SR 05:258 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Whisnand commented that it would be a waste of the Housing Commission's time if the applicant were not amenable to having any below market rate units. Commissioner Wiest noted that the Housing Commission is not empowered to lower the threshold stated in the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance. Ms. Decker suggested that the Housing Commission could forward its comment to the Planning Commission and provide that understanding to the applicant that the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance does not necessitate the inclusion of affordable units in this project because it has less than 15 units. Vice Chairperson Harris stated that he believed it was inappropriate and unnecessary for the Planning Commission to continue this matter to its August meeting and send it to the Housing Commission when the project has less than half the number of units required for affordable housing under the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance. Chairperson Stark noted that the staff recommendation portion of the staff report makes mention of an in lieu fee payment and revenue going into a lower income housing fund for affordable housing project activities. He inquired if applicants would still have to pay the in lieu fee regardless of whether or not their projects are subject to the affordable housing provision of the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance. He further inquired what amount went into the fund. Mr. Bocian clarified that every project that does not provide actual affordable units pays the City's in lieu fee. Projects containing 15 or more units are subject to the requirements of the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance. Scott Erickson explained that the amount offee paid is based on the type of unit proposed. He stated that single family units over 1,500 square feet in area pay approximately $8,900 per unit, and projects with 1,500 square foot units or less and all multi family units pay about $2,200 per unit. He noted that while townhouses are considered single family, they would pay the lower fee if less than 1,500 square feet in area. He added that the dichotomy in fees was intentional to encourage the building of more units. Ms. Decker advised that the Winter project would fall under the second category as the single family detached units are 1,200 square feet in area, and the two multi family units are 1,054 square feet in size. She reiterated that these units are affordable by design. Vice Chairperson Harris commented that these affordable-by-design units are precisely what the Housing Commission is asking developers and builders to provide. He noted that he had heard a Planning Commission discussion regarding filling the need for these smaller units which may not be affordable for those within 80 percent of the Area Median Page - 4 -