[Federal Register: March 21, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 53)]
[Notices]
[Page 13448-13449]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21mr05-33]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Census Bureau


Current Population Surveys (CPS) Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS)

ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C.
3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Submit written comments on or before May 20, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th
and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet
at DHynek@doc.gov).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should
be directed to Dennis Clark, U.S. Census Bureau, FOB 3, Room 3340,
Washington, DC 20233-8400, (301) 763-3806.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Census Bureau is requesting clearance for the collection of
data concerning the HVS. The current clearance expires October 31,
2005. The HVS has been conducted in conjunction with the CPS since 1956
and serves a broad array of data users as described below.
    We conduct the HVS interviews with landlords or other knowledgeable
people 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 home
ownership rates for the United States, the four census regions, the 50
states and the District of Columbia, and the 100 largest metropolitan
areas (MAs). Private and public sector organizations use these 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 the HVS data to analyze market trends and for
economic forecasting.

II. Method of Collection

    Field representatives collect this HVS information by personal-
visit interviews in conjunction with the regular monthly CPS
interviewing. We collect HVS data concerning units that are vacant and

[[Page 13449]]

intended for year-round occupancy as determined during the CPS
interview. Approximately 6,518 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: HVS-600 (Fact Sheet for the Housing Vacancy Survey),
CPS-263 (L) (Introductory letter explaining the need for the survey and
answering frequently asked questions) and BC-1428RV (Brochure--The U.S.
Census Bureau Respects Your Privacy and Keeps Your Personal Information
Confidential).
    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: 6,518 per month.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 3 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 3,910 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: The only cost to respondents is that
of their time.

    Respondents Obligation: Voluntary.
    Legal Authority: Title 13, U.S.C., Section 182, and Title 29,
U.S.C., Sections 1-9.

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 the Office of Management and Budget
approval of this information collection; they will also become a matter
of public record.

    Dated: March 16, 2005.
Madeleine Clayton,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 05-5521 Filed 3-18-05; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-07-P