AgdaPkt 2018-05-21 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

5 · Architectural Form and Character: This goal requires new development to complement the buildings in the Downtown and Bayfront areas, as well as new buildings in the North Main Street Precise Plan area. The project is consistent with the Precise Plan’s goals in that it would extend the creek side trail and associated public amenities, which would one day link the Downtown to the Bayfront, incorporate a medium density infill development consistent with the City’s zoning and state law density bonus program, and provide a building design, form, and character that fits the surrounding context. Public pathways are provided on all sides of the proposal, promoting multiple ways for the public to access the creek side trail and supporting amenities. Trail signs would also serve to promote public access and awareness of the trail. The publicly visible building facades are designed to create visual interest with articulated elevations, varied massing, and architectural detailing. Affordable Housing and State Density Bonus Law The project is subject to the City’s Affordable Housing Impact Fee (AHIF). This is a fee imposed on new residential and commercial developments to mitigate a project’s impact on the need for affordable housing. Alternatively, an applicant may provide affordable units onsite in-lieu of paying a fee if an affordable housing plan is approved by the City. To qualify for this provision, the applicant would be required to provide 12.5% of the total number of units at the low income level (or 16 units) and submit an affordable housing plan. The NMPP requires a minimum of 15% of the total number of proposed units to be affordable to very-low, low, or moderate income households (or 19 units). The table below shows the City’s requirements and the applicant’s proposal: Table 2: Project Compliance with Affordable Housing Standards Ordinance Affordability Levels Total Required Total Proposed Complies AHIF 12.5% low 16 16 (7 very-low, 9 low) Yes NMPP 15% very low, low, moderate 19 19 (7 very-low, 9 low, 3 moderate) Yes For the AHIF, the proposal meets the 16 affordable units but exceeds the City’s requirements by offering 7 of these at the very-low income level, providing a deeper level of affordability. In addition, the project would be subject to an affordable housing agreement (see Condition of Approval #28). For the NMPP, the proposal meets the 19 affordable unit requirement at a range of affordability levels. In order to approve an affordable housing plan, the decision-maker must make the following findings. Staff evaluated the project against these (see below), and since the project meets the findings, supported the requested affordable housing plan. 1. The proposed affordable units comply with the standards in Section 18.272, including without limitation compliance with Section 18.272(B) requiring that the affordable units be made available for occupancy concurrently with the market rate units. 7.B. - Page 5