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Council splits on direct affordability requirements versus building more supply
Summary
During the Sandy City housing workshop, members debated whether to require affordable units through negotiations or to rely on indirect approaches (more supply, smaller units). Staff recorded mixed support; some members favored indirect approaches while one member advocated using negotiation leverage to secure price-restricted units.
Council members discussed two distinct approaches to improving affordability: require negotiable affordability conditions (price targets, deed restrictions, subsidies) or pursue an indirect strategy focused on increasing supply and smaller units.
Facilitator Lynn Pace summarized the questionnaire results as indicating a preference for an indirect approach to affordability. "I did not see anything in this questionnaire response that says it is a priority for this council to take a direct approach in addressing affordability," Lynn said during the discussion. Several council members agreed that adding supply and missing-middle housing would likely have an indirect effect on affordability; others, and the public commenter, urged staff to present options for direct tools as well, including deed restrictions and redevelopment funds.
Members warned that direct requirements change the nature of negotiations with developers and create enforcement responsibilities. Staff said they would include both indirect and direct tool options for the council to consider at a future workshop, and the body directed staff to return with the full menu of possible tools rather than choosing one approach at tonight's meeting.
No ordinance or binding affordability requirement was adopted; the council asked staff to price and examine potential tools and to return with a range of options for deliberation.
