Grant program resolutions must set minimum program requirements, including neighborhood criteria, application and appeal steps, grant limits, use periods, fund reversion, and verification/accounting rules.
The grant programs shall be based on the estimated expense of renovating the property to property that is decent, safe and sanitary and that meets all local building and housing codes concerning fitness for habitation. The resolution establishing the grant program or programs shall at a minimum: For grants for substandard residential rental property: Identify the neighborhoods or portions of neighborhoods that contain substandard residential rental property for which a grant program is created; and Establish the criteria for renovation and rehabilitation of substandard residential rental property; For grants for the renovation or rehabilitation of residential real property: Identify the neighborhoods or portions of neighborhoods where a majority of the residential real property is such that the property values of the neighborhood are adversely affected by the condition of the housing stock; and Establish the criteria for renovation and rehabilitation of such residential real property; Establish an application and appeal process for such grants; such application process shall require that all owners of the property, or their legal representatives, to which the grant applies sign the grant application; Determine the maximum amount for a grant under each program; Set the time period in which the grant shall be used; the programs shall include a mechanism for funds to revert back if funds included in the grant are not expended; and Develop a system of verification and accounting to ensure that the funds are being accurately utilized to rehabilitate the dwelling unit. The resolution establishing a grant program or programs may establish penalties in addition to those included in § 13-5-107 for failure to utilize grant funds in accordance with the program developed by the municipality or county.