Tulare Municipal Code Ch. 11.04 General Provisions

There is herewith created a Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RAP) in the city. The purpose of this RAP is to improve the condition of housing and the quality of life in Tulare by providing a means through which property owners in designated neighborhood conservation areas in Tulare, which are deteriorating, may obtain financial assistance to rehabilitate their property. It shall be the policy of the RAP to encourage the existence of low and moderate income housing and to preserve the residential character of designated areas. The methods to be used consist of concentrated code enforcement, low cost long term loans for property rehabilitation and public improvements necessary to insure the success of rehabilitation areas.

(1995 Code, § 11.04.010) (Ord. 97-1800, passed - -1997)

Unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions govern this title.

CITY. The City of Tulare.

CODE ENFORCEMENT AREA. The same meaning as “neighborhood conservation area.”

DEFERRED/SHARED APPRECIATION LOAN. A loan made to a low-income owner-occupant of a property requiring residential rehabilitation made pursuant to Chapter 11.28 of this title.

DESIGNATED AREA. The same meaning as NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION AREA.

FINANCING. The lending of money for the purpose of residential rehabilitation to a property which is subject to residential rehabilitation.

GENERAL PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS. Those items of residential rehabilitation which are not necessary to remedy existing violation of city codes relating to the physical condition of structures or incipient violations thereof.

HOUSING ADVISORY APPEALS BOARD. A board established by the Housing Code of the city as adopted by § 4.20.010 of the City Code of Tulare, California.

INCIPIENT CODE VIOLATION. A physical condition which can be expected to deteriorate into a violation of a rehabilitation standard within two years.

LOAN COMMITTEE. The Committee established in accordance with this title.

NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION AREA. The geographical area designated by the City Council, including approved redevelopment project areas, for inclusion in a comprehensive residential rehabilitation financing program pursuant to the provisions of this title. It may also be referred to as the “designated area,” “redevelopment project area,” “code enforcement area” or “residential rehabilitation area.”

PARTICIPATING PARTY. Any persons, company, corporation, partnership, firm or other entity or group of entities requiring financing for residential rehabilitation pursuant to the provisions of this title.

PROGRAM. The Rehabilitation Assistance Program described in this title and includes, but is not limited to, the provisions for code enforcement, rehabilitation financing and installation of public improvements in neighborhood conservation areas.

REHABILITATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM or RAP. The same meaning as program.

REHABILITATION STANDARDS. The standards of the city’s Housing Code, approved redevelopment plans or standards adopted thereto and other applicable city codes relating to the physical condition of structures.

RESIDENCE. Any residential dwelling unit which is located in a neighborhood conservation area.

RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION. The construction, reconstruction, renovation, replacement, extension, repair, betterment, equipping, development, embellishing or otherwise improving residences consistent with the standards of strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety so that such structures are satisfactory and safe to occupy for residential purposes and are not conducive to ill health, transmission of disease or infant mortality.

RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION LOAN FUND. The fund established with federal, state or local funds allocated by the City Council; loan repayments; and funds from gifts and other sources.

REVENUES. All amounts received as payment of principal, shared appreciation and all other charges received for and all other income and receipts derived by the City of Tulare from the financing of residential rehabilitation, including such other monies as the City Council may, in its discretion, make available therefor.

STANDARD RAP LOAN. Any residential rehabilitation loan made pursuant to the provisions of this title which is not a deferred/shared appreciation loan.

(1995 Code, § 11.04.020) (Ord. 97-1810, passed - -1997; Ord. 97-1800, passed - -1997)

(A) Unless otherwise indicated, all public officials and public agencies named in this title are officials and agencies of the city.

(B) Whenever a city official is referred to in this title, the reference includes that official and his or her designee or designees.

(C) All references to the Charter, code or to title are references to the Charter or code of the city.

(1995 Code, § 11.04.010) (Ord. 97-1800, passed - -1997)