Commission refers inclusionary zoning and downtown density changes to Planning Commission for study

The commission voted under suspension of rules June 9 to ask the Planning Commission to amend Title 9 of the county code concerning inclusionary zoning and commercial district regulations. Mayor and sponsor Commissioner Hamby said the aim is to increase revenue for the county’s affordable housing fund and to allow shifting residential density within downtown projects so development can supply more affordable units.

"This really begins a process of creating more revenue for that housing fund," the mayor said, explaining that the change would let the county shift potential residential density within downtown rather than increase total downtown density. Commissioners expressed a mix of support for further study and caution about displacement risks: one commissioner said she feels a "pit in my stomach" at the prospect of rapid development pushing vulnerable residents aside and asked that the planning process carefully evaluate impacts.

The motion to send the proposed changes to the Planning Commission passed; commissioners asked for public input opportunities, analysis of height and density trade-offs, and assurance that inclusionary provisions would produce meaningful affordable-housing results before any final vote back to the commission.