In plain language — from the agenda backup
This is a public hearing and ordinance amending City Code Section 25-2-656, the Citywide Density Bonus (DBC) combining district rules, on how developers meet their affordability obligations \u2014 specifically whether an applicant can write a check instead of building income-restricted rental units on site. It matters because it shifts where the affordable homes actually land: inside the new building versus funded elsewhere through the city's fee-in-lieu pot. According to the item, certain projects in the program would provide on-site affordable housing rather than paying the fee, which could reduce fee-in-lieu collections over time, offset by the on-site units the development delivers.
The official agenda language
Conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance amending City Code Section 25-2-656 (Citywide Density Bonus (DBC) Combing District Regulations) to allow an applicant using the Citywide Density Bonus Program to pay a fee in lieu of providing on-site, income-restricted rental units. Funding: If it is approved, this item would require certain projects participating in the Citywide Density Bonus program to provide on-site affordable housing rather than being allowed to provide fee-in-lieu. This item could result in a reduction in the overall amount of fee-in-lieu collected under the program over time, but the reduction would be offset by the provision of on-site affordable housing units by the development.
"without objection, item number 31 is adopted." — meeting transcript (unofficial)
What got said
- Councilmember Qadri emphasized ensuring on-site units near Project Connect light rail.
- Councilmember Alter expressed support for fee-in-lieu but requested reporting on unit generation differences.