Borough of Wildwood Crest, NJ Affordable Housing Development Fees

[Ord. No. 1273-2018 § 1]

Purpose.

In Holmdel Builder's Association V. Holmdel Township, 121 N.J. 550 (1990), the New Jersey Supreme Court determined that mandatory development fees are authorized by the Fair Housing Act of 1985 (the Act), N.J.S.A. 52:27d-301 et seq., and the State Constitution, subject to the Council on Affordable Housing's (COAH's) adoption of rules.

Pursuant to P.L.2008, c.46 section 8 (C. 52:27D-329.2) and the Statewide Non-Residential Development Fee Act (C. 40:55D-8.1 through 8.7), COAH is authorized to adopt and promulgate regulations necessary for the establishment, implementation, review, monitoring and enforcement of municipal affordable housing trust funds and corresponding spending plans. Municipalities that are under the jurisdiction of the Council or court of competent jurisdiction and have a COAH-approved spending plan may retain fees collected from non- residential development.

This ordinance establishes standards for the collection, maintenance, and expenditure of development fees pursuant to COAH's regulations and in accordance P.L.2008, c.46, Sections 8 and 32-38. Fees collected pursuant to this ordinance shall be used for the sole purpose of providing low- and moderate-income housing. This ordinance shall be interpreted within the framework of COAH's rules on development fees, codified at N.J.A.C.5:97-8.

Basic Requirements.

This ordinance shall not be effective until approved by the Court or an entity with similar authority.

The Borough of Wildwood Crest shall not spend development fees until a plan for spending such fees in conformance with N.J.A.C.5:97-8.10 and N.J.A.C. 5:96-5.3 is approved.

Definitions.

Words and phrases used in this section shall have the meanings set forth in this section. Words and phrases not defined in this section, but defined elsewhere in this chapter, shall be given the meanings set forth in said chapter. Words and phrases not defined in this chapter, but defined in the New Jersey Annotated Code or the New Jersey Statutes Annotated, shall be given the meanings set forth in said code or statutes. For words and phrases for which no definition is available in this chapter or the New Jersey Annotated Code or the New Jersey Statutes Annotated, the Illustrated Book of Development Definitions, authored by Harvey S. Moskowitz and Carl G. Lindbloom, published by Rutgers University in 1981, may be used as a guide. All other words and phrases shall be given their common, ordinary meanings, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

The following definitions shall be applicable to this section:

AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Any development included in the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan or a residential development that provides affordable units, and includes, but is not limited to, an inclusionary development, a municipal construction project or a 100% affordable development.

DEVELOPER

Any legal or beneficial owner or owners of a lot or of any land proposed to be included in a proposed development, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase, or other person having an enforceable proprietary interest in such land.

DEVELOPMENT FEE

Any money paid by a developer for the improvement of property as permitted in N.J.A.C. 5:97-8.3.

EQUALIZED ASSESSED VALUE

The assessed value of a property divided by the current average ratio of assessed to true value for the municipality in which the property is situated, as determined in accordance with sections 1, 5, and 6 of P.L. 1973, c.123 (C.54:1-35a through C.54:1-35c).

GREEN BUILDING STRATEGIES

Any strategies that minimize the impact of development on the environment, and enhance the health, safety and well-being of residents by producing durable, low-maintenance, resource-efficient housing while making optimum use of existing infrastructure and community services.

Residential Development Fee Schedule.

Imposed Fees.

Within all zoning districts, residential developers who construct fewer than four dwelling units or who create building lots for fewer than four dwelling units, except for developers of the types of development specifically exempted below, shall pay a fee of 1.5% of the equalized assessed value for residential development provided no increased density is permitted.

When an increase in residential density pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70d(5) (known as a "d" variance) has been permitted, developers may be required to pay a development fee of a maximum of 6% of the equalized assessed value for each additional unit that may be realized. However, if the zoning on a site has changed during the two-year period preceding the filing of such a variance application, the base density for the purposes of calculating the bonus development fee shall be the highest density permitted by right during the two-year period preceding the filing of the variance application.

Example: If an approval allows three units to be constructed on a site that was zoned for one unit, the fees could equal 1.5% of the equalized assessed value on the one unit; and the specified higher percentage up to 6% of the equalized assessed value for the two additional units, provided zoning on the site has not changed during the two-year period preceding the filing of such a variance application.

Eligible Exactions, Ineligible Exactions and Exemptions for Residential Development.

Affordable housing developments, developments where the developer is providing for the construction of affordable units elsewhere in the municipality, or on-site shall be exempt from development fees.

Developments that have received preliminary or final site plan or subdivision approval prior to the adoption of a municipal development fee ordinance shall be exempt from development fees, unless the developer seeks a substantial change in the approval. Where a site plan or subdivision approval does not apply, a zoning and/or building permit shall be synonymous with preliminary or final site plan approval for this purpose. The fee percentage shall be vested on the date that the building permit is issued.

Development fees shall be imposed and collected when an existing structure undergoes a change to a more intense use, is demolished and replaced, or is expanded, if the expansion is not otherwise exempt from the development fee requirement. The development fee shall be calculated on the increase in the equalized assessed value of the improved structure.

Developers of residential structures demolished and replaced as a result of a natural disaster or catastrophic event (e.g., fire) shall be exempt from paying a development fee.

Non-Residential Development Fees.

Imposed Fees.

Within all zoning districts, non-residential developers, except for developers of the types of development specifically exempted, shall pay a fee equal to 2.5% of the equalized assessed value of the land and improvements, for all new non-residential construction on an unimproved lot or lots.

Non-residential developers, except for developers of the types of development specifically exempted, shall also pay a fee equal to 2.5% of the increase in equalized assessed value resulting from any additions to existing structures to be used for non-residential purposes.

Development fees shall be imposed and collected when an existing structure is demolished and replaced. The development fee of 2.5% shall be calculated on the difference between the equalized assessed value of the pre-existing land and improvement and the equalized assessed value of the newly improved structure (i.e., land and improvement, at the time final certificate of occupancy is issued). If the calculation required under this section results in a negative number, the non-residential development fee shall be zero.

Eligible exactions, ineligible exactions and exemptions for non-residential development.

The non-residential portion of a mixed-use inclusionary or market rate development shall be subject to the 2.5% development fee, unless otherwise exempted below.

The 2.5% fee shall not apply to an increase in equalized assessed value resulting from alterations, change in use within existing footprint, reconstruction, renovations and repairs.

Non-residential developments shall be exempt from the payment of non-residential development fees in accordance with the exemptions required pursuant to P.L.2008, c.46, as specified in the Form N-RDF "State of New Jersey Non-Residential Development Certification/Exemption" Form. Any exemption claimed by a developer shall be substantiated by that developer.

A developer of a non-residential development exempted from the non-residential development fee pursuant to P.L.2008, c.46 shall be subject to it at such time as the basis for the exemption no longer applies, and shall make the payment of the non-residential development fee, in that event, within three years after that event or after the issuance of the final certificate of occupancy of the non-residential development, whichever is later.

If a property which was exempted from the collection of a non-residential development fee thereafter ceases to be exempt from property taxation, the owner of the property shall remit the fees required pursuant to this section within 45 days of the termination of the property tax exemption. Unpaid non-residential development fees under these circumstances may be enforceable by the Borough of Wildwood Crest as a lien against the real property of the owner.

Collection Procedures.

Upon the granting of a preliminary, final or other applicable approval, for a development, the applicable approving authority shall direct its staff to notify the Construction Official responsible for the issuance of a building permit.

For non-residential developments only, the developer shall also be provided with a copy of Form N-RDF "State of New Jersey Non-Residential Development Certification/Exemption" by the Construction Official, to be completed as per the instructions provided. The developer of a non-residential development shall complete Form N-RDF as per the instructions provided. The Construction Official shall verify the information submitted by the non-residential developer as per the instructions provided in the Form N-RDF. The Tax Assessor shall verify exemptions and prepare estimated and final assessments as per the instructions provided in Form N-RDF.

The Construction Official responsible for the issuance of a building permit shall notify the Tax Assessor of the issuance of the first building permit for a development which is subject to a development fee.

Within 90 days of receipt of that notice, the Tax Assessor, based on the plans filed, shall provide an estimate of the equalized assessed value of the development.

The Construction Official responsible for the issuance of a final certificate of occupancy notifies the Tax Assessor of any and all requests for the scheduling of a final inspection on property which is subject to a development fee.

Within 10 business days of a request for the scheduling of a final inspection, the Tax Assessor shall confirm or modify the previously estimated equalized assessed value of the improvements of the development; calculate the development fee; and thereafter notify the Construction Official of the amount of the fee, who will transmit it to the developer.

Should the Borough of Wildwood Crest fail to determine or notify the developer of the amount of the development fee within 10 business days of the request for final inspection, the developer may estimate the amount due and pay that estimated amount consistent with the dispute process set forth in Subsection b of section 37 of P.L.2008, c.46 (C.40:55D-8.6).

100% of the development fee shall be collected at the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.

Appeal of Development Fees.

A developer may challenge residential development fees imposed by filing a challenge with the County Board of Taxation. Pending a review and determination by the Board, collected fees shall be placed in an interest bearing escrow account by the Borough of Wildwood Crest. Appeals from a determination of the Board may be made to the tax court in accordance with the provisions of the State Tax Uniform Procedure Law, R.S.54:48-1 et seq., within 90 days after the date of such determination. Interest earned on amounts escrowed shall be credited to the prevailing party.

A developer may challenge non-residential development fees imposed by filing a challenge with the Director of the Division of Taxation. Pending a review and determination by the Director, which shall be made within 45 days of receipt of the challenge, collected fees shall be placed in an interest bearing escrow account by the Borough of Wildwood Crest. Appeals from a determination of the Director may be made to the tax court in accordance with the provisions of the State Tax Uniform Procedure Law, R.S.54:48-1 et seq., within 90 days after the date of such determination. Interest earned on amounts escrowed shall be credited to the prevailing party.

Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

The Borough of Wildwood Crest shall create a separate, interest- bearing Affordable Housing Trust Fund to be maintained by the Chief Financial Officer for the purpose of depositing development fees collected from residential and non-residential developers and proceeds from the sale of units with extinguished controls.

The following additional funds shall be deposited in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and shall at all times be identifiable by source and amount:

Payments in lieu of on-site construction of affordable units;

Developer contributed funds to make 10% of the adaptable entrances in a townhouse or other multistory attached development accessible;

Rental income from municipally operated units;

Repayments from affordable housing program loans;

Recapture funds;

Proceeds from the sale of affordable units; and

Any other funds collected in connection with the Borough of Wildwood Crest's affordable housing program.

The Borough of Wildwood Crest will provide the court with written authorization, in the form of a three-party escrow agreement between the municipality, the bank, and the court to permit direct disbursement of the funds as provided for in N.J.A.C. 5:97-8.13(b).

All interest accrued in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund shall only be used on eligible affordable housing activities approved by the Spending Plan.

Use of Funds.

The expenditure of all funds shall conform to a spending plan. Funds deposited in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund may be used for any activity within the spending plan or fair share plan to address the Borough of Wildwood Crest's fair share obligation and may be set up as a grant or revolving loan program. Such activities include, but are not limited to: preservation or purchase of housing for the purpose of maintaining or implementing affordability controls, rehabilitation, new construction of affordable housing units and related costs, accessory apartment, market to affordable, or regional housing partnership programs, conversion of existing non-residential buildings to create new affordable units, green building strategies designed to be cost saving and in accordance with accepted national or State standards, purchase of land for affordable housing, improvement of land to be used for affordable housing, extensions or improvements of roads and infrastructure to affordable housing sites, financial assistance designed to increase affordability, administration necessary for implementation of the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, or any other activity as permitted pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:97-8.7 through 8.9 and specified in the approved spending plan.

Funds shall not be expended to reimburse the Borough of Wildwood Crest for past housing activities.

At least 30% of all development fees collected and interest earned shall be used to provide affordability assistance to low- and moderate-income households in affordable units included in the municipal Fair Share Plan, unless a waiver is obtained for this affordability assistance requirement. One-third of the affordability assistance portion of development fees collected shall be used to provide affordability assistance to those households earning 30% or less of median income by region.

Affordability assistance programs may include down payment assistance, security deposit assistance, low interest loans, rental assistance, assistance with homeowners association or condominium fees and special assessments, and assistance with emergency repairs.

Affordability assistance to households earning 30% or less of median income may include buying down the cost of low or moderate income units in the municipal Fair Share Plan to make them affordable to households earning 30% or less of median income.

Payments in lieu of constructing affordable units on site and funds from the sale of units with extinguished controls shall be exempt from the affordability assistance requirement.

The Borough of Wildwood Crest may contract with a private or public entity to administer any part of its Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, including the requirement for affordability assistance, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:96-18.

No more than 20% of all revenues collected from development fees, may be expended on administration, including, but not limited to, salaries and benefits for municipal employees or consultant fees necessary to develop or implement a new construction program, a Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, and/or an affirmative marketing program. In the case of a rehabilitation program, no more than 20% of the revenues collected from development fees shall be expended for such administrative expenses. Administrative funds may be used for income qualification of households, monitoring the turnover of sale and rental units, and compliance with monitoring requirements. Legal or other fees related to litigation opposing affordable housing sites or objecting to affordable housing regulations and/or action are not eligible uses of the affordable housing trust fund.

Monitoring.

The Borough of Wildwood Crest shall complete and return all monitoring forms included in monitoring requirements related to the collection of development fees from residential and non-residential developers, payments in lieu of constructing affordable units on site, funds from the sale of units with extinguished controls, barrier free escrow funds, rental income, repayments from affordable housing program loans, and any other funds collected in connection with the Borough of Wildwood Crest's housing program, as well as to the expenditure of revenues and implementation of the plan. All monitoring reports shall be completed on applicable and appropriate forms.

Ongoing Collection of Fees.

The ability for the Borough of Wildwood Crest to impose, collect and expend development fees shall expire with its substantive certification unless the Borough of Wildwood Crest has filed an adopted Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, has petitioned for substantive certification, and has received approval of its development fee ordinance. If the Borough of Wildwood Crest fails to renew its ability to impose and collect development fees prior to the expiration of substantive certification, it may be subject to forfeiture of any or all funds remaining within its Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Any funds so forfeited shall be deposited into the "New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund" established pursuant to section 20 of P.L.1985, c.222 (C.52:27D-320). The Borough of Wildwood Crest shall not impose a residential development fee on a development that receives preliminary or final site plan or subdivision approval after the expiration of its substantive certification or judgment of compliance, nor shall the Borough of Wildwood Crest retroactively impose a development fee on such a development. The Borough of Wildwood Crest shall not expend development fees after the expiration of its substantive certification or judgment of compliance.