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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-09-2021 YPC Agenda Packet DEPARTMENTOF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Joan Davenport, AICP, Director Planning Division Joseph Calhoun, Manager nd 129 North Second Street, 2Floor, Yakima, WA 98901 www.yakimawa.gov/services/planning/planning-commission-meetings/ City of Yakima Planning Commission ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING Wednesday, June 9, 2021 3:00 p.m. –5:00 p.m. YPC MEMBERS: Chair Jacob Liddicoat, Vice-Chair Lisa Wallace, Leanne Hughes-Mickel, Al Rose, Robert McCormick, Philip Ostriem, and Mary Place Council Liaison: Kay Funk (District 4) CITY PLANNING STAFF: Joan Davenport (Community Development Director), Rosalinda Ibarra (Community Development Administrative Asst.), Joseph Calhoun (Planning Manager), Eric Crowell (Associate Planner), Trevor Martin (Associate Planner), and Colleda Monick (Community Development Specialist), Analilia Núñez (Planning Technician) AGENDA I.Call to Order II.Roll Call III.Staff Announcements IV.Approval of Meeting Minutes of May 26, 2021 V.Housing Action Plan Next Steps VI.Other Business VII.Adjourn Next Meeting: June 23, 2021 To listen/watch this virtual meeting, please register in advance with your name and email address: https://cityofyakima.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KlZG6NRFS76YhLvfkyA_Yw After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information and instructions for joining Yakima the meeting. The meeting will also be recorded and posted on the Y-PAC website. Visit the Planning Commission webpage for more information. Country/Region NameUnited StatesUnited StatesUnited StatesUnited StatesUnited StatesUnited StatesUnited StatesUnited States 9695969595955893 Time in Session (minutes) 6/9/2021 16:336/9/2021 16:326/9/2021 16:336/9/2021 16:336/9/2021 16:336/9/2021 16:326/9/2021 15:556/9/2021 16:32 Leave Time 6/9/2021 14:576/9/2021 14:586/9/2021 14:576/9/2021 14:586/9/2021 14:586/9/2021 14:586/9/2021 14:586/9/2021 15:00 Join Time EmailAsk.Planning@yakimawa.govmichael.brown@yakimawa.govaar7040@gmail.complaceml@charter.netrob@mccormickaircenter.comleanne.mickel@me.comkay.funk@yakimawa.govlisakwallace@hotmail.com 06-09-2021 YPC Meeting Attendee Report Last Nameof Yakima Planning DivisionBrown (YPAC)Rose (YPC)Place (YPC)McCormick (YPC)Hughes-Mickel (YPC)Funk (Council Liaison)Wallace (YPC Vice-Chair) First NameCityMichaelAlMaryRobLeanneKayLisa User Name (Original Name)Joseph Calhoun (Planning) (City of Michael Brown (YPAC)Al Rose (YPC)Mary Place (YPC)Rob McCormick (YPC)Leanne Hughes-Mickel (YPC)Kay Funk (Council Liaison)Lisa Wallace (YPC Vice-Chair) AttendedYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes DEPARTMENTOF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Joan Davenport, AICP, Director Planning Division Joseph Calhoun, Manager nd 129 North Second Street, 2Floor, Yakima, WA 98901 www.yakimawa.gov/services/planning City of Yakima Planning Commission June 9, 2021 To: APA Planning Excellence Award Review Team From: City of Yakima Planning Commission, Jacob Liddicoat, Chair Subject:Letter of Support –Planning Excellence Award The City of Yakima Planning Commission is pleased to support this application for a Planning Excellence Award. The City’s new Housing Action Plan was recently adopted by Council and received the full support of the Planning Commission. The Housing ActionPlan addressed several key issues related to housing, and the strategies contained therein rely heavily on community engagement. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, non- traditional outreach strategies were implemented. This included two rounds of a virtual survey, targeted engagement with communities of color, consultation with the City’s Community Integration Committee, and a Technical Advisory Committee comprised of industry representatives and members of the community. The broad and inclusive engagement process ensured that a variety of voices were heard and their concerns integrated into the Housing Action Plan. As a result of the public engagement process, many of the implementation strategies in the Housing Action Plan incorporated considerations of equity. It changed the focus of housing issues on place-based improvementsas well as programs and partnerships that address barriers that communities face. Thanks, ________________ Jacob Liddicoat, Chair City of Yakima Planning Commission City of Yakima Planning Commission (YPC) Meeting Minutes Virtual Meeting via Zoom May26, 2021 Call to Order Chair Liddicoatcalled themeeting to order at3:00p.m. Roll Call YPC Members Present:Chair Jacob Liddicoat, Vice-chairLisa Wallace, Al Rose,Mary Place,Leanne Hughes-Mickel,Phil Ostreim YPC Members Absent:Rob McCormick Staff Present: Joseph Calhoun, Planning Manager;Sara Watkins, City Attorney Council Liaison: Kay Funk, District 4 Others: Amy Summe (Shannon & Wilson)Sign-in sheet in file Calhoun provided instructions on how attendees can participate during the public hearing. Staff Announcements–Planning Manager Joseph Calhoun announced the following: Comp Plan/Rezone process –finalizing Notice of Complete review and will be working on schedule for sending public notices. May 12, 2021 Meeting Minutes–It was motioned by CommissionerPlaceand seconded by Commissioner Roseto approve the meeting minutes ofMay 12, 2021as presented.The motion carried unanimously. Public Hearing on Shoreline Master Program Update–Chair Liddicoat explained the hearing process. Calhounpresented the staff report –this effort is funded through a $28k grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology. The City contracted with Shannon & Wilson to perform the update process consistent with State law (RCW 90.58. WAC 173-26/27). SEPA Environmental Review was conducted with a DNS issued on May 6, 2021. This SMP periodic update is consistent with WAC 173-26-090–the City has found that a review and evaluation has occurred and the revisions made are identified in the draft SMP, consistent with the SMP checklist. One comment was received prior to the hearing, which is addressed in the body of the report. The staff recommendation is to hold the public hearing, receive testimony from the public, and forward a recommendation to the Council. Afterthe hearing, staff will compile any additional comments that come in prior to the close of the comment period on June 7. Those comments and the final draft plan will then be forwarded to the Department of Ecology for a Determination of Consistency. When the DOE determination is received, the SMP will be scheduled for final consideration at City Council. Commissioner Place asked about a definition for Mitigation. Calhoun stated that a definition could be added. The specifics of what mitigation is requiredis dependent on the situation. Summeand Calhounstated that a generic definition could be added to YMC 17.01.Summe noted YMC 17.05.020 describes the mitigation process and sequencing that could be cross-referenced. Chair Liddicoat opened thepublic testimony portion ofpublic hearing. Calhoun re-stated the instructions for attendee participation. At this time, no attendees raised their hand to speak –Chair Liddicoat closed the public testimony. -1- Place asked about the impact of the homeless situation to the SMP. Calhoun stated that the SMP doesn’t specifically address homelessness and that those efforts are processed under separate state and local codes. Rose asked about Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation/Areas –is there a way to simplify those definitions? Summe stated that those definitions come from the RCW. Rose asked about the definition of Waters of the State –does this give the state control over all waters? Calhoun stated that the definition comes from the RCW and explained the difference between Shoreline jurisdiction and Critical Areas jurisdiction. A new attendee arrived on the zoom call –Chair Liddicoat re-opened the public testimony and Eric Bartrand, Area and Habitat Biologist, from WDFW was promoted to a panelist and allowed to speak. Bartrand further explained that once water is legally diverted, it is no longer considered as a Water of the State unless it comingles with natural water or other natural sources. Rose asked about Hyporheic flow –Summe stated that those are waters connected to a stream channel that are in a riparian zone. Calhoun read the definition in YMC 17.01. Wallace asked Bartrand for an example of Waters of the State –Bartrand stated effectively all water is considered a water of the state until legally diverted, similar to how all fish are “publicly owned” until such time as they are legally harvested. Place asked about wellhead protection zonesand applicability –Calhoun stated that it is location specific. Within SMP jurisdiction it will be in YMC Title 17 and outside of that will be in YMC Ch. 15.27. Place asked about the Greenway and nonconforming. Calhoun stated that the Greenway isn’t nonconforming with permitted activities going back to the early 90s/late 80s. Chair Liddicoat closed the public testimony portion of the hearing. Motion by Commissioner Rose: Based on the testimony and evidence presented during this afternoon’s public hearing, I move that the Planning Commission adopt the findings of fact and order that the draft ordinance be forwarded to the Yakima City Council with a recommendation for approval. Commissioner Hughes-Mickel seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Other Business–None Adjourn–A motion to adjourn to June 9, 2021was passed with unanimous vote. This meeting adjourned at approximately 3:35p.m. Chair Liddicoat Date This meeting was filmed by YPAC. Minutes for this meeting submitted by:Joseph Calhoun, Planning Manager -2- City of Yakima Planning Commission Housing Action Plan –Next Steps June 9, 2021 Introduction – The Housing Action Plan was passed by Council on June 1, 2021 (Formal Resolution going to Council on June 15, 2021). We will begin implementation steps immediately. Of the 37 Implementation Strategies, YPC review and recommendation will be a critical step for 10 Strategies. Applicable Law Sections – The YPC will primarily be involved with implementing changes in the Zoning Ordinance (YMC Title 15) and the Subdivision Ordinance (YMC Title 14). Additional changes will likely occur in the Comprehensive Plan and SEPA rules. YPC Applicable Strategies – 1. Update city regulations to remove barriers to innovative housing types YMC Title 15, YMC Title 14, Comprehensive Plan 7. Create design standards for multifamily and mixed-use development YMC Title 15 8. Improve permitting and environmental process YMC Title 15, YMC Ch. 6.88 14. Revise parking standards in key areas YMC Ch. 15.06 16. Consider fee waivers or deferrals for affordable housing YMC Ch. 15.26 22. Address mobile home parks that are dilapidated YMC Ch. 15.04 23. Encourage micro-retail and flexible cultural design space YMC Title 15 26. Incentivize Senior Housing YMC Title 15 28. Minimize barriers to development of housing serving multiple populations YMC Title 15 32. Incentivize backyard cottages and cottage housing YMC Title 15 1.Update city regulations to remove barriers toinnovative housing types. LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership CityPartner$$$$ Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement Description. Most housing in the City of Yakima is single-family (65% of all housing inventory) or multifamily of three or more units (22% of all housing inventory). Supporting innovative housing types and arrangements will more fully meet the needs and preferences of Yakima’s community members. For example, community engagement revealed that many Yakima residents seek multigenerational, senior, and more affordable housing opportunities that these types of innovative housing can facilitate. Thereare a wide variety of housing types that help reduce housing costs and fit into a small-town character. Each is definedbelow. Exhibit 1.Housing Types - Examples of innovative housing types include: Tiny homesare small dwelling units on a foundation or on a carriage with wheels with between 150-400 square feet of habitable floor area. They are affordable compared with traditional site-built homes. They may be located on their own lot, serve as an accessory dwelling unit, or be located in a village arrangement in a manufactured home or RV park. Their small size and cottage like nature make them compatible in single-family areas on their own lot or as an accessory dwelling unit. They may offer temporary or long-term housing for seasonal workers such as in a manufactured home or RV park. Senate Bill (SB) 5383, passed in May 2019, legally permitted tiny houses as permanent dwellings in Washington State; as a result, the State Building Council adopted International Residential Code standards that apply to tiny houses, effective in November 2020. SB 5383 also expanded RCW 58.17.040(5) of the subdivision statute to allow the creation of tiny house villages such as through a binding site plan and stops cities from prohibiting tiny houses in manufactured/mobile home parks. House Bill (HB) 1085, passed in 2018, also allows local jurisdictions to remove minimum unit size limitations on detached houses. Microhomesare small dwellings in a multifamily style. There are two types: Congregate housing “sleeping rooms” are often in the 140-200 square-foot range and may includeprivate bathrooms and kitchenettes. Shared facilities include kitchens, gathering areas, and other common amenities for residents. A small efficiency dwelling unit (SEDU) is a very small studio apartment including a complete kitchen and bathroom. Typically, the units will be as small as 220 square feet of total floor space, as compared to 300 square feet for the smallest typical conventional studio apartments. Microhomes are more affordable apartment units, and could be located in commercial, mixed-use, and high-density multifamily zones. Modular homesare structures that are built offsite, then transported to a permanent site. They differ from manufactured or mobile homes in that modular homes are constructed to meet the same state, regional, or local building codes as site-built 1 homes, while manufactured homes adhere to national HUD code standards. Co-op housingis a form of shared housing in which a cooperative corporation owns housing, and residents own stock shares in the corporation and participate in 2 governance of the cooperative.Shared property, usually including a common house, is part of what defines this type of housing. These spaces allow residents to gather for shared meals, activities, and celebrations as well as the collaborative work required to care for the spaces. Multi-generational homesare designed to provide space for multiple generations living together under one roof, with each generation benefiting from their own separate space and privacy. The design of the home is similar to a single-family residence in outward appearance with an interior layout designed around common areas with separate spaces for the different family groups. Other related dwelling unit types include cottages–acluster of small dwelling units, generally less than 1,200 square feet,around a common open space–and zero-lot line development, whichallows a zero or minimal setback normally required within a particular zone thus promoting efficient use of buildable land.Zero-lot line development is common with townhouse developments and may also be designed as an attached single-family home. The City of Yakima has made several changes recentlyto encouragethe above housing types.Tiny houses onan individual lot are currently treated the same as a regular single-family home. The City has also updated its definition of multifamily development to include any residential use where three or more dwellings are on the same lot. This can be 3+ tiny homes, a duplex and a tiny home, or other combinations. A new manufactured home canbe placed anywhere a single-family home can locate, consistent with state law. However, process and level of review for these housing types can be improved. For example, to build a tiny home on a new smaller 1 HUD https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/rmra/mhs/faqs. 2 University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives. http://reic.uwcc.wisc.edu/house/ single lot (smaller than the city’s current minimum lot size requirement of 6,000 SF) one must go through a Planned Development process. Streamlining and simplifying the review process for smaller housing types can further support encourage these housing types. Gaps Addressed. Yakimaneeds to create housing units at a rate of 295 units annually through 2040. Housing like tiny homes and modular housing is often less expensive to develop than traditional, single-family homes. These cost savings could help encourage and facilitate the development of more housing that can also be more attainable for households with lower incomes. This housing is often also more suitable for small households, for whom Yakima currently has a shortage of housing options. Cooperative housing can provide a more affordable opportunity for homeownership than traditional single-family homeownership. Yakima, like many communities in Washington, also has a shortage of farmworker housing. Innovative housing types can provide farmworkers with high-quality housing that meets local codes, but at a lower cost to developers. Considerations.Additional options to encouragetiny homes, micro housing, cottage homes, multigenerational homes and othersinclude: Allowing for differentzoning/densityoptionsto incorporate the above-listed housing types. Density/massing and review process: Consider allowing a higher number of units than typical for the zone, due to smaller home size or where legacy pesticides are present.Some density increase is essential because the units are smaller and usually more expensive to build on a cost/square feet basis. Consider applying a maximum floor area ratio limit or an across the board allowed density for tiny houses, for instance one tiny house per 1,200 square foot of lot area. Consider reduced development standards such as lot coverage and setbacks for multi-generational homes. Design elements. Provide design standards in a manner similar to cottage housing clusters: Consider providing design standards for both common open spaces and semi- private open spaces for individual cottages. Permit construction of a shared community building to provide a space for gathering and sharing tools. Play close attention to how parking can/should be integrated with tiny house clusters. Example Communities Cohousing:Haystack Heights in Spokane is an intergenerational village that is close to downtown with clustered townhouses and flats tomaximize efficiency, interaction, and green space. Designed to include 39 units spread out among four buildings, the development includes spaces to share skills and facilities. 7.Create design standards for multifamily and mixed-use development. LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership CityPartner$$$$ Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement Description. Well-crafted design standards help to expand housing choices while minimizing impacts to adjacent uses and reinforcing the character of the area. They mitigate impacts of density, building massing/scale, parking and vehicle access areas, and service elements. Design standards can be used to promote compatible “infill” development in the downtown core, business districts, and neighborhoods, to incrementally transform automobile-oriented neighborhoods or corridors into more dynamic pedestrian-friendly communities,and to guide the design of new development sites consistent with the community’s vision. Universal design is a key elementto integrate with design standards. Universal design creates an environment accessible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability, or disability.Universal design features include the layout and design of the home as well as specific features within homes. Typical layouts that accommodate universal design include locating a bathroom and bedroom on the first floorand others. Specific features includehandrails or grab bars in the bathroom, doorways sized to fit wheelchairs, a wheelchair-accessible kitchen, and a step-free entryway into the home. Gaps Addressed. Yakima does not yet have design standards for commercial and 3 multifamily development. The City does allow “mixed use buildings” as a class 1 permitted use in all commercial districts. Design standards on a citywide or targeted basis can help the City set expectations for quality and affordable design in new development and prioritize investments in existing neighborhoods lacking infrastructure, recreation, and other features. Addressing design quality can also increase the acceptance and compatibility of new housing types supporting housingtype variety.Demand for universal design is expected to grow as the community ages. Considerations.Balanced design standards should promote good design without imposing prohibitively costly standards on new developments. Design standards should focus onformtoensurehousing scale and site design is compatiblewith surrounding neighborhoods. Form based standards that should be prioritized include floor-area- ratio, façade articulation, building massing, height, and bulk, and trees/shade. Integrating development and design standards as complementary standards can help balance design with feasibility. Allowing scaling of standards based on the form of the building rather than the number of units is also a key consideration to avoid discouraging small units on small lots. Design standards should also include allowances 3 “Mixed-use building” means a building in a commercial district or planned development used partly for residential use and partly for a community facility or commercial use. for modified parking standards, smaller unit sizes and different combinations of attached and detached units. Considerations to develop an effective set of design standards include: Using arobust community engagement process canhelp define the vision and identify critical community design issues. This information can be valuable to define what types of developments are acceptable and unacceptable. Consider an approach that utilizes clear minimum standards but offers strategic flexibility with clear guidance in how alternative designs are evaluated. Such an approach offers a good mix of predictability and flexibility and can be tailored to fit the community. Ultimately if offers a communitytheopportunityto say no if the design doesn’t meet the intent whileofferingapplicants flexibility to propose alternative designs. Craft design standards to offer choices in how to conform with particular design provisions, whether it’s the techniques to articulate a façade or how to add desired design details to storefronts. Such provisions allow greater flexibility in design and the ability to better control construction costs. Provide plenty of photos and graphics to effectively illustrate the standards. Consider providing multiple good examples so applicants understand there are several ways to meet the standard. Likewise, providing bad examples can be very effective tools at communicating “what not to do.” Such illustrations should clearly communicate the standard or standards. Similar to form-based approach, some factors to consider in developing design standards: Pay special attention to the review process and staffing resources and needs. Make sure the required design features are economically feasible. Consider the standard’s usability by staff, applicants, and the community Test key elements of the design standards prior to adoption to ensure that development is feasible from a physical and economic standpoint. 8.Improve permitting and environmental review process. LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership CityPartner$$$$ Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement Description. Providing an efficient, predictable, and user-friendly permitting process can encourage new housing construction by reducing potential confusion or perception of risk among developers as well as lowering their administrative carrying costs. Many City practices facilitate permit processing and provide clarity and speed for applicants, such as the free of charge pre-application meeting, and an on-line permit building permit portal. The City did extensive work on the permit process in 2019 by simplifying permit levels for housing unit types, creating an infill exemption under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and raising maximum exemption thresholds under SEPA. The City provides monthly and annual permit summaries to track progress. There are potentially other ways in which the City can improve the clarity, speed,and 4 consistency of thepermit review process, consistent with legal requirements. Gaps Addressed. Improved permitting and reviewadd clarity and certainty to the development process. This can translate to higher interest in development in Yakima and improvements in affordability. Considerations. Adaptive management through permit procedure audits or studies and refinementscan help ensure that permitting improvements are continuous and effective.This could identify additional policy and process changes to improve permit review timelines and communication. Increased electronic capabilities should be introduced. The City recently incorporated Bluebeam electronic plan review software. Additional process or programmatic efficiencies should be looked at as technology continues to advance. 4 Legal requirements for jurisdictions planning under GMA: Chapter 36.70B RCW, Local Project Review; other Jurisdictions: Chapter 35.63 RCW, Chapter 35A.63 RCW, or Chapter 36.70 RCW 14. Revise parking standardsin key areas. LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES AffordabilityHousingSupplyHomeownership CityPartner$$$$ Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement 5 Description. Yakima currently has minimum parking standards for residential buildings. Current parking standards require 1.5 or 2 stalls per multifamily unit (depending on density) and 2 per single-family detached dwelling. Parking facilities add substantial cost in the development new housing, whether it’s surface or structured parking. Reducing parking can be an important way to increase affordability. Parking needs also vary by location and household type. Senior households, for instance, mayhave less need parking. Gaps Addressed. Yakimaneeds to create housing units at a rate of 295 units annually through 2040. Decreasing development costs by revising parking standards could help encourage and facilitate the development of new housing. Areas in the city near transit can support and benefit from higher-density multifamily housing. Revising parking standards has particular potential to increase housing available near transit where cars are less necessary. Increasing available housing near transit is also especially helpful when providing housing for older adults and people with disabilities, both of whom may have limited physical mobility or be unable to drive. Considerations. There are several elements to consider when revising parking standards. These could include: Relating multifamily parking to the number of bedrooms. Counting on-street parking toward parking ratios. Adding additional parking tools for alternative compliance, such as contracting with car-share providers, providing transit passes to residents, shared use parking, and off- site parking. Reducing or eliminating parking requirements in areas such as the historic downtown where on-street parking serves needs, especially for change of use and redevelopment, to ensure historic and compact downtown character can be retained. Lowering parking requirements in areas with higher transit service as well as in areas targeted for redevelopment and affordable housing. Adopting rules that allow third party sharing/rental of parking spaces to help even out parking supply and demand. Allowing developers to reduce parking stalls if a parking study by a certified 5 See chapter 15.06 YMC. transportation planner or engineer demonstrates minimum impacts to surroundings. Updating bike parking requirements concurrently and distinguish between short- term and long-term bicycle parking. Allowing residents of multifamily housing with designated parking stalls to be able to rent their parking stall if they are carless. One potential drawback is that reductionsin parking requirementscouldprompt residents to park their cars on streets,erodingon-street parking opportunities inbusiness districts. The City should also carefully consider the needs and impacts of revised parking standards on farmworkers or inter-generational familieswhodepend on cars to access work. Example Communities Ellensburg –Senior assisted housing requires less off-street Municipal Code Ch 15.550 parking than senior housing, single family homes, duplexes, or townhomes. TheCity alsoallowson-street parking adjacent to the site to count towards parking requirements for non-residential uses, which could benefit mixed-use but not solely residentialdevelopment. Kennewick Municipal Code Ch. 18.36–Off-street parking requirements for senior or disabled housing can be reduced if public transportation is directly available, essential services are within ½ mile of the site, and a notarized agreement to provide additional off-street parking if the housing is no longer restricted to senior or disabled persons. Business in the central business district are also allowed to count adjacent on-street parking towards their parking requirements. Prosser Municipal Code Ch. 18.95–Allows on-site parking variances for projects applying for earned increased density by providing affordable housing. Bellevue Municipal Code 20.25A.070and 20.20.128–Studio and 1-bedroom units affordable to 80% AMI in Downtown have reduced minimum parking requirements of 0.5 stalls per unit. The percent of compact parking stalls may also be increased for buildings containing affordable housing (up to 75% in non-Downtown zones and up to 85% in Downtown zones). 16.Consider fee waivers or deferrals for affordable housing. LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership CityPartner$$$$ Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement Description. Fee waivers or deferrals reduce the up-front cost of construction for residential development. Utility connection fees and project review fees can bring high costs for residential properties. Waiving or deferring some fees for income-restricted units can be an incentive to encourage the development of income-restricted affordable units. Gaps Addressed. By waiving or deferring fees, the City can support affordable homeownership, middle-income rental housing, older adult housing, and very-low income housing in Yakima. Considerations. This incentive is most effective when combined with a larger incentive package for affordable housing. Example Communities Port Townsendallows for deferral of system development charges, building fees, and utility connection charges to serve single-family or multifamily residences for low-income households. If there are mixed income proposals, the deferral is in proportion to the proportion of units that are proposed to be affordable. Up to four single familydwelling units per applicant per yearare eligible or up to $10,000 for multi-family developments. The deferral is subject to an agreement specifying the waiver/repayment period, criteria for waiver, reporting requirements, and a lien. Puyallupallows for a reduction in sewer system development charges (SDCs) if a senior or low-income housing project demonstrates lower average water consumption. Pierce County, Washington.Regulatory incentives for affordable housing at 80% or less of the Pierce County median household income include expedited permit processing (building permits, subdivisions, road and design review), fee waivers, bonus units,and alternative open space and parkingstandards. The County assumes shared equity when units increase in value, which is recaptured at time of sale to fund price reductions for additional units. 22.Address mobile home parks that are dilapidated. LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership CityPartner$$$$ Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement Description. Mobile homes are often an affordable option for renters and homeowners. There are various types of mobile home parks, which may be owned by a single entity or community-owned through a Resident Owned Communities (ROC) designation. Mobile home parks that are disinvested and lack proper infrastructure are often at risk of being acquired, which would displace residents of these communities. Addressing much needed repairs and upgrades can help to mitigate displacement of vulnerable residents and ensure improved safety and quality of life. Gaps Addressed. Mobile home parks meet the needs of those who want to live in a detached single-family home but often cannot afford the associated mortgage or rent payment. Considerations. Partnerships with non-profits experienced with mobile home rehabilitation may be necessary to address improvements and preserve housing. Example Programs CASA of Oregon’sManufactured Housing Cooperative Development (MHCD) Center is one of nine Certified Technical Assistance Providers (CTAPs) under the national ROC USA network. ROC USA is a nonprofit that provides technical assistance with specialized purchase financing for resident cooperative corporations. CASA of Oregon delivers pre-and post-purchase technical assistance and helps manufactured homeowners secure the financing needed. The City of Auburn Home Repair Program Provides grants for minor and emergency repairs,including for mobile homes. The City offers $7,000 grants paid directly to contractors. The City of Kent Home Repair Assistance Program offers home repair services to low- and moderate-income homeowners, including mobile homes. Mobile homes must be builtin 1976 or newer with HUD certification in order to qualify and gross income must not exceed 80% AMI. Grants include a $5,000 limit for mobile homes. The King County Housing Authority Weatherization Program provides weatherization services for homeowners, including mobile homeowners. An income threshold must be met to access free services. The King County Housing Repair Program provides grants up to $8,000 to mobile homeowners who need to make quality of life repairs to their homes and do not own the landor pad where mobile home sits. Grants do not have to be repaid. 23.Encourage micro-retail and flexible cultural space design. LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership CityPartner$$$$ Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement Description. In some cases, displacement occurs when smaller retailers and cultural spaces that anchor communities disappear fromneighborhoods. Gaps Addressed. Ensuring affordable commercial spaces in neighborhoods as new development come in can help reduce displacement. Considerations. Preserving existing affordable space is most effective for maintaining affordability. If new space must be built or adapted, it works best to design the ground floor with nontraditional commercial uses, such as aflexible space for different types of businesses and arts organizations. 26.Incentivize senior housing. LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership CityPartner$$$$ Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement Description. Cities have several tools at their disposable to incentivize the production of new housing for older adults by private developers and builders. These include the authorization to waive or reduce impact fees for senior housing, the ability to offer density bonuses for buildings with units reserved for older adults, allowing a greater variety of housing types in existing zones (e.g., cottages, duplexes, etc.), offering property owners tax exemptions when constructing multi-family housing (MFTE), and more. Gaps Addressed. The strategies highlighted here all address the need for additional housing that meets the needs of older adults, particularly as a segment of the population ages over the next 10 years. Considerations. In implementing any new policies, decision-makers should consider the ability of the policy both to incentivize the production of housing that meets the affordability needs of older adults, but also thesocial needs (e.g., proximity to family) andhousing design and layoutneeds (e.g., mobility considerations). 28.Minimize barriers to development ofhousing servingmultiple populations. LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership CityPartner$$$$ Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement Description. Housing providers often build housing that serves multiple populationsto increase financial stability and local support for the development. For example, a housing development may include units for agricultural workers, people withdisabilities, large familiesand people experiencing homelessness.Regulatory barriers should be reviewed to ensure they align with these practices and do not unintentionally add time and cost to the development process. The key barrier identified by stakeholders is when 6 a use is defined as a “Mission” when services are open to the public at large. Uses that are defined as “Mission” uses are only allowed in General Commercial(GC),Central Business District (CBD) and the Light Industrial zones(M1). Gaps Addressed. This strategy can help to increase housing supply, increase affordable housing options, and support the needs of vulnerable populations such as farmworkers, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness. Considerations. Review potential updates to the zoning code use table and definitions. 6 “Mission” means a facility typically owned or operated by a public agency or nonprofit corporation, providing a variety of services for the disadvantaged, typically including but not limited to temporary housing for the homeless, dining facilities, health and counseling activities, whether or not of a spiritual nature, with such services being generally provided to the public at large. 32.Incentivize backyard cottages and cottage housing. LEADTIMELINEINVESTMENTEFFORTOBJECTIVES AffordabilityHousing SupplyHomeownership CityPartner$$$$ Older Adult OptionsStabilityAnti-Displacement Description. Cottage housing refers to a cluster of small dwelling units, typically less than 1,200 square feet, around a common open space. This arrangement offers a development approach that is appropriate and compatible with low-density residential neighborhoods, and their smaller size makes them more affordable than a typical single-family residence. Like cottage housing, backyard cottages or accessory dwelling units(both attached and detached)provide housing alternatives that increase the capacity of residential neighborhoods.The City has put in place several modifications in 2020 to expand the zones in which these homes are allowed and simplified the overall process. Creating pre-approved ADU plans is a potential way to further incentivize these smaller housing types. Gaps Addressed. Providing cottage housing and backyard cottages helps to diversify the housing stock, increasing housing supply for individuals and families with different needs.Backyard cottages or accessory dwelling unitscan also be a helpful option for multi-generational families. These unitsmay serve as rentals providing additional income for homeowners or as main unit extensions that offer privacy for older or extended family members. They offer affordable options torenters and canassist homeowners in need of additional income to avoid displacement.Increasing the diversity of the housing stock also supports affordable homeownership. Considerations. Somedensity increases may be needed for cottage housing in single- family areassince these units are smaller and can be more expensive to build on a cost-per-square-foot basis. The typical density increase is two cottages per one traditional single-family home. Applying design standards and a maximum floor area ratio limit can ensure these units fit well into the applicable single-family contexts. It is important that the approval process for the units is not overly burdensome.