Staff proposes fee‑in‑lieu allocation and to prioritize TDRs in Bell Red amenity system

City staff outlined a revised amenity incentive system for Bell Red that aims to balance public benefits with development feasibility. The proposed fee‑in‑lieu would let projects buy bonus FAR instead of delivering on-site amenities; staff recommended allocating collected funds roughly 35% to affordable housing, 50% to open space, and 15% to arts‑district investments. Staff noted the downtown fee was recently updated and that matching that fee level provides a consistent administrative approach.

King County told the commission it would prioritize using TDRs (transfer of development rights) as an amenity option; staff confirmed TDRs are included in the draft but an interlocal agreement with King County is required to operationalize the program. Staff also clarified that certain amenities (affordable housing, grocery stores, childcare) are exempt from FAR and that daylighting and stream-restoration projects can receive full bonus credit when they exceed regulatory baseline.