County Plans Density Increases to Address Housing Shortage in East Sound

In a recent meeting of the San Juan County Planning Commission, officials discussed critical updates to the county's Urban Growth Area (UGA) and housing strategies aimed at addressing the pressing need for affordable housing. The discussions centered on population projections and land capacity analyses that revealed a significant shortfall in housing options for low-income residents, particularly those earning between 0 to 80% of the area median income (AMI).

The analysis indicated that while rural lands and Lopez Village have sufficient capacity for growth, East Sound faces a notable deficit of 227 housing units for the targeted income group. To combat this issue, the commission proposed several strategies, including increasing allowable densities in specific areas and redesignating land use to facilitate the development of more affordable housing.

Key proposals include raising the density in certain parcels from a minimum of 4 units per acre to a maximum of 12 units per acre. This change aims to create more housing opportunities that cater to lower-income families, which typically require higher density developments. The commission identified three expansion areas that could accommodate this increased density, with the potential to add 279 units of housing, surpassing the initial goal of 227 units.

The proposed changes are designed not only to meet housing needs but also to enhance public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring that affordable housing is accessible to all community members. The commission emphasized that stable and affordable housing is a fundamental human need that benefits the entire community.

As the Planning Commission moves forward with these proposals, they will continue to engage with various stakeholders to refine the plans and ensure that the housing strategies align with the community's needs. The next steps will involve further discussions and evaluations to finalize the amendments and implement the necessary changes to support the county's growth and housing objectives.