The objective of this council priority is to consider an ordinance to increase affordable housing by revising density calculations, reducing parking, restrictions and looking at other zoning amendments that could better, incentive smaller, more affordable housing
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Plan
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Community Engagement
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Design
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Complete
Project Overview
The goal of this council priority is to amend the land use code in higher density zoning districts to provide flexibility for a wider range of affordable and attainable housing types through changes to how density is calculated by converting lot area or open space per dwelling unit to floor area ratios and reduced parking requirements.
Background
One of the core values of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan is a commitment to “a diversity of housing types and price ranges.” There are many standards in Boulder’s land use code that determine the type, size, and number of housing units that can be built, particularly the code’s “intensity standards” (minimum lot area, minimum open space, maximum floor area ratio) as well as the parking requirements for housing. This project will consider updates to those standards that may create barriers to the development of smaller, more easily attainable housing.
Next Council Action
Council will hold a Study Session or Matters item to check in on the scope of the work in Q3.
Projected Timeline
- Aug. – Sept. 2022: Develop a plan for the scope of work and community engagement.
- Oct. 2022: City Council matters item to check in on scope of work.
- Nov. 2022 – January 2023: Draft options for community review and comment.
- Feb. – Mar. 2023: City Council study session item to check in on scope of work.
- Apr. – Jul. 2023: Adoption of code changes that address the objective.