State Housing Tax Credit Program and Contribution Fund
Application Checklist
 1.	Application Narrative
 2.	Application Workbook
 3. 	Certification Form 
 4.   Organizational Documents 	
 5. 	Qualification Forms
 6. 	Evidence of Site Control
 7. 	Photographs of the Site
 8. 	Site Map
 9. 	Self-Scoring Worksheet
 10. Secured Funding Sources
 11. 	Non-Capital Contributions
 12. 	Innovative and Sustainable Design
 13. 	Optional Documentation
1.	Application Narrative 
Complete and submit the Application Narrative.
2.	Application Workbook
Complete and submit the Application Workbook in Excel format. The Application Workbook incorporates standard underwriting assumptions; any deviations from these assumptions should be explained. For additional detail, refer to the underwriting standards in the SHTC RFP Instructions. If the project is subject to prevailing wage, make sure the development budget in the Application Workbook accounts for that. The Application Workbook must reflect all costs associated with the project. For projects that include commercial space (which cannot be funded by the SHTC Contribution Fund Program), those costs must be broken out in the Application Workbook using a reasonable method to prorate the commercial and residential space (include the proration explanation in narrative). Please include the Loan Fee due to Minnesota Housing on the Development Cost tab of the Application Workbook in cell H104. (Refer to the Loan Fee Requirement section in the SHTC RFP Instructions.)
3.	Certification Form
Submit a signed Certification Form.
4.	Organizational Documents
Provide an organizational chart identifying the ownership entity and percentages of ownership interests. Identify each principal within the ownership structure and the roles of each principal. Provide organizational documents for the Recipient and its general partner(s)/managing member(s), as applicable. Refer to Ownership Organizational Document Requirements.
5.	Qualification Forms
Each application requires the submission of a qualification form from all development team members if any of the following apply:
•	Minnesota Housing does not have the required qualification form(s) on file
•	The information on a previously submitted qualification form has changed
•	The qualification form has been on file with Minnesota Housing longer than 12 months
Minnesota Housing's receipt of qualification forms does not constitute funding approval.
Complete the applicable qualification forms:
•	Qualification of Architect
•	Qualification of Developer
•	Qualification of General Contractor
•	Qualification of Management Company
•	Qualification of Processing Agent
•	Qualification of Sponsor and/or Guarantor
o	Schedules A-E (Required documentation for the Qualification of Sponsor and/or Guarantor form)
6.	Evidence of Site Control
•	Acceptable evidence of site control includes one or more of the following: (1) a purchase agreement; (2) a purchase option; (3) a purchase option or letter of intent from a governmental body for a sole developer; or (4), if there will be no transfer of ownership, a deed or ground lease.
•	The evidence of site control must be current, be fully executed, include the legal description of the land and extend to the anticipated date of funding recommendation.
NOTE: A purchase agreement contingent upon receiving an award from Minnesota Housing qualifies as site control for selection purposes; however, a purchase agreement contingent on other, unsecured financing does not qualify as site control.
7.	Photographs of the Site
For new construction, provide clear photographs of the site and surrounding area. For existing buildings, provide clear photographs of the exterior, interior, site and surrounding area.
8.	Site Map
Provide a map showing the site boundaries. Minnesota Housing encourages proposed developments that are or will be located near current jobs.
9.	Self-Scoring Worksheet
The SHTC Contribution Program Self-Scoring Worksheet sets the funding priorities that Minnesota Housing will use to prioritize applications submitted to the SHTC RFP. Applicants must self-score using this worksheet. Please carefully read the instructions on the instructions tab of the Excel document. The Excel version of this document must be submitted; PDF or scanned versions will not be accepted.
10.	Secured Funding Sources
Provide evidence of all applicable forms of secured permanent capital funding. 
Amortizing First Mortgage: For scoring purposes, provide a signed loan term sheet or commitment from lender that includes the mortgage amount and all loan terms.
Other Secured Funding Sources: For scoring purposes, the documentation must be in the form of a project specific letter of intent, resolution of the applicable governing body, letter of approval or statement of agreement or eligibility. Commitment documentation must state the amount and be executed or approved by the lender or contributor. Commitments must contain no contingencies other than receipt of a SHTC Contribution Program award. Documentation containing words synonymous with “consider” or “may,” (as in “may award”) regarding the commitment will not be acceptable. 
Historic Tax Credits: In addition to the commitment documentation, at the time of application, provide written documentation of eligibility through evidence of Historic Register listing or Part 1 – Evaluation of Significance form that is certified and signed by the National Park Service (NPS), along with a syndicator/investor Letter of Intent. NPS must check a box on the form indicating that the property contributes to the significance or appears to contribute to the significance.
Prior commitments of funding from Minnesota Housing: Please provide the selection/award letter. 
Funding commitments, or an equivalent commitment, must be maintained and cannot be eliminated or reduced.
11.	Non-Capital Contributions
Provide evidence of all forms of non-capital contributions. At the time of application, written documentation from the contributor justifying the amount and the terms of the contribution must be provided and be consistent with current market comparable costs. The documentation must be in the form of a project specific letter of intent, resolution from the applicable governing body, letter of approval, statement of agreement or eligibility or memorandum of understanding. For scoring purposes, the documentation must state the amount and must be executed or approved, at a minimum, by the contributor. Commitments must contain no contingencies other receipt of a SHTC Contribution Program award. Documentation containing words synonymous with “consider” or “may” (as in “may award”) regarding the contribution will not be acceptable.
The list below includes potential non-capital contributions, but the list is not all-inclusive:
•	Land donation or write-down of the project site. Documentation used to determine the as-is market value must be submitted. This could include an appraisal, assessment information, broker opinion with comparable properties or other data deemed acceptable by Minnesota Housing.  
•	In-kind work and materials that benefit the project donated at a lower or no cost value.
•	Local government reduction, donation or waiver of project specific costs, assessments or fees (for example: sewer/water access charge, park dedication fees).
•	Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and/or property tax abatement for properties that cannot support an amortizing first mortgage. Calculate the net present value (NPV) using the applicable federal rate (AFR) for the term of the TIF or property tax abatement. Provide satisfactory documentation that the contribution is committed to the project at the time of application. The documentation must include a resolution from the local unit of government indicating its intention to provide TIF and/or property tax abatement assistance. The anticipated amounts must be included in the resolution or letter from the local unit of government. The documentation should include the TIF or property tax abatement analysis from the local unit of government or its consultant. 
•	Payments in lieu of taxes for properties that cannot support an amortizing first mortgage. Documentation must include the amount and term (up to the term of the Minnesota Housing deferred loan or Land Use Restrictive Agreement (LURA). Calculate the NPV using the AFR for the term of the abatement (up to the term of the Minnesota Housing deferred loan or LURA).
12.	Innovative and Sustainable Design
Applicants claiming points in any of the Innovative and Sustainable Design categories must provide a summary of the proposed design and provide a description demonstrating how the design will meet the criteria. Applicants may use the Innovative and Sustainable Design Template and provide any supporting documentation. 
Applicants are awarded seven (7) points under scoring category 5.A. for incorporating one or more of the following criteria:
•	Modular or prefabrication construction (note, panelized construction is not eligible for points in this category)
•	ENERGY STAR building certification
•	On-site solar
o	Photovoltaic (PV) panels provide 60% or more of the project’s common area meter energy consumption. The renewable energy must be produced on-site. When claiming points for this criteria, evaluate the percentage of your project’s common area meter energy consumption that is satisfied by a renewable energy source. 
•	All electric property
o	A project is eligible for points when it utilizes electricity for all of the following components throughout the project: 
•	Primary space heating (having a duel-fuel or backup heating device for supplemental or emergency operation is allowed)
•	Space cooling
•	Water heating
•	Clothes drying 
•	Equipment for cooking (including, but not limited to ranges, cooktops, stoves, ovens) 
•	Electric Vehicle Charging Station(s)
o	For projects that include new or renovated parking areas as part of the project, provide Electric Vehicle Charge Stations (EVCS) based on the number of parking spaces. 
•	If the project includes 2 to 5 parking spaces, EVCS must be provided for at least one space. 
•	 If the project includes 6 to 49 parking spaces, EVCS must be provided for at least 20% of the parking spaces.
•	If the project includes 50 or more parking spaces, EVCS must be provided for 10 spaces plus additional spaces equal to 10% of the number of long-term spaces above 50. 
•	EVCS must be comprised of “Level 2” or higher charging technology. 
•	Accessible parking spaces should be considered when determining access to charging equipment. 
•	Full installation of one DC-fast charging EVCS can be used in place of five Level 2 EVCS. If used to replace Level 2 EVCS, this DC-fast charging option should be installed in visitor or non-resident designated parking areas, if such areas are included in the project.
Applicants are awarded three (3) points under scoring category 5.B for incorporating one or more of the following criteria:
•	Solar Ready
o	Orient, design, engineer, wire, and/or plumb the development through one of the following options to accommodate installation of a PV or solar hot water system in the future. 
•	References:
•	PV Ready; Department of Energy ZERH PV Ready Checklist, or
•	Solar Hot Water Ready; Department of Energy ZERH Solar Hot Water Ready Checklist.
•	Electric Ready
o	Although using a combustion fuel source, the building must have adequate electric service and be designed and wired to allow for a seamless switch to electricity as a fuel source for the following components throughout the project: 
•	Space heating
•	Space cooling
•	Water heating
•	Clothes drying
•	Equipment for cooking (including, but not limited to ranges, cooktops, stoves, ovens) 
•	Electric Vehicle charging ready
o	For projects that include new or renovated parking areas as part of the project, provide Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) infrastructure to permit future electric vehicle charge stations based on the number of parking spaces. 
•	If the project includes 2 to 5 parking spaces, EVSE infrastructure must be provided for at least 1 space. 
•	If the project includes 6 to 49 parking spaces, EVSE infrastructure must be provided for at least 20% of the parking spaces. 
•	If the project includes 50 or more parking spaces, EVSE infrastructure must be provided for 10 spaces plus additional spaces equal to 10% of the number spaces over 50. EVSE infrastructure shall be sufficient to support “Level 2” or higher charging technology. 
o	EVSE infrastructure shall consist of:
•	Dedicated space for future electrical distribution equipment to support EVSE.
•	Raceway (conduit) or equivalent distribution capacity of at least 1 inch in diameter, connecting each future EVSE parking space. EVSE parking space to dedicated electrical distribution location. 
•	Accessible parking spaces should be given consideration when determining access to charging equipment.
•	One direct current (DC)-fast charging EVSE (including full installation of the equipment) can be used in place of five Level 2 EVSE-ready spaces. If used to replace Level 2 EVSE spaces, this DC-fast charging option should be installed at visitor or non-resident designated parking areas if such areas are included in the project.
•	Watersense fixtures
o	All faucets, toilets, and showerheads are Watersense labeled.

13.	Optional Documentation
The following types of documentation may be submitted to provide further information about the project and how the project meets the requirements of the SHTC Contribution Program generally and/or specific scoring criteria; however, they are not required and will not be separately scored.
•	Market study
•	Letters of support
•	Zoning documentation
o	Documentation signed by the local unit of government confirming all land use and zoning approvals are in place or not required.