12/14/1998 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 9, 1998 Livable Communities Program page 3 land rather than the house. Large lots also decrease density (and consume more open land). Other ordinance requirements such as low density standards or very little area zoned for multi - family prevents life cycle housing from being built in the community. It also prevents rental townhome and apartment units. How LCA Goals Are Determined and What They Mean First, the existing percentages and densities were assembled. These are based on actual data on the City from the census, ongoing building permit activity, and other sources. These are called the City Index. The City Index gives a starting point. Second, the analysis looked at other communities in the same sector of the Metro Area and determined a rough average. This is called the Benchmark. Then, the City and the Metropolitan Council negotiate the target goals. These goals are based primarily on the benchmark for the sector. Affordability The affordability goals refer to the percentage of housing in the community that meets the affordability criteria. In 1998, this means owner- occupied housing is considered affordable if its value is no more than $128,000. Originally, the affordability level for rental units was a specified cost for rent. Currently, the affordable threshold takes into account the combined monthly cost of rent and utilities. The amount varies depending on the number of bedrooms in the rental unit. Rental units can be single family detached units, townhomes, condominiums, or apartments. The 1998 affordability amounts are: $ 607 for a 1 bedroom unit, $ 760 for a 2. bedroom unit, $ 821 for a 3 bedroom unit. To summarize, there are two affordability goals for a city. One would be a percentage of owner - occupied housing in the city that is affordable. The other is the percentage of rental housing in the city that is affordable. Life Cycle The life cycle goals refer to housing that is not single family detached. The first life- cycle goal is a.percentage of all housing in the city that is not single family detached.