California § 53562 - To the extent that funds are available, the department may make grants to cities,

§ 53562. To the extent that funds are available, the department may make grants to cities,

(a) To the extent that funds are available, the department may make grants to cities, counties, cities and counties, eligible tribal applicants as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 50651, or transit agencies for the provision of infrastructure necessary for the development of higher density vehicle miles traveled-efficient affordable housing or related infrastructure project. Any award of program funds as a grant shall be made pursuant to (1) the priority order set forth in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 21080.44 of the Public Resources Code and (2) considerations, including, but not limited to, the discretionary considerations set forth in paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 21080.44 of the Public Resources Code. Any award may be made either through a competitive or over-the-counter basis. (b) To the extent that funds are available, the department may make repayable loans or forgivable loans for the development and construction of vehicle miles traveled-efficient affordable housing. Any award of repayable loans or forgivable loans shall be made pursuant to (1) the priority order set forth in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 21080.44 of the Public Resources Code and (2) considerations, including, but not limited to, the discretionary considerations set forth in paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 21080.44 of the Public Resources Code. (c) For vehicle miles traveled-efficient affordable housing projects, to be eligible for a grant pursuant to subdivision (a) or a repayable loan or forgivable loan pursuant to subdivision (b), the housing development project shall meet all of the following: (1) At least 20 percent of the units in the proposed development shall be made available at an affordable rent or at an affordable housing cost to persons of very low or low income for at least 55 years. The project shall be subject to an affordability requirement under which not less than 20 percent of the total units shall be restricted to lower income households, as defined in Section 50079.5, for a period of not less than 55 years. If the project is subject to any other public funding, regulatory agreement, or financial assistance that imposes an affordability requirement that exceeds 20 percent of the total units, then the project shall comply with the requirements associated with that funding source. (2) A housing development project may include a mixed-use development consisting of residential and nonresidential uses. (3) Meet minimum density requirements, as established by the department. (4) If applicable, demonstrate consistency with the applicable region’s sustainable communities strategy adopted pursuant to Section 65080 of the Government Code or alternative planning strategy pursuant to Section 65080 of the Government Code. (5) Meet any other threshold requirement established by the department. (d) With respect to grants made pursuant to subdivision (a) or repayable loans or forgivable loans pursuant to subdivision (b) for the development of rental housing, the department may do any or a combination of the following: (1) Make program funds available at the same time it makes funds, if any, available under the Multifamily Housing Program (Chapter 6.7 (commencing with Section 50675) of Part 2). (2) Rate and rank applications in a manner consistent with the Multifamily Housing Program (Chapter 6.7 (commencing with Section 50675) of Part 2), except that the department may establish additional point categories for the purposes of rating and ranking applications that seek funding pursuant to this subdivision in addition to those used in the Multifamily Housing Program. (3) Administer funds in a manner consistent with the Multifamily Housing Program (Chapter 6.7 (commencing with Section 50675) of Part 2). However, in furtherance of the purposes of the Transit-Oriented Development Implementation Program, the department may alternatively accept applications on an over-the-counter basis and confirm compliance with threshold requirements in order to make awards of Transit-Oriented Development Implementation Program funds. (e) (1) With respect to loans for the development of owner-occupied housing, the department shall do all of the following: (A) Make funds available at the same time it makes funds, if any, available under the CalHome Program (Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 50650) of Part 2). (B) Rate and rank applications in a manner consistent with the CalHome Program (Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 50650) of Part 2), except that the department may establish additional point categories for the purposes of rating and ranking applications that seek funding pursuant to this subdivision in addition to those used in the CalHome Program. (C) Administer funds in a manner consistent with the CalHome Program (Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 50650) of Part 2). (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), for the purposes of the program established pursuant to Section 21080.44 of the Public Resources Code, the department shall ensure that administration of the CalHome Program (Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 50650) of Part 2) aligns with the affordability objectives, eligible uses, availability of grants or loans, and timing requirements of the Transit-Oriented Development Implementation Program. (f) With respect to any moneys appropriated or allocated for the purposes of this part, the department shall determine the amounts, if any, to be made available for each of the purposes described in subdivisions (a) to (e), inclusive. (g) Only applications meeting the applicable threshold requirements of subdivisions (a) to (e), inclusive, shall be eligible to receive funds pursuant to this part. (h) As used in this part, “infrastructure” may include any or a combination of paragraphs (1) to (3), inclusive. (1) Capital improvements required by a city, county, city and county, eligible tribal applicant as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 50651, transit agency, or special district as a condition for the development of the affordable housing, including but not limited to, sewer or water system upgrades, streets, construction of drainage basins, utility access, connection or relocation, and noise mitigation. (2) Capital improvements that clearly and substantially enhance public pedestrian or bicycle access from one or more specifically identified housing developments within the areas identified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 21080.44 of the Public Resources Code, including, but not limited to, pedestrian walkways, plazas, or mini-parks, signal lights, streetscape improvements, security enhancements, bicycle lanes, intelligent transportation, and information systems. (3) Capital improvements for the construction, rehabilitation, as defined in Section 50096, including improvements and repairs made to a residential structure acquired for the purpose of preserving its affordability, acquisition, or other physical improvement that is an integral part or necessary to facilitate the development of the housing development.