Frequently Asked Questions about S.M.A.R.T. HousingTM
Q: What is S.M.A.R.T. HousingTM?
S.M.A.R.T. HousingTM is an incentive program that works with developers and builders to stimulate the production of reasonably-priced housing that meet Green Building and accessibility standards.
Q: Does S.M.A.R.T. HousingTM offer grants or loans for developments?
S.M.A.R.T. HousingTM is not a financing program. However, the
Austin Housing Finance Corporation offers financing opportunities for single-family, multi-family, or mixed-use developments that meet program standards. Funding for projects is subject to availability of funds and staff approval, and may require approval by the Board of Directors of the Austin Housing Finance Corporation.
Q: How can I find a S.M.A.R.T. HousingTM home for purchase?
Q: I have a proposed development project for a particular piece of property. How can I secure S.M.A.R.T. HousingTM certification for my project?
First, contact S.M.A.R.T. HousingTM staff to set up a meeting on your project. Next, submit a S.M.A.R.T. HousingTM application. Staff can usually review and approve an application within 2-3 working days.
Q: Do I have to get S.M.A.R.T. HousingTM certification before I apply for a building permit or submit a site plan or subdivision?
Yes. Permit fees paid before a project is certified for S.M.A.R.T. HousingTM will not be refunded.
Q: Is there a limit for how much I can sell a condominium or house?
There is no specific price limit. However, reasonably-priced units must be sold to households with incomes at or below 80% of Austin’s Median Family Income (MFI) level, spending no more than 30% of their household income on housing. For single-family or condominium units, staff recommends pricing the “reasonably-priced” homes no higher than $125,000, in order to qualify buyers with incomes meeting these standards. Additionally, a lower purchase price may lessen the financial burden of increases in property taxes associated with incremental increases in appraisals over time.
Q: Is there a limit for how much rent I can charge for an apartment unit?
There is no specific price limit. However, reasonably-priced units must be occupied by families at or below 80% MFI and spending no more than 30% of their household income on housing. For example, the maximum income for a one person household in 2007 is $39,850. If a single person occupying an apartment unit earned $30,000, his or her maximum rent would be $750 ($30,000 x 30% divided by 12).
Q: How quickly can I expect to have a S.M.A.R.T. HousingTM site plan or subdivision approved?
Most S.M.A.R.T. HousingTM site plans or subdivisions have been approved within 60-90 days. Approval times may vary depending on the need for variances or waivers, as well as the thoroughness of an applicant’s initial submittal.
Q: What are the review times for site plans and subdivisions?
Typically, City staff reviews the subdivision or site plan within 14 working days, and the applicant is required to submit revised plans within 14 working days as well. City staff reviews the corrected plans within seven working days, and the design team is required to submit revisions to rejected plans within seven working days. Faster review is a joint responsibility of staff and the applicant’s design team.
Q: What if my development needs a zoning change?
If rezoning is necessary, the goal is to reach a third reading at City Council within 45 days after the zoning application is filed. S.M.A.R.T. HousingTM zoning applicants are required to contact registered neighborhood associations, offer to meet with them, and secure support (or a list of neighborhood concerns) prior to filing a zoning application. The applicant meets with S.M.A.R.T. HousingTM staff following these discussions with the surrounding neighborhood organizations, and major issues are identified and addressed before the zoning application is filed.
Q: Will S.M.A.R.T. HousingTM certification allow my project to bypass any requirements of the Land Development Code or Building Code?
No. S.M.A.R.T. HousingTM developments are rigorously reviewed by the S.M.A.R.T. Housing Review Team of the Watershed Protection and Development Review Department. Whenever possible, staff will assist applicants in finding alternative methods of complying with code. Still, none of the technical requirements of the Land Development Code or Building Codes are waived.
Q: Can I request a waiver of Visitability standards for a single-family, duplex, or triplex development?
In areas with extreme topography, waiver of the no-step entrance requirement is possible. The S.M.A.R.T. HousingTM Guide includes a no-step entrance waiver request form.
