Board backs ordinance change to preserve CIMD affordable-housing eligibility on enhanced-mobility lands

The Planning & Zoning Board on Dec. 6 recommended approval of an ordinance that would allow properties designated as "enhanced mobility" (EM) on the future land-use map to remain eligible for the city's commercial industrial multifamily development (CIMD) affordable-housing pathway.

Brandon Shad, the city's development services director, told the board the amendment reconciles two recent policy changes: the enhanced mobility regulations created for the Brooker Creek Innovation Campus and the CIMD ordinance that permits 10% affordable units on commercial and industrial properties designated planned mobility. "What the ordinance in front of us tonight does is adds enhanced mobility as a designation that's eligible for those affordable housing projects, thus maintaining the property as a potential for those types of developments," Shad said, summarizing the effect as preserving status quo eligibility for affordable-housing CIMD projects when lands are redesignated to EM.

Board members moved and seconded the item and the board voted in support after a brief discussion; staff confirmed there were no public speakers who wished to address the item. The clerk recorded the roll-call vote in favor. The item was forwarded consistent with the board's recommendation and will be considered by city council per the city's legislative process.

Shad said the change keeps open the option for owners of affected lands to pursue CIMD projects under the 10% affordable-housing provision even if their property is redesignated from planned mobility to enhanced mobility. No changes to the CIMD affordability percentage were proposed.