California Code of Regulations
Title 25 - Housing and Community Development
Division 1 - Housing and Community Development
Chapter 7 - Department of Housing and Community Development Programs
Subchapter 2 - State Community Development Block Grant Program
Article 3 - Other Program Requirements
Section 7080 - Citizen Participation

Each applicant shall provide opportunities for the participation of all persons who may be affected by the program, especially persons with incomes in the targeted income group. The opportunity to participate shall be available, at minimum, during the following phases of the program: program design and preparation of the application; the preparation of the annual performance report required in Section 7110; the preparation of any program amendments which constitute a reallocation of more than ten percent (10%) of the total program budget; and the preparation of any program amendments which constitute changes in policies, standards, or criteria for program implementation. A minimum of one public meeting is required at each of the program phases listed above. In addition, each applicant shall hold a minimum of one public hearing prior to submitting the application to the Department. The applicant shall provide for public notice prior to each meeting and public hearing and shall make program information available to the public prior to these meetings and hearings. Applicants shall use standard legal and other forms of notice including bilingual notice in areas with concentrations of non-English speaking minorities.

Applicants shall invite written comments on the proposed program and shall write a reply to any comments received. This written correspondence shall be maintained as a part of the public record and copies shall be submitted to the Department along with the application. The Department will respond within thirty (30) days to all correspondence written directly to the Department regarding an applicant's program. Applicants shall maintain a file of documents relevant to their block grant program, including proposed activities and final application, minutes of public meetings and hearings, copies of public notices and performance reviews; these documents shall be available to the public during normal working hours. Citizens shall be provided full and timely access to program records and information in a manner consistent with applicable laws regarding personal privacy and obligations of confidentiality.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 50406(h) and 50406(n), Health and Safety Code; 24 CFR 570.489(b). Reference: Sections 50406 and 50407, Health and Safety Code; 42 U.S.C. 5304(a) and (b), and 5306(d)(2); 24 CFR 570.489.