AGENDA DATE: 6/15/2022
TITLE:
Title
ZTA202200001 Resolution of Intent to Amend the Zoning Ordinance for an Affordable Dwelling Unit Program
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Adopt a Resolution of Intent to consider amending Albemarle County Code Chapter 18 (Zoning) for an Affordable Dwelling Unit Program.
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Hudson, Herrick, Dimock, Filardo, Rapp, Svoboda, Perkins, Pethia
PRESENTER (S): Stacy Pethia, Housing Policy Manager
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: On July 7, 2021, the Board of Supervisors approved Housing Albemarle, the County’s new housing policy, with delayed implementation of:
1) the increased percentage of affordable housing units in residential developments subject to rezonings or special use permits;
2) the increase in compliance periods for affordable housing units; and
3) the new price levels for both affordable for-sale and affordable for-rent units,
until a package of developer incentives to support the construction of affordable housing was approved and implemented.
On May 4, 2022, staff held a work session with the Board to discuss a proposal for an Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program to support developers’ efforts to provide affordable housing units in new residential construction projects.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Quality Government Operations - Ensure County government’s capacity to provide high quality service that achieves community priorities.
DISCUSSION: Albemarle County is authorized to adopt an ADU Program ordinance under Virginia Code § 15.2-2304. ADU Program ordinances are similar to the County’s current approach to securing affordable units through voluntary housing proffers, except that an ADU Program may require the provision of affordable units. ADU Programs include specific incentives in exchange for achieving pre-determined affordable housing thresholds. If the Board adopts the Resolution of Intent (Attachment A), staff would draft a proposed ordinance, with public hearings scheduled before the Planning Commission and the Board in September or October 2022.
BUDGET IMPACT: Adoption and implementation of an ADU Program ordinance may impact the County’s budget if financial incentives are included in the ordinance. The amount of the impact would depend on the number of developers seeking financial support, and the number of affordable units for which they were seeking funding. Additionally, funds received from developers choosing to make a cash contribution to the County in lieu of providing affordable units would positively impact the County’s Housing Fund Reserve.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution of Intent (Attachment A) to amend the Zoning Ordinance for an Affordable Dwelling Unit Program.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Resolution of Intent