Inclusionary Land Use Policies

Inclusionary land use policies are designed to promote diversity in housing by ensuring that a range of housing options are available to people of different income levels and backgrounds. Here is a list of inclusionary land use policies that can help achieve this goal:

Affordable Housing Mandates: Require developers to set aside a certain percentage of new housing units for affordable housing. This can be achieved through zoning ordinances or development agreements.

Density Bonuses: Provide developers with incentives, such as increased density or reduced development fees, in exchange for including affordable housing units in their projects.

Inclusionary Zoning: Establish zoning regulations that mandate a certain percentage of affordable housing units within new residential developments.

Mixed-Income Housing Requirements: Encourage the development of mixed-income communities by requiring a mix of market-rate and affordable housing units in new developments.

Land Dedication or Fee-in-Lieu: Allow developers to either include affordable housing units in their projects or contribute funds to a housing trust fund that supports the development of affordable housing elsewhere in the community.

Expedited Permitting and Streamlined Review: Offer faster permitting and review processes for developers who include affordable housing in their projects as an incentive to encourage compliance.

Incentives for Preservation: Provide incentives, such as tax breaks or financial assistance, for property owners who rehabilitate or maintain existing affordable housing units.

Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with private developers and nonprofit organizations to create affordable housing projects through joint ventures and partnerships.

Affordable Housing Trust Funds: Establish dedicated funds that collect revenue from various sources, such as developer fees, impact fees, or property taxes, to support the development of affordable housing. This is one of the recommendations in the Affordable Housing Toolkit we developed. https://ucsjoco.org/housing-toolkit/

Incentives for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Encourage the construction of ADUs by offering financial incentives or reducing regulatory barriers, as they can provide additional affordable housing options within existing neighborhoods.

Affordable Housing Overlay Zones: Designate specific areas where affordable housing development is prioritized and where regulatory requirements are tailored to facilitate such development.

Fair Housing Policies: Implement policies that promote fair housing practices and prohibit discrimination in housing based on factors such as race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin.

Tenant Protections: Enact policies that protect tenants from unjust eviction, rent increases, and housing discrimination to help maintain housing stability.

Incentives for Community Land Trusts: Support community land trusts that acquire and hold land for the long-term benefit of the community, ensuring the availability of affordable housing.

Affordable Housing Impact Studies: Require developers to conduct impact studies to assess the potential effects of new housing developments on the supply of affordable housing and take mitigating actions as necessary.

These inclusionary land use policies can be tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of individual communities to promote diversity in housing and create more equitable and inclusive neighborhoods.

Although inclusionary zoning creates a set of obstacles, there are several land use policies that can be implemented to help diversify housing options and promote inclusivity in communities:

Inclusionary Zoning (IZ):

Mandate a percentage of affordable housing units in new residential developments, ensuring a mix of income levels within neighborhoods.

Density Bonuses:

Offer incentives like increased building height or density allowances for developers who include affordable housing units in their projects.

Mixed-Use Zoning:

Encourage the integration of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within neighborhoods, promoting a diverse range of housing options.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs):

Relax zoning regulations to make it easier for homeowners to build ADUs, such as granny flats or basement apartments, to increase the availability of affordable rental housing.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD):

Prioritize higher-density housing developments near public transportation hubs to provide affordable and convenient housing options for residents without relying on personal vehicles.

Affordable Housing Set-Asides:

Allocate a portion of public land for affordable housing developments, reducing land acquisition costs for affordable housing providers.

Incentives for Affordable Housing Preservation:

Provide tax incentives or grants to property owners who maintain existing affordable housing units, preventing their conversion to market-rate housing.

Affordable Housing Trust Funds:

Establish dedicated funds to support the construction and preservation of affordable housing through sources like developer fees, property taxes, or government grants.

Homeownership Assistance Programs:

Offer down payment assistance, subsidies, or low-interest loans to help low-income households purchase homes and build wealth through homeownership.

Fair Housing Policies:

Implement and enforce policies that combat housing discrimination and promote equal housing opportunities for all, including protections for marginalized and historically disadvantaged groups.

Tenant Protections:

Enact strong rent control measures, eviction protections, and tenant rights to safeguard housing stability and prevent displacement.

Community Land Trusts (CLTs):

Support the creation and operation of CLTs that acquire and manage land for the long-term benefit of the community, ensuring permanently affordable housing.

Adaptive Reuse:

Encourage the conversion of vacant or underutilized buildings into affordable housing units, preserving historical structures and expanding housing options.

Affordable Housing Impact Fees:

Require developers of market-rate housing to pay impact fees that fund the construction or preservation of affordable housing in the same community.

Housing Vouchers and Subsidies:

Increase funding for housing vouchers and rental subsidies to help low-income households access housing in the private market.

Affordable Senior and Special-Needs Housing:

Promote the development of affordable housing tailored to the needs of seniors, individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations.

Community Engagement and Input:

Involve residents, community organizations, and stakeholders in the planning process to ensure that housing policies align with the unique needs and preferences of each neighborhood.

These land use policies can be adapted and combined to create a comprehensive strategy for diversifying housing options and fostering more inclusive and equitable communities. The specific policies chosen will depend on local needs, resources, and goals.

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