Architecture and Engineering Review Process
The review process begins once we have received a complete set of plans along with your loan application. This process helps your development meet the requirements to begin construction or rehabilitation.
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Why is the A&E Review Process Important?
This ensures that new and rehabbed developments meet our quality standards.
The loan underwriting process will not officially begin until the submission requirements detailed in the files below have been met. The architectural and engineering review process must be completed before a loan commitment will be issued. A signed “contract” set of plans and specifications must be reviewed by Virginia Housing before a loan will be rate locked. Furthermore, rate lock will not be allowed until final site plan approval has been obtained.
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Minimum Design and Construction Requirements
The Minimum Design and Construction Requirements (MDCR) were created to address issues related to the design, construction, maintenance, marketing, life cycle costs and aesthetic concerns for developments utilizing low income housing tax credits (LIHTC), and/or developments financed by Virginia Housing. Match the MDCR year with the date from the loan application. For developments receiving LIHTC, match the MDCR year with the allocation year from the tax credit application.
Submission requirements for developments applying for Virginia Housing financing are listed on the Architectural & Engineering Review sheets which can be found at the conclusion of the MDCR. Design submission requirements for the LIHTC program are contained in the tax credit application.
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Universal Design and Fair Housing
We recognize the need to create housing that is usable by all people to the greatest extent possible while maintaining aesthetics and affordability. Universal Design has emerged as a set of design features that can integrate seamlessly with a dwelling unit’s design to enhance its usability and marketability. We provide specific incentives for developers wishing to use these features to create spaces that better serve the needs of all people of any age or ability.
Please refer to the Tax Credit Manual for details on how to obtain points in the tax credit application for Universal Design.
We offer a self-guided, online Universal Design training. Design professionals completing the training will be added to our Universal Design Certificate Holder List. The certification is valid for five years from the date of completion. In order to qualify for Universal Design points based upon the Qualified Allocation Plan for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, design professionals must be current certificate holders and their projects are required to meet our Universal Design Guidelines from the application year. If you are interested in learning more about Universal Design, but do not need to complete the certification, you may access courses individually to learn more.
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