Commission wrestles with affordability threshold and whether to require perpetual affordability
Summary
The working‑group draft suggested designating at least 50% of small‑house units as affordable (using Jericho's local 100% AMI definition); commissioners debated whether that standard is appropriate, proposed alternatives (80% or 120% AMI) and questioned whether a perpetual affordability requirement would create a barrier to builders.
The proposed small‑house PUD includes an affordability component: the working group recommended at least 50% of units be designated affordable. Chris told the commission the draft uses Jericho's local affordability definition (100% of Area Median Income). Several commissioners and working‑group members said that local definition is more generous than many programs (which commonly use 80% AMI) and noted the CHIP program reference to 120% AMI; they debated whether a requirement for perpetual affordability would deter participants or whether the program should aim for "naturally affordable" housing through small unit sizes.
Commissioners proposed alternatives to make the standard more achievable — for example, defining the affordable tier at up to 120% AMI or using incentives (fee waivers or program funding) rather than strict mandates. No final decision was reached; staff was asked to provide options and potential administrative or incentive mechanisms for the commission to consider before hearings.
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