Table of Contents

Affordable Housing Programs

The city’s codified ordinances contain affordable housing regulations related to density bonuses, parking, and preservation. Developers can receive a 35% density bonus and reduced parking requirements for rental housing that is at least 20% affordable (§18.52.080). Residential parking requirements are specified for mobile home parks, senior citizen housing, accessory dwelling units, and senior second units in §18.42.030. Chapter 15.70 outlines a strategy to preserve rental housing and motel properties, including a registration and inspection process, and requires relocation costs to be paid to displaced lessees or guests.

Housing Supply Planning

The city's codified ordinances encourages increasing housing supply and affordable options for all by enacting several affordable housing regulations. Developers can receive a 35% density bonus and reduced parking requirements for rental housing that is at least 20% affordable (§18.52.080). The code also permits accessory dwelling units as another housing option for residents. 

Solar Energy

The subdivision code provides that when filing tentative maps, the subdivider must provide information on solar access and passive or natural heating or cooling opportunities (Sec. 17.09.140.C.9). In the zoning code, Solar Energy Panels are defined as an accessory use class (Sec. 18.36.050.270). Roof-mounted solar panels are exempt from mechanicals screening requirements, though accessory power equipment must be screened. Panels must be installed parallel to roof surface, facing south or close to it, with no more than 8" clearance between panel and roof (Sec. 18.38.170.0401). Solar panels are line-listed as permitted accessory use in single-family, multi-family, commercial, public, and overlay zones. In all but single-family zones, panels must be roof-mounted and parallel to roof plane if visible from the street (Tables 4-B, 6-B, 8-B, 14-B, 20-B, 30-B).