On March 10, the Planning and Sustainability Commission (PSC) voted on a package of zoning code and map changes proposed in the Expanding Opportunities for Affordable Housing Proposed Draft. These code and map amendments were developed by staff with community members and technical experts to remove regulatory barriers for faith- and community-based organizations that want to develop affordable housing on their surplus land.
The PSC vote followed a public hearing on February 11, at which 33 people – many representing faith and community-based organizations – testified in support of the code changes that will exempt sites from Conditional Use review when housing is proposed on them.
Along with the code changes, staff proposed zoning map changes to 10 sites. During the testimony period requests were made to change the zoning on 11 more sites, most of which are owned by faith- or community-based organizations.
In addition to the oral testimony, the Commission received 98 pieces of written testimony – all in support of the code and map changes – and some urging the PSC to further liberalize the proposed code changes.
In their deliberations on March 10, the PSC voted to recommend all of the proposed code changes. Commissioners also expanded those changes to allow housing on up to 50% of the parking area on conditional use sites in any location.
Next steps
The project now moves to the Recommended Draft stage. Staff will release the Recommended Draft for City Council consideration and adoption in early April, when testimony will open. At this time, the project is scheduled for a hearing before City Council on May 14.