City adopts new zoning changes to boost workforce housing

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant updates to the city’s workforce housing program, originally outlined in Resolution 30622. The program aims to facilitate the development of 439 workforce housing units, adapting to recent state legislative changes, particularly the Live Local Act.

The meeting highlighted the necessity of amending the city’s land use and housing elements to align with state requirements, which now mandate that 40% of new multifamily mixed-use projects must be designated as workforce housing for a minimum of 30 years. This shift comes after the state removed multifamily housing from the list of areas exempt from comprehensive plan amendments, prompting the city to revise its approach.

Key zoning changes were proposed, including provisions for increased density and height restrictions in designated districts. The city has established a two-tier administrative review process to expedite smaller projects, particularly those that are 100% affordable. The first tier allows for streamlined staff-level reviews, while the second tier accommodates projects seeking minimal density increases without extensive regulatory relief.

Additionally, the city has adjusted income eligibility criteria for the workforce housing units. The new framework allows for 25% of units to serve households earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI), with the majority still aimed at those earning 100% AMI. This strategic shift is designed to enhance the program's flexibility and responsiveness to community needs.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to addressing workforce housing challenges while navigating the complexities of state legislation. The proposed changes are expected to create a more efficient process for developers and ultimately increase the availability of affordable housing options in the community.