Township of Morris, NJ Affordable Housing Ordinance

This article sets forth regulations regarding the low- and moderate-income housing units in the Township consistent with the provisions known as the "Substantive Rules of the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing," N.J.A.C. 5:93 et seq., the Uniform Housing Affordability Controls ("UHAC"),[1] N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1 et seq., and the Township's constitutional obligation to provide a fair share of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households. In addition, this section applies requirements for very-low-income housing established in P.L. 2008, c.46 (the "Roberts Bill").

Editor's Note: N.J.A.C. 5-93 expired on 10-16-2016.

This article is intended to assure that low- and moderate-income units ("affordable units") are created with controls on affordability over time and that low- and moderate-income households shall occupy these units. This article shall apply except where inconsistent with applicable law.

The Morris Township Planning Board has adopted a Housing Element and Fair Share Plan pursuant to the Municipal Land Use Law at N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq. The Fair Share Plan has been endorsed by the governing body. The Fair Share Plan describes the ways Morris Township shall address its fair share for low- and moderate-income housing as determined by the Superior Court and documented in the Housing Element.

This article implements and incorporates the Fair Share Plan and addresses the requirements of N.J.A.C. 5:97, as may be amended and supplemented.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

The Township shall file monitoring reports with the Superior Court and place the reports on its municipal website. Any plan evaluation report of the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan and monitoring prepared by the Special Master in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:91 shall be available to the public at the Morris Township Municipal Building, 50 Woodland Avenue, P.O. Box 7603, Convent Station, New Jersey, 07961-7603.

Definitions. The following terms when used in this article shall have the meanings given in this section:

ACCESSORY APARTMENT

A self-contained residential dwelling unit with a kitchen, sanitary facilities, sleeping quarters and a private entrance, which is created within an existing home, or through the conversion of an existing accessory structure on the same site, or by an addition to an existing home or accessory building, or by the construction of a new accessory structure on the same site.

ACT

The Fair Housing Act of 1985, P.L. 1985, c. 222 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-301 et seq.).

ADAPTABLE

Constructed in compliance with the technical design standards of the Barrier Free Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-7.

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

The entity responsible for the administration of affordable units in accordance with this article, N.J.A.C. 5:91, N.J.A.C. 5:93[2] and N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1 et seq.

AFFIRMATIVE MARKETING

A regional marketing strategy designed to attract buyers and/or renters of affordable units pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.15.

AFFORDABILITY AVERAGE

The average percentage of median income at which restricted units in an affordable housing development are affordable to low- and moderate-income households.

AFFORDABLE

A sales price or rent within the means of a low- or moderate-income household as defined in N.J.A.C. 5:93-7.4[3]; in the case of an ownership unit, that the sales price for the unit conforms to the standards set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.6, as may be amended and supplemented, and, in the case of a rental unit, that the rent for the unit conforms to the standards set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.12, as may be amended and supplemented.

AFFORDABLE DEVELOPMENT

A housing development, all or a portion of which consists of restricted units.

A development included in the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, and includes, but is not limited to, an inclusionary development, a municipal construction project or a one-hundred-percent affordable development.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM(S)

Any mechanism in a municipal fair share plan prepared or implemented to address a municipality's fair share obligation.

AFFORDABLE UNIT

A housing unit proposed or created pursuant to the Act, credited pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:93,[4] and/or funded through an affordable housing trust fund.

AGE-RESTRICTED UNIT

A housing unit designed to meet the needs of, and exclusively for, the residents of an age-restricted segment of the population such that:

All the residents of the development where the unit is situated are 62 years or older;

At least 80% of the units are occupied by one person that is 55 years or older; or

ALTERNATIVE LIVING ARRANGEMENT

The development has been designated by the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development as "housing for older persons" as defined in § 807(b)(2) of the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. § 3607.

AGENCY

The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency established by P.L. 1983, c. 530 (N.J.S.A. 55:14K-1 et seq.).

A structure in which households live in distinct bedrooms, yet share kitchen and plumbing facilities, central heat and common areas. "Alternate living arrangement" includes, but is not limited to: transitional facilities for the homeless, Class A, B, C, D, and E boarding homes, as regulated by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs; residential health care facilities as regulated by the New Jersey Department of Health; group homes for the developmentally disabled and mentally ill as licensed and/or regulated by the New Jersey Department of Human Services; and congregate living arrangements.

ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE

A facility licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services to provide apartment-style housing and congregate dining and to assure that assisted living services are available when needed for four or more adult persons unrelated to the proprietor and that offers units containing, at a minimum, one unfurnished room, a private bathroom, a kitchenette and a lockable door on the unit entrance.

CERTIFIED HOUSEHOLD

A household that has been certified by an administrative agent as a low-income household or moderate-income household.

COAH

The Council on Affordable Housing, which is in, but not of, the Department of Community Affairs of the State of New Jersey, that was established under the New Jersey Fair Housing Act (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-301 et seq.).

DCA

The State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

DEFICIENT HOUSING UNIT

A housing unit with health and safety code violations that require the repair or replacement of a major system. A major system includes weatherization, roofing, plumbing (including wells), heating, electricity, sanitary plumbing (including septic systems), lead paint abatement and/or load-bearing structural systems.

DEVELOPER

Any person, partnership, association, company or corporation that is the legal or beneficial owner or owners of a lot or any land proposed to be included in a proposed development including the holder of an option to contract or purchase, or other person having an enforceable proprietary interest in such land.

DEVELOPMENT

The division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels, the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any use or change in the use of any building or other structure, or of any mining, excavation or landfill, and any use or change in the use of any building or other structure, or land or extension of use of land, for which permission may be required pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.

INCLUSIONARY DEVELOPMENT

A development containing both affordable units and market-rate units. This term includes, but is not necessarily limited to: new construction, the conversion of a nonresidential structure to residential and the creation of new affordable units through the reconstruction of a vacant residential structure.

LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLD

A household with a total gross annual household income equal to 50% or less of the median household income.

LOW-INCOME UNIT

A restricted unit that is affordable to a low-income household.

MAJOR SYSTEM

The primary structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, or occupant service components of a building which include, but are not limited to, weatherization, roofing, plumbing (including wells), heating, electricity, sanitary plumbing (including septic systems), lead paint abatement or load-bearing structural systems.

MARKET-RATE UNITS

Housing not restricted to low- and moderate-income households that may sell or rent at any price.

MEDIAN INCOME

The median income by household size for the applicable county, as adopted annually by COAH or approved by the New Jersey Superior Court.

MODERATE-INCOME HOUSEHOLD

A household with a total gross annual household income in excess of 50% but less than 80% of the median household income.

MODERATE-INCOME UNIT

A restricted unit that is affordable to a moderate-income household.

NONEXEMPT SALE

Any sale or transfer of ownership other than the transfer of ownership between husband and wife; the transfer of ownership between former spouses ordered as a result of a judicial decree of divorce or judicial separation, but not including sales to third parties; the transfer of ownership between family members as a result of inheritance; the transfer of ownership through an executor's deed to a class A beneficiary and the transfer of ownership by court order.

RANDOM SELECTION PROCESS

A process by which currently income-eligible households are selected for placement in affordable housing units such that no preference is given to one applicant over another except for purposes of matching household income and size with an appropriately priced and sized affordable unit (e.g., by lottery).

REGIONAL ASSET LIMIT

The maximum housing value in each housing region affordable to a four-person household with an income at 80% of the regional median as defined by/approved regional income limits.

REHABILITATION

The repair, renovation, alteration or reconstruction of any building or structure, pursuant to the Rehabilitation Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-6.

RENT

The gross monthly cost of a rental unit to the tenant, including the rent paid to the landlord, as well as an allowance for tenant-paid utilities computed in accordance with allowances published by DCA for its Section 8 program. In assisted living residences, rent does not include charges for food and services.

RESTRICTED UNIT

A dwelling unit, whether a rental unit or ownership unit, that is subject to the affordability controls of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1, as may be amended and supplemented, but does not include a market-rate unit financed under UHORP or MONI.

SPECIAL MASTER

An expert appointed by a judge to make sure that judicial orders are followed. A master's function is essentially investigative, compiling evidence or documents to inform some future action by the court.

UHAC

The Uniform Housing Affordability Controls set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1 et seq.

VERY-LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLD

A household with a total gross annual household income equal to 30% or less of the median household income.

VERY-LOW-INCOME UNIT

A restricted unit that is affordable to a very-low-income household.

WEATHERIZATION

Building insulation (for attic, exterior walls and crawl space), siding to improve energy efficiency, replacement storm windows, replacement storm doors, replacement windows and replacement doors, and is considered a major system for rehabilitation.

Editor's Note: N.J.A.C. 5-93 expired on 10-16-2016.

Editor's Note: N.J.A.C. 5-93 expired on 10-16-2016.

Editor's Note: N.J.A.C. 5-93 expired on 10-16-2016.

Township-wide mandatory set-aside.

A multifamily or single-family attached development providing a minimum of five new housing units created through any future municipal rezoning or Zoning Board action, use or density variance, redevelopment plan, or rehabilitation plan that provide for densities at or above six units per acre is required to include an affordable housing set-aside of 20% if the affordable units will be for sale and 15% if the affordable units will be for rent. This requirement does not give any developer the right to any such rezoning, variance or other relief, or establish any obligation on the part of Morris Township to grant such rezoning, variance or other relief. No subdivision shall be permitted or approved for the purpose of avoiding compliance with this requirement.

This requirement shall not apply to any sites or specific zones otherwise identified in the Township's Settlement Agreement with Fair Share Housing Center dated December 5, 2017, or in the Township's Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, adopted by the Township Planning Board and endorsed by the Township Committee, for which density and set-aside standards shall be governed by the specific standards set forth therein.

New construction. The following general guidelines apply to all newly constructed developments that contain low- and moderate-income housing units, including any currently unanticipated future developments that will provide low- and moderate-income housing units.

Phasing. Final site plan or subdivision approval shall be contingent upon the affordable housing development meeting the following phasing schedule for low- and moderate-income units.

Maximum Percentage of Market-Rate Units Completed	Minimum Percentage of Low- and Moderate-Income Units Completed
25%	0%
25% +1	10%
50%	50%
75%	75%
90%	100%

Design. In inclusionary developments, to the extent possible, low- and moderate-income units shall be integrated with the market units.

Payments-in-lieu and off-site construction. The standards for the collection of payments-in-lieu of constructing affordable units or standards for constructing affordable units off site, shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:93-8.10(c).[5]

[5]

Editor's Note: N.J.A.C. 5-93 expired on 10-16-2016.

Utilities. Affordable units shall utilize the same type of heating source as market units within the affordable development.

Low/moderate split and bedroom distribution of affordable housing units.

The fair share obligation shall be divided equally between low- and moderate-income units, except that where there is an odd number of affordable housing units, the extra unit shall be a low-income unit.

In each affordable development, at least 50% of the restricted units within each bedroom distribution shall be low-income units.

Within rental developments, of the total number of affordable rental units, at least 13% shall be affordable to very-low-income households.

Affordable developments that are not age-restricted shall be structured in conjunction with realistic market demands such that:

The combined number of efficiency and one-bedroom units shall be no greater than 20% of the total low- and moderate-income units;

At least 30% of all low- and moderate-income units shall be two bedroom units;

At least 20% of all low- and moderate-income units shall be three bedroom units; and

The remaining units may be allocated among two- and three-bedroom units at the discretion of the developer.

Affordable developments that are age-restricted shall be structured such that the number of bedrooms shall equal the number of age-restricted low- and moderate-income units within the inclusionary development. The standard may be met by having all one-bedroom units or by having a two-bedroom unit for each efficiency unit.

Accessibility requirements.

The first floor of all restricted townhouse dwelling units and all restricted units in all other multistory buildings shall be subject to the technical design standards of the Barrier Free Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-7.

All restricted townhouse dwelling units and all restricted units in other multistory buildings in which a restricted dwelling unit is attached to at least one other dwelling unit shall have the following features:

An adaptable toilet and bathing facility on the first floor;

An adaptable kitchen on the first floor;

An interior accessible route of travel on the first floor;

An interior accessible route of travel shall not be required between stories within an individual unit;

[5]

An adaptable room that can be used as a bedroom, with a door or the casing for the installation of a door, on the first floor; and

[6]

An accessible entranceway as set forth at P.L. 2005, c. 350 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-311a et seq.) and the Barrier Free Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-7, or evidence that the Township has collected funds from the developer sufficient to make 10% of the adaptable entrances in the development accessible:

[a]

Where a unit has been constructed with an adaptable entrance, upon the request of a disabled person who is purchasing or will reside in the dwelling unit, an accessible entrance shall be installed.

[b]

To this end, the builder of restricted units shall deposit funds within the Township's affordable housing trust fund sufficient to install accessible entrances in 10% of the affordable units that have been constructed with adaptable entrances.

[c]

The funds deposited under Subsection D(6)(b)[6][b] above shall be used by the Township for the sole purpose of making the adaptable entrance of any affordable unit accessible when requested to do so by a person with a disability who occupies or intends to occupy the unit and requires an accessible entrance.

[d]

The developer of the restricted units shall submit a design plan and cost estimate for the conversion from adaptable to accessible entrances to the Construction Official of Morris Township.

[e]

Once the Construction Official has determined that the design plan to convert the unit entrances from adaptable to accessible meet the requirements of the Barrier Free Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-7, and that the cost estimate of such conversion is reasonable, payment shall be made to Morris Township's affordable housing trust fund in care of the Municipal Treasurer who shall ensure that the funds are deposited into the affordable housing trust fund and appropriately earmarked.

[f]

Full compliance with the foregoing provisions shall not be required where an entity can demonstrate that it is impracticable to meet the requirements. Determinations of site impracticability shall be in compliance with the Barrier Free Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-7.

(7)

Maximum rents and sales prices.

In establishing rents and sales prices of affordable housing units, the administrative agent shall follow the procedures set forth in UHAC and by the Superior Court, utilizing the regional income limits established.

The maximum rent for restricted rental units within each affordable development shall be affordable to households earning no more than 60% of median income, and the average rent for restricted low- and moderate-income units shall be affordable to households earning no more than 52% of median income.

The developers and/or municipal sponsors of restricted rental units shall establish at least one rent for each bedroom type for both low-income and moderate-income units. At least 13% of all low- and moderate-income rental units shall be affordable to households earning no more than 30% of median income.

The maximum sales price of restricted ownership units within each affordable development shall be affordable to households earning no more than 70% of median income, and each affordable development must achieve an affordability average of 55% for restricted ownership units; in achieving this affordability average, moderate-income ownership units must be available for at least three different prices for each bedroom type, and low-income ownership units must be available for at least two different prices for each bedroom type.

In determining the initial sales prices and rents for compliance with the affordability average requirements for restricted units other than assisted living facilities, the following standards shall be used:

A studio shall be affordable to a one-person household;

A one-bedroom unit shall be affordable to a one-and-one-half-person household;

A two-bedroom unit shall be affordable to a three-person household;

A three-bedroom unit shall be affordable to a four-and-one-half-person household; and

[5]

A four-bedroom unit shall be affordable to a six-person household.

(f)

In determining the initial rents for compliance with the affordability average requirements for restricted units in assisted living facilities, the following standards shall be used:

A studio shall be affordable to a one-person household;

A one-bedroom unit shall be affordable to a one-and-one-half-person household; and

A two-bedroom unit shall be affordable to a two-person household or to two one-person households.

(g)

The initial purchase price for all restricted ownership units shall be calculated so that the monthly carrying cost of the unit, including principal and interest (based on a mortgage loan equal to 95% of the purchase price and the Federal Reserve H.15 rate of interest), taxes, homeowner and private mortgage insurance and condominium or homeowner association fees do not exceed 28% of the eligible monthly income of the appropriate size household as determined under N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.4, as may be amended and supplemented; provided, however, that the price shall be subject to the affordability average requirement of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.3, as may be amended and supplemented.

(h)

The initial rent for a restricted rental unit shall be calculated so as not to exceed 30% of the eligible monthly income of the appropriate household size as determined under N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.4, as may be amended and supplemented; provided, however, that the rent shall be subject to the affordability average requirement of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.3, as may be amended and supplemented.

(i)

The price of owner-occupied low- and moderate-income units may increase annually based on the percentage increase in the regional median income limit for each housing region. In no event shall the maximum resale price established by the administrative agent be lower than the last recorded purchase price.

(j)

The rent of low- and moderate-income units may be increased annually based on the percentage increase in the Housing Consumer Price Index for the United States. This increase shall not exceed 9% in any one year. Rents for units constructed pursuant to low-income housing tax credit regulations shall be indexed pursuant to the regulations governing low-income housing tax credits.

(k)

Tenant-paid utilities that are included in the utility allowance shall be so stated in the lease and shall be consistent with the utility allowance approved by DCA for its Section 8 program.

Condominium and homeowners associates fees. For any affordable housing unit for which a certificate of occupancy is issued after the effective date of this article or for which an association fee has not yet been established, which is part of a condominium association and/or homeowners association, the master deed shall reflect that the association fee assessed for each affordable housing unit shall be established at 100% of the market rate fee. This provision shall not in any way impair or negate the application of the restrictions imposed on homeowner fee increases established in § 95-77B(11).

[Amended 12-18-2019 by Ord. No. 33-19]

§ 95-92 Affordable unit controls and requirements.

The following general guidelines apply to all developments that contain low- and moderate-income housing units, including any currently unanticipated future developments that will provide low- and moderate-income housing units.

Affirmative marketing requirements.

Morris Township shall adopt by resolution an affirmative marketing plan, subject to approval of the Superior Court, compliant with N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.15, as may be amended and supplemented.

The affirmative marketing plan is a regional marketing strategy designed to attract buyers and/or renters of all majority and minority groups, regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, disability, age or number of children to housing units which are being marketed by a developer, sponsor or owner of affordable housing. The affirmative marketing plan is also intended to target those potentially eligible persons who are least likely to apply for affordable units in that region. It is a continuing program that directs all marketing activities toward COAH Housing Region 2 and covers the period of deed restriction.

The affirmative marketing plan shall provide a regional preference for all households that live and/or work in COAH Housing Region 2 comprised of Essex, Morris, Union and Warren Counties.

The administrative agent designated by Morris Township shall assure the affirmative marketing of all affordable units consistent with the affirmative marketing plan for the municipality.

In implementing the affirmative marketing plan, the administrative agent shall provide a list of counseling services to low- and moderate-income applicants on subjects such as budgeting, credit issues, mortgage qualification, rental lease requirements, and landlord/tenant law.

The affirmative marketing process for available affordable units shall begin at least four months prior to the expected date of occupancy.

(7)

The costs of advertising and affirmative marketing of the affordable units shall be the responsibility of the developer, sponsor or owner, unless otherwise determined or agreed to by Morris Township.

Occupancy standards.

In referring certified households to specific restricted units, to the extent feasible, and without causing an undue delay in occupying the unit, the administrative agent shall strive to:

Provide an occupant for each bedroom;

Provide children of different sex with separate bedrooms; and

Prevent more than two persons from occupying a single bedroom.

Additional provisions related to occupancy standards (if any) shall be provided in the municipal operating manual.

Selection of occupants of affordable housing units.

The administrative agent shall use a random selection process to select occupants of low- and moderate-income housing.

A waiting list of all eligible candidates will be maintained in accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26 et seq.

Control periods for restricted ownership units and enforcement mechanisms.

Control periods for restricted ownership units shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.5, as may be amended and supplemented, and each restricted ownership unit shall remain subject to the requirements of this article until the Morris Township elects to release the unit from such requirements; however, and prior to such an election, a restricted ownership unit must remain subject to the requirements of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1, as may be amended and supplemented, for at least 30 years.

The affordability control period for a restricted ownership unit shall commence on the date the initial certified household takes title to the unit.

Prior to the issuance of the initial certificate of occupancy for a restricted ownership unit and upon each successive sale during the period of restricted ownership, the administrative agent shall determine the restricted price for the unit and shall also determine the nonrestricted, fair-market value of the unit based on either an appraisal or the unit's equalized assessed value.

At the time of the first sale of the unit, the purchaser shall execute and deliver to the administrative agent a recapture note obligating the purchaser (as well as the purchaser's heirs, successors and assigns) to repay, upon the first nonexempt sale after the unit's release from the requirements of this article, an amount equal to the difference between the unit's nonrestricted fair market value and its restricted price, and the recapture note shall be secured by a recapture lien evidenced by a duly recorded mortgage on the unit.

The affordability controls set forth in this article shall remain in effect despite the entry and enforcement of any judgment of foreclosure with respect to restricted ownership units.

A restricted ownership unit shall be required to obtain a continuing certificate of occupancy or a certified statement from the Construction Official stating that the unit meets all code standards upon the first transfer of title that follows the expiration of the applicable minimum control period provided under N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.5(a), as may be amended and supplemented.

Price restrictions for restricted ownership units, homeowner association fees and resale prices. Price restrictions for restricted ownership units shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1, as may be amended and supplemented, including:

The initial purchase price for a restricted ownership unit shall be approved by the administrative agent.

The administrative agent shall approve all resale prices, in writing and in advance of the resale, to assure compliance with the foregoing standards.

On and after the effective date of this article, for any affordable housing unit for which a certificate of occupancy is issued after the effective date of this article or for which an association fee has not yet been established, the method used to determine the condominium association fee amounts and special assessments shall be indistinguishable between the low- and moderate-income unit owners and the market unit owners. This provision shall not in any way impair or negate the application of the restrictions imposed on homeowner fee increases established in § 95-77B(11).

[Amended 12-18-2019 by Ord. No. 33-19]

The owners of restricted ownership units may apply to the administrative agent to increase the maximum sales price for the unit on the basis of capital improvements. Eligible capital improvements shall be those that render the unit suitable for a larger household or the addition of a bathroom.

Buyer income eligibility.

Buyer income eligibility for restricted ownership units shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1, as may be amended and supplemented, such that low-income ownership units shall be reserved for households with a gross household income less than or equal to 50% of median income and moderate-income ownership units shall be reserved for households with a gross household income less than 80% of median income.

The administrative agent shall certify a household as eligible for a restricted ownership unit when the household is a low-income household or a moderate-income household, as applicable to the unit, and the estimated monthly housing cost for the particular unit (including principal, interest, taxes, homeowner and private mortgage insurance and condominium or homeowner association fees, as applicable) does not exceed 33% of the household's certified monthly income.

Limitations on indebtedness secured by ownership unit; subordination.

Prior to incurring any indebtedness to be secured by a restricted ownership unit, the administrative agent shall determine in writing that the proposed indebtedness complies with the provisions of this section.

With the exception of original purchase money mortgages, during a control period neither an owner nor a lender shall at any time cause or permit the total indebtedness secured by a restricted ownership unit to exceed 95% of the maximum allowable resale price of that unit, as such price is determined by the administrative agent in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.6(b).

Control periods for restricted rental units.

Control periods for restricted rental units shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.11, as may be amended and supplemented, and each restricted rental unit shall remain subject to the requirements of this article until the Township elects to release the unit from such requirements pursuant to action taken in compliance with N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1, as may be amended and supplemented, and prior to such an election, a restricted rental unit must remain subject to the requirements of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1, as may be amended and supplemented, for at least 30 years.

Deeds of all real property that include restricted rental units shall contain deed restriction language. The deed restriction shall have priority over all mortgages on the property, and the deed restriction shall be filed by the developer or seller with the records office of the County of Morris. A copy of the filed document shall be provided to the administrative agent within 30 days of the receipt of a certificate of occupancy.

A restricted rental unit shall remain subject to the affordability controls of this article, despite the occurrence of any of the following events:

Sublease or assignment of the lease of the unit;

Sale or other voluntary transfer of the ownership of the unit; or

The entry and enforcement of any judgment of foreclosure.

Price restrictions for rental units; leases.

A written lease shall be required for all restricted rental units, except for units in an assisted living residence, and tenants shall be responsible for security deposits and the full amount of the rent as stated on the lease. A copy of the current lease for each restricted rental unit shall be provided to the administrative agent.

No additional fees or charges shall be added to the approved rent (except, in the case of units in an assisted living residence, to cover the customary charges for food and services) without the express written approval of the administrative agent.

Application fees (including the charge for any credit check) shall not exceed 5% of the monthly rent of the applicable restricted unit and shall be payable to the administrative agent to be applied to the costs of administering the controls applicable to the unit as set forth in this article.

Tenant income eligibility.

Tenant income eligibility shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.13, as may be amended and supplemented, and shall be determined as follows:

Very-low-income rental units shall be reserved for households with a gross household income less than or equal to 30% of median income.

Low-income rental units shall be reserved for households with a gross household income less than or equal to 50% of median income.

Moderate-income rental units shall be reserved for households with a gross household income less than 80% of median income.

The administrative agent shall certify a household as eligible for a restricted rental unit when the household is a very-low-income, low-income household or a moderate-income household, as applicable to the unit, and the rent proposed for the unit does not exceed 35% (40% for age-restricted units) of the household's eligible monthly income as determined pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.16, as may be amended and supplemented; provided, however, that this limit may be exceeded if one or more of the following circumstances exists:

The household currently pays more than 35% (40% for households eligible for age-restricted units) of its gross household income for rent, and the proposed rent will reduce its housing costs;

The household has consistently paid more than 35% (40% for households eligible for age-restricted units) of eligible monthly income for rent in the past and has proven its ability to pay;

The household is currently in substandard or overcrowded living conditions;

The household documents the existence of assets with which the household proposes to supplement the rent payments; or

The household documents proposed third-party assistance from an outside source such as a family member in a form acceptable to the administrative agent and the owner of the unit.

The applicant shall file documentation sufficient to establish the existence of the circumstances in Subsection J(2)(a) through (e) above with the administrative agent, who shall counsel the household on budgeting.

§ 95-93 Administration.

Municipal Housing Liaison.

The position of Municipal Housing Liaison (MHL) for Morris Township is established by this article. The MHL shall be appointed by duly adopted resolution of the Township Committee and be subject to the approval by the Superior Court.

The MHL must be either a full-time or part-time employee of Morris Township.

The Municipal Housing Liaison must meet the requirements for qualifications, including initial and periodic training found in N.J.A.C. 5:93.[1]

Editor's Note: N.J.A.C. 5-93 expired on 10-16-2016.

The Municipal Housing Liaison shall be responsible for oversight and administration of the affordable housing program for Morris Township, including the following responsibilities which may not be contracted out to the administrative agent:

Serving as the municipality's primary point of contact for all inquiries from the state, affordable housing providers, administrative agents and interested households;

The implementation of the affirmative marketing plan and affordability controls;

When applicable, supervising any contracting administrative agent;

Monitoring the status of all restricted units in the Morris Township's Fair Share Plan;

Compiling, verifying and submitting annual reports as required by the Superior Court;

(f)

Coordinating meetings with affordable housing providers and administrative agents, as applicable; and

(g)

Attending continuing education opportunities on affordability controls, compliance monitoring and affirmative marketing as offered or approved by the Superior Court.

Administrative agent.

The Township shall designate by resolution of the Township Committee, subject to the approval of the Superior Court, one or more administrative agents to administer newly constructed affordable units in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:93[2] and UHAC.

Editor's Note: N.J.A.C. 5-93 expired on 10-16-2016.

An operating manual shall be provided by the administrative agent(s) to be adopted by resolution of the governing body and subject to approval of the Superior Court. The operating manuals shall be available for public inspection in the office of the Municipal Clerk and in the office(s) of the administrative agent(s).

The administrative agent shall perform the duties and responsibilities of an administrative agent as are set forth in UHAC and which are described in full detail in the operating manual, including those set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.14, 16 and 18 thereof, which includes:

Attending continuing education opportunities on affordability controls, compliance monitoring, and affirmative marketing as offered or approved by the Superior Court;

Affirmative marketing;

Household certification;

Affordability controls;

Records retention;

(f)

Resale and re-rental;

(g)

Processing requests from unit owners; and

(h)

Enforcement, though the ultimate responsibility for retaining controls on the units rests with the municipality.

The administrative agent shall have authority to take all actions necessary and appropriate to carry out its responsibilities, hereunder.

Enforcement of affordable housing regulations.

Upon the occurrence of a breach of any of the regulations governing the affordable unit by an owner, developer or tenant, the municipality shall have all remedies provided at law or equity, including but not limited to foreclosure, tenant eviction, municipal fines, a requirement for household recertification, acceleration of all sums due under a mortgage, recoupment of any funds from a sale in the violation of the regulations, injunctive relief to prevent further violation of the regulations, entry on the premises, and specific performance.

After providing written notice of a violation to an owner, developer or tenant of a low- or moderate-income unit and advising the owner, developer or tenant of the penalties for such violations, the municipality may take the following action against the owner, developer or tenant for any violation that remains uncured for a period of 60 days after service of the written notice:

The municipality may file a court action pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:58-11 alleging a violation, or violations, of the regulations governing the affordable housing unit. If the owner, developer or tenant is found by the court to have violated any provision of the regulations governing affordable housing units, the owner, developer or tenant shall be subject to one or more of the following penalties, at the discretion of the court:

A fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed 90 days, or both. Each and every day that the violation continues or exists shall be considered a separate and specific violation of these provisions and not as a continuing offense;

In the case of an owner who has rented his or her low- or moderate-income unit in violation of the regulations governing affordable housing units, payment into the Morris Township Affordable Housing Trust Fund of the gross amount of rent illegally collected;

In the case of an owner who has rented his or her low- or moderate-income unit in violation of the regulations governing affordable housing units, payment of an innocent tenant's reasonable relocation costs, as determined by the court.

The municipality may file a court action in the Superior Court seeking a judgment, which would result in the termination of the owner's equity or other interest in the unit, in the nature of a mortgage foreclosure. Any judgment shall be enforceable as if the same were a judgment of default of the first purchase money mortgage and shall constitute a lien against the low- and moderate-income unit.

Such judgment shall be enforceable, at the option of the municipality, by means of an execution sale by the Sheriff, at which time the low- and moderate-income unit of the violating owner shall be sold at a sale price which is not less than the amount necessary to fully satisfy and pay off any first purchase money mortgage and prior liens and the costs of the enforcement proceedings incurred by the municipality, including attorney's fees. The violating owner shall have the right to possession terminated as well as the title conveyed pursuant to the Sheriff's sale.

The proceeds of the Sheriff's sale shall first be applied to satisfy the first purchase money mortgage lien and any prior liens upon the low- and moderate-income unit. The excess, if any, shall be applied to reimburse the municipality for any and all costs and expenses incurred in connection with either the court action resulting in the judgment of violation or the Sheriff's sale. In the event that the proceeds from the Sheriff's sale are insufficient to reimburse the municipality in full as aforesaid, the violating owner shall be personally responsible for and to the extent of such deficiency, in addition to any and all costs incurred by the municipality in connection with collecting such deficiency. In the event that a surplus remains after satisfying all of the above, such surplus, if any, shall be placed in escrow by the municipality for the owner and shall be held in such escrow for a maximum period of two years or until such earlier time as the owner shall make a claim with the municipality for such. Failure of the owner to claim such balance within the two-year period shall automatically result in a forfeiture of such balance to the municipality. Any interest accrued or earned on such balance while being held in escrow shall belong to and shall be paid to the municipality, whether such balance shall be paid to the owner or forfeited to the municipality.

Foreclosure by the municipality due to violation of the regulations governing affordable housing units shall not extinguish the restrictions of the regulations governing affordable housing units as the same apply to the low- and moderate-income unit. Title shall be conveyed to the purchaser at the Sheriff's sale, subject to the restrictions and provisions of the regulations governing the affordable housing unit. The owner determined to be in violation of the provisions of this plan and from whom title and possession were taken by means of the Sheriff's sale shall not be entitled to any right of redemption.