Deerfield board adopts affordable housing policy to implement 2021 ordinance; staff outlines restrictive covenants and enforcement

The Village of Deerfield Board of Trustees adopted a resolution establishing policies and procedures to implement the village’s affordable housing ordinance passed in 2021.

Andrew and Amy Kaufman of Community Partners for Affordable Housing (referred to in the meeting as SIPA) described how the policy will operate: developers must submit preliminary and final affordable-compliance plans; a designated consultant will manage tenant and owner qualification, recertification, and wait lists; and restrictive covenants will be recorded so affordability requirements run with the property in perpetuity. Amy summarized the organization’s role in marketing, tenant education, and administration to ensure units serve intended income groups.

Trustees discussed enforcement mechanisms. Staff said the village will not issue certificates of occupancy until required covenants are recorded and that the village has remedy rights if developers or property managers fail to comply. The policy also requires counseling or classes for tenants and homeowners as part of the certification process.

Staff and trustees noted the policy will apply to current and upcoming developments including Continental, Pulte, and Venpoint; staff said those projects collectively will yield roughly 70 affordable or low-income units when combined with other recent efforts. Board members asked about HOA declarations, how assessments are handled for affordable lots, and how the village will ensure HOAs do not amend requirements without approval; staff said the village approves HOA documents before recordation and retains rights to object to unauthorized amendments.

The resolution passed on a roll call vote. Staff said the policy will be published and used in predevelopment meetings so future applicants know the requirements early in the review process.