Section 4-1803 - Requirements for participation.
§ 4-1803. Requirements for participation.
(a) Qualification of local governments.- A local government qualifies for participation in the Program if:
(1) the local government has:
(i) a 5-year consolidated plan approved by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; or
(ii) a comprehensive plan;
(2) the plans listed in item (1) of this subsection:
(i) have a workforce housing element;
(ii) assess workforce housing needs; and
(iii) contain goals, objectives, and policies to preserve or develop workforce housing; and
(3) the local government provides a statement to the Department indicating:
(i) a desire to participate in the Program; and
(ii) a reasonable expectation of the local government's ability to provide the matching funds required under § 4-1804 of this subtitle.
(b) Requirements for workforce housing element.- The workforce housing element in the 5-year consolidated plan or the comprehensive plan of a qualifying local government may include:
(1) preservation and renovation of existing housing stock;
(2) redevelopment of existing residential areas;
(3) streamlined regulatory processes and reduced regulatory fees for construction or renovation;
(4) financial incentives for construction and renovation including local property tax credits;
(5) special zoning regulations for construction and renovation including inclusionary zoning;
(6) efforts to preserve workforce housing stock for subsequent first-time homebuyers and renters;
(7) coordination with neighboring jurisdictions;
(8) coordination with private sector employers; and
(9) leveraging of federal financial assistance.
[2006, ch. 483; 2007, ch. 603.]