 through B5 above with
the Borough's Administrative Agent, who shall counsel the household
on budgeting.
A.
The position of Municipal Housing Liaison (MHL) for the Borough of
Watchung is established by this section. The Borough shall make the
actual appointment of the MHL by means of a resolution.
1.
The MHL must be either a full-time or part-time employee of
Watchung.
2.
The person appointed as the MHL must be reported to the Superior
Court and thereafter posted on the Borough's website.
3.
The MHL shall be duly qualified through a training program provided
by the Borough Administrative Agent before assuming the duties of
Municipal Housing Liaison.
4.
The Municipal Housing Liaison shall be responsible for oversight
and administration of the affordable housing program for the Borough
of Watchung, including the following responsibilities which may not
be contracted out to the Administrative Agent.
a.
Serving as the municipality's primary point of contact for all
inquiries from the state, affordable housing providers, Administrative
Agents and interested households;
b.
The implementation of the Affirmative Marketing Plan and affordability
controls;
c.
When applicable, supervising any contracting Administrative
Agent;
d.
Monitoring the status of all restricted units in the Borough's
Fair Share Plan;
e.
Compiling, verifying and submitting annual reports as required;
f.
Coordinating meetings with affordable housing providers and
Administrative Agents, as applicable; and
g.
Attending continuing education opportunities on affordability
controls, compliance monitoring and affirmative marketing as offered
or approved by the Affordable Housing Professionals of New Jersey
(AHPNJ), if such continuing education opportunities are made available
by COAH or the DCA.
B.
Subject to the approval of the Superior Court, the Borough of Watchung
shall designate one or more Administrative Agent(s) to administer
and to affirmatively market the affordable units constructed in the
Borough in accordance with UHAC and this section. 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 Borough 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).
An Administrative Agent may be an independent entity serving
under contract to and reporting to the Borough. 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. The Borough
Administrative Agent shall monitor and work with any individual Administrative
Agents appointed by individual developers. The Administrative Agent(s)
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:
A.
Affirmative Marketing:
1.
Conducting an outreach process to affirmatively market affordable
housing units in accordance with the Affirmative Marketing Plan of
the Borough of Watchung and the provisions of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.15;
and
2.
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.
Household Certification:
1.
Soliciting, scheduling, conducting and following up on interviews
with interested households;
2.
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.
Providing written notification to each applicant as to the determination
of eligibility or noneligibility;
4.
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.
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;
6.
Employing a random selection process as provided in the Affirmative
Marketing Plan of the Borough of Watchung when referring households
for certification to affordable units; and
7.
Notifying the following entities of the availability of affordable
housing units in the Borough of Watchung: FSHC, the New Jersey State
Conference of the NAACP, the Latino Action Network, NORWESCAP, Supportive
Housing Network, Central Jersey Housing Resource Center.
C.
Affordability Controls:
1.
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.
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.
Ensuring that the removal of the deed restrictions and cancellation
of the mortgage note are effectuated and properly filed with the Somerset
County Register of Deeds or the Somerset County Clerk's office after
the termination of the affordability controls for each restricted
unit;
4.
Communicating with lenders regarding foreclosures; and
5.
Ensuring the issuance of continuing certificates of occupancy or
certifications pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.10.
D.
Resales and Rerentals:
1.
Instituting and maintaining an effective means of communicating information
between owners and the Borough's Administrative Agent regarding the
availability of restricted units for resale or rerental; and
2.
Instituting and maintaining an effective means of communicating information
to very-low-, low- and moderate-income households regarding the availability
of restricted units for resale or rerental.
E.
Processing Requests from Unit Owners:
1.
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 section;
2.
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.
Notifying the Borough of an owner's intent to sell a restricted unit;
and
4.
Making determinations on requests by owners of restricted units for
hardship waivers.
F.
Enforcement:
1.
Securing annually from the Borough 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.
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 Borough's
Administrative Agent.
3.
Posting annually, in all rental properties (including two-family
homes), a notice as to the maximum permitted rent together with the
telephone number of the Borough's Administrative Agent, where complaints
of excess rent or other charges can be made;
4.
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.
Establishing a program for diverting unlawful rent payments to the
Borough's Affordable Housing Trust Fund; and
6.
Creating and publishing a written operating manual for each affordable
housing program administered by the Borough's Administrative Agent,
to be approved by the Borough Council and the Superior Court, setting
forth procedures for administering the affordability controls.
G.
Additional Responsibilities:
1.
The Administrative Agent shall have the authority to take all actions
necessary and appropriate to carry out its responsibilities hereunder.
2.
The Administrative Agent shall prepare monitoring reports for submission
to the Municipal Housing Liaison in time to meet the Court-approved
monitoring and reporting requirements in accordance with the deadlines
set forth in this section.
3.
The Borough's Administrative Agent shall attend continuing education
sessions on affordability controls, compliance monitoring, and affirmative
marketing at least annually and more often as needed.
A.
The Borough of Watchung 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.
B.
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 toward
Housing Region 3 and is required to be followed throughout the period
of restriction.
C.
The Affirmative Marketing Plan shall provide a regional preference
for all households that live and/or work in Housing Region 3, comprised
of Hunterdon, Middlesex and Somerset Counties.
D.
The Borough 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 rerentals. The Borough's Administrative Agent designated by the
Borough of Watchung shall implement the Affirmative Marketing Plan
to assure the affirmative marketing of all affordable units.
E.
In implementing the Affirmative Marketing Plan, the Borough's Administrative
Agent shall provide a list of counseling services to very-low-, low-,
and moderate-income applicants on subjects such as budgeting, credit
issues, mortgage qualification, rental lease requirements, and landlord/tenant
law.
F.
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 Borough's Administrative Agent
shall consider the use of language translations where appropriate.
G.
The affirmative marketing process for available affordable units
shall begin at least 120 days prior to the expected date of occupancy.
H.
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;
and the municipal building in which the units are located; and the
developer's rental office. Applications shall be mailed to prospective
applicants upon request.
I.
The costs of advertising and affirmative marketing of the affordable
units shall be the responsibility of the developer, sponsor or owner.
A.
Upon the occurrence of a breach of any of the regulations governing
an affordable unit by an owner, developer or tenant, the Borough 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, recoupment 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.
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 Borough
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.
The Borough 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 Superior 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.
A fine of not more than $2,000 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.
In the case of an owner who has rented a very-low-, low- or
moderate-income unit in violation of the regulations governing affordable
housing units, payment into the Borough of Watchung Affordable Housing
Trust Fund of the gross amount of rent illegally collected;
c.
In the case of an owner who has rented a very-low-, 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.
The Borough 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.
The judgment shall be enforceable, at the option of the Borough,
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 Borough,
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.
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 Borough 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
Borough 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 Borough 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 Borough 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 Borough 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 Borough. Any interest
accrued or earned on such balance while being held in escrow shall
belong to and shall be paid to the Borough, whether such balance shall
be paid to the owner or forfeited to the Borough.
c.
Foreclosure by the Borough 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 very-low-, 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.
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 Borough may acquire title to the very-low-, 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 very-low-, 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.
Failure of the very-low-, low-, and moderate-income unit to
be either sold at the Sheriff's sale or acquired by the Borough shall
obligate the owner to accept an offer to purchase from any qualified
purchaser which may be referred to the owner by the Borough, with
such offer to purchase being equal to the maximum resale price of
the very-low-, low-, and moderate-income unit as permitted by the
regulations governing affordable housing units.
f.
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 section shall be filed in writing with the Superior
Court.
