Table of Contents

Inclusionary Housing | Housing Supply Planning

The city's zoning code addresses inclusionary housing in an ordinance adopted in 2005 and updated in 2006 (§17.42.010 et seq.). A low- and moderate-income affordability requirement of 15 percent applies to all residential projects.

Credits may be obtained for providing very low-income units in lieu of low- and moderate-income units and low–income units in lieu of moderate-income units. Compliance alternatives include an in-lieu fee, off-site construction, or land donation. The code also requires on-site provision of inclusionary units when very low-, low-, or moderate-income households are displaced by a project.

Developers must submit a housing plan and housing agreement. The code provides standards for inclusionary units that address location, timing of construction, and recapture of financial interest; it establishes required affordability periods of 45 years for for-sale projects and perpetuity for rental units. The code also addresses enforcement, provides a process for takings determinations, and establishes a housing trust fund.

The city also establishes development incentives for voluntary provision of affordable units for very low, low, and moderate income households (§17.43.010 et seq.).

The city has adopted additional inclusionary housing regulations to supplement its zoning code provisions.

The city’s Housing webpage offers additional documentation related to its inclusionary and affordable housing programs, including an in-lieu fee analysis.

Transit-Oriented Development

The city’s zoning code includes transit-oriented development (TOD) standards for light rail station areas (§17.50.340). These standards address applicability, prohibited uses, permit requirements, and parking requirements.