Application Process

The Housing & Community Development and Planning Services Departments coordinate separate loan applications. The Housing & Community Development Department determines financial eligibility and underwrites the loan. The Planning Services Department coordinates Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) design review of the proposed improvements. The project may not commence without approval of both applications. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Review Process

  1. Applicants must complete the Housing Department Application and return it, at least two written estimates prepared by full-time contractors, and all other required documentation to the Housing & Community Development Department.
  2. Applicants must complete the Design Review Application and return it, at least two written estimates prepared by full-time contractors, and all required supporting documents to the Planning Services Department. This step should be done concurrently with step one.
  3. The Housing & Community Development Department will review the information and notify the applicant and Planning Services Department of the applicant’s financial eligibility.
  4. If eligible, the Planning Services Department will place the Design Review Application on the next HPC agenda for review.
  5. The applicant and/or their representative will present the Design Review Application to the HPC at a public meeting. The HPC will review the design and materials and may approve, deny, or consider modifications to the project.
  6. Written notice of the HPC’s decision is forwarded to the applicant and Housing & Community Development Department. If approved, the Housing & Community Development Department will conclude underwriting the loan the project may commence.
  7. The applicant coordinates reimbursement of eligible project expenses with the Housing & Community Development Department and the loan will accrue.

All applications must include the required information. Applications must also include at least two written estimates prepared by full-time contractors that are licensed and insured by the State of Iowa. Homeowners may do the work themselves; itemized quotes on the costs of materials must be provided. Labor by homeowners is not covered.

A loan review committee of City Staff and Historic Preservation Commissioners will make recommendations relative to the loan amount, compliance with City Housing, Building and Historic Preservation Codes, and with Section 106 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

All applicable City reviews and permits must be completed; e.g., building permits, rental license, housing inspection, before any work begins. Work begun prior to obtaining a required permit, review or approval will not be eligible for loan assistance.

Housing Department Applications will be accepted during regular business hours at the Housing and Community Development Department, 350 W. 6th Street (Historic Federal Building). Design Review Applications will be accepted during regular business hours at City Hall, 50 W. 13th Street.

Contact Information

Housing and Community Development Department contact:

Maddy Haverland
Email
563-690-6102

Planning Department contact:

Christine Happ Olson
Email
563-589-4210