Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council discusses proposed multifamily infill code changes, including fee-in-lieu and affordability thresholds
Summary
Staff proposed amending the multifamily infill code to allow fee-in-lieu for fractional affordable-unit calculations and to align ownership-affordability definitions with state funding thresholds (proposed 38% vs local 30%). Council directed staff to continue the review and consider targeted outreach to stakeholders.
Director Penny briefed the council on proposed amendments to the city's multifamily infill code and inclusionary zoning rules. The three elements presented were: exempting developments affordable to moderate-income households from the 15% inclusionary requirement; allowing fractional affordable-unit calculations to be resolved via a fee-in-lieu rather than mandatory rounding up; and aligning the ownership-affordability measure with some state programs at 38% of monthly income rather than the city’s current 30% standard.
Penny said the changes aim to reduce a development disincentive at small project sizes and to align definitions with state funding programs. Council members debated trade-offs: some said raising the affordability threshold to 38% could make projects more feasible for nonprofit developers seeking state funds, while others argued that 38% may not reflect true affordability in Langley given higher local costs. Council generally supported continuing the proposal through the Planning Advisory Board and targeted outreach to affordable- and market-rate developers before returning with recommended implementation details.
