1. A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

2. B. Terms Defined.

   1. (1) “Act” means Housing and Community Development Article, Title 4, Subtitle 20, Annotated Code of Maryland.
   2. (2) “Administration” means the Community Development Administration, an agency in the Division of Development Finance of the Department of Housing and Community Development.

   3. (3) Closing Costs.

      1. (a) “Closing costs” means the costs incurred in connection with obtaining a loan from the Department under the Program.

      2. (b) “Closing costs” includes:

         1. (i) Credit report fees;
         2. (ii) Appraisal fees;
         3. (iii) Survey fees;
         4. (iv) Loan origination and application fees;
         5. (v) Title examination and insurance fees;
         6. (vi) Property taxes and ground rent;
         7. (vii) Hazard insurance and mortgage insurance premiums;
         8. (viii) Attorney's fees;
         9. (ix) Document preparation fees;
         10. (x) Recording fees; and
         11. (xi) Transfer and recordation taxes.
   4. (4) “Credit enhancement” means any form of insurance, guarantee, or agreement that increases the credit strength of a loan and reduces the risk of lending to a borrower.
   5. (5) “Department” means the Department of Housing and Community Development, a principal department of the State of Maryland.

   6. (6) Development Costs.

      1. (a) “Development costs” means the costs incurred in carrying out all works and undertakings which the Department deems reasonable and necessary for the acquisition and construction of a project.

      2. (b) “Development costs” includes the costs for:

         1. (i) Acquisition of land and any buildings on it;
         2. (ii) Closing costs;
         3. (iii) Necessary studies, surveys, plans, and specifications;
         4. (iv) Architectural, engineering, or special services;
         5. (v) Site preparation and development;
         6. (vi) Labor and materials for construction;
         7. (vii) Fees incurred in connection with financing the project;
         8. (viii) Construction period interest on the loan;
         9. (ix) Indemnity and surety bonds;
         10. (x) Premiums on insurance; and
         11. (xi) Other costs the Department deems reasonable and necessary.
   7. (7) “Director” means the Director of the Administration.
   8. (8) “Home” means a single family residence or a multifamily building used by the occupants as their residence.
   9. (9) “Low-energy home” means a home that achieves a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index rating of 50 or lower.
   10. (10) “Net–zero home” means a home that is designed to produce an amount of energy in 1 year that is equal to the amount of energy that the home uses in 1 year.
   11. (11) “Program” means the Energy-Efficient Homes Construction Loan Program.
   12. (12) “Program Manager” means the Manager of the Program as assigned by the Department.
   13. (13) “Project” means any undertaking or project, or portion thereof, including land, buildings, and improvements, that constitutes a low-energy home or net-zero home upon completion.
   14. (14) “Secretary” means the Secretary of Housing and Community Development.

Authority: Housing and Community Development Article, §4-2003(a)(5), Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: July 31, 2017 (44:15 Md. R. 759)