New Application Instructions, Processes, and Guidelines Effective April 1
The Division of Housing (DOH) recently published updated development application instructions that will take effect for applications submitted on or after April 1, 2024. The application instructions, along with all of the other resources you need to apply, are available on the Office of Housing Finance & Sustainability funding application page.
These updated policies and procedures resulted from the fall 2023 contracting and process improvement period.
The improvements include:
- Updated subsidy per unit and cost assessment ranges
- Guidance on recommendations of grants versus loans
- Application due diligence requirements
- Pre-application compliance requirements
Updated Subsidy and Cost Assessment Ranges
The following have been updated in the application instructions.
Maximum Subsidy Per Unit
| DOH Subsidy Per Unit | Previous | Updated |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | $40,000 | $50,000 |
| Rural | $50,000 | $55,000 |
| PSH | $50,000 | $60,000 |
Cost Assessment Ranges
| Previous - Non-PSH (1,000 Sq. Ft.) | Updated - Non-PSH (1,000 Sq. Ft.) | Previous - PSH (750 Sq. Ft.) | Updated - PSH (750 Sq. Ft.) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Development Cost Per Unit | $470,000 | $505,000 | $540,000 | $540,000 |
| Total Development Cost Per Sq. Ft. | $470 | $505 | $540 | $720 |
| Hard Cost Per Unit | $320,000 | $330,000 | $350,000 | $322,500 |
| Hard Cost Per Sq. Ft. | $320 | $330 | $350 | $430 |
| Soft Cost Per Unit | $110,000 | $130,000 | $150,000 | $150,000 |
| Soft Cost Per Sq. Ft. | $110 | $130 | $150 | $200 |
| Land Cost Per Unit | $40,000 | $45,000 | $40,000 | $67,500 |
| Land Cost Per Sq. Ft. | $40 | $45 | $40 | $90 |
| Annual Operating Expenses Per Unit (PUPA) | $7,000 | $7,000 | $8,000 | $9,000 |
Guidance on Grants versus Loans
Staff have clarified the criteria for determining if an award will be in the form of a grant or loan. This guidance is contained in the updated application instructions.
Pre-application Letter of Intent, Meeting, and Compliance
Applicants will be required to:
- Submit a pre-application letter of intent at least 15 days prior to the application submission
- Set a meeting with your housing development specialist between letter of intent and application submission
- Work with compliance staff to remedy any compliance issues on other projects
Application Due Diligence Documentation Requirements
The new, streamlined requirements include a checklist of due diligence items and supplemental CDBG checklist (for projects applying for CDBG) that must be completed at the time of application.
Contact your housing development specialist with any questions.
