Ordinance 3953-23 - Laserfiche WebLink

EVERETT WASHINGTON ORDINANCE NO. __ _ An ORDINANCE Relating to Exempting Special Connection Charges for Low-Income Housing Projects, AMENDING Chapter 14.08 of the Everett Municipal Code WHEREAS, A.Everett, along with the Puget Sound Region, is experiencing a housing availability and affordability crisis; Census estimates (American Community Survey Table S2503 for 2021) indicate widespread housing cost burden in the city: 1.42% of the city's households pay more than 30% of their income for housing costs; 2.77% of the city's below median income renter households pay more than 30% of their income for housing costs; and B.The city's comprehensive plan includes the following policies and implementation measures that are supportive of this ordinance: 1.The goal of the Housing Element is to provide sufficient housing opportunities to meet the needs of present and future residents of Everett for housing that is decent, safe, accessible, attractive and affordable. (Housing Goal 4.0) 2.Consider providing additional incentives to housing developers and homebuilders in return for providing housing that is affordable to lower and moderate-income households. (Housing Policy 4.3.1) C.The City Council adopted the Rethink Housing Action Plan on October 7, 2021 specifying short term implementation strategy as follows: 1.Action S-5. Coordinate a Development Incentives Study to provide guidance on changes and initial incentives for affordable housing construction and preservation 2.Recommendation 2.2: Provide a detailed economic study of potential incentives in urban corridors 3.Recommendation 4.2: Create financial assistance programs for affordable housing preservation 4.Recommendation 4.4: Expand fee waivers for affordable housing 1: ORDINANCE Page 1 of 4 3953-23