Home Improvement Program
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Mark Scott, Interim Director
2600 Fresno St
Room 3065
559-621-8003
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Home Improvement Program

The City's Home Improvement Program provides a zero-percent interest deferred payment loan to low-income, owner-occupied households to make needed repairs and improvements to their homes. Funds for the grant program are made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the State of California CalHome Program.

The maximum allowable amount for a rehabilitation loan is $50,000.  The minimum loan amount for health and safety repairs is $6,000.

If the owner continues to reside in the home, at the end of five years the City may forgive a portion of the loan. Payment on the non-forgivable portion of the loan will be deferred for thirty (30) years.  A loan may be repaid in part or in full before the thirtieth (30th) year at any time without penalty.  If the home changes title before the thirty (30) years has expired, the loan amount will be due and payble.

Below, please find: Eligibility Requirements; Eligible Improvement Items; and How to Apply or click on this brochure link to download a printable program guide.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

     APPLICANTS
  • Provide proof of owner-occupancy in the home to be rehabilitated.
  • Provide information indicating the ability to repay all existing debt, showing applicant's creditworthiness.

     INCOME

      Qualify as a low-income household, based on gross
      household income and family size. (See chart below).

2013 HUD INCOME LIMITS
1 PERSON - $2,675
2 PEOPLE - $3,058
3 PEOPLE - $3,441
4 PEOPLE - $3,820
5 PEOPLE - $4,129
6 PEOPLE - $4,433
7 PEOPLE - $4,741
8 PEOPLE - $5,045

     PROPERTY

  • Property to be rehabilitated must be a single-family home or condominium located within the Qualified Census Tracts (outside of County islands) and zoned residential.
  • Property to be rehabilitated cannot have an after-rehabilitation value that exceeds established program limits.

ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENT ITEMS


     MANDATORY IMPROVEMENTS Health and safety improvements and correction of substandard conditions.

     OTHER ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS

Optional repairs may include renovations and alterations that address livability, deferred maintenance, energy efficiency, security, disabled accessibility, and general property improvements.

     NELIGIBLE REPAIRS

Luxury items, furniture, and most appliances.

HOW TO APPLY

Contact the Housing and Community Development Division staff at (559) 621-8300 and request that your name be placed on the waiting list. Upon being selected, you will be invited to submit an application and supporting documentation. Once your application information is determined to meet eligibility criteria, you will be contacted with further instructions on how to proceed.