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Riverwoods adopts affordable-housing rules for multifamily-for-sale projects, adds 5% on-site minimum
Summary
Trustees approved an ordinance (Title 13) requiring 10% affordable units in multifamily for-sale developments, with at least 5% provided on site unless the board approves an alternative; trustees debated a last‑minute amendment and approved it by voice and roll call.
The Village of Riverwoods Board of Trustees approved an ordinance adding an affordable-housing requirement to the village code (Title 13) that requires multifamily for-sale developments to provide 10% of units as affordable, with at least 5% of the total units to be provided on-site unless the village board explicitly authorizes payment in lieu or different relief.
Trustee Clayton proposed and the board accepted a last-minute amendment to require at least 5% of the units to be actual on-site affordable units, with up to 5% of the requirement satisfied by a cash fee in lieu at the village fee schedule rate. The amendment was presented to the trustees during the meeting and was debated briefly before the board voted to accept the compromise language.
Why it matters: the ordinance creates a locally enforceable affordable-housing expectation for new for-sale multifamily developments. The board framed the amendment as a compromise to attract development while preserving a guarantee of some on-site affordable units unless the board decides otherwise during project review.
Discussion and process concerns: trustees acknowledged the language was revised during the meeting; some members noted the procedural awkwardness of changing ordinance text on the meeting day but voted to accept the amendment. Trustees clarified that the on-site 5% would be required unless the board waives it, and that the board retains discretion to allow more fee-in-lieu instead of on-site units in individual approvals.
Action taken: after a motion for second reading and approval — including the amendment — trustees adopted the ordinance by roll-call vote. Staff will update the village code and the fee schedule to reflect the fee-in-lieu amount for any units the developer elects to pay instead of providing on-site affordable units.
Next steps: staff will incorporate the approved language into Title 13, post the ordinance, and apply the rule to future multifamily for-sale project reviews; developers seeking relief from the 5% on-site requirement must request explicit board approval during project review.
