Kenmore Councils affordable housing mandate would encourage more middle housing

The Kenmore City Council has chosen to pursue an Inclusionary Zoning mandate, requiring developers to designate 10% of units larger than 1,750 square feet as affordable or pay a fee-in-lieu. This decision marks a departure from the Planning Commission's recommendation, which would have exempted smaller housing types from the mandate. Mayor Nigel Herbig highlighted the policy's dual focus on discouraging large single-family homes while promoting smaller, affordable options. Currently, a new 1,600-square-foot townhouse costs about $827,000, contrasting sharply with single-family homes that often exceed $1 million. The council's preferred "unit-size threshold" policy aims to protect smaller, more affordable multifamily homes from the mandate, while larger homes will either contribute affordable units or fees.

Under state law, cities must allow Middle Housing, increasing density near transit stops. Affordable units must meet income guidelines, targeting 80% of Area Median Income for owner-occupied homes and 50% for rentals. A public hearing is scheduled for June 9, with a final Council vote expected on June 23.