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Palmdale approves concessions to keep 272‑unit affordable project financially viable, developer estimates $2M savings
Summary
The council granted three state‑density‑bonus concessions (overhead utilities, EV infrastructure waiver, asphalt shingle roofing) for a 272‑unit affordable project at East Avenue Q and 25th Street East; the developer estimated the concessions save about $2 million and allow the project to proceed.
The Palmdale City Council unanimously approved an amendment to a previously granted density bonus agreement to permit three concessions that state law requires localities to grant when they enable affordable housing viability.
Staff said the project site at East Avenue Q and 25th Street East will accommodate 272 units on roughly 9.8 acres. The requested concessions — allowing utilities above ground rather than undergrounding, reducing electric‑vehicle infrastructure requirements, and permitting asphalt shingle roofing instead of terracotta — were evaluated under state density bonus criteria. Staff concluded the concessions produced identifiable cost reductions necessary to facilitate affordable units.
A developer representative told the council the concessions amount to an estimated $2 million in savings and will allow the project to meet funding deadlines with state agencies. He said the project expects rents approximately 50–15% below market rates (the transcript mix of numbers indicates below‑market affordability) and anticipated closing and ground‑breaking imminent to meet tax‑credit and other funding timelines.
Council members asked technical questions about alternative materials and fire code compliance; staff assured the council buildings would meet applicable fire and building codes.
What happens next: With the concessions approved, the developer expects to finalize financing and move toward closing and construction; staff will monitor compliance with required affordable‑unit commitments.
