AgdaPkt 2015-03-23 Closed and Joint SA PFA

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HOUSING 9.A. - Page 11 Affordable Housing There is a well-established need to prioritize development of more affordable housing in Redwood City and throughout the state. • State Density Bonus Law.The City's zoning ordinance includes provisions to implement the State Density Bonus Law,which requires local agencies to grant as-of-right density bonuses and other incentives to devel- opers proposing to include affordable housing as part of their projects.Current State and City requirements give developers a density bonus of up to 35 percent for including affordable units for low- and moderate- income households.The City has created an additional incentive for developers who build housing projects including at least 20 units for seniors/elderly persons by doubling the density otherwise allowed in residential districts. • Affordable Housing Impact Fee.The City and other jurisdictions in San Mateo County are currently prepar- ing a nexus study that will provide a basis for imposing impact fees on new residential and non-residential development. A Community Benefits program could provide additional support for meeting affordable housing needs,exceed- ing what is required under the City's density bonus program or from the proposed affordable housing impact fee requirements. In contrast to the City's existing voluntary density bonus program, the new impact fee program would be a basic requirement for future development projects. Family-Friendly Design Family-friendly development typically includes larger units with three or more bedrooms,which may provide specific facilities,such as laundry hookups and increased open space areas to accommodate larger families.Red- wood City does not currently have a program that promotes family-friendly design.The Community Benefits program could provide incentives for developers who include such units and amenities in their projects. SCHOOLS AND CHILDREN Schools Child Care The Redwood City and the Sequoia Union High State law requires that density bonuses be provided School districts have established and collect fees to to residential and non-residential developers who in- mitigate the impact of new development on public corporate child care facilities in their projects or off school facilities.School impact fees apply to new resi- site.Redwood City further incentivizes child care fa- dential,commercial,and industrial developments and cilities in the Commercial Park District, exempting generated about $3 million in 2014.These fees may them from being included in the total floor area ratio be only be used to fund the construction of additional calculation. A Community Benefits program could facilities and for associated development costs.Under augment the existing density bonus provisions and State law,impact fees may not be used to pay for ser- increase the incentives for developers to provide child vices or other programs not involving construction, care facilities. but additional funding could be provided through a Community Benefits program to a school foundation, or made available for job training programs or to cov- er needs that are not already met by the existing fees.