Table of Contents

Inclusionary Housing

The city's zoning and land development regulations offer incentives for voluntary provision of affordable housing in its downtown master plan area (§94-134). Bonus square footage is based on a ratio and ranges from 4 to 2 based on the ratio of affordable to market-rate units and the targeted income bracket. The code provides standards addressing affordability controls, household eligibility, and unit finishes, location, and mix, along with tables of development standards. A parking space reduction for affordable units is provided. 

Historic Preservation

The city’s codified ordinances include a tax exemption for historic properties (§82-91-140). The exemption is for 100 percent of the increase in assessed value from renovation, restoration, or rehabilitation of qualified historic properties and lasts for ten years. The regulation outlines the application and approval process and describes how the exemption is enforced through a historic preservation exemption covenant.

Tactical Urbanism

The city’s streets and sidewalks code establishes a permitting process for parklets (§78-490 et seq.). Permitting standards address intent, definitions, permit conditions, application process and fees, location approval process, permitting process, location requirements, general standards, design standards, insurance and indemnification, and revocation and removal.

Tiny Houses and Micro-Apartments

The city's zoning code defines and regulates micro-apartments as a distinct type of dwelling. It's definition for "micro-unit" establishes a minimum size of 300 ft² and a maximum size of 549 ft² (§94-109). Standards for micro-units address use permissions, provision of space for car and bike share stations, off-street parking, and annual contributions to a local transit fund (§94-106(a)(8.a)).

Transfer of Development Rights

The city’s zoning code authorizes transfer of development rights (TDR) for historic and public open space preservation (§94-132). TDR addresses transfer eligibility, designated sending and receiving sites, purchasing rights, transfer process, and enforcement through restrictive covenants.