Community Development Office

The Community Development Office is primarily responsible for administering and managing the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. Annually, the Community Development Office applies for and administers the CDBG funds received from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The City primarily uses the funds to assist low- and moderate-income persons with public services, housing rehabilitation work and capital improvements in eligible areas.

The Office also coordinates other special projects, activities and programs including but not limited to maintaining census data for the city, citywide tree planting, and providing professional assistance to the Beautification Commission.

Capital Improvements Projects 

CDBG funds may be used to support capital improvements projects that are integral to the quality of life for the residents of the Farmington Hills community. Capital improvement projects take place in eligible areas with pressing capital improvement needs.

Housing Rehabilitation Program

The City offers a Housing Rehabilitation Program (HRP) that provides financial and technical assistance to low- and moderate- income Farmington Hills households to rehabilitate their owner-occupied single-family home. The HRP provides income qualified homeowners with interest-free deferred loans to make needed home improvements and repairs, with payment due upon the sale of transfer of title of the property. This activity will be available on a city-wide basis, but preference will be given to homes in CDBG eligible areas. Click on More Information for details specific to this program.

Limits and Terms of Loans

  • The maximum loan is $18,000.*
  • The loan amount, based upon competitive bids, is determined by the Loan  Board.
  • Deferred loans require one payment upon the sale or transfer of title of the property.
  • 0% interest rate.
  • A lien will be placed on the property in the amount of the loan.

*Loan Board may modify maximum amount due to extenuating circumstances.
 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must meet current income guidelines
  • Must be owner and occupant of the home
  • Property taxes must be paid to date
  • Home must not be a part of a trust
  • Application must include all required documents. This includes proof of income and Driver’s license for all household members, Deed to property, Homeowner’s insurance declaration page, Mortgage payment statement, Federal & State Income Tax returns.   Additional info may be requested.   

Maximum Income Limits
1 person -$53,7005 person- $82,850
2 person- $61,4006 person- $89,000
3 person- $69,0507 person- $95,150
4 person- $76,7008 person- $101,250
2024 Income levels - subject to change.
 

What Home Improvements Can Be Made?

The objective of the HRP is to primarily correct those items that have exceeded their life expectancy, could be hazardous to the life of the occupants, the safety of the structure or the health and welfare of the occupants. The HRP is required to address lead-based paint hazards.
 Examples of Eligible Improvements

  • Roof/gutter replacement
  • Siding
  • Weatherization improvements (i.e. windows, insulation)
  • Furnace
  • Hot water tank
  • Sewer/water hook up
  • Electrical, heating, plumbing repairs

Examples of Ineligible Improvements

  • New construction
  • Driveways
  • Decks
  • New appliances
  • Materials, fixtures, equipment that exceeds those used on a standard replacement basis, and which may be considered custom or luxury items

How Does the Housing Rehabilitation Program Work?

  • Interested applicants must complete and submit the application with:
    • Deed to property showing home ownership
    • Most recent mortgage statement(s) - must include current principal balance, interest rate, and next due date
    • Homeowner insurance declarations page showing current term
    • Federal & State Income tax returns for all occupants aged 18 and older for the last two years
    • Driver’s License (front & back) – for all household members
    • Annual Social Security Award letter (if applicable. If you do not have a copy, contact Social Security at 800-772-1213)
    • Note: additional documentation may be needed to verify eligibility
  • Staff reviews the application and all accompanying documentation to ensure eligibility requirements are met, conducts a preliminary building survey to verify proposed work, and provides all information for review by the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Board.  The Loan Board approves or denies all applications/work to be completed.
  • Staff creates a scope of work/bid specifications and obtains at least three bids for the approved work from licensed, insured and approved contractors.  The Loan Board reviews and approves bids.
  • Once the home improvement is completed, a lien is placed on the property for the amount of the loan.

Contact the Farmington Hills Community Development Office for information at 248-871-2540. Click here for an application.

Contractors

If you are a licensed, insured contractor interested in bidding on housing rehabilitation projects please complete our application. We welcome lead-based paint certified contractors, and Minority-owned Business Enterprise and Women-owned Business Enterprise contractors.

Other Loan Programs Available

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) www.michigan.gov/mshda 
Oakland County Community and Home Improvement https//www.oakgov.com/advantageoakland/communities/Pages/housing.aspx also have home improvement programs. 

Applications and Further Information

Housing Rehabilitation Program Brochure
(Click on the link above for a printer-friendly version of this page.)
Housing Rehabilitation Program Loan Application
(Click on the link above for a printer-friendly version of this page.)

The Consolidated Plan is a plan of five years, which describes community needs, resources, priorities and proposed activities to be undertaken under the city’s CDBG program.

PDF Icon Consolidated Plan 2021-2025

The Annual Action Plan describes funding levels and activities to be undertaken during the upcoming program year for the CDBG program to address the priority needs and objectives outlined in the Consolidated Plan.

PDF IconSecond Program Year Action Plan 2017
PDF IconThird Program Year Action Plan 2018
PDF Icon Fourth Program Year Action Plan 2019
PDF Icon Fifth Program Year Action Plan 2020-2021
PDF IconAnnual Action Plan CARES ACT Amendment

Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report – The CAPER describes the Annual Action Plan activities and accomplishments that occurred between July 1st and June 30th of each program year for the CDBG program.

PDF Icon CAPER Program Year 2022-2023
PDF Icon CAPER Program Year 2020-2021

Information about and assistance with Fair Housing Choice. Information is available in additional languages by clicking on the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) link.

PDF Icon Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing
HUD Fair Housing Information and Complaint Form
 

The following public notices are related to the CDBG program.

PDF Icon PY2024-2025 Annual Action Plan Notice of Public Hearing
PDF Icon Program Year 2020-2021 Notice of Public Hearing