Housing commission approves letter to council raising affordability concerns about Century Code zoning update

The Housing Opportunities Commission on June 11 approved an amended letter to the City of Eau Claire that raises concerns about elements of the Century Code zoning update and asks council and planning staff to account for housing affordability and accessibility when the code is finalized.

Commissioners said they drafted the letter to highlight specific provisions they believe could increase development costs and rents, and they approved the version with language narrowed to “express our concerns as to the implications of the Century Code update on housing affordability and accessibility in Eau Claire.”

The commission debated a set of cost estimates provided by the Chippewa Valley Home Builders and read into the record during the meeting. Commissioner Christina Thrun read the builders’ submitted comments, which said, in part, “this code item results in a $5,000 to $9,000 additional cost per balcony or patio depending on the developer and what is built,” and that one developer estimated that requirement could raise rents by about 5–10 percent on certain new units. The builders’ submission also listed a minimum cost for social-gathering space at roughly $25,000 and estimated a rent impact of about $33 per month for that amenity package.

Commissioners discussed how the requirement as drafted would apply mainly to larger developments. City staff explained that the draft zoning text applies the social-gathering-space/design-selection requirement to new development or major redevelopment resulting in 20 or more dwelling units, or more than 5,000 square feet of nonresidential gross floor area. Commissioners and staff also noted a waiver route exists for developments that guarantee affordability — for example through planned unit development processes or specified affordability covenants — and that single, standalone multifamily buildings and many downtown projects would often not meet the 20-unit threshold.

After edits to clarify the commission’s focus on particular elements of the Century Code rather than opposing the entire code rewrite, the commission voted to approve the amended letter. Chair acting Carrie Poser was asked to finalize the draft and circulate the corrected version so the chair’s digital signature can be added and the letter forwarded to both the Plan Commission and the City Council.

Commissioners also agreed that one or more designated HAWK representatives will present the commission’s comments in person at upcoming hearings — the Plan Commission session listed for June 30 and the City Council public discussion scheduled for July 21 — and said they will coordinate with Commissioner Thrun to ensure the designated speaker(s) have technical backup on code specifics.

The commission’s action was procedural (approval of a letter and assignment of representatives). No changes to the City’s draft code were made at the meeting; the letter will be delivered in advance of the Plan Commission and council hearings where amendments may be proposed by council members.

Members closed the agenda item after asking staff to circulate the final edited letter and confirming that the commission’s point of contact will send the signed letter to planning and council staff.