Md. Code Regs. 24.05.01.15

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 24, December 2, 2024

Section 24.05.01.15 - Application Requirements for Designation of a Focus Area

A. A request for designation of a focus area may be made on or before any submission date, either at the time the political subdivision applies for the designation of a new enterprise zone or after an enterprise zone has been designated by the Secretary.

B. The Secretary may designate an area as a focus area if the area is located in an enterprise zone designated by the Secretary and meets at least three of the following criteria:

(1) The average rate of unemployment in the area, or within a reasonable proximity to the area but within the same county, for the most recent 18-month period for which data are available, is at least 150 percent of the average rate of unemployment in either the State or the United States, whichever average rate is greater during the same period;

(2) The population in the area or within a reasonable proximity to the area but within the same county has an incidence of poverty that is 150 percent of the national average;

(3) The crime rate in the area or within a reasonable proximity to the area but within the same county is at least 150 percent of the crime rate in the political subdivision in which the area is located, based on crime statistics that:

(a) Conform with standards set forth under the F.B.I. Uniform Crime Reporting Program or the National Crime Victimization Survey, and

(b) Are "aggregated categories" that include both violent crimes and crimes against property;

(4) The percentage of substandard housing in the area or within a reasonable proximity to the area but within the same county is at least 200 percent of the percentage of housing units in the State that are substandard, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of the Census, or other State or federal government data considered appropriate by the Secretary, including any of the following measures developed from the Decennial Census of Population and Housing, Bureau of the Census, U.S. Department of Commerce:

(a) The proportion of housing units without complete kitchen facilities,

(b) The proportion of housing units without complete bathroom facilities,

(c) The proportion of boarded-up units, or

(d) The number of occupants per occupied housing unit;

(5) The percentage of square footage of commercial property that is vacant in the area or within a reasonable proximity of the area but within the same county is at least 20 percent, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of the Census, or other State or federal government data considered appropriate by the Secretary, including data collected by a county or municipality and approved by a unit of State government.

C. A political subdivision that chooses to generate statistics or use those of others to support compliance with §B of this regulation shall, at least 60 days before any submission date, deliver to the Secretary the statistics in detail, including all background data, source, methodology, and certification by the person or persons responsible for preparation.

Md. Code Regs. 24.05.01.15