Moderate-income housing code amendments

Every hearing and vote

1. November 7, 2023 · City Council

   Moderate-income housing code amendments, Ordinance 23-32 (public hearing)

   Approved with conditions · 4-0

   The amendments responded to a state requirement tied to transportation funding and covered density bonuses, micro-living units and occupancy limits. The Planning Commission recommended approval 6-1. About 20 residents spoke; most opposed raising occupancy from three unrelated people to four, citing parking, absentee landlords and neighborhood character, and some worried micro-units could become mobile-home-style parks. Dr. Gail Yost asked about tiny houses for veterans and the homeless. Council Members Simmonds and Amy Anderson opposed the four-person increase and Chairman López relayed Council Member Jensen's opposition. The council preferred a 20 percent density bonus with 10 percent of units income-restricted at 50 percent of area median income over the 25 and 5 percent proposal, limited micro-units to walkable areas near jobs and transit, and adopted the ordinance as amended.

   • Conditions: occupancy stays at three unrelated people; 20% density bonus; 10% of units income-restricted at 50% AMI

   Moved by Council Member Jeannie Simmonds, seconded by Council Member Amy Anderson. Vote: 4-0; Council Member Tom Jensen absent

2. October 17, 2023 · City Council

   Workshop: moderate-income housing code amendments, Ordinance 23-32

   Discussed

   Community Development Director Mike DeSimone proposed density bonuses of up to 25 percent on sites over three acres with at least 5 percent of units deed-restricted at or below 80 percent of area median income, micro-living units of 150 to 400 square feet, and raising the occupancy limit from three to four unrelated people. The Planning Commission recommended approval 6-1. Council Member Simmonds said the 5 percent share was too low and suggested 9 to 10 percent; Council Member Jensen said the incentive must be strong enough for developers. Action was set for November 7.

3. February 21, 2023 · City Council

   Fee waiver guidelines for moderate income housing, Resolution 23-03 (public hearing)

   Approved · 5-0

   The council approved fee waivers for up to 30 moderate income housing units a year, up to 5 conversions of uninhabitable housing and up to 5 detached accessory dwelling units, at an estimated $100,000 to $300,000 a year. DeSimone said recorded land use restriction agreements and tax credits keep units affordable. No one spoke.

   Moved by Council Member Tom Jensen, seconded by Council Member Mark Anderson. Vote: 5-0; the minutes say the motion carried unanimously, counted here as the 5 council members present

4. February 7, 2023 · City Council

   Fee waiver guidelines for moderate income housing, Resolution 23-03 (workshop)

   Discussed

   DeSimone presented guidelines under the moderate income housing plan to waive impact and permit fees for up to 30 moderate income housing units a year (estimated cost $100,000 to $300,000), up to 5 conversions of uninhabitable housing a year and up to 5 detached accessory dwelling units a year at half the fees. Eligible projects need a recorded land use restriction agreement, at least half the units restricted to households at or below 60 percent of area median income and nonprofit participation; student housing and campus zone projects are ineligible. Action was set for February 21.

5. November 15, 2022 · City Council

   Moderate income housing plan, Resolution 22-46 (public hearing)

   Approved · 5-0

   The council adopted the 2022 plan amending the general plan, under HB 462, with the Planning Commission's 6-0 recommendation. Area median income is $71,000 and about 65 percent of households are at or below 80 percent of it. Gail Yost asked about the deficit by income and age; DeSimone said the need is 1,290 to 2,700 units for households at 80 percent of median income over eight years.

   Moved by Council Member Mark Anderson, seconded by Council Member Ernesto López. Vote: 5-0; the minutes say the motion carried unanimously, counted here as the 5 council members present

6. November 1, 2022 · City Council

   Moderate income housing plan amendment, Resolution 22-46 (workshop)

   Discussed

   Community Development Director Mike DeSimone presented the state-required plan, recommended 6-0 by the Planning Commission on October 27, with strategies including rehabilitation of uninhabitable housing, accessory dwelling units, higher density near corridors, single room occupancy and housing for disabled residents and those 55 and older. Data cited: median household income $43,056 in 2020, about 65 percent of households at or below 80 percent of area median income, and owner occupancy down to 38.6 percent. The plan was slightly late to the state. Action was set for November 15.