Part 13TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
Section § 53560
This law establishes the Transit-Oriented Development Implementation Program to support building affordable housing and infrastructure near transit stations in California. The program is managed by the Department of Housing and Community Development, providing support for cities, counties, transit agencies, tribal applicants, and developers.
The department can create additional guidelines to manage the program, focusing on long-term affordability and prioritizing projects based on several criteria: first, projects with a high percentage of units for lower-income households; second, projects enhancing travel efficiency that need extra funding; and third, those ready to begin construction.
They may also assess how publicly owned land can be used to support these projects, aiming to maximize public benefits and cut development costs.
Section § 53561
The Transit-Oriented Development Implementation Fund is a fund created in California's State Treasury to support transit-oriented development projects. This fund collects money from two main sources: money that the state legislature allocates for it, and any other funds the department receives from other sources. Additionally, any profits, like interest or dividends, from investments of this fund will also go back into the fund.
Section § 53562
This law section discusses how funds can be provided to help develop affordable housing that reduces vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Grants can be given to cities, counties, eligible tribes, or transit agencies to build infrastructure needed for such housing projects. The funding prioritizes projects in line with certain environmental standards.
Loans, either repayable or forgivable, can also support the construction of these types of housing. Only projects that set aside a certain percentage of units as affordable for low-income families over a long period (at least 55 years) are eligible. The rule allows flexibility for mixed-use projects and ensures alignment with local sustainability plans. Other criteria provided by the department must also be met.
For rental housing projects, funding can be coordinated with existing multifamily housing programs, and the application process is competitive. For owner-occupied housing, coordination aligns with the CalHome Program. Decisions on fund allocation are at the department's discretion, ensuring compliance with preset requirements. Infrastructure funded under this statute includes necessary enhancements like roads, utilities, and improvements that boost pedestrian and bicycle access.
Section § 53564
This section explains that the department in charge can use up to 5% of the allocated funds for their administrative costs related to certain programs. Additionally, the department is allowed to manage these programs following guidelines that don't have to adhere to some usual administrative rules set by the Government Code.
Section § 53565
This law allows certain funds originally set aside in previous Budget Acts for housing-related purposes to be used until June 30, 2017. These funds are tied to the Regional Planning, Housing, and Infill Incentive Account.
The California Department of Housing is responsible for setting performance-based milestones that must be met for the continued use of these funds. They will update guidelines with these new milestones to potentially extend fund disbursement timeframes.
The department will assess each project individually to decide if they qualify for time extensions based on these updated milestones.
Section § 53566
This law outlines the terms and usage of loans within certain California housing programs. For rental housing, loan terms must align with the Multifamily Housing Program’s requirements. For owner-occupied housing, terms should match the CalHome Program's standards. Money from loan repayments is used to fund these housing programs further. The law allows the department to set aside funds (up to 1.5% of appropriated funds) as a 'default reserve' to prevent loan defaults or foreclosure in rental housing developments. The department has discretion over its use and funds used will increase the loan amount owed. Funds are to be deposited in specific accounts for continued appropriation. This regulation took effect on January 1, 2022.
Section § 53567
This law applies to Los Angeles and addresses situations where subsidized housing units are leased to unhoused individuals who later are found to not meet income requirements. Importantly, if a property owner or manager corrects this within 24 months and certain conditions are met, the Department of Housing and Urban Development won't penalize them.
Key conditions include verifying tenant income and working with local housing authorities to find affordable housing for those who don't meet income requirements. During a 24-month period, tenants who self-certify their income at no more than 30% of the area median and are verified as under 50% may comply with income requirements, allowing rent adjustments if needed. This section remains active until July 31, 2025, or until related waivers expire, whichever is later.
Section § 53568
The Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation must hire the University of California to study how projects in the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Implementation Program are reducing vehicle miles traveled. The study will look into various methods used to cut down car travel, the types of projects using them, and will calculate the costs and impact of these measures, including per capita reductions.
The study will also examine how these methods work with other strategies to decrease vehicle miles traveled. The results are to be formalized in a report to the California Legislature by July 1, 2031.