Caldwell staff outline point-based density bonus program, council raises questions on deed restrictions and open‑space safeguards

City of Caldwell planning staff on Monday presented a draft density bonus program that would let developers gain extra residential units in exchange for meeting public‑benefit criteria such as deed‑restricted affordable units, additional open space, dedication of land for parks or public facilities, or universal‑design units.

Robin Collins, community development director, and Joe Dodson, principal planner, described the program as voluntary, using a point system to award incremental increases in allowed density. Dodson said larger bonus awards would require more substantial commitments from developers; for the largest bonuses the draft calls for a significant share of rental units to be deed‑restricted to specified affordability levels. Dodson framed the program as the city’s new vehicle for density allowances, saying, “you no longer, through the PUD…