[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 125 (Friday, July 2, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35315-35326]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14135]


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 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

[Docket No. FR-6268-N-01]


Notice of Regulatory Waiver Requests Granted for the First 
Quarter of Calendar Year 2021

AGENCY: Office of the General Counsel, HUD.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: Section 106 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development 
Reform Act of 1989 (the HUD Reform Act) requires HUD to publish 
quarterly Federal Register notices of all regulatory waivers that HUD 
has approved. Each notice covers the quarterly period since the 
previous Federal Register notice. The purpose of this notice is to 
comply with the requirements of section 106 of the HUD Reform Act. This 
notice contains a list of regulatory waivers granted by HUD during the 
period beginning on January 1, 2021 and ending on March 31, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information about this 
notice, contact Aaron Santa Anna, Associate General Counsel for 
Legislation and Regulations, Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 10276, Washington, DC 20410-
0500, telephone 202-708-3055 (this is not a toll-free number). Persons 
with hearing- or speech-impairments may access this number through TTY 
by calling the toll-free Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.
    For information concerning a particular waiver that was granted and 
for which public notice is provided in this document, contact the 
person whose name and address follow the description of the waiver 
granted in the accompanying list of waivers that have been granted in 
the first quarter of calendar year 2021.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 106 of the HUD Reform Act added a 
new section 7(q) to the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act 
(42 U.S.C. 3535(q)), which provides that:
    1. Any waiver of a regulation must be in writing and must specify 
the grounds for approving the waiver;
    2. Authority to approve a waiver of a regulation may be delegated 
by the Secretary only to an individual of Assistant Secretary or 
equivalent rank, and the person to whom authority to waive is delegated 
must also have authority to issue the particular regulation to be 
waived;
    3. Not less than quarterly, the Secretary must notify the public of 
all waivers of regulations that HUD has approved, by publishing a 
notice in the Federal Register. These notices (each covering the period 
since the most recent previous notification) shall:
    a. Identify the project, activity, or undertaking involved;
    b. Describe the nature of the provision waived and the designation 
of the provision;
    c. Indicate the name and title of the person who granted the waiver 
request;
    d. Describe briefly the grounds for approval of the request; and
    e. State how additional information about a particular waiver may 
be obtained.
    Section 106 of the HUD Reform Act also contains requirements 
applicable to waivers of HUD handbook provisions that are not relevant 
to the purpose of this notice.
    This notice follows procedures provided in HUD's Statement of 
Policy on Waiver of Regulations and Directives issued on April 22, 1991 
(56 FR 16337). In accordance with those procedures and with the 
requirements of section 106 of the HUD Reform Act, waivers of 
regulations are granted by the Assistant Secretary with jurisdiction 
over the regulations for which a waiver was requested. In those cases 
in which a General Deputy Assistant Secretary granted the waiver, the 
General Deputy Assistant Secretary was serving in the absence of the 
Assistant Secretary in accordance with the office's Order of 
Succession.
    This notice covers waivers of regulations granted by HUD from 
January 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. For ease of reference, the 
waivers granted by HUD are listed by HUD program office (for example, 
the Office of Community Planning and Development, the Office of Fair 
Housing and Equal Opportunity, the Office of Housing, and the Office of 
Public and Indian Housing, etc.). Within each program office grouping, 
the waivers are listed sequentially by the regulatory section of title 
24 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that is being waived. For 
example, a waiver of a provision in 24 CFR part 58 would be listed 
before a waiver of a provision in 24 CFR part 570.
    Where more than one regulatory provision is involved in the grant 
of a particular waiver request, the action is listed under the section 
number of the first regulatory requirement that appears in 24 CFR and 
that is being waived. For example, a waiver of both Sec.  58.73 and 
Sec.  58.74 would appear sequentially in the listing under Sec.  58.73.
    Waiver of regulations that involve the same initial regulatory 
citation are in time sequence beginning with the earliest-dated 
regulatory waiver.
    Additionally, this notice includes waivers made pursuant to the 
Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), not 
previously published in the Federal Register. These waivers are listed 
separately from other individual waivers within each program office 
grouping, as CARES Act waivers broadly covered all affected parties 
rather than individual, case-by-case situations. The lists include 
additional Memoranda and Notices issued regarding broad CARES Act 
waivers provided by HUD since the enactment of the Act on March 27, 
2020. In addition, the lists provide a short, two- or three-line 
description of each memo or notice, identifying the specific CARES Act 
authority and purpose of the waivers addressed therein.
    Should HUD receive additional information about waivers granted 
during the period covered by this report (the first quarter of calendar 
year 2021) before the next report is published (the second quarter of 
calendar year 2021), HUD will include any additional waivers granted 
for the first quarter in the next report.
    Accordingly, information about approved waiver requests pertaining 
to HUD regulations is provided in the Appendix that follows this 
notice.

Sasha Samberg-Champion,
Deputy General Counsel for Enforcement and Fair Housing.

Appendix

Listing of Waivers of Regulatory Requirements Granted by Offices of the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development January 1, 2021 Through 
March 31, 2021

    Note to Reader: More information about the granting of these 
waivers, including a copy of the waiver request and approval, may be 
obtained by contacting the person whose name is listed as the 
contact person directly after each set of regulatory waivers 
granted.

    The regulatory waivers granted appear in the following order:

I. Regulatory Waivers Granted by the Office of Community Planning 
and

[[Page 35316]]

Development
II. Regulatory Waivers Granted by the Office of Housing
III. Regulatory Waivers Granted by the Office of Public and Indian 
Housing

Regulatory Waivers Granted by the Office of Community Planning and 
Development (CPD)

    For further information about the following regulatory waivers, 
please see the name of the contact person that immediately follows the 
description of the waiver granted.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 91.105(b)(4), (c)(2), and (k); 24 CFR 
91.115(b)(4), (c)(2), and (i); and 24 CFR 91.401.
    Project/Activity: Any HUD Community Planning and Development (CPD) 
grantee located in the counties included in the declared-disaster area 
(see FEMA-DR-4586) seeking to expedite action in response to the 2021 
Texas Severe Winter Weather, upon notification to the Community 
Planning and Development Director in its respective HUD Field Office.
    Nature of Requirement: The regulations at 24 CFR 91.105(b)(4), 
(c)(2) and (k); 24 CFR 91.115(b)(4), (c)(2), and (i); and 24 CFR 91.401 
require a 30-day public comment period in the development of a 
consolidated plan and prior to the implementation of a substantial 
amendment.
    Granted By: James Arthur Jemison II, Principal Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: February 26, 2021.
    Reason Waived: Several Texas CPD grantees were affected by severe 
winter weather that hit the state beginning February 11, 2021. As a 
result of substantial property loss and destruction, many individuals 
and families residing in the declared-disaster areas were displaced 
from their homes, including beneficiaries of various CPD programs, and 
families eligible to receive CPD program assistance. Some individuals 
and families continued to live in homes with habitability deficits, 
particularly related to potable water. A Presidentially-declared 
disaster declaration was issued on February 19, 2021, (FEMA-DR-4586) 
and further amended through February 25, 2021; for the Texas severe 
winter weather. The waiver granted will allow grantees to expedite 
recovery efforts for low- and moderate-income residents affected by the 
property loss and destruction resulting from this event.
    Contact: James E. H[ouml]emann, Director, Entitlement Communities 
Division, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7282, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone (202) 402-5716.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 570.201(e)(1) or (2) and 24 CFR 
570.207(b)(4).
    Project/Activity: Any CDBG Entitlement grantee assisting persons 
and families who have registered with FEMA in connection with the 
severe winter weather in Texas upon notification by the grantee to the 
Community Planning and Development Director in its respective HUD Field 
Office.
    Nature of Requirement: The regulations at 24 CFR 570.201(e) and 24 
CFR 570.207(b)(4) limit the amount of CDBG funds used for public 
services to no more than 15 percent of each grant and prohibit the use 
of CDBG funds for income payments except in the case of emergency grant 
payments made for up to three consecutive months to a service provider, 
respectively. Section 105(a)(8) sets forth the limitation of no more 
than 15 percent of each grant to be used for public services.
    Granted By: James Arthur Jemison II, Principal Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: February 26, 2021.
    Reason Waived: Several CDBG grantees, located within the declared-
disaster areas, were affected by the Texas severe winter weather. The 
waiver granted will allow these grantees to expedite recovery efforts 
for low and moderate income residents affected by this event; pay for 
additional support services for affected individuals and families, 
including, but not limited to, food, health, employment, and case 
management services to help persons and families impacted by the 
property loss and destruction caused by the severe winter weather; and 
enable grantees to pay for the basic daily needs of individuals and 
families affected by the severe winter weather on an interim basis.
    Contact: James E. H[ouml]emann, Director, Entitlement Communities 
Division, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7282, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone (202) 402-5716.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 92.252(d)(1) Utility Allowance 
Requirements.
    Project/Activity: The City of Oakland, California, Los Angeles 
County, California, San Diego County, California, and Contra Costa 
County, California requested a waiver of 24 CFR 92.252(d)(1) to allow 
use of the utility allowance established by local public housing agency 
(PHA) for four HOME-assisted project--Redwood Hill Townhomes, Ramona 
Seniors Development, Florence Apartments, and Tabora Gardens Senior 
Apartments.
    Nature of Requirement: The regulation at 24 CFR 92.252(d)(1) 
requires participating jurisdictions to establish maximum monthly 
allowances for utilities and services (excluding telephone) and update 
the allowances annually. However, participating jurisdictions are not 
permitted to use the utility allowance established by the local public 
housing authority for HOME-assisted rental projects for which HOME 
funds were committed on or after August 23, 2013.
    Granted By: John Gibbs, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for 
Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: January 6, 2021.
    Reason Waived: The HOME requirements for establishing a utility 
allowances conflict with Project-Based Voucher program requirements. It 
is not possible to use two different utility allowances to set the rent 
for a single unit and it is administratively burdensome to require a 
project owner establish and implement different utility allowances for 
HOME-assisted units and non-HOME assisted units in a project.
    Contact: Virginia Sardone, Director, Office of Affordable Housing 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7160, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone (202) 708-2684.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 92.252(d)(1) Utility Allowance 
Requirements.
    Project/Activity: The City of Palmdale, California and the City of 
Eugene, Oregon requested a waiver of 24 CFR 92.252(d)(1) to allow use 
of the utility allowance established by the local public housing agency 
(PHA) for two HOME-assisted projects--Market District Commons and 
Courson Arts Colony.
    Nature of Requirement: The regulation at 24 CFR 92.252(d)(1) 
requires participating jurisdictions to establish maximum monthly 
allowances for utilities and services (excluding telephone) and update 
the allowances annually. However, participating jurisdictions are not 
permitted to use the utility allowance established by the local public 
housing authority for HOME-assisted rental projects for which HOME 
funds were committed on or after August 23, 2013.
    Granted By: John Gibbs, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for 
Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: January 6, 2021.
    Reason Waived: The HOME requirements for establishing utility 
allowances conflict with Project-Based

[[Page 35317]]

Voucher program requirements. It is not possible to use two different 
utility allowances to set the rent for a single unit and it is 
administratively burdensome to require a project owner establish and 
implement different utility allowances for HOME-assisted units and non-
HOME assisted units in a project.
    Contact: Virginia Sardone, Director, Office of Affordable Housing 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7160, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone (202) 708-2864.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 92.252(d)(1) Utility Allowance 
Requirements.
    Project/Activity: Oakland County, Michigan requested a waiver of 24 
CFR 92.252(d)(1) to allow use of the utility allowance established by 
the local public housing agency (PHA) for a HOME-assisted projects--
Carriage Place Apartments.
    Nature of Requirement: The regulation at 24 CFR 92.252(d)(1) 
requires participating jurisdictions to establish maximum monthly 
allowances for utilities and services (excluding telephone) and update 
the allowances annually. However, participating jurisdictions are not 
permitted to use the utility allowance established by the local public 
housing authority for HOME-assisted rental projects for which HOME 
funds were committed on or after August 23, 2013.
    Granted By: John Gibbs, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for 
Community Planning and Development, D.
    Date Granted: January 14, 2021.
    Reason Waived: The HOME requirements for establishing a utility 
allowances conflict with Project-Based Voucher program requirements. It 
is not possible to use two different utility allowances to set the rent 
for a single unit and it is administratively burdensome to require a 
project owner establish and implement different utility allowances for 
HOME-assisted units and non-HOME assisted units in a project.
    Contact: Virginia Sardone, Director, Office of Affordable Housing 
Programs, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh 
Street SW, Room 7160, Washington, DC 20410, telephone (202) 708-2684.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 92.251.
    Project/Activity: Any housing units located in the areas under the 
major disaster declaration of FEMA-DR-4586 (the ``declared-disaster 
areas''), including the state participating jurisdiction, which were 
damaged by the disaster and to which HOME funds are committed within 
two years from the date of approval of the waiver.
    Nature of Requirement: The regulation at 24 CFR 92.251 requires 
that housing assisted with HOME funds meet property standards based on 
the activity undertaken, and state and local standards and codes or 
model codes for rehabilitation and new construction. Property standard 
requirements are waived for repair of properties damaged by the 
disaster. The lead housing safety regulations established in 24 CFR 
part 35 are not waived.
    Granted By: James Arthur Jemison II, Principal Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: February 26, 2021.
    Reason Waived: Several Texas CPD grantees were affected by severe 
winter weather that hit the state of Texas beginning February 11, 2021. 
As a result of substantial property loss and destruction, many 
individuals and families residing in the declared-disaster areas were 
displaced from their homes, including beneficiaries of various CPD 
programs, and families eligible to receive CPD program assistance. Some 
individuals and families continued to live in homes with habitability 
deficits, particularly related to potable water. The President issued a 
disaster declaration under title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for the Texas severe winter weather 
on February 19, 2021, (FEMA-DR-4586), and further amended it through 
February 25, 2021. The waiver is required to allow grantees to expedite 
recovery efforts for low- and moderate-income residents affected by the 
property loss and destruction resulting from this event.
    Contact: Virginia Sardone, Director, Office of Affordable Housing 
Programs, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh 
Street SW, Room 7160, Washington, DC 20410, telephone (202) 708-2684.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 92.203(a)(1) and (2).
    Project/Activity: Participating jurisdictions located in the 
counties included in the declared-disaster areas in FEMA-DR-4586 that 
are assisting families displaced by the disaster (as documented by FEMA 
registration) whose income documentation was destroyed or made 
inaccessible by the disaster.
    Nature of Requirement: The regulation at 24 CFR 92.203(a)(1) and 
(2) require initial income determinations for HOME beneficiaries by 
examining source documents covering the most recent two months. Many 
families whose housing was destroyed or damaged by the disaster will 
not have any documentation of income and will not be able to qualify 
for HOME assistance if the requirement remains effective.
    Granted By: James Arthur Jemison II, Principal Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: February 26, 2021.
    Reason Waived: Several Texas CPD grantees were affected by severe 
winter weather that hit the state beginning February 11, 2021. As a 
result of substantial property loss and destruction, many individuals 
and families residing in the declared-disaster areas were displaced 
from their homes, including beneficiaries of various CPD programs, and 
families eligible to receive CPD program assistance. Some individuals 
and families continued to live in homes with habitability deficits, 
particularly related to potable water. The President issued a disaster 
declaration under title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
and Emergency Assistance Act for the Texas severe winter weather on 
February 19, 2021 (FEMA-DR-4586), and further amended it through 
February 25, 2021. The waiver is required to allow grantees to expedite 
recovery efforts for low- and moderate-income residents affected by the 
property loss and destruction resulting from this event.
    Contact: Virginia Sardone, Director, Office of Affordable Housing 
Programs, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh 
Street SW, Room 7160, Washington, DC 20410, telephone (202) 708-2684.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 93.151(c).
    Project/Activity: Families displaced by the disaster (as documented 
by FEMA registration) whose income documentation was destroyed or made 
inaccessible by the disaster.
    Nature of Requirement: The regulation at 24 CFR 93.151(c) requires 
initial income documentations for HTF beneficiaries by examining source 
documentation for at least two months. Many families whose homes were 
destroyed or damaged by the disaster will not have any documentation of 
income and will not be able to qualify for HTF assistance if the 
requirement remains effective.
    Granted By: James Arthur Jemison II, Principal Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: February 26, 2021.
    Reason Waived: Several Texas CPD grantees were affected by severe 
winter weather that hit the state beginning February 11, 2021. As a 
result of substantial property loss and destruction, many individuals 
and families residing in the declared-disaster areas were displaced 
from their

[[Page 35318]]

homes, including beneficiaries of various CPD programs, and families 
eligible to receive CPD program assistance. Some individuals and 
families continued to live in homes with habitability deficits, 
particularly related to potable water. The President issued a disaster 
declaration under title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
and Emergency Assistance Act for the Texas severe winter weather on 
February 19, 2021 (FEMA-DR-4586), and further amended it through 
February 25, 2021. The waiver is required to allow grantees to expedite 
recovery efforts for low- and moderate-income residents affected by the 
property loss and destruction resulting from this event.
    Contact: Virginia Sardone, Director, Office of Affordable Housing 
Programs, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh 
Street SW, Room 7160, Washington, DC 20410, telephone (202) 708-2684.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 92.252(d)(1) Utility Allowance 
Requirements.
    Project/Activity: Santa Clara County and Contra Costa County 
requested a waiver of 24 CFR 92.252(d)(1) to allow use of the utility 
allowance established by the local public housing agency (PHA) for 
three HOME-assisted projects- Met South Apartments, The Veranda, and 
Veterans Square.
    Nature of Requirement: The regulation at 24 CFR 92.252(d)(1) 
requires participating jurisdictions to establish maximum monthly 
allowances for utilities and services (excluding telephone) and update 
the allowances annually. However, participating jurisdictions are not 
permitted to use the utility allowance established by the local public 
housing authority for HOME-assisted rental projects for which HOME 
funds were committed on or after August 23, 2013.
    Granted By: James Arthur Jemison II, Principal Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Community Planning and Development, D.
    Date Granted: March 8, 2021.
    Reason Waived: The HOME requirements for establishing a utility 
allowances conflict with Project Based-Voucher program requirements. It 
is not possible to use two different utility allowances to set the rent 
for a single unit and it is administratively burdensome to require a 
project owner establish and implement different utility allowances for 
HOME-assisted units and non-HOME assisted units in a project.
    Contact: Virginia Sardone, Director, Office of Affordable Housing 
Programs, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh 
Street SW, Room 7160, Washington, DC 20410, telephone (202) 708-2684.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 574.310(b)(2).
    Project/Activity: This waiver of the Property Standards in 24 CFR 
part 574 was provided with respect to the use of Housing Opportunities 
for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) funds to address the housing needs of 
eligible families following the severe winter weather in Texas, for 
which a disaster declaration was made in February 2021.
    Nature of Requirement: Section 574.310(b)(2) of the HOPWA 
regulations provides minimum housing quality standards that apply to 
housing for which HOPWA funds are used for acquisition, rehabilitation, 
conversion, lease, or repair; new construction of single room occupancy 
dwellings and community residences; project or tenant-based rental 
assistance; or operating costs under 24 CFR 574.300(b) (3), (4), (5), 
or (8).
    Granted By: James A. Jemison, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: February 26, 2021.
    Reason Waived: HUD determined that this waiver was necessary to 
enable grantees and project sponsors to expeditiously meet the critical 
housing needs of the many eligible families in the area covered by the 
major disaster declared under title IV of the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), DR-4586-
TX, dated February 19, 2021, as amended.
    Applicability: The property standard requirements in 24 CFR 
574.310(b)(2) are waived for units in the declared-disaster areas that 
are or will be occupied by HOPWA-eligible households, provided that the 
units are free of life-threatening conditions as defined in Notice PIH 
2017-20 (HA). Grantees must ensure that these units meet HOPWA HQS 
within 60 days of the date of this memorandum.
    Contact: Amy Palilonis, Office of HIV/AIDS Housing, Office of 
Community Planning and Development, Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7248, Washington, DC 20410, 
telephone (202) 402-5916. <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9efff3e7b0f2b0eefff2f7f2f1f0f7eddef6ebfab0f9f1e8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0e6f63772062207e6f6267626160677d4e667b6a20696178">[email protected]</span></a>.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 574.310(b).
    Project/Activity: This waiver of the HOPWA Property Standards was 
provided with respect to the use HOPWA funds to address the housing 
needs of eligible families under the unique circumstances of the COVID-
19 pandemic and the resulting economic upheaval in affected 
communities.
    Nature of Requirement: This section of the HOPWA regulations 
provides that all housing assisted with acquisition, rehabilitation, 
conversion, lease, or repair; new construction of single room occupancy 
dwellings and community residences; project or tenant-based rental 
assistance; or operating costs must meet the applicable housing quality 
standards outlined in the regulations.
    Granted By: James A. Jemison, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: March 31, 2021.
    Reason Waived: On March 31, 2020 HUD waived the physical inspection 
requirement for tenant-based rental assistance at 24 CFR 574.310(b) for 
one year. On May 22, 2020 HUD waived the physical inspection 
requirement for acquisition, rehabilitation, conversion, lease, or 
repair; new construction of single room occupancy dwellings and 
community residences; projector tenant-based rental assistance; or 
operating costs for one year. Grantees and project sponsors continue to 
report difficulty in conducting the initial inspection of units due to 
social distancing guidelines. Extending these waivers until June 30, 
2021 will allow grantees and project sponsors to quickly move 
households into housing, which enables social distancing, and helps 
prevent the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, grantees and project 
sponsors will need time when social distancing guidelines are no longer 
in effect to prepare staff to physically re-inspect units for HQS.
    Applicability: This waiver is in effect until June 30, 2021 for 
grantees and project sponsors that can meet the following criteria:
    a. The grantee or project sponsor is able to visually inspect the 
unit using technology, such as video streaming, to ensure the unit 
meets HQS before any assistance is provided; and
    b. The grantee or project sponsor has written policies to 
physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health 
officials determine special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 
are no longer necessary.
    Contact: Amy Palilonis, Office of HIV/AIDS Housing, Office of 
Community Planning and Development, Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7248, Washington, DC 20410, 
telephone (202) 402-5916. <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3e5f53471052104e5f5257525150574d7e564b5a10595148"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f1909c88df9ddf81909d989d9e9f9882b1998495df969e87">[email protected]</span></a>.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 574.320(a)(2).
    Project/Activity: This waiver of the FMR Rent Standard for HOPWA 
Rental Assistance was provided with respect to the use HOPWA funds to 
address the housing needs of eligible families under the unique 
circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic 
upheaval in affected communities.

[[Page 35319]]

    Nature of Requirement: Grantees must establish rent standards for 
their rental assistance programs based on FMR (Fair Market Rent) or the 
HUD-approved community-wide exception rent for unit size. Generally, 
the rental assistance payment may not exceed the difference between the 
rent standard and 30 percent of the family's adjusted income.
    Granted By: James A. Jemison, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: March 31, 2021.
    Reason Waived: HUD originally waived the FMR rent standard 
requirement for tenant-based rental assistance for one year on March 
31, 2020. On May 22, 2020 HUD waived this requirement for one year for 
all rental assistance types. Grantees and project sponsors continue to 
report COVID-19 related health and financial hardships for HOPWA-
eligible households. Extending this waiver of the FMR rent standard 
limit, while still requiring that the unit be rent reasonable in 
accordance with Sec.  574.320(a)(3), will assist grantees and project 
sponsors in expediting efforts to identify suitable housing units for 
rent to eligible households experiencing the ongoing health and 
financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis.
    Applicability: The FMR requirement continues to be waived until 
June 30, 2021. Grantees and project sponsors must still ensure the 
reasonableness of rent charged for a unit in accordance with Sec.  
574.320(a)(3).
    Contact: Amy Palilonis, Office of HIV/AIDS Housing, Office of 
Community Planning and Development, Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7248, Washington, DC 20410, 
telephone (202) 402-5916. <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c3a2aebaedafedb3a2afaaafacadaab083abb6a7eda4acb5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="57363a2e793b7927363b3e3b38393e24173f223379303821">[email protected]</span></a>.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 574.330(a)(1).
    Project/Activity: This waiver of the time limits for HOPWA Short-
Term Supported Housing was provided with respect to the use HOPWA funds 
to address the housing needs of eligible families under the unique 
circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic 
upheaval in affected communities.
    Nature of Requirement: A short-term supported housing facility may 
not provide residence to any individual for more than 60 days during 
any six-month period. Short-Term Rent, Mortgage, and Utility (STRMU) 
payments to prevent the homelessness of the tenant or mortgagor of a 
dwelling may not be provided for costs accruing over a period of more 
than 21 weeks in any 52-week period.
    Granted By: James A. Jemison, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: March 31, 2021.
    Reason Waived: HUD originally waived this requirement on May 22, 
2020 to prevent homelessness or discharge to unstable housing 
situations for households residing in short-term housing facilities or 
units assisted with STRMU if permanent housing could not be achieved 
within the time limits specified in the regulation. Extending this 
waiver is necessary because grantees and project sponsors continue to 
report that households require longer periods of assistance due to 
financial and health-related hardships stemming from the COVID-19 
pandemic.
    Applicability: This waiver is made available for all HOPWA grants 
except those funded under the CARES Act or for the portion of a 
grantee's FY 2020 formula funds that have been approved under its 
Annual Action Plan (AAP) for allowable activities to prevent, prepare 
for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic as described in section V. of 
Notice CPD-20-05. On an individual household basis, grantees or project 
sponsors may assist eligible households for a period that exceeds the 
time limits specified in the regulations. A short-term supported 
housing facility may provide residence to any individual for a period 
of up to 120 days in a six-month period. STRMU payments to prevent the 
homelessness of the tenant or mortgagor of a dwelling may be provided 
for costs accruing up to 52 weeks in a 52-week period. This waiver is 
in effect until June 30, 2021 for grantees and project sponsors that 
can meet the following criteria:
    a. The grantee or project sponsor documents that a good faith 
effort has been made on an individual household basis to assist the 
household to achieve permanent housing within the time limits specified 
in the regulations but that financial needs and/or health and safety 
concerns have prevented the household from doing so; and
    b. The grantee or project sponsor has written policies and 
procedures outlining efforts to regularly reassess the needs of 
assisted households as well as processes for granting extensions based 
on documented financial needs and/or health and safety concerns.
    Contact: Amy Palilonis, Office of HIV/AIDS Housing, Office of 
Community Planning and Development, Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7248, Washington, DC 20410, 
telephone (202) 402-5916. <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a7c6cade89cb89d7c6cbcecbc8c9ced4e7cfd2c389c0c8d1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0a6b67732466247a6b666366656463794a627f6e246d657c">[email protected]</span></a>.
    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 576.2, definition of ``homeless,'' 
(l)(iii).
    Project/Activity: An individual may qualify as homeless under 
paragraph (1)(iii) the homeless definition in 24 CFR 576.2 so long as 
he or she is exiting an institution where they resided for 120 days or 
less and resided in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human 
habitation immediately before entering that institution. This waiver is 
in effect until June 30, 2021.
    Nature of Requirement: An individual who is exiting an institution 
where he or she resided for 90 days or less and who resided in an 
emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation immediately 
before entering that institution are considered homeless per 24 CFR 
576.2, definition of ``homeless.''
    Granted By: James A. Jemison, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: March 31, 2021.
    Reason Waived: HUD originally waived this requirement on September 
30, 2020 to keep housing options open for individuals who otherwise 
would have been homeless but were reporting longer stays in 
institutions as a result of COVID-19 (e.g., longer time in jail due to 
a postponed court dates due to courts closings or courts operating at 
reduced capacity and longer hospital stays when infected with COVID-19. 
Allowing someone who was residing in an emergency shelter or place not 
meant for human habitation prior to entering the institution to 
maintain their homeless status while residing in an institution for 
longer than 90 days is necessary to prevent the spread of and respond 
to COVID-19 by expanding housing options for people who were 
experiencing homelessness and institutionalized for longer than 
traditionally required due to COVID-19. Recipients continue to report 
potential program participants are staying in institutions for longer 
periods of time due to COVID-19; therefore, HUD is extending this 
waiver to allow someone who was residing in an emergency shelter or 
place not meant for human habitation prior to entering the institution 
to maintain their homeless status while residing in an institution for 
longer than 90 days.
    Contact: Norm Suchar, Director, Office of Special Needs Assistance 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7262, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone number (202) 708-4300.
    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 576.106(e).
    Project/Activity: HUD granted a waiver of 24 CFR 576.106(e) to the 
City of Tulsa, to allow its subrecipient, the Mental Health Association 
Oklahoma

[[Page 35320]]

(MHAOK) to provide rapid re-housing rental assistance and housing 
relocation and stabilization services to program participants who have 
chosen units that MHAOK owns, which would require that MHAOK will have 
to enter into a rental assistance agreement with its property 
management division. MHAOK is required to comply with the Conflict of 
Interest requirements as stated in 24 CFR 576.404.
    Nature of Requirement: Section 576.106(e) of the Emergency 
Solutions Grants (ESG) Program Interim rule requires recipients to have 
a rental assistance agreement with the owner of any property for which 
they will provide rental assistance payments. The rental assistance 
agreement must include the terms under which rental assistance will be 
provided. It also requires the owner to give the recipient or 
subrecipient a copy of any notice to the program participant to vacate 
the housing unit or any complaint used under State or local law to 
commence an eviction action against the program participant. Also, each 
rental assistance agreement that is executed or renewed on or after 
December 16, 2016 must include all protections that apply to tenants 
and applicants under 24 CFR part 5, subpart L, as supplemented by Sec.  
576.409, except for the emergency transfer plan requirements under 24 
CFR 5.2005(e) and 576.409(d). If the housing is not assisted under 
another ``covered housing program'', as defined in 24 CFR 5.2003, the 
agreement may provide that the owner's obligations under 24 CFR part 5, 
subpart L (Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating 
Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking), expire at the end of the rental 
assistance period.
    Granted By: John Gibbs, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for 
Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: January 6, 2021.
    Reason Waived: HUD granted the waiver to increase housing options 
for ESG program participants in Tulsa, OK being assisted by the city's 
subrecipient, MHAOK. Homelessness in the City of Tulsa increased 27% 
from 2015 to 2020. MHAOK has been awarded rapid rehousing funding to 
provide rapid rehousing rental assistance and housing relocation and 
stabilization services for up to 140 households. MHAOK owns 40 
properties in the community, which are included in the available pool 
of units from which an eligible program participant may choose to live. 
If a program participant selects one of their own housing units, MHAOK 
requires a waiver of the rental assistance agreement requirements in 
order to enter an agreement with its property management division 
(Eastoak Property Management).
    Contact: Norm Suchar, Director, Office of Special Needs Assistance 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7262, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone number (202) 708-4300.
    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 576.203(a)(1).
    Project/Activity: HUD granted a waiver of 24 CFR 576.203(a)(1) to 
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), to extend its obligation 
date to March 31, 2021 to provide time to evaluate new applications, 
award funds, and account for unforeseen delays due to the 
implementation of a new funding approach to meet the unprecedented need 
during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify new subrecipients with the 
capacity to administer ESG-CV funds.
    Nature of Requirement: Section 24 CFR 576.203(a)(1) requires states 
to obligate funds within 60 days from the date that it signs the grant 
agreement with HUD. HUD further waived this requirement in CPD-20-08 
Notice: Waivers and Alternative Requirements for the Emergency 
Solutions Grants (ESG) Program Under the CARES Act (ESG-CV Notice) so 
long as states obligated funds within 180 days for activities it will 
carry out itself and 240 days for activities it will obligate to 
subrecipients.
    Granted By: John Gibbs, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for 
Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: January 7, 2021.
    Reason Waived: HUD granted the waiver to extend OHCS's obligation 
deadline from February 18, 2021 to March 31, 2021 to provide additional 
time to implement a new competitive process for allocating funds and 
identifying new subrecipients with the capacity to administer ESG CARES 
Act funds. The waiver provides OHCS with time needed to complete their 
funding process.
    Contact: Norm Suchar, Director, Office of Special Needs Assistance 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7262, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone number (202) 708-4300.
    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 578.103(a)(7)(iv).
    Project/Activity: The waiver of the requirement at 24 CFR 
578.103(a)(7)(iv) that the recipient or subrecipient may only rely on 
program participant self-certification of income if the other permitted 
types of documentation are unobtainable when conducting the initial or 
subsequent rent or occupancy charge calculations is in effect until 
June 30, 2021. During this time, 24 CFR 578.103(a)(7)(iv) is waived to 
the extent necessary to allow recipients or subrecipients to document 
annual income with the written certification by the program participant 
of the amount of income that the program participant is reasonably 
expected to receive over the 3-month period following the evaluation, 
even if source documents and third-party verification, are obtainable.
    Nature of Requirement: 24 CFR 578.103(a)(7) requires the recipient 
or subrecipient to keep records of the program participant's income and 
the back-up documentation they relied on to determine income. The 
regulation establishes an order of preference for the type of 
documentation that recipients can rely upon. Only if source documents 
and third-party verification are unobtainable is a written 
certification from the program participant acceptable documentation of 
income. HUD is waiving ``To the extent that source documents and third-
party verification are unobtainable'' in 578.103(a)(7)(iv).
    Granted By: James A. Jemison, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: March 31, 2021.
    Reason Waived: On September 30, 2020, HUD waived the requirement to 
attempt to document that third-party verification of income was 
unobtainable in order for recipients and subrecipients to a program 
participant's own self-certification of income until December 31, 2020 
because that documentation may be difficult to obtain as a result of 
COVID-19 pandemic and housing program participants quickly was 
important to prevent the spread of COVID-19. On December 30, 2020, HUD 
extended this waiver to March 31, 2021. It continues to be important to 
move people into their own housing quickly to enable social distancing 
and prevent the spread of COVID-19; therefore, waiving the requirement 
that source documents and third-party documentation be unobtainable in 
order for recipients or subrecipients to rely on a program 
participant's own certification of their income.
    Contact: Norm Suchar, Director, Office of Special Needs Assistance 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7262, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone number (202) 708-4300.

[[Page 35321]]

    <bullet> Regulation: The definition of ``Point-in-time count'' in 
24 CFR 578.3, and 24 CFR 578.7(c)(2), 24 CFR 578.7(c)(2)(i).
    Project/Activity: HUD is waiving the definition of ``Point-in-time 
count'' in 24 CFR 578.3 and the requirements at 24 CFR 578.7(c)(2)(i) 
and 24 CFR 578.7(c)(2) to the extent necessary to remove the 
requirement that Continuum of Care Program (CoC) conduct a biennial 
point-in-time count in FY2021 of people experiencing unsheltered 
homelessness, even if the CoC did not conduct a point-in-time count of 
people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in FY2020. Waiving the 
requirements at 24 CFR 578.3, 24 CFR 578.7(c)(2)(i) and 24 CFR 
578.7(c)(2) that require CoCs conduct a FY2021 biennial point-in-time 
count of unsheltered homeless is available for CoCs that complete the 
notification process by the January 20, 2021 deadline. CoCs that use 
the waivers of 24 CFR 578.3, 24 CFR 578.7(c)(2) and 24 CFR 
578.7(c)(2)(i) must still conduct their FY2021 biennial point-in-time 
count of sheltered homeless persons if one is required in FY2021 
consistent with the requirements in Notice CPD-18-08. CoCs that do not 
use the waivers of 24 CFR 578.3, 24 CFR 578.7(c)(2)(i) and 24 CFR 
578(c)(2) must still conduct their FY2021 biennial point-in-time count 
of homeless persons for both sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons 
if one is required in FY2021.
    Nature of Requirement: The definition of ``Point-in-time count'' in 
24 CFR 578.3, and 24 CFR 578.7(c)(2) and 24 CFR 578.7(c)(2)(i) require 
CoCs to plan for and conduct, at least biennially, a point-in-time 
count of homeless persons within the geographic area and count as 
unsheltered homeless persons individuals who are living in a place not 
designated or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for 
humans. 24 CFR 578.7(c)(2)(iii) also requires CoCs to comply with other 
requirements established by HUD by Notice for the point-in-time count.
    Granted By: John Gibbs, Acting Assistant Secretary for Community 
Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: January 7, 2021.
    Reason Waived: Conducting a point-in-time count of people 
experiencing unsheltered homelessness requires countless hours of 
planning and volunteers. Additionally, on the night of the count, it 
requires people to approach people experiencing unsheltered 
homelessness to collect data. Because of COVID-19, CoCs have been short 
staffed and busy preparing for and implementing measures to prevent the 
spread of COVID-19 in their communities. Additionally, CoCs are 
reporting challenges in finding volunteers to survey individuals 
experiencing unsheltered homelessness on the night of the count due to 
fears of COVID-19. Further, CoCs are reporting challenges obtaining 
personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary to equip volunteers and 
people experiencing unsheltered homelessness to have the conversations 
necessary to collect the required data. These challenges are present in 
every part of the country. As of December, every single state had at 
least 9 new COVID cases per day per 100,000 population. For these 
reasons, providing waiver flexibility for the FY2021 point-in-time 
count for unsheltered homelessness helps prevent the spread of COVID-
19.
    Contact: Norm Suchar, Director, Office of Special Needs Assistance 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7262, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone number (202) 708-4300.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 578.3, definition of permanent housing, 
24 CFR 578.51(1)(1).
    Project/Activity: The one-year lease requirement is waived for 
leases executed between the date of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021, 
so long as the initial term of all leases is at least one month.
    Nature of Requirement: Program participants residing in PSH must be 
the tenant on a lease for a term of at least one year that is renewable 
and terminable for cause.
    Granted By: James A. Jemison, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: March 31, 2021.
    Reason Waived: HUD originally waived this requirement for 6-months 
on March 31, 2020. On September 30, 2020, HUD waived this requirement 
again until December 31, 2020. HUD extended this waiver again on 
December 30, 2020 until March 31, 2021 to help recipients more quickly 
identify permanent housing for individuals and families experiencing 
homelessness, which is helpful in preventing the spread of COVID-19. 
Extending this waiver is necessary because recipients continue to need 
to help program participants identify housing quickly to help prevent 
the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, even after special measures are 
no longer necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19, helping program 
participants move into housing quickly will continue to decrease the 
risk of people experiencing homelessness of contracting COVID-19.
    Contact: Norm Suchar, Director, Office of Special Needs Assistance 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7262, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone number (202) 708-4300.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 578.3, definition of ``homeless'' 
(1)(iii).
    Project/Activity: An individual may qualify as homeless under 
paragraph (1)(iii) of the homeless definition in 24 CFR 578.3 so long 
as he or she is exiting an institution where they resided or 120 days 
or less and resided in an emergency shelter or place not meant for 
human habitation immediately before entering that institution. This 
waiver is in effect until June 30, 2021.
    Nature of Requirement: The definition of homeless in 24 CFR 578.3 
includes under paragraph (1)(iii) an individual who is exiting an 
institution where he or she resided for 90 days or less and has resided 
in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation 
immediately before entering that institution, which is an 
interpretation of Sec.  103(a)(4) of the McKinney-Vento Act which 
includes an individual who resided in a shelter or place not meant for 
human habitation and who is exiting an institution where he or she 
temporarily resided.
    Granted By: James A. Jemison, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: March 31, 2021.
    Reason Waived: HUD originally waived this requirement on September 
30, 2020, until March 31, 2021 to keep housing options open for 
individuals who otherwise would have been homeless but were reporting 
longer stays in institutions as a result of COVID-19 (e.g., longer time 
in jail due to a postponed court dates due to courts closings or courts 
operating at reduced capacity and longer hospital stays when infected 
with COVID-19. Allowing someone who was residing in an emergency 
shelter or place not meant for human habitation prior to entering the 
institution to maintain their homeless status while residing in an 
institution for longer than 90 days is necessary to prevent the spread 
of and respond to COVID-19 by expanding housing options for people who 
were experiencing homelessness and institutionalized for longer than 
traditionally required due to COVID-19. Recipients continue to report 
potential program participants are staying in institutions for longer 
periods of time due to COVID-19; therefore, HUD is extending this 
waiver to allow someone

[[Page 35322]]

who was residing in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human 
habitation prior to entering the institution to maintain their homeless 
status while residing in an institution for longer than 90 days.
    Contact: Norm Suchar, Director, Office of Special Needs Assistance 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7262, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone number (202) 708-4300.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 578.33(c).
    Project/Activity: The requirement that the renewal grant amount be 
based on the budget line items in the final year of the grant being 
renewed is further waived for all projects that amend their grant 
agreement between March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021 to move funds 
between budget line items in a project in response to the COVID-19 
pandemic. Recipients may then apply in the next FY CoC Program funding 
cycle based on the budget line items in the grants before they were 
amended.
    Nature of Requirement: 24 CFR 578.33(c) requires that budget line 
item amounts a recipient is awarded for renewal in the CoC Program 
Competition will be based on the amounts in the final year of the prior 
funding period of the project.
    Granted By: James A. Jemison, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: March 31, 2021.
    Reason Waived: HUD originally waived this requirement for grant 
agreement amendments signed between March 31, 2020 and October 1, 2020 
to allow recipients to move funds between budget line items in a 
project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and still apply for 
renewal in the next FY CoC Program funding cycle based on the budget 
line items in the grants before they were amended. HUD again waived 
this requirement for all grant agreements signed from October 1, 2020 
until December 31, 2020. HUD again waived this requirement for all 
grants signed between December 30, 2020 and March 31, 2021. Recipients 
continue to report needing to shift budget line items to respond to the 
COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., providing different supportive service 
necessitated by the pandemic or serving fewer people because the layout 
of the housing does not meet local social distancing recommendations) 
without changing the original design of the project when it is not 
operating in a public health crisis and can resume normal operations.
    Contact: Norm Suchar, Director, Office of Special Needs Assistance 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7262, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone number (202) 708-4300.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 578.37(a)(1)(ii)(F).
    Project/Activity: The requirement in 24 CFR 578.37(a)(1)(ii)(F) 
that projects require program participants to meet with case managers 
not less than once per month is waived for all permanent housing-rapid 
re-housing projects until June 30, 2021.
    Nature of Requirement: Recipients must require program participants 
of permanent housing-rapid re-housing projects to meet with a case 
manager at least monthly.
    Granted By: James A. Jemison, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: March 31, 2021.
    Reason Waived: HUD originally waived this requirement for 2-months 
on March 31, 2020. On May 22, 2020 HUD again waived this requirement 
for an additional 3 months and on September 30, 2020 HUD once again 
waived this requirement until December 31, 2020. Recipients are 
continuing to report limited staff capacity as staff members are home 
for a variety of reasons related to COVID-19 (e.g., quarantining, 
children home from school, working elsewhere in the community to manage 
the COVID-19 response). In addition, not all program participants have 
capacity to meet via phone or internet. Waiving the monthly case 
management requirement will allow recipients to provide case management 
on an as needed basis and reduce the possible spread and harm of COVID-
19.
    Contact: Norm Suchar, Director, Office of Special Needs Assistance 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7262, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone number (202) 708-4300.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 578.49(b)(2).
    Project/Activity: The Fair Market Rent restriction continues to be 
waived for any lease executed by a recipient or subrecipient to provide 
transitional or permanent supportive housing until June 30, 2021. The 
affected recipient or subrecipient must still ensure that rent paid for 
individual units that are leased with leasing dollars meet the rent 
reasonableness standard in 24 CFR 578.49(b)(2).
    Nature of Requirement: Rent payments for individual units with 
leasing dollars may not exceed Fair Market Rent.
    Granted By: James A. Jemison, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: March 31, 2021.
    Reason Waived: HUD originally waived this requirement for 6-months 
on March 31, 2020. On September 30, 2020 HUD again waived this 
requirement until December 31, 2020. Extending this waiver of the limit 
on using grant leasing funds to pay above FMR for individual units, but 
not greater than reasonable rent, will assist recipients in locating 
additional units to house individuals and families experiencing 
homelessness and reduce the spread and harm of COVID-19.
    Contact: Norm Suchar, Director, Office of Special Needs Assistance 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7262, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone number (202) 708-4300.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 578.53(e)(8)(ii)(B) and 578.53(d).
    Project/Activity: The limitation on eligible housing search and 
counseling activities is waived so that CoC Program funds may be used 
for up to 6 months of a program participant's utility arrears and up to 
6 months of a program participant's rent arrears, when those arrears 
make it difficult to obtain housing. This waiver is in effect until 
June 30, 2021.
    Nature of Requirement: 24 CFR 578.53(e)(8) allows recipients and 
subrecipients to use CoC funds to pay for housing search and counseling 
services to help eligible program participants locate, obtain, and 
retain suitable housing. For program participants whose debt problems 
make it difficult to obtain housing, 24 CFR 578.53(e)(8)(ii)(B) makes 
eligible the costs of credit counseling, accessing a free personal 
credit report, and resolving personal credit issues. However, payment 
of rental or utility arrears is not included as an eligible cost. 24 
CFR 578.53(d) limits eligible supportive service costs to those 
explicitly listed in 24 CFR 578.53(e), which is a more limited list 
than is eligible under the McKinney-Vento Act.
    Granted By: James A. Jemison, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: March 31, 2021.
    Reason Waived: HUD originally waived this requirement for 1-year on 
March 31, 2020 to allow recipients and subrecipients to pay up to 6 
months of rental arrears and 6 months of utility

[[Page 35323]]

arrears to remove barriers to obtaining housing quickly and help reduce 
the spread and harm of COVID-19. Extending this waiver is necessary to 
remove barriers that would prevent program participants from finding 
housing quickly, particularly as more people find themselves with 
rental arrears due to COVID-19.
    Contact: Norm Suchar, Director, Office of Special Needs Assistance 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7262, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone number (202) 708-4300.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 578.7(c)(2)(iii), and Sections 4.4 and 
4.5 of the Notice CPD-18-08: 2019 HIC and PIT Data Collection for CoC 
and Emergency Solutions Grants Program.
    Project/Activity: HUD is waiving 24 CFR 578.7(c)(2)(iii) to the 
extent necessary to remove some of the data collection requirements in 
Notice CPD-18-08 as they relate to unsheltered homeless persons for 
CoCs that do not take advantage of the waivers of 24 CFR 578.3, 24 CFR 
578.7(c)(2) and 24 CFR 578.7(c)(2)(i) included in the January 7, 2021 
waiver memorandum (and must therefore conduct a FY2021 unsheltered 
homeless persons point-in-time count) but follow the notification 
process prescribed in the January 7, 2021 waiver memorandum to use this 
waiver.
    In Section 4.4 of Notice CPD-18-08, and for unsheltered persons 
only, HUD is now only requiring CoCs to collect data on the total 
number of people sleeping in unsheltered situations on the night of 
each CoC's point-in-time count, with no household, demographic, or 
subpopulation data. The requirements of Section 4.4 of Notice CPD-18-08 
remain unchanged for sheltered homeless persons.
    In Section 4.5 of Notice CPD-18-08, HUD is now eliminating the 
requirement that CoCs report on additional homeless population data for 
unsheltered persons. The requirements of Section 4.5 remain unchanged 
for sheltered homeless persons. This waiver of the requirements at 24 
CFR 578.7(c)(2)(iii) that requires CoCs to comply with additional 
requirements established by HUD in Sections 4.4 and 4.5 of Notice CPD-
18-08 for the FY2021 biennial point-in-time count of unsheltered 
homeless persons is available for CoCs that complete the notification 
process by the January 20, 2021 deadline, but may choose to use the 
waiver of 24 CFR 578.7(c)(2)(iii), which removes some of the data 
collection requirements in Notice CPD-18-08: 2019 HIC and PIT Data 
Collection for CoC and ESG Programs associated with the point-in-time 
count for unsheltered homeless persons.
    Nature of Requirement: 24 CFR 578.7(c)(2)(iii) requires CoCs to 
comply with additional requirements established by HUD by Notice for 
the point-in-time count. HUD has established additional point-in-time 
count requirements through Notice CPD-18-08: 2019 HIC and PIT Data 
Collection for CoC and ESG Programs. Sections 4.4 and 4.5 of Notice 
CPD-18-08 include data requirements for the point-in-time count of both 
sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons.
    Granted By: John Gibbs, Acting Assistant Secretary for Community 
Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: January 7, 2021.
    Reason Waived: Conducting a point-in-time count of people 
experiencing unsheltered homelessness requires countless hours of 
planning and volunteers. Additionally, on the night of the count, it 
requires people to approach people experiencing unsheltered 
homelessness to collect data. Because of COVID-19, CoCs have been short 
staffed and busy preparing for and implementing measures to prevent the 
spread of COVID-19 in their communities. Additionally, CoCs are 
reporting challenges in finding volunteers to survey individuals 
experiencing unsheltered homelessness on the night of the count due to 
fears of COVID-19. Further, CoCs are reporting challenges obtaining 
personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary to equip volunteers and 
people experiencing unsheltered homelessness to have the conversations 
necessary to collect the required data. These challenges are present in 
every part of the country. As of December, every single state had at 
least 9 new COVID cases per day per 100,000 population. For these 
reasons, providing waiver flexibility for the FY2021 point-in-time 
count for unsheltered homelessness helps prevent the spread of COVID-
19.
    Contact: Norm Suchar, Director, Office of Special Needs Assistance 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7262, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone number (202) 708-4300.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 578.75(b)(1).
    Project/Activity: The waiver of the requirement in 24 CFR 
578.75(b)(1) that the recipient or subrecipient physically inspect each 
unit to assure that the unit meets HQS before providing assistance on 
behalf of a program participant is in effect until June 30, 2021 for 
recipients and subrecipients that are able to obtain certification from 
the owner that they have no reasonable basis to have knowledge that 
life-threatening conditions exist in the unit or units in question; and 
the recipient or subrecipient has written policies to physically 
inspect the unit within 3 months after the health officials determine 
special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are no longer 
necessary.
    Nature of Requirement: 24 CFR 278.75(b)(1) requires that recipients 
or subrecipients physically inspect each unit to assure that it meets 
HQS before any assistance will be provided for that unit on behalf of a 
program participant.
    Granted By: James A. Jemison, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: March 31, 2021.
    Reason Waived: On March 31, 2020, HUD waived the physical 
inspection requirement at 24 CFR 578.75(b)(1) for 6-months so long as 
recipients or subrecipients were able to visually inspect the unit 
using technology to ensure the unit met HQS before any assistance was 
provided and recipients or subrecipients had written policies in place 
to physically reinspect the unit within 3 months after the health 
officials determined special measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 
are no longer necessary. However, this standard still relies on program 
participants or landlords having the technology to carry out this 
virtual inspection. Additionally, recipients and subrecipients are 
still reporting difficulty in conducting the initial inspection of 
units due to social distancing guidelines.
    Contact: Norm Suchar, Director, Office of Special Needs Assistance 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7262, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone number (202) 708-4300.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 578.75(b)(2).
    Project/Activity: 24 CFR 578.75(b)(2) requires that recipients or 
subrecipients are required to inspect all units supported by leasing or 
rental assistance funding under the CoC and YHDP Programs at least 
annually during the grant period to ensure the units continue to meet 
HQS. This waiver is in effect until June 30, 2021.
    Nature of Requirement: Recipients and subrecipients must inspect 
all units for which leasing or rental assistance funds are used, at 
least annually to ensure they continue to meet HQS.

[[Page 35324]]

    Granted By: James A. Jemison, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: March 31, 2021.
    Reason Waived: HUD originally waived the requirement for 1-year on 
March 31, 2020 to help recipients and subrecipients prevent the spread 
of COVID-19. Because social distancing and stay at home measures are 
still in place in most parts of the country, HUD is extending this 
waiver. Additionally, recipients will need time when social distancing 
guidelines are no longer in effect to prepare staff to re-inspect (and 
inspect as discussed above) units for HQS; therefore, HUD is extending 
the waiver beyond the date the state or local public health official 
has determined special measures are no longer necessary to prevent the 
spread of COVID-19.
    Contact: Norm Suchar, Director, Office of Special Needs Assistance 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7262, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone number (202) 708-4300.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 578.75(c) and 24 CFR 982.401(d)(2)(ii) 
as required by 24 CFR 578.75(b).
    Project/Activity: The requirement that each unit assisted with CoC 
Program funds or YHDP funds have at least one bedroom or living/
sleeping room for each two persons is waived for recipients providing 
Permanent Housing-Rapid Rehousing assistance for leases and occupancy 
agreements executed by recipients and subrecipients between the dates 
of March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021 and extending only until the later 
of (1) the end of the initial term of the lease or occupancy agreement; 
or (2) June 30, 2021. Recipients are still required to follow State and 
local occupancy laws.
    Nature of Requirement: 24 CFR 578.75(c), suitable dwelling size, 
and 24 CFR 982.401(d)(2)(ii) as required by 24 CFR 578.75(b), Housing 
Quality Standards, requires units funded with CoC Program funds to have 
at least one bedroom or living/sleeping room for each two persons.
    Granted By: James A. Jemison, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: March 31, 2021.
    Reason Waived: On September 30, 2020, HUD waived the requirements 
at 24 CFR 982.401(d)(2)(ii) and 24 CFR 578.75(c) to allow households 
experiencing homelessness to obtain permanent housing that is 
affordable and that they assess is adequate. Recipients continue to 
report that households experiencing homelessness remain unable to 
afford the limited supply of affordable housing in many jurisdictions 
across the country and this has been made even more challenging due to 
the economic impact of COVID-19. HUD is waiving the requirements at 24 
CFR 982.401(d)(2)(ii) and 24 CFR 578.75(c) to reduce the spread of 
COVID-19 by allowing households to move into housing instead of staying 
in congregate shelter. Consistent with the Executive Order on Fighting 
the Spread of COVID-19 by Providing Assistance to Renters and 
Homeowners, grantees should balance use of this waiver with the 
recommendations of public health officials to limit community spread 
and reduce risks to high-risk populations. For example, a large unit 
with rooms than can be partitioned for privacy and distancing, or the 
waiver can be applied for units that will house only one family 
household.
    Contact: Norm Suchar, Director, Office of Special Needs Assistance 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7262, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone number (202) 708-4300.

II. Regulatory Waivers Granted by the Office of Housing--Federal 
Housing Administration (FHA)

    For further information about the following regulatory waivers, 
please see the name of the contact person that immediately follows the 
description of the waiver granted.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 5.801(c)(2).
    Project/Activity: All Multifamily & Healthcare properties.
    Nature of Requirement: Regulation requires that properties with a 
financial reporting requirement provide that financial statement to HUD 
by a date certain. This requirement was deferred until 6/30/21 for 
properties with a due date between 10/1/20-6/31/21.
    Granted by: Lopa Kolluri, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for 
Housing--Federal Housing Administration.
    Date Granted: March 30, 2021.
    Reason Waived: Difficulty in completing audits on-time due to 
travel restrictions and general workflow challenges related to the 
COVID-19 pandemic.
    Contact: Michael Bruggman, Director of Asset and Counterparty 
Oversight Division, Office of Asset Management and Portfolio Oversight, 
Office of Multifamily Housing, Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 6151, Washington, DC 20410, 
telephone (202) 402-5619. <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e6ab8f858e87838ac884949381818b8788a68e9382c8818990"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5e13373d363f3b32703c2c2b3939333f301e362b3a70393128">[email protected]</span></a>.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 203.604 Contact with the mortgagor.
    Project/Activity: The requirement for early default intervention 
under FHA's early default servicing requirements stipulate that 
mortgagees must conduct a face-to-face interview with the borrower to 
gather and convey required information and determine the borrower's 
circumstances and appropriate repayment plans.
    Nature of Requirement: This is a partial waiver of servicing 
requirement in 24 CFR 203.604 that mortgagees must have a face-to-face 
interview before three full monthly installments due on the mortgage 
are unpaid. The waiver provided alternative methods that the mortgagee 
could use to make contact.
    Granted by: Janet M. Golrick, Acting Assistant Secretary for 
Housing--Federal Housing Commissioner.
    Date Granted: February 2, 2021.
    Reason Waived: The partial waiver of required face-to-face contact 
was issued due to continued public health concerns around the spread of 
Coronavirus Disease 2019. Without the partial waiver, retention of the 
face-to-face interview requirement for servicing FHA-insured mortgages 
during the COVID-19 pandemic introduces health risks and potential non-
compliance by both mortgagees and borrower. Without the partial waiver, 
retention of the face-to-face interview requirement during the COVID-19 
pandemic could introduce increased health risks to FHA borrowers and 
mortgagees.
    Contact: Elissa Saunders, Acting Director, Office of Single Family 
Asset Management, Office of Housing, Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 9278, Washington, DC 20410, 
telephone (202) 402-2378.

III. Regulatory Waivers Granted by the Office of Public and Indian 
Housing

    For further information about the following regulatory waivers, 
please see the name of the contact person that immediately follows the 
description of the waiver granted.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 982.161(a)(1).
    Project/Activity: Town of Islip Housing Authority requested a 
conflict-of-interest provision in HUD regulations and Section 19 of the 
Public Housing Annual Contributions Contract (ACC).
    Nature of Requirement: The conflict-of-interest provisions under 
the HCV regulations and the ACC prevent a Public Housing Agency (PHA) 
or any of its contractors or subcontractors from entering into any 
contract or

[[Page 35325]]

arrangement in connection with the HCV program or Public Housing 
property, in which any present or former member or officer of the PHA 
has a direct or indirect interest during his or her tenure or for one 
year thereafter.
    Granted By: Dominique Blom, General Deputy Assistant Secretary, 
Public and Indian Housing.
    Date Granted: March 5, 2021.
    Reason Waived: The PHA's Executive Director retired in November 
2020 and the Deputy Director was appointed Interim Executive Director 
while the PHA searches for a qualified candidate for the Executive 
Director. The PHA's Board of Commissioners requested to hire the former 
Executive Director on a part-time temporary basis to assist with the 
transition of the Deputy Director to Interim Executive Director and to 
serve as the Deputy Director so the services to PHA's residents are not 
diminished and to enable the PHA to address additional demands imposed 
by the COVID pandemic. The PHA reviewed its current staffing and 
determined that no other PHA employee possesses a similar level of 
skills, knowledge, and expertise as the former Executive Director. The 
PHA also evaluated the possibility of hiring a consulting firm but 
doing so would come at a much higher cost. The PHA's attorney evaluated 
State and local law and determined that the former Executive Director 
would be permitted under State and local law to be hired by PHA. The 
HUD Field Office, including HUD's Regional Counsel, supported approval 
of this request. Thus, pursuant to the waiver authority provided at 24 
CFR 5.110, HUD determined that there was good cause to waive 24 CFR 
982.161(a)(1).
    Contact: Danielle Bastarache, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of 
Public Housing and Voucher Programs, Office of Public and Indian 
Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh 
Street SW, Room 4204, Washington, DC 20410, telephone (202) 402-5264.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 5.801(c) and 24 CFR 5.801(d)(1).
    Project/Activity: Housing Authority of the City of Lake Charles 
(LA004).
    Nature of Requirement: The regulation establishes certain reporting 
compliance dates. The audited financial statements are required to be 
submitted to the Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) no later than 
nine months after the housing authority's (HA) fiscal year end (FYE), 
in accordance with the Single Audit Act and OMB Circular A-133.
    Granted By: Dominique Blom, General Deputy Assistant Secretary for 
Public and Indian Housing.
    Date Granted: March 9, 2021.
    Reason Waived: The HA requested relief from compliance for 
additional time to submit its financial reporting requirements for the 
fiscal year end (FYE) of September 20, 2020. The Housing Authority of 
the City of Lake Charles requested a waiver pursuant to ``Relief from 
HUD Requirements Available to Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) During 
CY 2020/2021 to Assist with Recovery and Relief Efforts on Behalf of 
Families Affected by Disasters'' FR-6050-N-04 (November 12, 2020). A 
previous letter was sent to LCHA from HUD on February 11, 2021 that 
addressed the waiver requests by LHCA for Section 2(a), Section 3(b), 
Section 3(c), and Section 3(d). This letter addresses the additional 
waivers requested in accordance with FR-6050-N-04 and 24 CFR 5.110.
    Contact: Lara Philbert, Assessment Manager, Integrated Assessment 
Team, Real Estate Assessment Center, Office of Public and Indian 
Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 550 12th Street 
SW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20410, telephone (202) 475-7908.

HUD's Summary of CARES Act Notices Providing Waivers: 1/1/21 to 3/31/21

    Authority: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act 
(CARES Act) and regulatory waiver authority is also provided by 24 CFR 
5.110 and 91.600.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 576.106(e).
    Project/Activity: HUD granted a waiver of 24 CFR 576.106(e) to the 
City of Tulsa, to allow its subrecipient, the Mental Health Association 
Oklahoma (MHAOK) to provide rapid re-housing rental assistance and 
housing relocation and stabilization services to program participants 
who have chosen units that MHAOK owns, which would require that MHAOK 
will have to enter into a rental assistance agreement with its property 
management division. MHAOK is required to comply with the Conflict of 
Interest requirements as stated in 24 CFR 576.404.
    Nature of Requirement: Section 576.106(e) of the Emergency 
Solutions Grants (ESG) Program Interim rule requires recipients to have 
a rental assistance agreement with the owner of any property for which 
they will provide rental assistance payments. The rental assistance 
agreement must include the terms under which rental assistance will be 
provided. It also requires the owner to give the recipient or 
subrecipient a copy of any notice to the program participant to vacate 
the housing unit or any complaint used under State or local law to 
commence an eviction action against the program participant. Also, each 
rental assistance agreement that is executed or renewed on or after 
December 16, 2016 must include all protections that apply to tenants 
and applicants under 24 CFR part 5, subpart L, as supplemented by Sec.  
576.409, except for the emergency transfer plan requirements under 24 
CFR 5.2005(e) and 576.409(d). If the housing is not assisted under 
another ``covered housing program'', as defined in 24 CFR 5.2003, the 
agreement may provide that the owner's obligations under 24 CFR part 5, 
subpart L (Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating 
Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking), expire at the end of the rental 
assistance period.
    Granted By: John Gibbs, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for 
Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: January 6, 2021.
    Reason Waived: HUD granted the waiver to increase housing options 
for ESG program participants in Tulsa, OK being assisted by the city's 
subrecipient, MHAOK. Homelessness in the City of Tulsa increased 27% 
from 2015 to 2020. MHAOK has been awarded rapid rehousing funding to 
provide rapid rehousing rental assistance and housing relocation and 
stabilization services for up to 140 households. MHAOK owns 40 
properties in the community, which are included in the available pool 
of units from which an eligible program participant may choose to live. 
If a program participant selects one of their own housing units, MHAOK 
requires a waiver of the rental assistance agreement requirements in 
order to enter an agreement with its property management division 
(Eastoak Property Management).
    Contact: Norm Suchar, Director, Office of Special Needs Assistance 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7262, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone number (202) 708-4300.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 576.2, definition of ``homeless'' 
(1)(iii).
    Project/Activity: HUD granted a waiver of 24 CFR 576.2, paragraph 
(1)(iii) in CPD Memo: Availability of Additional Waivers for Community 
Planning and Development (CPD) Grant Programs to Prevent the Spread of 
COVID-19 and Mitigate Economic Impacts Caused by COVID-19 (March 31, 
2021). Paragraph (1)(iii) of the homeless definition in 24 CFR 576.2 is 
waived to the extent that an individual may qualify as homeless so long 
as he

[[Page 35326]]

or she is exiting an institution where they resided for 120 days or 
less and resided in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human 
habitation immediately before entering that institution. The waiver is 
in effect until June 30, 2021 and is made available with respect to all 
ESG grants, whether funded under the CARES Act or annual ESG 
appropriations.
    Nature of Requirement: The definition of homeless in 24 CFR 576.2 
includes under paragraph (1)(iii) an individual who is exiting an 
institution where he or she resided for 90 days or less and has resided 
in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation 
immediately before entering that institution, which is an 
interpretation of Sec.  103(a)(4) of the McKinney-Vento Act which 
includes an individual who resided in a shelter or place not meant for 
human habitation and who is exiting an institution where he or she 
temporarily resided (emphasis added).
    Granted By: James A. Jemison, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary 
for Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: March 31, 2021.
    Reason Waived: HUD originally waived this requirement on September 
30, 2020 to keep housing options open for individuals who otherwise 
would have been homeless but were reporting longer stays in 
institutions as a result of COVID-19 (e.g., longer time in jail due to 
a postponed court dates due to courts closings or courts operating at 
reduced capacity and longer hospital stays when infected with COVID-
19). Allowing someone who was residing in an emergency shelter or place 
not meant for human habitation prior to entering the institution to 
maintain their homeless status while residing in an institution for 
longer than 90 days is necessary to prevent the spread of and respond 
to COVID-19 by expanding housing options for people who were 
experiencing homelessness and institutionalized for longer than 
traditionally required due to COVID-19. Recipients continue to report 
potential program participants are staying in institutions for longer 
periods of time due to COVID-19; therefore, HUD extended this waiver to 
allow someone who was residing in an emergency shelter or place not 
meant for human habitation prior to entering the institution to 
maintain their homeless status while residing in an institution for 
longer than 90 days.
    Contact: Norm Suchar, Director, Office of Special Needs Assistance 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7262, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone number (202) 708-4300.

    <bullet> Regulation: 24 CFR 576.203(a)(1).
    Project/Activity: HUD granted a waiver of 24 CFR 576.203(a)(1) to 
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), to extend its obligation 
date to March 31, 2021 to provide time to evaluate new applications, 
award funds, and account for unforeseen delays due to the 
implementation of a new funding approach to meet the unprecedented need 
during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify new subrecipients with the 
capacity to administer ESG-CV funds.
    Nature of Requirement: Section 24 CFR 576.203(a)(1) requires states 
to obligate funds within 60 days from the date that it signs the grant 
agreement with HUD. HUD further waived this requirement in CPD-20-08 
Notice: Waivers and Alternative Requirements for the Emergency 
Solutions Grants (ESG) Program Under the CARES Act (ESG-CV Notice) so 
long as states obligated funds within 180 days for activities it will 
carry out itself and 240 days for activities it will obligate to 
subrecipients.
    Granted By: John Gibbs, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for 
Community Planning and Development.
    Date Granted: January 7, 2021.
    Reason Waived: HUD granted the waiver to extend OHCS's obligation 
deadline from February 18, 2021 to March 31, 2021 to provide additional 
time to implement a new competitive process for allocating funds and 
identifying new subrecipients with the capacity to administer ESG CARES 
Act funds. The waiver provides OHCS with time needed to complete their 
funding process.
    Contact: Norm Suchar, Director, Office of Special Needs Assistance 
Programs, Office of Community Planning and Development, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 7262, 
Washington, DC 20410, telephone number (202) 708-4300.

[FR Doc. 2021-14135 Filed 7-1-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210-67-P


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