The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently updated the environmental review requirements for multifamily housing.
The changes revise the Multifamily Accelerated Processing Guide to streamline requirements for lenders and developers seeking Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured financing. The goal is to eliminate operational inefficiencies and lower development costs while ensuring appropriate underwriting standards and compliance with regulatory requirements.
“This is about fixing policies that have made housing expensive and difficult to build,” HUD Secretary Scott Turner said. “We are cutting outdated requirements, reducing costs and delays, and putting FHA financing back to work to support housing production and improve home affordability for American families.”
HUD removed standalone railroad vibration assessment requirements and language related to railyards from the guide.
The agency is restoring a prior policy for pressurized pipelines. Structures must be at least 10 feet from the outer boundary of the easement of a pipeline transferring flammable or combustible
liquids and gases that exceed 200 psi operating pressure.
HUD updated standards for high voltage power lines and fall hazards. No residential structure can be located within the easement of any overhead high voltage transmission line.
HUD clarified noise-sensitive outdoor uses.
Changes will be implemented immediately for any mortgage application that has not reached initial endorsement.