Kenmore City Council Proposes Inclusionary Zoning to Combat Affordable Housing Crisis

The Kenmore City Council is taking significant steps to address the ongoing affordable housing crisis through the consideration of inclusionary zoning policies. In a recent meeting, the council discussed key strategies, including a fee-in-lieu structure that would allow developers to contribute financially rather than building affordable units on-site. This model has seen success in cities like Bellevue, which has generated substantial funds for affordable housing initiatives. The proposed draft policy would apply to all R4 and R6 zones in Kenmore, mandating a 10% affordability level based on area median income. While the council acknowledged concerns over the feasibility for smaller developers, there was a consensus on the urgency of addressing the housing crisis.

Council members emphasized the need to ensure that those struggling to afford rent are considered in these discussions. The council is expected to reconvene on April 15th to deliberate further on the specifics of the inclusionary zoning framework, including community feedback and economic feasibility analyses. This proactive approach reflects the council's commitment to creating a more equitable community for all residents.