Mixed-Income Housing Ordinance

Background/Objectives

  • Ordinance adopted by City Council on October 3, 2000 (resolution 2000-03).
  • Achieves economic integration and the dispersal of affordable housing units to prevent segregated communities
  • Locates affordable housing near employment growth areas, so as to reduce commute times and air quality impacts, and improve productivity and family time
  • Provides affordable housing that fits the character of market rate neighborhoods

Mixed Income Housing Requirements

  • In new growth areas new residential developments must include 10% affordable to very low income and 5% affordable to low income households to address future housing needs
  • Developers may be able to provide land if they do not choose to integrate multiple housing types/affordable units within their project
  • Inclusionary units should remain affordable for at least 30 years.
  • Exclusively single-family projects may propose off-site development of inclusionary units if site is superior and approved by Planning Director.
  • Units can be single family, alternative ownership housing, duplex, or multifamily, or a combination
  • City approves Inclusionary Housing Plan with first legislative entitlement and Inclusionary Housing Agreement prior to project level approvals
  • Units must be dispersed to maximum extent feasible, and built contemporaneously with other residential components.
  • City incentives include fee waivers, priority processing, density bonus, local public funding and modifications to planning and public works development standards

Further Information