SNOHOMISH — The Planning Commission Dec. 6 signed off on incentives to encourage the development of low-income housing. The proposed code amendments next heads to the City Council for their consideration.
The proposed guidelines will replace a current section of the code that hasn’t been used in at least 15-16 years, said city planning director Brooke Eidem.
The proposal offers a list of regulatory and financial incentives for projects that include a minimum of 10 percent of units affordable to households earning 60 percent or below the Area Median Income in the Bellevue-Seattle-Everett area.
The proposed code amendments provide incentives for housing density, open space, expedited permitting and a building height incentive in the Midtown North overlay, which is from Tenth Street to State Route 9 on the Avenue D corridor. The amendment would reduce the maximum building height to 45 feet. Developments meeting low-income housing requirements would have a height limit increased to 55 feet, Eidem said in an email after the meeting.
Financial incentives include a 20 percent reduction in permit fees except for third-party deposits and an up to 50 percent reduction in park and traffic impact fees. School impact fees aren’t eligible because those are paid to the Snohomish School District. The proposal also provides an adjustable reduction in utility connection fees, according to a planning commission staff report.
Commissioner Hank Eskridge questioned reducing the traffic impact fee. “Is it going to end up costing us.”
Snohomish resident Morgan Davis advocated eliminating the financial incentives.
Russell Joe of the Master Builders of King and Snohomish County spoke in favor of the low income housing amendment noting it “doesn’t address the need for more housing for all income levels.”
The Master Builders would like to see incentives for other housing types they believe Snohomish will need.
Commissioner Gordon Cole wanted to see a higher penalty if someone takes a development out of low income and goes to market rate.
“We want them to continue through the term of the agreement, which is 30 years,” Cole said.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved forwarding the code amendments to the City Council.
Prior coverage
Snohomish may offer more city incentives to encourage
affordable housing
SNOHOMISH — At a Dec. 6 public hearing, the planning commission will consider forwarding a draft municipal code revision aimed at increasing affordable housing. What's being proposed to offer include discounts on utility hookup fees and impact fees and more.
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