HUD ER Preliminary Assessment Request | AZ-RI Consultants

🔍 HUD Environmental Review Preliminary Assessment

Get a preliminary determination for your HUD-funded project within 24 hours

DISCLAIMER: This preliminary assessment is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an official HUD Environmental Review or a guarantee of project compliance. The assessment is based on information provided by the client and may be subject to change upon site inspection, receipt of additional documentation, or review by the HUD Responsible Entity. AZ-RI Consultants is not liable for any decisions made based on this preliminary assessment. An official Environmental Review Record (ERR) must be completed and approved by the appropriate HUD Responsible Entity before project activities can commence.

What to expect: Complete this form to receive a preliminary assessment of your project's HUD Environmental Review requirements. Our team will analyze your project and provide guidance on the anticipated review level, timeline, and next steps within one business day.

1. Contact Information

1.1 Your Name *

1.2 Title/Position

1.3 Organization Name *

1.4 Email Address *

1.5 Phone Number *

2. Project Information

2.1 Project Name *

HUD Guidance: Provide the official project name as it appears in grant documents or funding applications. This should be consistent across all project documentation.

2.2 HUD Funding Source(s) *

HUD Guidance: Include only funding sources for which this review will fulfill HUD's environmental review requirements. Do not include funding sources that will require a separate environmental review.

HUD Funding Source #1

Grant # or FHA # *

HUD Program *

Program Name *

Funding Amount *

2.3 Estimated Total HUD Funded Amount *

$0.00

HUD Guidance: This amount is automatically calculated from the HUD funding sources listed above. It represents the total portion of the project funded, assisted, or insured by HUD programs.

2.4 Estimated Total Project Cost *

HUD Guidance: Include all project costs from all funding sources (HUD and non-HUD). This should represent the complete project budget including construction, soft costs, acquisition, and any other project-related expenses.

2.5 Other Federal Funding Sources

No other federal funding sources

Yes, this project has other federal funding sources

HUD Guidance: List any non-HUD federal funding sources. Federal funding from other agencies may trigger additional environmental review requirements or coordination.

2.6 RE or HUD Preparer - Entity *

Who is the RE or HUD Preparer? The Responsible Entity (RE) is the entity responsible for conducting the environmental review. For Part 58 projects, this is typically the grantee or recipient. For Part 50 projects, HUD is the Responsible Entity. You can find this information in your grant agreement or by contacting your HUD field office or program administrator.

2.7 RE or HUD Preparer - Contact Person Name *

HUD Guidance: This is the person who will be assigned this review in HEROS (typically at the HUD Responsible Entity). Provide the name of the contact person at the RE entity.

2.8 Applicant/Grant Recipient *

HUD Guidance: This is the legal entity receiving HUD funds or assistance. This should match the name on the grant agreement or FHA commitment letter.

3. Project Summary

3.1 Description of Proposed Project

Project Description *

HUD Guidance: Provide as much detail as is currently available about the proposed project. This description will be used in the Environmental Review Record (ERR). Include information about the nature and scope of activities, the size and scale of the project, and any activities that may have environmental impacts. Additional detail may be requested during the official ERR process.

Upload Project Description and Scope of Work Documents

Architectural plans, scope of work documents, project narratives, etc. (PDF, DOC, DWG - Max 10MB per file)

3.2 Project Location

Street Address *

HUD Guidance: Provide the complete street address of the Subject Property. If the property does not have a street address, provide the nearest intersection or other location identifier.

City *

HUD Guidance: Provide the city or municipality where the project is located.

County *

HUD Guidance: Provide the county or equivalent jurisdiction.

State *

HUD Guidance: Select the state where the project is located.

Zip Code *

HUD Guidance: Provide the 5-digit ZIP code.

Parcel ID

HUD Guidance: Provide the tax parcel identification number as assigned by the local tax assessor. This can typically be found on property tax records or assessment documents.

Upload Project Location Documents (Optional)

Tax records, maps, site plans, or other location documentation (PDF, JPG, PNG, DOC - Max 10MB per file)

3.3 Field Inspection

Note: AZ-RI will conduct a field inspection as part of completing the ERR. A full site inspection will be required for the complete Environmental Review Record (ERR).

3.4 Project Activities

Project Activities (check all that apply) *

Acquisition (including refinance) of real property

Leasing

Maintenance

Repair/Improvement/Rehabilitation

New Construction/Reconstruction

Demolition

Disposition

Removal of architectural barriers

Soft Costs or other non-physical activities

HUD Guidance: Select all activities that apply to your project. The type of activities will help determine the appropriate level of environmental review. Physical activities typically require more extensive review than non-physical activities.

3.5 Land Use Change

Will the project require or lead to a change in land use of the affected property?

HUD Guidance: A change in land use may trigger additional environmental review requirements. If the project requires rezoning or a variance, document the status of these approvals.

Please describe the land use change:

The need for a change in the zoning should not, by itself, be interpreted as an adverse environmental effect. However, failure to thoroughly secure the municipality's approval for appropriate land use will prevent development from proceeding.

3.6 Planned Use of Property

Planned Use of Property (check the planned use after completion of the project) *

Vacant land

Public facility

Nonresidential building(s)

Residential building(s) Single family

Residential building(s) Multifamily

HUD Guidance: The planned use of the property affects the level of environmental review required. Residential projects may have different review requirements than non-residential projects.

If residential, number of units:

HUD Single-Family Definition: Under HUD's environmental regulations (NEPA), a project with five or more housing units can qualify for a categorical exclusion (similar to a single-family exemption in effect) if the units are on scattered sites that are more than 2,000 feet apart, and there are no more than four units on any single site.

3.7 Ground Disturbance

Will the project involve ground disturbance?

Yes

Why This Matters: Ground disturbance is a critical factor in HUD environmental reviews because it triggers compliance requirements under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. If your project involves any excavation, grading, trenching, or other soil disturbance, federal law requires consultation with State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs), Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs), and federally recognized Indian tribes to assess potential impacts on archaeological resources and historic properties. Ground-disturbing activities may require archaeological surveys, tribal consultation, and additional review time. This information helps AZ-RI determine the appropriate consultation strategy and timeline for your project. Examples of ground disturbance include: foundation work, utility installation, landscaping that requires excavation, site grading, or any activity that disturbs previously undisturbed soil.

Please provide details about the ground disturbance:

4. Level of Review

AZ-RI will determine the appropriate level of review based on the information provided.

HUD environmental reviews are conducted at different levels depending on the nature and potential environmental impacts of the project:

Exempt: Activities that have no potential to impact the environment
CEST (Categorically Excluded Subject to §58.5): Activities with minimal environmental impact that still require basic compliance reviews
CENST (Categorically Excluded Not Subject to §58.5): Activities with minimal environmental impact that do not require compliance reviews
EA (Environmental Assessment): Projects that may have environmental impacts requiring detailed analysis
EIS (Environmental Impact Statement): Major projects with significant environmental impacts

5. Project Justification (Preliminary)

Does your project involve new construction or will it increase building size by greater than 20%?

Additional Information for Environmental Assessment (EA) Level Projects

5.1 Statement of Purpose and Need for the Proposal

Why We Need This: The Statement of Purpose and Need establishes the rationale for the project and is a required element of the Environmental Review Record (ERR). It explains why the project is necessary and how it addresses identified community needs. This statement should describe the housing or community development problem the project will address, the population that will benefit, and how the project aligns with local planning goals and priorities.

What to Include: Describe the specific community need; identify the target population and number of people to be served; explain how the project addresses local priorities or planning documents; and describe any urgent or compelling circumstances that make the project necessary.

5.2 Existing Conditions and Trends

Why We Need This: Understanding existing conditions and trends is essential for assessing the project's potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts. This information provides baseline data for evaluating how the project will affect the surrounding area and helps identify potential issues such as gentrification, displacement, or changes to neighborhood character.

What to Include: Describe the physical condition of the Subject Property and surrounding area; provide demographic information; describe market conditions; identify any trends affecting the area; and note any environmental conditions.

What happens next: After you submit this form, our team will review your project information and prepare a preliminary assessment. You will receive a detailed response within one business day outlining the anticipated Environmental Review pathway, timeline, and recommended next steps.