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Council introduces code amendments to Mountain View—s BMR program, sets second reading
Summary
Council introduced an ordinance amending Chapter 36 to clarify income categories, rent-increase limits for BMR units and calculation methods; staff said the changes are cleanup items to facilitate housing projects and the ordinance was set for a March 25 second reading after an unanimous first vote to introduce.
The Mountain View City Council on Feb. 25 introduced an ordinance amending Chapter 36 of the municipal code to make several clarifying changes to the city—s Below Market Rate (BMR) housing program, including rent-increase limits for BMR units in place and clarifications to income category definitions and rent-calculation methods.
Julie Barnard, the city—s Affordable Housing Manager, told council the package represents a limited "cleanup" set of amendments from a 2023 program review designed to help projects anticipated to secure entitlements this year. Barnard described four changes: a maximum allowable rent increase of 3% in any 12-month period for in-place tenants (with 30-day written notice), clarified AMI bands for very low, low and moderate categories, codifying that BMR unit rents are calculated using assigned AMI levels for units (not tenant incomes), and clarification of the definition of "residential development." "The first modification is an addition to the ordinance, which includes adjustments to the annual allowable rent increase for in place tenants," Barnard said.
Councilmember Hicks introduced the ordinance and set a second reading date; she stated the ordinance would be read by title only and scheduled a second reading for March 25. After a short public comment period with no speakers on the item, Hicks moved to introduce the ordinance; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Ending: The ordinance was introduced and will return for a second reading and possible adoption at the council—s next regular meeting; staff characterized the changes as limited amendments to clarify program rules ahead of development activity expected to seek entitlements this year.
