09/02/2008 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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There are some significant barriers to construction of new affordable housing, and the above list includes just a few of these barriers. Despite these difficulties, the provision of affordable housing is an important effort that cities undertake. The most effective role Lino Lakes will have in the provision of affordable housing is its regulatory tools, including land use and zoning regulations that do not impede the construction of affordable housing. Many of these tools can be used to encourage developers. Flexibility may be provided to encourage the construction of affordable housing, such as relaxing setback and green area requirements, increasing density, or reducing fees. Housing Implementation Strategies and Recommendations The following Housing Action Plan identifies efforts Lino Lakes will pursue to create opportunities to maintain the existing housing stock, and to provide increased housing options for future residents. These strategies are based on goals and strategies for Community, Neighborhood and Residential development developed by the Citizen Vision Committee. The strategies are designed as a resource tool for specific measures the City can effectively undertake and enforce while others are designed as tools to encourage developers to incorporate affordable housing into future development. As future subdivisions are proposed, the City will use these resources and implement the strategies in working with developers to create new affordable housing opportunities. Many of these items are things the City itself can do, while others will occur through partnerships the City will seek to provide for and maintain housing quality and increase affordable housing opportunities. To ensure housing development is compatible with existing and adjacent land uses and provides accessibility to key community features and natural amenities (Goal 3), the City will: • Offer incentives to developers who provide for affordable housing units while conserving environmentally sensitive sites, such as density bonuses, expedited permitting processes, or reduced fees. • Pursue funding opportunities to increase the affordability of housing units within conservation subdivisions. • Pursue funding opportunities to incorporate green building techniques within affordable housing developments. • Encourage innovative low impact development to preserve open space or natural features. • Ensure that all new housing, including high density, adheres to the highest possible standards of planning, design and construction feasible. • Promote development of neighborhoods that incorporate housing in a range of densities and affordability limits in close proximity to shopping, services, daycare, and medical services. Safe access to parks and schools, and the ability to walk, bike or have access to transit should be part of the design. To improve the availability of affordable housing and enhance opportunities for senior housing (Goals 5 and 6), the City will: • Seek housing developers to work cooperatively with the City to construct affordable units. • Create an incentive based program or Residential Planned Unit Development Ordinance that includes density bonuses for construction of affordable housing. This allows an 4 -18 • • •