Title
Workshop to Discuss Updates to the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance.
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this workshop is categorically exempt from further environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies). (Planning, Building and Transportation)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Program 7 of the Housing Element calls for a review of the City of Alameda's (City) Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, which currently requires residential projects of five or more units to provide 15% of units at affordable prices for moderate, low, and very low-income households. State law also requires that developers have alternative compliance options, such as paying an in-lieu fee, dedicating land, or constructing units off-site. In addition, meeting certain affordable housing thresholds helps the City qualify for state and regional funding programs related to planning, transportation, and climate adaptation.
Over the past year, staff, a consultant team, and a working group reviewed feasibility analysis, discussed program structure, and gathered input from developers. This includes feedback from the Housing and Human Services (HHS) Division of the City Manager's Office based on their experience managing and monitoring the affordable housing program. After incorporating this input, staff is seeking City Council feedback on potential updates that would generally maintain the overall cost of compliance for developers while adjusting the income mix to better align with local housing needs and regional grant eligibility. Staff is also presenting options for establishing a Citywide in-lieu fee that could be calibrated to either encourage on-site affordable units or generate funding for off-site affordable housing development. These approaches may differ for rental and ownership projects. Overall, staff and the working group b...
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