[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 48 (Friday, March 12, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 12285]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-6192]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Bureau of the Census


Current Population Surveys--Housing Vacancy Survey

ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Submit written comments on or before May 11, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier, 
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 
5327, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Kathleen Stoner, Census Bureau, FOB 3, Room 3340, 
Washington, DC 20233-8400, (301) 457-3806.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Census Bureau plans to request clearance for the collection of 
data concerning the Housing and Vacancy Survey (HVS). The current 
clearance expires September 30, 1999. The HVS has been conducted in 
conjunction with the Current Population Survey (CPS) since 1956 and 
serves a broad array of data users as described below.
    We conduct HVS interviews with landlords or other knowledgeable 
persons concerning vacant housing units identified in the monthly CPS 
sample and meeting certain criteria. The HVS provides the only 
quarterly and annual statistics on rental vacancy rates and 
homeownership rates for the United States, the 4 census regions, the 50 
states and the District of Columbia, and the 75 largest Metropolitan 
Areas (MAs). Private and public sector organizations use housing 
vacancy rates extensively to gauge and analyze the housing market with 
regard to supply, cost, and affordability at various points in time. In 
addition, the rental vacancy rate is a component of the index of 
leading economic indicators, published by the Department of Commerce.
    Policy analysts, program managers, budget analysts, and 
congressional staff use these data to advise the executive and 
legislative branches of government with respect to the number and 
characteristics of units available for occupancy and the suitability of 
housing initiatives. Several other government agencies use these data 
on a continuing basis in calculating consumer expenditures for housing 
as a component of the gross national product to project mortgage 
demands and to measure the adequacy of the supply of rental and 
homeowner units. In addition, investment firms use HVS data to analyze 
market trends and for economic forecasting.

II. Method of Collection

    Field representatives collect HVS information by personal-visit 
interviews in conjunction with the regular monthly CPS interviewing. We 
collect HVS data concerning units that are vacant and intended for 
year-round occupancy as determined during the CPS interview. 
Approximately 4,800 units in the CPS sample meet these criteria each 
month. All interviews are conducted using computer-assisted 
interviewing.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0607-0179.
    Form Number: There are no forms associated with the HVS. We conduct 
all interviewing on computers.
    Type of Review: Regular.
    Affected Public: Individuals who have knowledge of the vacant 
sample unit (e.g., landlord, rental agents, neighbors).
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 4,800 per month.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 3 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,880.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: The only cost to respondent is that of 
their time.
    Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.
    Legal Authority: Title 13, U.S.C., Section 182.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: March 8, 1999.
Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information 
Officer.
[FR Doc. 99-6192 Filed 3-11-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P