Title 9 Part 1806

In order to insure the existence of sound standards for new construction and for the adequate maintenance of existing structures, a municipality shall adopt, if it has not already done so, the State Building Construction Code [see Chapter I of this Title] or an acceptable building code. A municipality shall also submit a description of the procedures to be used in the enforcement of maintenance standards for existing housing and a definitive schedule for the implementation of its code administration program, by neighborhoods or otherwise. It is recommended that a municipality consider the adoption of the State Model Housing Code or comparable housing codes or ordinances.

In addition to assessing its physical resources and defining long-range planning decisions for land use, major thoroughfares, and community facilities, a municipality shall, to effectuate the purposes of these additional workable program requirements, also assess its social needs and consider the impact of its planning decisions on those needs.

Neighborhood analyses and planning must, to effectuate the purposes of these additional workable program requirements, take into consideration social factors as well as physical factors in the planning process.

The municipality shall adopt a specific and detailed program for the administration of the urban renewal project which will assure the availability of sufficient personnel to carry out its defined physical and social planning responsibilities, including code enforcement functions and programs for the relocation of families displaced by public action. It shall also demonstrate the existence of clear-cut lines of authority and responsibility for the achievement of the objectives and requirements of the urban renewal program, specifically including the objective of open occupancy.

A municipality must demonstrate that it has the financial capacity to carry out all phases of the workable program, including such additional workable program requirements as are set forth in this section.

Where dislocation of individuals of [sic] families is necessary and unavoidable in connection with the execution of an urban renewal program, or the enforcement of building and housing codes, or the construction of public improvements or other government action, the community has a clear responsibility to use its public and private resources and influences to assure the relocation of such individuals or families in standard housing in a suitable environment, without regard to race, creed or national origin. The municipality shall submit specific evidence showing (i) that the listing of vacancies (rental or sales) in housing to be used as a relocation resource, whether within or outside the urban renewal area, will be made available to all families on the basis of nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and open occupancy; and (ii) that the tenant selection programs for publicly assisted housing projects in the community follow the policy of nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and open occupancy. The municipality shall undertake a community-wide information program to explain and foster a policy of open occupancy as part of its relocation program.

To create a framework for citizen participation in which citizen leadership and initiative and public opinion in its broadest sense will be brought to bear on the work of the local public agency, a citizens advisory committee shall be established to consider the goals and objectives for the planning of community-wide programs, specific urban renewal projects and implementation of its defined workable program. The membership of the citizens advisory committee shall be representative of groups and interests existing within the community. The format and program of work of the committee shall be such as to encourage active participation by its membership in the planning process and a free flow of information among the committee, the local public agency and the community at large. The committee shall have such subcommittees as may be necessary. It shall meet on a regular schedule and be provided with adequate assistance. The citizens advisory committee and its subcommittees shall include adequate representation of minority groups within the community.

The municipality shall include in its application for State financial assistance a statement of its intent to carry out, in connection with its urban renewal activities, the policies hereinbefore stated of