Subpart A of 7 CFR part 1924 prescribes the basic Agency policies, methods, and responsibilities in the planning and performing of construction and other development work for insured Rural Housing (RH), single unit Labor Housing (LH).  It also provides supplemental requirements for Rural Rental Housing (RRH) loans, Rural Cooperative Housing (RCH) loans, multi-unit (LH) loans and grants, Rural Housing Site loans, and public owned, commercial Community Facilities (CF) loans and grants. The Agency intends to update the requirements for planning development work in 7 CFR 1924.5 by publishing a proposed rule. 

There is an existing work plan (0575-AD26) that was approved August 2022 for a proposed rule for 7 CFR 1924, Planning, Procuring, and Performing Construction.  The proposed rule will revise all of 7 CFR 1924 to consolidate, streamline, and update the various regulations that contain the policies and procedures for planning and performing building construction using financial assistance from a variety of programs from RHS.  While working on the proposed rule for all of 7 CFR 1924 it was identified that 7 CFR 1924.5, 1924.6, and Exhibits D and E pertain to public safety and were identified as critical sections.  The last update to these requirements was in December 2002, and the original regulation was published in March 1987.  Since the last update to these requirements occurred over 20 years ago the current requirements are referencing outdated building codes and not utilizing current industry standards.  Since public safety is affected, PSS would like to issue this proposed rule to update the requirements to the current industry standards while completing the proposed rule for all of 7 CFR 1924. 

 Specifically, the updates are necessary to: (1) remove language that pertains to farm loans, since the Agency no longer processes these; (2) update the Agency’s outdated references pertaining to building construction guides; and (3) update the Agency’s requirements for use of building codes.