Agenda - 12-13-2011 - 5g - Laserfiche WebLink

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6 • Meet the US Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") Section 8 Housing Quality Standards including applicable Lead-Based Paint regulations 27 CFR part 35, and Orange County's Minimum Housing Code. (These are so-called "habitability standards" which set minimum standards for decent, safe and sanitary living conditions.) • Meet or exceed NCHFA Energy-Efficiency Standards. (These are standards designed to save energy and save you money on your monthly utility bills. They also result in healthier and more comfortable homes.) • Meet or exceed SRF "Written Rehabilitation Standards" (These standards are designed to ensure greater durability) • Retain no "imminent threats" to the occupants of the home or to the home's "structural integrity". (An example of an imminent threat to occupants as well as to the home's structural integrity is a crawlspace that is too damp. In time the dampness may provide an invitation for the growth of mold and mildew as well as promote damage to the framing from termites and fungi.) These requirements are spelled out in full in Orange County's SFR11 Administrator's Manual which you may view, at reasonable times, upon request, at the County's office or at the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency's website www:r.2cllfa.com under forms and documents SFRI 1. In addition to the above items that must be done to satisfy NCHFA requirements, the scope of work may also include certain items meant to enhance or protect neighborhood and unit property values, and/or home modifications designed to enable frail or disabled household members to function more independently. It is anticipated that each home rehabilitated with SFR11 funds will, with reasonable maintenance, be capable of lasting another 30 or 40 years. Of course, contractors performing work funded under SFR11 are responsible for meeting all local requirements for permits and inspections. All work done under the program must be performed to NC State Residential Building Code standards. (This does not mean, however, that the whole house must be brought up to Building Code Standards.) What about lead-based paint? Until it was discovered to be a health hazard, the metal, lead, was used for centuries to make house paints. Now we know that lead exposure is a serious problem for everyone and especially small children. Selling lead paint was outlawed in 1978, but many older buildings still contain lead paint and children are still being poisoned. Under SFR11, a lead hazard evaluation must be performed on every home selected for rehabilitation that was built before 1978. The specific type of evaluation and the appropriate lead hazard reduction work performed will depend on the total amount of Federal funds used to rehabilitate the home, as per 24 CFR part 35. It may be necessary for the household to relocate during the construction process for protection against further lead poisoning. If relocation is required, reasonable and documented relocation