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HomeMy WebLinkAbout75-60 - Implementing Relocation Assistance328 RESOLUTION NO. 75-60 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES IIiPLEMENTING RELOCATION ASSISTANCE TO PERSONS DISPLACED BY THE CITY. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 16, Division 7, Title 1 of the California Government Code, as amended by 1971 Statutes, Chapter 1574, the City of Costa Mesa hereby adopts those certain regu- lations and provisions entitled, "CITY OF COSTA MESA REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES IMPLEMENTING THE RELOCATION ASSISTANCE LAW, GOVERNMENT CODE, CHAPTER 16, SECTIONS 7260, et seq." attached to this Resolution, marked Exhibit "A", and by this specific reference made a part hereof, and said regulations and procedures contain all definitions, eligibility, dates and requirements, standards for decent, safe, and sanitary housing, general provisions concerning all relocation payments, moving expense schedules, and specific provisions for moving expenses and replacement housing payments. They are, in effect, the basic instructions under which all relocation assistance payments will be made by the City of Costa Mesa. SECTION 2. A. The City Council of the City of Costa Mesa hereby elects, pursuant to Section 30 of the 1971 Statutes, Chapter 1574, to adopt the provisions of Chapter 16, Division 7, Title 1 of the Goverment Code, as amended by 1971 Statutes, Chapter 1574, as part of said regulations and provisions, as provided in said regulations and provi- sions. B. To the extent that said regulations and procedures differ from, or are inconsistent with the provisions of Chapter 16, Division 7, Title 1 of the California Government Code, as amended by 1971 Statutes, Chapter 1574, the provisions of said State law shall prevail. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 3rd day of June, 1975. ATTEST: City Clerk of the City of C a Mesa Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF ORANGE ) SS CITY OF COSTA MESA ) 1, EILEEN P. PHINNEY, City Clerk and ex -officio Clerk of the City Council of the City of Costa Mesa hereby certify that the above and foregoing Resolution No. 75-60 was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the said City Council at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 3rd day of June, 1975. IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the City of Costa Mesa this 4th day of June, 1975. ✓ tew� City Clerk and ex -officio Clerk the City Council of the City of Co a Mesa CITY OF COSTA MESA REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES IMPLEMENTING THE RELOCATION ASSISTANCE LAW GOVERNMENT CODE, CHAPTER 16, SECTIONS 7260 et seq MAY, 1975 EXHIBIT "A" RESOLUTION NO. 75-60 JUNE 3, 1975 01 i CONTENTS Section Title Page 1 Definitions 1 2 General 10 3 Assurances 13 4 Moving Expense Payments 16 5 Payments in Lieu of Moving 20 6 Replacement Housing Payment - Owners 22 7 Replacement Housing Payment - Tenants 28 8 Advisory Services 31 9 Grievance Procedure 32 10 Property Acquisition Policy 36 1. DEFINITIONS 1.1 Act The State Relocation Assistance Law, AB -533, Chapter 16, Sections 7260 et seq., California Government Code. 1.2 Affected Property Affected property means any real property which actually declines in fair market value because of acquisition by the public entity for public use of other real property and a change in the use of the real property acquired by the public entity. 1.3 Average Annual Net Earnings The net earnings of the business operation before Federal, State, and local income tax, during the two taxable years immediately preceding displacement (or if the business was not operated that long, such other period as may be approved by the public entity), and includes salaries, wages, or other compensation paid by the business to the owner, his spouse, or his dependents. If the public entity determines that such two-year period is not equitable for establishing earnings, the period used for determining average net earnings shall be a substi- tute period determined by the public entity. In the case of a corporate owner, earnings shall include any compensation paid to the spouse or dependents of the owner of a majority interest in the corporation. For the purpose of determining majority ownership, stock held by a husband, his wife, and their dependent children shall be treated as one unit. 1.4 Business marily: Any lawful activity, except a farm operation conducted pri- a. For the purchase, sale, lease, and rental of personal and real property, and for the manufacture, processing, or marketing of products, commodities, or any other personal property; b. For the sale of services to the public; C. By a non-profit organization; or d. Solely for the purpose of Section 7262 for assisting in the purchase, sale, resale, manufacture, processing, or marketing of products, commodities, personal property or services by the erection and maintenance of an outdoor advertising display, whether or not such display is located on the premises on which any of the above activ- ities are conducted. 1.5 Closing (Replacement Housing Payments) Those payments relating to owner -occupants relating to the closing costs on the purchase of a replacemtn dwelling including costs of evidence of title, recording fees, etc., but not including prepaid expenses. 1.6 Comparable Replacement Dwelling For the purposes of rendering relocation assistance by making referrals for replacement housing and for computation of the replacement housing payment, a comparable replacement dwelling is one which is decent, safe, and sanitary and: - 1 - a. Functionally equivalent and substantially the same as the acquired dwelling, but not excluding newly -constructed housing. b. Adequate in size to meet the needs of the displaced family or individual. However, at the option of the displaced person, a replacement dwelling may exceed his needs when the replacement dwelling has the same number of rooms or the equivalent square footage as the dwelling from which he was displaced. C. Open to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin, consistent with the requirements of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. d. Located in an area not generally less desirable than the one in which the acquired dwelling is located, with respect to: 1. Neighborhood conditions, including but not limited to municipal services and other environmental factors; 2. Public utilities; and 3. Public and commercial facilities. e. Reasonably accessible to the displaced person's place of employment or potential place of employment. f. Within the financial means of the displaced family or individual. g. Available on the market to the displaced person. h. If housing meeting the requirements of Paragraph 6.2 is not available on the market, the head of a displacing agency may, upon a proper finding of the need therefor, consider available housing exceeding these basic criteria. 1.7 Condominium "Condominium" means a combination of co -ownership and owner- ship in severalty. It is an arrangement under which a family or indi- vidual in a housing development holds full title to a one -family dwelling unit, including an undivided interest in common areas and facilities, and such restricted common areas and facilities as may be designated. 1.8 Conventional Loan "Conventional Loan" means a mortgage commonly given by banks and savings and loan associations to secure advances on, or the unpaid purchase price of real property, payment of which is not insured by any agency of the State or Federal governments. 1.9 Counted Room "Counted Room" means that space in a dwelling unit containing the usual quantity of household furniture equipment; and personal library, study, dining room, kitchen, laundry room basement, bedroom, and garage. Rooms or storage areas which contain substantial amounts of personal property equivalent to one or more rooms may be counted as additional rooms. - 2 - 1.10 Date of Initiation of Negotiations for Parcel for a specific purpose (project). This phrase means the day on which the public entity makes the first personal contact with the property owner, or his representative, and furnishes him with a written offer to purchase the real property. 1.11 Date of Initiation of Negotiations for the Project This phrase means the date the public entity makes the first personal contact with the owner of any property in the project, or his representative, where price is discussed except where such contact is made solely for protective buying or because of hardship. 1.12 Date of Intent to Acquire "Intent to acquire" means the public acknowledgement by the Public entity of their intention and/or plan to obtain specified parcels for a specific purpose (project). "Date of intent to acquire" means the date on which the public entity sends through certified mail to, or makes personal contact with, the owner of each parcel, or advertises in a local paper of general circulation that a specific project is intended to be developed and specified parcels therein are intended to be acquired. Upon the date of intent to acquire, parcels may be acquired through hardship. 1.13 Director Director of Public Services of the City of Costa Mesa. 1.14 Displaced Person "Displaced person" means any person who moves from real property or who moves his personal property from real property as a result of the acquisition of such real property, in whole or in part, or as the result of a written order from the public entity to vacate the real property for public use. 1.15 Dwelling A single-family building, a single-family unit (including a non -housekeeping unit) in a two-family or multi -family building, a unit of a condominium or cooperative housing project, a mobile home, or other residential unit. 1.16 Economic Rent The amount of gross rent the displaced tenant would have had to pay for a similar unit in an area not generally less desirable than the dwelling unit to be acquired. (Gross rent is contract rent, plus cost of utilities to tenant, over and above contract rent.) 1.17 Effective Rate of Interest "Effective rate of interest" means the annual percentage rate paid on the debt of a mortgage as a result of including debt service charges in the total interest to be paid on the mortgage debt, as an incident to the extension of credit, when such debt service charges are normal to the market. 1.18 Eligible Person "Eligible person" means any displaced person who is, or becomes, lawfully entitled to any monetary relocation payment under these regula- tions. The major requirements for eligibility are: - 3 - a>34 - 4 - 1. Occupancy at the time of the first written offer. 2. Acquisition of the property by public entity. 3. People or property are moved. 1.19 Family The term "family" means two or more individuals, one of whom is the head of a household, plus all other individuals, regardless of blood or legal ties who live with and are considered a part of the family unit. Where two or more individuals occupy the same dwelling with no identifiable head of household, they shall be treated as one family for replacement housing payment purposes. 1.20 Federal Project "Federal Project" means any direct Federal project, or any project receiving Federal financial assistance. 1.21 Hardship "Hardship" means the acquisition of real property by the public entity for a public use prior to the date of initiation of negotiations for the project. 1.22 Incidental Expenses Reasonable expenses incurred for evidence of title, recording, fees, and other closing costs on the purchase of a replacement dwelling. 1.23 Gross Income Projected annual income from all sources of each member of the family residing in the household who is at least 18 years of age. a. Adjusted Gross Income 1. A deduction of five percent of gross income, except that the deduction shall be ten percent in the case of a family head who is elderly; 2. A deduction for extraordinary medical expenses where not compensated for or covered by insurance, defined for this purpose to mean medical expense in excess of three percent of gross income; 3. A deduction of amounts for unusual occupational expenses not compensated for by the employer, such as special tools and equipment, but only to the extent by which such expenses exceed normal and usual expenses incidental to employment; 4. A deduction of amounts paid by the family for the care of children or sick or incapacitated family members when determined to be necessary to employ- ment of the head or spouse, provided the amount deducted does not exceed the amount of income received by the family member thus released; 5. An exemption of $300.00 for each dependent, i.e., each minor (other than the head or spouse) and for each adult (other than the head or spouse) dependent upon the family for support; 6. Any nonrecurring income, or income of full-time students. - 4 - 1.24 Mobile Home "Mobile home" means a vehicle, other than a motor vehicle, designed or used for human habitation, for carrying persons and property on its own structure, and for being drawn by a motor vehicle. 1.25 Monthly Gross Income "Monthly gross income" means the total monthly income of a family or individual irrespective of expenses and voluntary or invol- untary deductions and includes, but is not limited to salaries, wages, tips, commissions, rents, royalties, dividends, interest, profits, pensions, and annuities. 1.26 Mortgage "Mortgage" means such classes of liens as are commonly given to secure advances on, or the unpaid purchase price of, real property, together with the credit instruments, if any, secured thereby. 1.27 Moving Expense "Moving expense" means the cost of dismantling, disconnecting, crating, loading, insuring, temporary storage, transporting, unloading, and reinstalling of personal property, including service charges in connection with effecting such reinstallations, and necessary temporary lodging and transportation of eligible persons. Moving expense shall not include: a. Any addition, improvement, alteration, or other physical change in or to any structure in connection with effect- ing removal of personal property from, or reinstallation in such structure; b. The cost of construction or improvement at the new location to replace property for which compensation was paid in the acquisition; C. Any loss of, or damage to, personal property caused by the fault or negligence of the displaced person, his agent, or employee in the process of moving where insur- ance to cover such loss or damage is or was available; d. Any payment for moving personal property where such property is purchased as part of the acquisition; e. Additional expenses incurred because of living in a new location; f. Cost of moving structures, improvements, or other real property in which the displaced person reserved owner- ship; g. Improvements to the replacement site; h. Interest on loans to cover moving expenses; I. Loss of goodwill; j. Loss of business or profits; k. Loss of trained employees; 1. Personal injury; M. Cost of preparing the application for moving and related expenses; - 5 - MG n. Modification of personal property to adapt it to re- placement site. 1.28 Nonprofit Organization "Nonprofit organization" means a corporation, partnership, individual or other public or private entity, engaged in a business, professional or instructional activity on a nonprofit basis, necessitating fixtures, equipment, stock in trade, or other tangible property for the carrying on of the business, profession, or institutional activity on the premises. 1.29 Owner A person 'owns a dwelling" if he: a. Holds fee title, a life estate, a 99 -year lease, or a lease with not less than 50 years to run from date of acquisition of the property for the project. I. Holds an interest in a cooperative housing project which includes the rights of occupancy of a dwelling unit therein. C. Is the contract purchaser of any of the foregoing estates or interests. d. Has a leasehold interest with an option to purchase; or e. Owns a mobile unit which under State law is determined to be real property, not personal property. Also, the tenure of ownership, not occupancy, or the succeeding owner, shall include the tenure of the preceding owner. 1.30 Person Person means any individual, partnership, corporation, or association. 1.31 Personal Property (Tangible Personal Property) Tangible property which is situated on the real property vacated or to be vacated by a displaced person and which is considered personal property and is noncompensable (other than for moving expenses) under the State law of eminent domain; and In the case of a tenant, fixtures and equipment, and other property which may be characterized as real property under State or local law, but which the tenant may lawfully, and at his election determines to move, and for which the tenant is not compensated in the real property acquisition. In the case of an owner of real property, the determination as to whether an item of property is personal or real shall depend upon how it is identified in the acquisition appraisals and the closing or settlement statement with respect to the real property acquisitions; provided that no item of property which is compensable under State and local law to the owner of real property in the real property acquisition may be treated as tangible personal property in computing actual direct losses of tangible personal property. 1.32 Prepaid Expenses "Prepaid expenses" means items paid in advance by the seller of real property and prorated between such seller and the buyer of such real property at the close of escrow including, but not limited to, real property taxes, for insurance, homeowners association dues, and assess- ment payments. - 6 - 33'y 1.33 Protective Buying "Protective buying" means the acquisition of real property by the public entity for a public use prior to the date of initiation of negotiations for the project. 1.34 Public Entity "Public entity" means the City of Costa Mesa. 1.35 Public Use "Public use" means a use for which real property may be acquired by eminent domain. 1.36 Purchases (Re: Replacement Housing) a. The acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of a dwelling, the purchase and rehabilitation of a substand- ard dwelling, the relocation or relocation and rehabili- tation of an existing dwelling, or the entering into a contract to purchase, or for the construction of, a dwelling to be constructed on a site to be provided by a builder or developer or on a site which the displaced person owns or acquires for such purpose. Where comple- tion of construction, rehabilitation, or relocation of a replacement dwelling is delayed, for reasons beyond control of the displaced person, beyond the date by which occupancy is required under this paragraph; b. The public entity may determine the date of occupancy to be the date the displaced person enters into a contract for such construction, rehabilitation, or relocation, or for the purchase upon completion, of a dwelling to be constructed or rehabilitated if, in fact, the displaced person occupies the replacement dwelling when the con- struction of rehabilitation is completed. Mobile homes must be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles in the name of the claimant. 1.37 Relocates "Relocates" means any person who meets the definition of a displaced person. 1.38 Stated Mortgage Interest Rate "Stated mortgage interest rate" means the annual percentage rate to be paid, or the debt of a mortgage as set forth in the mortgage or other credit instrument. 2. GENERAL 2.1 Purpose and Coverage a. These regulations and procedures implementing Chapter 16, Sections 7260 et seq. of the Government Code Relocation Assistance, referred to as the Act, are to assure a uniform policy for the fair and equitable treatment of persons displaced by programs of the public entity. All references in these Regulations and Procedures to sec- tions or subsections are references to sections or subsections of the Act. b. In the event of any conflict between these guidelines and the provisions of the Act, or any other applicable law, the statutory provisions are controlling. - 7 - 338 It is the intent of the guidelines to establish minimum requirements for relocation assistance payments by the public entity. These guidelines shall not be construed to limit any other authority which the public entity may have to make other relocation assistance payments, or to make any relocation assistance payment in an amount which exceeds the maximum amount for such payment authorized by this chapter. - 8 - d. The public entity may also make any other relocation assistance payment, or may make any relocation assistance payment in an amount which exceeds the maximum amount for such payment authorized by these guidelines, if the making of such payment, or the payment in such amount, is required under Federal law to secure Federal funds. e. No project shall be advertised for construction or devel- opment until each displaced person has either himself obtained, or has the right of possession to, an adequate replacement dwelling, or the public entity has offered him an adequate replacement dwelling which is available for immediate occupancy. 2.2 General Consideration a. The public entity instructs its officials responsible for programs under this Act that: 1. A written notice of displacement must be given by the public entity to each individual, family, or business to be displaced. Such notice shall be served personally or by certified (or registered) first-class mail. 2. In order to qualify for benefits under the Act as a displaced person, either of two conditions must be fulfilled: (a) The person must have moved (or moved his personal property) as a result of the receipt of a written notice to vacate, which notice may have been given before or after initiation of negotiations for acquisition of the property. (When negotiations are initiated prior to issuance of a written notice, all persons contacted by the public entity should be advised that the benefits of the Act are available only when the person moves subsequent to receipt of a written notice;) or (b) The subject real property must in fact have been acquired, in whole or in part, and the person must have moved as a result of its acquisition. 3. In addition, certain of the benefits provided by the Act are available as follows: (a) Whenever the acquisition of, or notice to move from, real property used for a business oper- ation causes any person to move from other real property used for his dwelling, or to move his personal property from such other real property, such person shall receive the benefits provided by Sections 7261 and 7262 (a) and (b). - 8 - (b) If the Director determines that any person occupying property immediately adjacent to the real property acquired, is caused substantial economic injury because of the acquisition, he may offer such person relocation advisory services under Section 7261. 4. For real property acquisitions under State law, contracts or options to purchase real property shall not incorporate provisions for making payments for relocation costs and related items in the Act. Appraisers shall not give consideration to or include in their real property appraisals any allowances for the benefits provided by the Act. In the event of condemnation with a declaration of taking, the estimated compensation shall be determined solely on the basis of the appraised value of the real property with no consideration being given to or reference contained therein to the payments to be made under the Act. 5. Applications for benefits under the Act are to be made within 18 months from the date on which the displaced person moves from the real property acquired or to be acquired; or the date on which the public entity makes final payment of all costs of that real property, whichever is the later date. The Director may extend this period upon a proper showing of good cause. 6. The provisions of the Act apply to the acquisition of all real property for, and the relocation of all persons displaced by projects or programs undertaken by the public entity, regardless of the source of funds. 2.3 Occupants of Excess Land Occupants of excess land are only entitled to relocation benefits if the public entity determines that the use and enjoyment of the property is changed to such a degree as to make it undesirable for continued occupancy by the occupant who was in possession at the date of the first written offer or Notice of Intent to Acquire. This section, as in all sections, is subject to the Request for Review as outlined in Section 9-4 of these Procedures. 2.4 Review of Activities for Compliance with the Act The Director shall provide for periodic review of all programs to insure compliance with the provisions of the Act. 2.5 Public Information The Director must make available to the public full informa- tion concerning the public entity's relocation programs and he shall insure that persons to be displaced are fully informed, at the earliest possible time, of such matters as available relocation payments and assistance; the specific plans and procedures for assuring that suitable replacement housing will be available for homeowners and tenants, in advance of displacement; the eligibility requirements and procedures for obtaining such payments and assistance; and the right of administrative review by the Director. 3. ASSURANCE OF ADEQUATE REPLACEMENT HOUSING PRIOR TO DISPLACEMENT 3.1 Assurance of Availability Availability The public entity shall not proceed with any phase of a project which will cause the displacement of any person U&'M 340 until the public entity has determined that within a reasonable period of time prior to displacement, there will be available on a basis consistent with the re- quirements of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (P.L. 90284), in areas not generally less desirable in regard to public utilities and public and commercial facilities, and at rents or prices within the financial means of the families and individuals displaced, decent, safe, and sanitary dwellings, equal in number to the number of, and available to, such displaced persons who require such dwellings and reasonably accessible to their places of employment. Support The determination should be based on a current survey and analysis of available replacement housing by the public entity. Such survey and analysis must take into account the competing demands on available housing. C. Waiver Pursuant to Section 7261 (c) (3) of the Act, the Director may prescribe situations where the determination described in Paragraph 3.1.a may be waived. These should be limited only to emergency or other extraordinary situations where immediate possession of real property is of crucial importance. Each waiver of assurance of replacement housing shall be supported by appropriate findings and a determination of the necessity for the waiver. �Im d. Standards for Decent, Safe, and Sanitary Dwellings 1. A decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling is one which meets all of the following minimum requirements. Adjustments may be made only in the cases of unusual circumstances or in unique geographic areas. (a) Conforms with all applicable provisions for existing structures that have been established under State or local building, plumbing, electrical, housing, and occupancy codes and similar ordinances or regulations. (b) Has a continuing and adequate supply of potable safe water. (c) Has a kitchen or an area set aside for kitchen use which contains a sink in good working condition and connected to hot and cold water, and an adequate sewage system. A stove and refrigerator in good operating condition shall be provided when required by local code, ordinances, or custom. When these facilities are not so required by local codes, ordinances, or custom, the kitchen area or area set aside for such use shall have utility service connec- tions and adequate space for the installation such facilities. Eof (d) Has an adequate heating system in good working L order which will maintain a minimum temperature of 70 degrees in the living area, excluding bedrooms, under local outdoor design tempera- ture conditions. A heating system will not be required in those geographical areas where such is not normally included in new housing. �Im J� (e) Has a bathroom, well -lighted, and ventilated, and affording privacy to a person within it, containing a lavatory basin and a bathtub or stall shower, properly connected to an adequate supply of hot and cold running water, and a flush closet, all in good working order and properly connected to a sewage disposal system. (f) Has an adequate and safe wiring system for lighting and other electrical services. (g) Is structurally sound, weathertight, in good repair, and adequately maintained. (h) Each building used for dwelling purposes shall have a safe unobstructed means of egress leading to safe open space at ground level. Each dwelling unit in a multi -dwelling building must have access either directly or through a common corridor to a means of egress to open space at ground level. In multi -dwelling buildings of three stories or more, the common corridor on each story must have at least two means of egress. (i) Has 150 square feet of habitable floor space for the first occupant in a standard living unit and at least 100 square feet of habitable floor space for each additional occupant. The floor space is to be subdivided into sufficient rooms to be adequate for the family. All rooms must be adequately ventilated. Habitable floor space is defined as that space used for sleep- ing, living, cooking, or dining purposes, and excludes such enclosed places as closets, pantries, bath or toilet rooms, service rooms, connecting corridors, laundries, and unfinished attics, foyers, storage space, cellars, utility rooms, and similar spaces. 2. A decent, safe, and sanitary. sleeping room is one which includes the minimum requirements contained in Paragraph 1, subparagraphs (b), (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h) of this section, and the following: (a) At least 100 square feet of habitable floor space for the first occupant and 50 square feet of habitable floor space for each additional occupant. (b) Lavatory, bath, and toilet facilities that provide privacy, including a door that can be locked if such facilities are separate from the room. A decent, safe, and sanitary mobile home is one which includes the minimum requirements contained in Paragraph 1, subparagraphs (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i) of this section, except that it may have 70 square feet of habitable floor space for each additional occupant and the following: (a) Bears the insignia of approval issued by the State of California, Department of Housing and Community Development, pursuant to the Cali- fornia Health and Safety Code, except those manufactured prior to September 1, 1958. 312 3.2 Housing Provided as a Last Resort When it is determined that adequate replacement housing is not available, and cannot otherwise be made available, the Director may take action to develop replacement housing. Such action for replacement housing will be guided by the criteria and procedures issued by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in accordance with the provi- sion concerning Section 206(a) of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Land Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-646). 4. MOVING AND RELATED EXPENSES 4.1 Eligibility a. Any displaced person (including one who conducts a business) is eligible to receive a payment for moving expenses. A person who lives on his business property may be eligible for both moving and related expenses as a dwelling occupant in addition to be eligible for payments with respect to displacement from a business. b. Any person who moves from real property or moves his personal property from real property: (1) as a result of the acquisition of such real property in whole or part, or, (2) as a result of a written notice of the Public Entity to vacate real property, or (3) as a result of written notice of the Public Entity to vacate other real property on which such person conducts a business, is eligible to receive a payment for moving expenses. 4.2 Actual Reasonable Expenses in Moving a. Allowable Moving Expenses 1. Transportation of individuals, families, and personal property from the acquired site to the replacement site, not to exceed a distance of 50 miles, except where the Public Entity determines that relocation beyond this 50 -mile area is justified. 2. Packing and unpacking, crating and uncrating of personal property. 3. Advertising for packing, crating, and transportation when the Public Entity determines that it is neces- sary. 4. Storage of personal property for a period generally not to exceed six months when the Public Entity determines that storage is necessary in connection with relocation. 5. Insurance premiums covering loss and damage of personal property while in storage or transit. 6. Removal, reinstallation, re-establishment, including such modification as deemed necessary by the Public Entity of, and reconnection of utilities for, machinery, equipment, appliances, and other items not acquired as real property. Prior to payment of any expenses for removal and reinstallation of such property, the displaced person shall be required to agree in writing that the property is personal and that the Public Entity is released from any payment for the property. 7. Property lost, stolen, or damaged (not caused by the fault or negligence of the displaced person, his agent, or employees) in the process of moving, where insurance to cover such loss or damage is not available. - 12 - 4.3 b. Limitations 1. When the displaced person accomplishes the move himself, the amount of payment shall not exceed the estimated cost of moving commercially, unless the Director determines a greater amount is justified. 2. When an item of personal property which is used in connection with any business is not moved but sold and promptly replaced with a comparable item, reimbursement shall not exceed the replacement cost minus the proceeds received from the sale, or the estimated costs of moving, whichever is less. 3. When personal property which is used in connection with any business to be moved is of low value and high bulk, and the cost of moving would be dispro- portionate in relation to the value, in the judgment of the Director, the reimbursement for the expense of moving the personal property shall not exceed the difference between the amount which would have been received for such item on liquidation and the cost of replacing the same with a comparable item avail- able on the market. This provision will be applicable in the case of moving of junk yards, stockpiled sand, gravel, minerals, metals, and similar type items of personal property. 4. If the cost of moving or relocating an outdoor advertising display or displays is determined to be equal to or in excess of the in-place value of the display, consideration should be given to acquiring such display, or displays, as a part of the real property, unless such acquisition is prohibited by State law. ! Nonallowable Moving Expenses and Loses J a. Additional expenses incurred because of living in a new location. b. Cost of moving structures or other improvements in which the displaced person reserved ownership except as other- wise provided by law. C. Improvements to the replacement site, except when required by law. d. Interest on loans to cover moving expenses. e. Loss of good will. I. Loss of profits. g. Loss of trained employees. h. Personal injury. I. Cost of preparing the application for moving and related expenses. j. Payment for search cost in connection with locating a replacement dwelling. Expenses in Searching for Replacement Business a. Allowable 1. Actual travel costs. - 13 - 344 2. Extra costs for meals and lodging. 3. Time spent in searching at the rate of the displaced person's salary or earnings, but not to exceed $10.00 per hour. 4. In the discretion of the Public Entity, necessary broker, real estate, or other professional fees to locate a replacement business. 4.5 Actual Direct Losses by Business Operation When the displaced person does not move personal property, he should be required to make a bona fide effort to sell it, and should be reimbursed for the reasonable costs incurred. a. When the business is discontinued, the displaced person is entitled to the difference between the fair market value of the personal property for continued use at its location prior to displacement, and the sale proceeds, or the estimated costs of moving 50 miles, whichever is less. I. When the personal property is abandoned, the displaced person is entitled to payment for the fair market value of the property for continued use at its location, prior to displacement, or the estimated cost of moving 50 miles, whichever is less. C. The cost of removal of the personal property shall not be considered as an offsetting charge against other payments to the displaced person. 5. PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF MOVING AND RELATED EXPENSES 5.1 Dwellings - Schedules a. Section 7262(b) provides that at the option of the dis- placed person, he may receive a moving expense allowance not to exceed $300.00 based on schedules established by the Director. Moving allowance schedules maintained by the California Department of Transportation shall be used as the basis for the Public Entity's schedules. Io addition, a displaced person shall receive a dislocation allowance of $200.00. b. A displaced person who elects to receive a payment based on a schedule shall be paid under the schedule used in the jurisdiction in which the displacement occurs, regardless of where he relocates. 5.2 Businesses - Eligibility a. A person displaced from his business as defined in Section 7260(d) is eligible under Section 7262(c) to receive a fixed payment in lieu of moving and related expenses. Care must be exercised in each instance, however, to assure that such payments are made only in connection with a bona fide business. For the purposes of these regulations, a bona fide business is defined as a business - 14 - I. Limitation The total amount a displaced person may be paid for searching expenses may not exceed $500.00, unless the Director determines that a greater amount is justified, based on the circumstances involved. 4.5 Actual Direct Losses by Business Operation When the displaced person does not move personal property, he should be required to make a bona fide effort to sell it, and should be reimbursed for the reasonable costs incurred. a. When the business is discontinued, the displaced person is entitled to the difference between the fair market value of the personal property for continued use at its location prior to displacement, and the sale proceeds, or the estimated costs of moving 50 miles, whichever is less. I. When the personal property is abandoned, the displaced person is entitled to payment for the fair market value of the property for continued use at its location, prior to displacement, or the estimated cost of moving 50 miles, whichever is less. C. The cost of removal of the personal property shall not be considered as an offsetting charge against other payments to the displaced person. 5. PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF MOVING AND RELATED EXPENSES 5.1 Dwellings - Schedules a. Section 7262(b) provides that at the option of the dis- placed person, he may receive a moving expense allowance not to exceed $300.00 based on schedules established by the Director. Moving allowance schedules maintained by the California Department of Transportation shall be used as the basis for the Public Entity's schedules. Io addition, a displaced person shall receive a dislocation allowance of $200.00. b. A displaced person who elects to receive a payment based on a schedule shall be paid under the schedule used in the jurisdiction in which the displacement occurs, regardless of where he relocates. 5.2 Businesses - Eligibility a. A person displaced from his business as defined in Section 7260(d) is eligible under Section 7262(c) to receive a fixed payment in lieu of moving and related expenses. Care must be exercised in each instance, however, to assure that such payments are made only in connection with a bona fide business. For the purposes of these regulations, a bona fide business is defined as a business - 14 - enterprise with a current business license issued by the City of Costa Mesa. b. Those businesses described in Section 7260 (4) are not eligible under Section 7262(c) for a payment in lieu of moving and related expenses. C. Where a displaced person is displaced from his place of business, no payment shall be made under Section 7262 (c) until the Director determines: (1) that the business is not part of a commercial enterprise having at least one other establishment not being acquired, which is engaged in the same or similar business, and (2) that the busi- ness cannot be relocated without a substantial loss of existing patronage. The determination of loss of exist- ing patronage shall be made by the Public Entity only after consideration of all pertinent circumstances, including but not limited to, the following factors: 1. The type of business conducted by the displaced concern. 2. The nature of the clientele of the displaced con- cern. 3. The relative importance of the present and proposed location to the displaced business and the availa- bility of a suitable replacement location for the displaced person. 5.3 Nonprofit Organizations Where a nonprofit organization is displaced, no payment shall be made under Section 7262 (c) until the Director determines: 11 a. That the nonprofit organization cannot be relocated J without a substantial loss of its existing patronage. The term "existing patronage" as used in connection with nonprofit organizations includes the persons, community, or clientele served or affected by the activities of the nonprofit organization. b. That the nonprofit organization is not part of a commer- cial enterprise having at least one other establishment not being acquired which is engaged in the same or similar activity. 5.4 Net Earnings The term "average annual net earnings" as used in Section 7262 (c) means one-half of any net earnings of the business before Federal, State, and local income taxes during the two taxable years immediately preceding the taxable year in which such business moves from the real property acquired for such project, or during such other period as the head of the displacing agency determines to be more equitable for establishing such earnings, and includes any compensation paid by the business to the owner, his spouse, or his dependents during such period. If a business has no net earnings, or has suffered losses during the period used to compute "average annual net earnings" it may, neverthe- less, receive the $2,500.00 minimum payment authorized by such Section. 5.5 Amount of Business Fixed Payment The fixed payment to a person displaced from his place of business, including nonprofit organizations, shall be in an amount equal to the average annual net earnings of the business except that such payment shall not be less than $2,500.00 nor more than $10,000.00. - 15 - 0U6 6. REPLACEMENT HOUSING PAYMENT FOR HOMEOWNERS 6.1 Eligibility a. A displaced owner -occupant is eligible for a replacement housing payment authorized by Section 7263, not to exceed $15,000.00, if he meets both of the following require- ments: 1. Actually owned and occupied the acquired dwelling from which displaced for not less than 180 days prior to the initiation of negotiations for the property. The term "initiation of negotiations" means the day on which the Public Entity makes the first personal contact with the property owner or his representative and furnishes him with a written offer to purchase the real property. 2. Purchases and occupies a replacement dwelling which is decent, safe, and sanitary, not later than the end of the one-year period beginning on the date on which he receives from the Public Entity the final payment of all costs of the acquired dwelling, or on the date on which he moves from the acquired dwell- ing, whichever is the later date. b. A displaced owner -occupant of a dwelling who is determined to be ineligible under this Chapter may be eligible for a replacement housing payment under Chapter 7. 6.2 Comparable Replacement Dwelling For the purposes of rendering relocation assistance by making referrals for replacement housing and for computation of the replacement housing payment, a comparable replacement dwelling is one which is ■L decent, safe, and sanitary, and: a. Functionally equivalent and substantially the same as the acquired dwelling, but not excluding newly -constructed housing. b. Adequate in size to meet the needs of the displaced family or individual. However, at the option of the displaced person, a replacement dwelling may exceed his needs when the replacement dwelling has the same number of rooms, or the equivalent square footage as the dwell- ing from which he was displaced. C. Open to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin, consistent with the requirements of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. d. Located in an area not generally less desirable than the one in which the acquired dwelling is located with respect to: 1. Neighborhood conditions, including but not limited to municipal services and other environmental factors. 2. Public utilities, and 3. Public and commercial facilities. e. Reasonably accessible to the displaced person's place of employment or potential place of employment. - 16 - f. Within the financial means of the displaced family or individual. g. Available on the market to the displaced person. h. If housing meeting the requirements of Paragraph 6.2 is not available on the market, the Director may, upon a proper finding of the need therefor, consider available housing exceeding these basic criteria. 6.3 Comp Cation of Replacement Housing Payment The replacement housing payment of not more than $15,000.00 comprises the following: a. Differential Payments for Replacement Housing The Director may determine the amount which, if any, when added to the acquisition cost of the dwelling acquired by the Public Entity, is necessary to purchase a comparable replacement dwelling by either establishing a schedule or by using a comparative method. 1. Schedule Method The Public Entity may establish a schedule of rea- sonable acquisition costs for comparable replacement dwellings of the various types of dwellings to be acquired and available on the private market. The schedule shall be based on a current market analysis sufficient to support determinations of the amount for each type of dwelling to be acquired. 2. Comparative Method The Public Entity may determine the price of a comparable replacement dwelling by selecting a dwelling or dwellings more representative of the dwelling unit acquired, available to the displaced person, and which meets the definition of comparable replacement dwelling. A single dwelling shall be used only when additional comparable dwellings are not available. 3. Alternate Method The Director may develop criteria for computing replacement housing payments when neither the schedule method nor the comparative method is feasible. 4. Limitations The Amount established as the differential payment for the replacement housing sets the upper limit of this payment. (a) If the displaced person voluntarily purchases and occupies a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling at a price less than the above, the comparable replacement housing payment will be reduced to that amount required to pay the difference between the acquisition price of the acquired dwelling and the actual purchase price of the replacement dwelling. (b) If the displaced person voluntarily purchases and occupies a decent, safe, and sanitary - 17 - J j X48 - 18 - dwelling at a price less than the acquisition price of the acquired dwelling, no differential payment shall be made. b. Interest Payment The Director shall determine the amount, if any, neces- sary to compensate a displaced person for any increased interest costs, including points paid by the purchaser. Such amount shall be paid only if the acquired dwelling was encumbered by a bona fide mortgage. The following shall be considered: 1. The payment shall be equal to the excess in the aggregate interest and other debt service costs of that amount of the principal of the mortgage on the replacement dwelling which is equal to the unpaid balance of the bona fide mortgage on the acquired dwelling, at the time of acquisition, over the remainder term of the mortgage on the acquired dwelling, reduced to discounted present value. 2. The discount rate shall be the prevailing interest rate paid on savings deposits by commercial banks in the general area in which the replacement dwelling is located. 3. A "bona fide mortgage" is one which was a valid lien on the acquired dwelling for not less than 180 days prior to the initiation of negotiations. C. Incidental Expenses 1. The Director shall determine the amount, if any, necessary to reimburse a displaced person for actual costs incurred by him incident to the purchase of the replacement dwelling (but not including prepaid expenses) such as: (a) Legal, closing, and related costs, including title search, preparing conveyance instruments, notary fees, surveys, preparing plats, and charges incident to recordation. (b) Lenders', FHA, or VA appraisal fees. (c) FHA application fee. (d) Certification of structural soundness when required by lender, FHA, or VA. (e) Credit report. (f) Title policies or abstracts of title. (g) State revenue stamps or sale or transfer taxes. 2. No fee, cost, charge, or expense is reimbursable which is determined to be a part of the finance charge under the Truth in Lending Act, Title I, Public Law 90-321, and Regulation "Z" (12 CFR, Part 226) issued pursuant thereto by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Loan service fee (not to exceed one percent) and origination or discount points are an eligible expense if such fees are normal to real estate transactions in the area. - 18 - MOBILE HOMES 6.4 Acquisition of Mobile Homes The Public Entity may purchase mobile homes where: 1. The structural condition of the mobile home is such that it cannot be moved without substantial damage or unrea- sonable cost: or 2. The mobile home is not considered to be a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit as defined in Section 3.1 (d) of these Regulations. 6.5 Partial Acquisition of Mobile Home Park Where the Public Entity determines that a sufficient portion of a mobile home park is taken to justify the operator of such park to move his business, or go out of business, the owners and occupants of the mobile home dwellings not within the actual taking, but who are forced to move, shall be eligible to receive the same payments as though their dwellings were within the actual taking. 6.6 Mobile Homes as Replacement Dwellings A mobile home may be considered a replacement dwelling pro- vided: 1. The mobile home meets standards of decent, safe, and sanitary housing; 2. The mobile home is placed in a fixed location: (a) In a mobile home park which is licensed and oper- ating under State law; or (b) In a mobile home subdivision wherein the displaced person owns the lot on which the mobile home is placed; or (c) On real property owned or leased by the displaced person in other than a mobile home subdivision, provided such placement is in accordance with State and local laws or ordinances, and provided such placement was made under permit from the State or local Public Entity. 6.7 Computation on Next Highest Type When a comparable mobile home is not available, it will be necessary to calculate the replacement housing payment on the basis of the next highest type of dwelling that is available and meets the applicable requirements and standards, i.e., a higher type mobile home or a conventional dwelling. 1. "Not available" as used in this subsection includes, but is not limited to, those cases where mobile homes cannot be relocated in mobile home parks within a reasonable distance from the place of dislocation because of lack of available spaces, or because of the standards and rules of the mobile home parks where spaces are available. 6.8 General Provisions The general provisions for moving expenses and replacement housing payments of these Regulations are also applicable to owners and tenants of mobile homes. - 19 - 0 6.9 Moving Expenses for Mobile Homes a. General The eligibility requirements of Section 4, and the pro- visions of Sections 6 and 7 of these Regulations, are applicable to owners and occupants displaced from a mobile home. 7. REPLACEMENT HOUSING PAYMENTS FOR TENANTS AND CERTAIN OTHERS 7.1 Eligibility a. A displaced tenant or owner -occupant of a dwelling for less than 180 days is eligible for a replacement housing payment not to exceed $4,000.00 as authorized by Section 7264, if he meets both of the following requirements: 1. Actually occupied the dwelling for not less than 90 days prior to the initiation of negotiations for acquisition of the property. The term "initiation of negotiations" means the day on which the Public Entity makes the first personal contact with the property owner, or his representative, and furnishes him with a written offer to purchase the real pro- perty. Tenants and other persons occupying the property shall be advised by the Public Entity when negotiations for the property are initiated with the owner thereof. 2. Is not eligible to receive a payment under Section 7263. b. An owner -occupant of a dwelling for not less than 180 days prior to the initiation of negotiations is eligible for a replacement housing payment as a tenant as author- ized by Section 7264, when he rents a decent, safe, and sanitary replacement dwelling instead of purchasing and occupying a replacement dwelling which is decent, safe, and sanitary, not later than the end of the one-year period, beginning on the date on which he receives from the Public Entity final payment for all costs for the acquired dwelling, or on the date on which he moves from the acquired dwelling, whichever is the later date. 7.2 Computation of Replacement Housing Payments for Displaced Tenants A displaced tenant is eligible for a rental replacement housing payment, not to exceed $4,000.00, which shall be determined by substracting from the amount which the tenant actually pays for a re- placement dwelling, or, if lesser, the amount determined by the State as necessary to rent a comparable dwelling; or, if he purchases replacement housing within one year from displacement, he is eligible for a down payment including expenses incidental to closing, not to exceed $4,000.00. Rental Replacement Housing Payment The Director concerned may determine the amount necessary to rent a comparable replacement dwelling by either establishing a schedule or by using a comparative method. Schedule Method The Public Entity may establish a rental schedule for renting comparable replacement dwellings as described in Paragraph 6.2 of these Regulations, and which are available in the private market for the - 20 - .1150 various types of dwellings to be acquired. The payment shall be computed by determining the amount necessary to rent a comparable replacement dwelling for four years (the average monthly cost from the schedule) and subtracting from such amount forty- eight (48) times the average month's rent paid by the displaced tenant in the last three months prior to initiation of negotiations, if such rent was reasonable. When circumstances warrant, the Public Entity may use economic rather than actual rent paid by the displaced tenant. For purposes of these Regulations, economic rent is defined as the amount of rent the displaced tenant would have had to pay for a comparable dwelling unit in an area similar to the neighborhood in which the dwelling unit to be acquired is located. The schedule should be based on current analysis of the market to determine the amount for each type of dwelling required. 2. Comparative Method The Public Entity may determine the average month's rent by selecting one or more dwellings most repre- sentative of the dwelling unit acquired which is available to the displaced person and meets the definition of a comparable replacement dwelling, as described in Paragraph 6.2 of these Regulations. The payment should be computed by determining the amount necessary to rent a comparable replacement dwelling for four years and subtracting from such amount forty-eight (48) times the average month's rent paid by the displaced tenant in the last three months prior to the initiation of negotiations, if such rent was reasonable. 3. Exceptions The Director may establish the average month's rent paid by the displaced person by using more than three months if he deems it advisable. If rent is being paid to the Public Entity, economic rent shall be used in determining the amount of the payment to which the displaced tenant is entitled. Alternate to 1 and 2 Above When neither method is feasible, the Director shall develop criteria for computing the payment. Disbursement of Rental Replacement Housing Payment The Director should develop procedures to implement Section 7264 to provide, within the $4,000.00 and four-year limitations of such section, a rental replacement housing payment that will enable the displaces to rent comparable decent, safe, and sanitary housing. The Public Entity shall determine the manner of disbursement, that is, lump sum pay- ment, and/or annual installments, or monthly payments. b. Purchases - Replacement Housing Payment If the tenant elects to purchase instead of rent, the payment shall be computed by determining the amount necessary to enable him to make a down payment and to cover incidental expenses on the purchase of replacement housing as follows: - 21 - 352 1. The down payment shall be the amount necessary to make a down payment on a comparable replacement dwelling. Determination of the amount necessary for such down payment shall be based on the amount of down payment that would be required for punccase of the dwelling using a conventional loan. 2. Incidental expenses of closing the transaction are those described in Paragraph 6.3 c. 3. The maximum payment may not exceed $4,000.00, except that if more than $2,000.00 is required, the tenant must match any amount in excess of $2,000.00 by an equal amount in making the down payment. 4. The full amount of the replacement housing payment must be applied to the purchase price and incidental costs shown on the closing statement. 7.3 Computation of Replacement Housing Payments for Certain Others a. A displaced owner -occupant who does not qualify for a replacement housing payment under Chapter 6 because of the 180 -day occupancy requirement, and elects to rent, is eligible for a rental replacement housing payment not to exceed $4,000.00. The payment will be computed in the same manner as shown in Paragraph 7.2 a, except that the present rental rate for the acquired dwelling shall be economic rent as determined by market data. b. A displaced owner -occupant who does not qualify for a replacement housing payment under Chapter 6 because of the 180 -day occupancy requirement and elects to purchase a replacement dwelling is eligible for a replacement housing down payment and closing costs not to exceed $4,000.00. The payment will be computed in the same manner as shown in Paragraph 7.2 b. 8. RELOCATION ASSISTANCE ADVISORY SERVICES 8.1 Relocation Assistance Advisory Program Under Section 7261, the Director shall require a relocation assistance advisory program for persons displaced as a result of pro- grams or projects. Each relocation assistance advisory program shall include such measures, facilities, or services as may be necessary or appropriate to perform all of the tasks detailed in Section 7261 (c). 8.2 Coordination of Planned Relocation Activities a. Coordination The Public Entity shall establish appropriate channels of communication with other public agencies contemplating displacement activities in the area for the purpose of planning relocation activities and coordinating available housing resources. The other public agencies causing displacement and the City of Costa Mesa shall designate at least one repre- sentative who will meet periodically with the repre- sentatives of other Federal, State, and local agencies to review the impact of their respective programs on the community or area. b. Local Coordination To further insure maximum coordination of relocation activities in Costa Mesa, the City of Costa Mesa shall - 22 - consult appropriate local officials before approving any proposed project in the community, consistent with the requirements of the procedures promulgated by the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-95 (Revised). 8.3 Contracting for Relocation Services Contracting with Central Relocation Agency The Director, when contemplating initiation of displace- ment activities, shall consider contracting with the central relocation agency in Orange County for the purpose of carrying out its relocation activities. Contracting with Others If, in the judgment of the City of Costa Mesa, the centralized agency does not have the capacity to provide the necessary services within the time required by the Public Entity's program, the City of Costa Mesa may contract with another public agency, or a private con- tractor who can provide the necessary relocation services. 9. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE 9.1 Federal Participation Exemption If the Public Entity adopts a grievance procedure policy mandated by a Federal agency in order to receive Federal financial participation, then that policy may be used in lieu of this section. 9.2 Right of Review Any person aggrieved by a determination as to eligibility for, or the amount of, a payment under the Regulations in this part, may have his claim reviewed and reconsidered by the Director, or his authorized designee other than the person who made the determination in question, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this section, as supple- mented by such procedures as the Public Entity shall have established for such review and reconsideration. Any person, or class of persons, may seek review and revision of any schedule with respect to payments under the Regulations of this part. 9.3 Notification to Claimant If the Public Entity denies the eligibility of a claimant for a payment, or disapproves the full amount claimed, or refuses to con- sider the claim on its merits because of untimely filing or any other ground, the Public Entity's notification to the claimant of its deter- mination shall inform the claimant of its reasons therefor, and shall also inform the claimant of the applicable procedures for obtaining review of this determination. 9.4 Request for Review General Any person who has a right to seek review may request the Public Entity to provide him with a full written explana- tion of its determination and the basis therefor if he feels that the explanation accompanying the payment of his claim, or notice of the Public Entity's determination was incorrect or inadequate. The Public Entity shall provide such an explanation to the claimant within 15 days of its receipt of claimant's request. b. Time Limits for Filing Written Request for Review 1. A claimant desiring review and reconsideration of the public agency's determination shall file a - 23- �a54 written request for review with the Public Entity, either (a) within six months of the Public Entity's notification to the claimant of its determination, or, (b) prior to final closeout of the project which caused the displacement, whichever is earlier, but in no event less than 30 days following the Public Entity's notification to the claimant of its deter- mination. C. The Written Request for Review The claimant may include in his request for review any statement of fact within his knowledge or belief, or other material which he feels has a bearing on his appeal. If the claimant requests more time to gather and prepare additional material for consideration or review, and demonstrates a reasonable basis therefor, he may be granted 30 days from the date of his request for review. If the claimant feels he is unable to prepare the written claim, the Public Entity shall offer to provide assistance to the claimant, and further notify the claimant of other available sources of assistance. Oral Presentation Upon request of the claimant, the Public Entity shall afford him an opportunity to make an oral presentation. The claimant may be represented by an attorney, or other person of his choosing. This oral presentation shall enable the claimant to discuss his claim with the Direc- tor, or a designee other than the person who made the initial determination, having the authority to revise the initial determination on the claim. The City of Costa Mesa shall make a summary of the matters discussed in the oral presentation and it shall be included as part of its file. 9.5 City of Costa Mesa Review a. General The City of Costa Mesa shall consider the request for review and shall make a determination as to whether a modification is necessary. This review should be con- ducted by the Director, or his authorized designee other than the person who made the determination. A designee must have the authority to revise the initial determin- ation of the claim, and any determination reached pursuant to an oral presentation. The Public Entity shall consider every complaint regardless of form. Scope of Review The Public Entity shall review and reconsider its initial determination of the claimant's case in light of: 1. All material upon which the Public Entity based its original determination, including all applicable rules and regulations; 2. The reasons given by the claimant for requesting review and reconsideration of his claim; 3. Whatever additional written material has been submitted by the claimant; and 4. Any further information which the Public Entity may, in its discretion, obtain by request, investigation, or research, to insure fair and full review of the claim. - 24 - C. Determination on Review by City of Costa Mesa The final determination on review by the Public Entity shall include, but is not limited to: 1. The Public Entity's decision on reconsideration of the claim;. 2. The factual and legal basis upon which its decision is based, including any pertinent explanation or rationale. J d. Time Limits 1. The Public Entity shall issue its determination of review within 30 days from receipt of the last material submitted for consideration by the claimant. 2. In the case of complaints dismissed for untimeliness or for any other reason, not based on the merits of the claim, the Public Entity shall issue a statement to the claimant as to why the complaint was dismissed. 9.6 Recommendations by Third Party Upon agreement between the claimant and the Public Entity, a mutually acceptable third party or parties may review the claim and make advisory recommendations thereon to the Director for its final determin- ation. In reviewing the claim and making recommendations to the Public Entity, the third party or parties should be guided by the provisions of the requirements of these sections. 9.7 Review of Files by Claimant Except for confidential material, and except to the extent specifically prohibited by law, the Public Entity shall permit the claimant to inspect all files and records bearing upon his claim or the prosecution of his grievance. The Public Entity may, however, impose reasonable conditions on the claimant's right to inspect. 9.8 Effect of Determination on Other Persons The principles established in all determinations by the Public Entity shall be applied to all similar cases regardless of whether or not a person has filed a written request for review. 9.9 Construction of Rules and Regulations This section and all applicable rules and regulations on which the Public Entity determinations are based shall be liberally construed so as to fulfill the statutory purpose as declared in the Act of "fair and equitable treatment" in order that displaced persons "not suffer disproportionate injuries as a result of programs designed for the benefit of the public as a whole." 9.10 Right to Counsel Any aggrieved party has a right to representation by legal or other counsel at his own expense at any and all stages of the proceed- ings set forth in these sections. 9.11 Judicial Review Nothing in this section shall in any way preclude or limit a claimant from seeking judicial review, or receiving a fair and impartial consideration of his claim on its merits, upon exhaustion of such admin- istrative remedies as are available to him under this section. - 25- :?56 10. UNIFORM REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION POLICY 10.1 Acquisition Procedures a. Just Compensation Section 7267.2 establishes the policy that before ini- tiation of negotiations for the acquisition of real property the Director shall establish an amount which he believes to be just compensation therefor. In no event shall such amount be less than the Public Entity's approved appraisal of the fair market value of the property. b. Incidental Expenses Incurred by Displaced Owner Selling to the Public Entity Compensation for real property shall include recording fees, transfer taxes, and prepayment penalties on exist- ing liens, and other similar expenses incidental to conveying such real property to the Public Entity. C. Initiation of Negotiations 1. Statement to be Furnished Owner When negotiations for the acquisition of real property are initiated, the owner shall be provided with a written statement concerning the proposed acquisition. This statement shall include, as a minimum, the following: (a) Identification of the real property and the estate or interest therein to be acquired, including the buildings, structures, and other improvements on the land, as well as the fix- tures considered to be a part of the real property; and (b) The amount of the estimated just compensation for the property to be acquired as determined by the acquiring agency, and a statement of the basis therefor. In the case of a partial taking, damages, if any, to the remaining real property shall be separately stated. 2. Offer to Purchase The Director shall make a prompt offer to purchase the property for the amount contained in the state- ment. 10.2 Appraisal Standards For the purpose of promoting uniformity under Section 7267.2, the Director shall establish for all programs under his jurisdiction standards for appraisals used in such programs, criteria for determining the qualifications of appraisers, and a system of review by qualified appraisers. 10.3 Notice to Move Section 7267.3 provides that to the greatest extent practicable, no person lawfully occupying real property shall be required to move from a dwelling, or to move his business operation, without at least 90 days written notice from the Director of the date by which such move is required. - 26-