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Council adopts changes to multifamily housing property‑tax exemption to emphasize shorter term and affordability options
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 801 on second reading, narrowing MFE options (removing the 12‑year option) and adding an alternate 8‑year option tied to deeper affordability (15% at 60% AMI), while retaining council oversight of MFE contract approvals.
The Woodinville City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 801 on second reading, amending the city’s multifamily housing property‑tax exemption (MFE) rules. Staff told council the changes follow consultant recommendations and align the MFE with the city’s inclusionary housing objectives.
Key changes: Staff said the ordinance deletes the 12‑year exemption option and adds an alternative 8‑year option tied to deeper affordability. The two choices described on second reading are an 8‑year MFE option at 10% of units at 50% AMI, or an alternate 8‑year option at 15% of units at 60% AMI (AMI adjusted for household size). The amendments also remove a redundant requirement to comply with the downtown illustrative vision and shift final MFE contract approval squarely to council rather than delegating approval to the city manager.
Why it matters: The MFE is a financial incentive that can reduce property taxes on multifamily residential improvements for a defined period in exchange for affordability commitments. Tightening options and keeping council approval for contracts makes the tool more directly accountable to elected officials and aligns incentives with council’s priorities for on‑site affordability.
What council did: With little additional discussion, Councilmember Randolph moved adoption and the council approved the ordinance by voice vote (unanimous). The ordinance will be implemented per Woodinville’s municipal code procedures for MFEs.
Next steps: Council directed staff to follow the adopted rules for future MFE contract reviews and to include any qualifying MFE proposals for council review under the amended code.
