Jurisdictions should consider the housing goals, objectives, and policies that will best address their housing vision and needs, particularly those related to the provision of affordable housing. The examples below are provided for juris​dictions to consider and should be modified to meet local conditions and desires.

Example Goals 

• Neighborhoods with a mix of housing types and sizes that can accommodate a variety of households. 
• Housing stock well integrated into the fabric of the community and accessible to amenities, employment opportunities, community facilities, and transportation networks. 
• A community with a mix of homeowners and renters.  
• Safe, vibrant, and well-maintained neighborhoods that inspire residents and visitors and convey a sense of place.
• A diverse community with safe and affordable housing for all current and future residents.
• Residential communities that can grow sustainably, are supported by existing and planned infrastructure, and address the housing needs for a variety of income levels.
• Housing stock that addresses the needs of all segments of the community.
• A community in which existing affordable housing is preserved and well maintained.

 

Example ​Objectives 

• Support quality, safe, and affordable housing in a variety of types, sizes, locations, and costs to meet the needs of current and future residents, regardless of age or income.
• Preserve historical and architectural character and promote the rehabilitation and re-use of existing structures, where feasible.
• Provide affordable housing that is well maintained and meets the needs of the entire community.
• Seek partners and funding to increase the supply of housing for the senior population, including developments that support aging in place.
• Encourage residential growth that meets the needs of all income levels.
• Promote new development that conveys a positive sense of place.
• Make [Jurisdiction] a more attractive place for younger families.
• Encourage and support efforts to maintain the quality and appearance of individual properties.
• Incorporate traditional, walkable, pedestrian-friendly design into new and existing residential neighborhoods.
• Encourage efforts to maintain the quality and appearance of individual properties to help retain property values.
• Incorporate features in new construction and development that reflect the design of traditional town amenities and features.
• Create pedestrian links that connect neighborhoods with each other, the downtown, and other major community features.
• Support affordable housing opportunities that are accessible to the entire population, without compromising the quality of our residential neighborhoods.
• Provide incentives and encourage providing affordable housing through public, private, and joint ventures, ensuring income-based housing equity.
• Support providing a variety of dwelling unit types at different locations and costs so that housing supply matches projected housing needs.

 

Example Policies and Implementation Strategies 

• Review ordinances, codes, regulations, and permitting processes to eliminate or modify conflicting and excessive requirements, and to streamline the regulatory review process.
• Revise the R2 district to permit 5,000 square foot lots for single family detached units and 1,800 square feet for single family attached units.
• Consider modifications to the land use plan and zoning regulations that encourages infill housing development.
• Reduce onsite parking requirements in Main Street District.
• Permit accessory units in the R1, R2 districts.
• Support a land use pattern and land use designations that provide for housing opportunities at varying densities and at appropriate locations consistent with the Land use Plan.
• Permit commercial apartments in the Main Street and C-1 districts.
• Support housing projects that provide a mix of housing to serve a range of income levels, integrating traditional market value housing with affordable housing opportunities.
• Hire a code enforcement officer.
• Encourage, support the creation of, and partner with non-profit housing development corporations to develop, own, and manage affordable housing.
• Direct 50% of Sustainable Communities facade grant funding to maintain affordable housing units.
• Complete an inventory of existing housing conditions that includes, but is not limited to housing condition, age, cost, size, type, tenure, and vacancy rate.
• Upon completing a housing inventory, and based upon the compiled data, initiate a housing needs inventory to determine housing surplus and/or any deficiencies.
• The Future Land Use Element shall designate land for residential use to meet projected housing needs, including affordable and workforce housing.
• Review and evaluate zoning and other regulations to ensure that the requirements do not limit opportunities for low-income and affordable housing.
• Maintain and rehabilitate publicly owned infrastructure and facilities in older neighborhoods to promote community investment, establish confidence, and prevent neighborhood decline.
• Create a local historic district and encourage owners to seek historic tax credits.

 

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