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Council approves zoning code amendments; new rules take effect Oct. 1 and may affect affordability
Summary
Staff told the commission that council approved zoning-code amendments last night, including tree-mitigation exemptions for recorded 1'2-unit lots, a 25% affordability exemption tied to 60% CMI deed-restriction for 30 years, reduced multifamily facade requirements, and potential fee changes (park impact fee and tree fee) that could affect development costs.
City staff updated the Housing Opportunities Commission on zoning-code amendments approved by the city council and the next steps for implementation.
"The amendments and the full code were passed last night by council...the new code will go into effect come October 1," staff said. The staff briefing covered cleanup language to come in September, floodplain-related language being coordinated with the Department of Natural Resources, and fee-schedule updates tied to the new code.
Key affordability-related changes highlighted by staff include an exemption from tree-mitigation requirements for existing recorded 1'2-unit parcels, an affordability incentive that exempts certain projects that guarantee 25% of units at 60% county median income (deed restricted for 30 years), and a reduction in required multifamily facade elements (from 3 of 7 to 2 of 7), which staff said could lower construction costs. Staff warned the commission to watch the park impact fee (a draft figure in materials was "over $1,600 per unit") and potential tree-fee levels (discussed in the packet as scenarios of roughly $200'$400) because those fees could materially change project budgets.
Staff and commissioners agreed the code is intended to be a "living document" subject to future cleanup and periodic review and that planning commission and council will consider fee-schedule details in September.
