Table of Contents

Affordable Housing Programs

The city’s codified ordinances establish an affordable housing program in Chapter 27. Article II outlines minimum design standards and a process for inspecting and enforcing the housing code. Articles III and IV describe how the city supports the preservation and development of affordable housing and specific funding and design incentives are discussed in Articles V and VI.

Biophilic Planning

This city’s code of ordinances contributes to biophilic design elements by preserving the mountain views. The Restrictions of Structures Withing Areas Necessary to Protect Mountain Views (§10-56 to 10-62) code creates a view plane ordinance that limits the heights of buildings based upon their location and the distance away from the mountains or a public park.  

Climate Change

The city’s codified ordinances contain regulations to address climate change. It establishes a climate action program with a 0.25 percent sales tax to help create green jobs, increase renewable energy technology, implement adaptation and resiliency programs, support sustainable modes of transportation, and upgrade the energy efficiency of homes (§2.XIX.2).

Housing Supply Planning 

The city's code of ordinances encourages increasing housing supply and affordable options for all by enacting an affordable housing program in Chapter 27. Inclusionary housing is a part of the strategy to ensure an amount of housing is dedicated to affordable housing units. 

Inclusionary Housing

The city’s code of ordinances addresses affordable housing requirements in its Housing chapter (§27-101 et seq.). The ordinance was revised in 2013 and 2014. It begins with legislative findings and a declaration of public policy, as well as definitions.

The city’s affordability requirements apply to developments of 30 or more for-sale dwelling units. Ten percent of units must be Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDUs) priced for affordability at 80% AMI (or 95% AMI for “high cost” structures). Development applications must include a written MPDU plan. Compliance alternatives include off-site construction of units, building fewer units at lower affordability levels, or in-lieu fee payment. Incentives include reimbursements of $25,000 per MPDU, as well density bonuses, parking reductions, and expedited processing.

Additional standards address household eligibility, initial sales protocols, affordability covenants, and final sales. The code provides for voluntary affordable unit provisions and incentives for for-sale projects of less than 30 units and rental projects.

The city’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance website provides additional documentation on inclusionary housing, including administrative rules and regulations and a 2014 report.

Marijuana-Related Uses

The city’s retail marijuana code permits multiple marijuana-related uses, subject to licensing standards (§6-200 et seq.). It includes licensing standards for four types of “retail marijuana establishment”: “retail marijuana store,” “retail marijuana cultivation facility,” “retail marijuana products manufacturer,” and “retail marijuana testing facility.”

Its licensing standards for retail marijuana stores address area maps; location in residential zoning districts; separation from schools, other marijuana stores, childcare facilities, and alcohol and drug treatment facilities; off-site delivery; signs and advertising; and colocation with medical marijuana centers (§6-211).

Its licensing standards for retail marijuana products manufacturers address zoning district use permissions; compliance with state sanitation, product labeling, and public health standards; and colocation with marijuana-infused products business (§6-213).

Its licensing standards for retail marijuana cultivation facilities address zoning district use permissions, licenses per premises, and separation from schools and residential districts (§6-214).

Its licensing standards for retail marijuana testing facilities address zoning district use permissions (§6-215).

Scenic View Protection

The city’s building code protects scenic views from various public viewpoints across the city. Viewpoint information includes limitations to construction, a reference point, and in some instances, maps, definitions, and exceptions (§10-56 et seq.). Additional sections discuss enforcement, violations, remedies, and appeals (§10-63 et seq.).

Short-Term Residential Rentals

The city’s municipal code addresses short-term residential rentals in its Lodging chapter, in addition to addressing this use in its zoning code. The Lodging chapter defines the term (§33-46) and provides details on the annual licensing application (§33-48).

Standards address safety requirements, advertising, insurance, and primary residence requirement (§33-49). An informational brochure is required (§33-50).

Food Systems | Urban Livestock

The city code's animal title section last updated in 2011 allows for the keeping of livestock or fowl with an annual livestock permit, though a restricted license specific to keeping up to 8 chickens and ducks and up to 2 dwarf goats may be obtained (§8-91). Requirements address minimum land area and shelter.