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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZMA201900008 Review Comments Zoning Map Amendment 2021-05-14Cameron Langille c nf�r Senior Planner II, Planning h County Of Albemarle blangille0albemarle.org Community Development Department tel: 434-296-5832 ext. 3432 Memorandum To: Steven Blaine, sblaine@woodsrogers.com Date: May 14, 2021 Re: ZMA201900008 Rio Point (formerly Parkway Place) — Fourth Review Comment Letter Mr. Blaine: Staff has reviewed your revised submittal for the zoning map amendment, ZMA201900008 Rio Point (formerly known as Parkway Place). We have a few remaining comments which we believe should be addressed before we can recommend favorably on your ZMA request. We would be glad to meet with you to discuss these issues. Our comments are provided below: General Application Comments: 1. Please ensure that the proffers reference a plan title that is consistent with the plans given. See Zoning Division comment #1. 2. Please see comments from the Housing Planner and Zoning Division. The County is currently updating the affordable housing policy. Planning staff encourage the applicant to contact Stacy Pethia, soethia0albemarle.org, to obtain further information on the contents of the proposed housing policy update. In summary, the proposed housing policy increases the percentage of affordable units to 20% instead of 15%. 3. Please verify the acreage of land being dedicated to public right-of-way (ROW) along Rio Road E. The narrative states 0.77 acres, but the proffer statement and Sheet 2 of the application plan state 0.82 acres. Revise the proffer statement, application plan, and narrative as necessary to ensure the figures are consistent and accurate. 4. Please see Transportation Planning staff comment #2. The build scenario with the proposed roundabout results in additional queuing and delay for traffic along John Warner Parkway versus the no build scenario. Does the applicant propose any strategies to address this? 5. Per attached Transportation Planning comments, the Rio Rd intersection at the proposed full movement driveway would operate with a failing movement for vehicles leaving the site wishing to turn left. This issue should be addressed to prevent people from turning right and attempting U-turns somewhere further south on Rio Rd East or taking unnecessary risks to get out between traffic. 6. Please see attached Transportation Planning comments regarding questions about roundabouts at the intersections of Pen Park Road and Dunlora Forest Drive. Revisions to the TIA may be needed to adequately evaluate traffic impacts at those intersections. 7. Transportation Planning staff and VDOT staff have requested technical revisions to the TIA. Please see the attached comments. The TIA will need to be revised in order for those reviewers to fully evaluate the TIA and proposed traffic impacts resulting from the project. W W W.ALBEMARLE.ORG 401 McIntire Road, Suite 228 1 Charlottesville, VA 22902-4596 Section 18-33.18 (B) Application Plan Comments: 1. Please see Transportation Planning comment #1 and VDOT comments #1-2. Please provide a figure of the roundabout concept showing storage and lane configuration and potential dedication of land proffered to accommodate the roundabout, other road improvements, and shared -use path. The proffers indicate that road improvements are shown on the application plan. However, no road improvement details are shown. Please show all proposed road improvements on the application plan and ensure that the proffer statement references the appropriate sheet where road improvements are shown. Per VDOT comments, distances between nearby intersections to the proposed entrances are needed. a. This comment can be addressed by adding exhibits and additional construction details related to the improvements to the application plan. b. Alternatively, the applicant could explain the proposed improvements in written detail within the proffer statement. 2. The application plan does not show the full length of the proposed public access easement going into the development to provide access to the future trailhead park. Proffer #2b references the access easement, so the easement limits should be clearly delineated and labeled as "public access easement" 3. Please move the open space calculations chart to Sheet 1 of the plan. 4. Sheet 1 identifies a 0.12-acre greenway area. Approximately 1/3 of the greenway area is located outside of the existing John Warner Parkway greenway easement. Please clarify the developer's intent of the greenway that lies outside of the greenway easement; is this shown on the application plan because it is going to be dedicated to public use, or is this simply shown because the Places29 Master Plan identifies that small section as "Greenway" future land use? 5. Sheet 2 — see Zoning Division comments. Please remove notes 2, 5, and 6. 6. Sheet 2 — notes #8 and #9. It appears that the minimum recreational facilities required by Section 4.16 of the Zoning Ordinance are not being provided. If any substitutions are proposed that request should be made at this time. See Zoning Division comments for a table that shows required and proposed recreational amenities. 7. Sheet 2 building stepbacks note — please consider revising this note. As mentioned in Zoning comments, the maximum building height is 45 feet in height with a stepback required at 40 feet. The stepback trigger height is only 5 feet higher than the maximum height allowed. Has the applicant verified the anticipated height of the structures, and is this total less than 40 feet? If the buildings are anticipated to meet the 45-foot maximum, it would make sense to begin stepbacks at a lower height than 40 feet. 8. Please add a legend to Sheet 3. 9. Please see attached Zoning Division comments for recommended changes to architectural notes on Sheet 2. Proffers: 1. Per Zoning Division comments - Proffer 1 (b)-This proffer should be re -worded to "Upon written request by the County, but no sooner than five (5) years from the date of approval of ZMA 2019-08, the owner must contribute within 180 days [suggest a shorter time frame] $750,000 cash to the County for the purposes of funding transportation improvements to John Warner Parkway or Rio Road within the vicinity of the project. 2. Per Zoning Division comments - Proffer 1 (c)- Wording must be added "Owner shall design and construct;' W W W.ALBEMARLE.ORG 401 McIntire Road, Suite 228 1 Charlottesville, VA 22902-4596 3. Per Zoning Division comments -Proffer 2(a)- Minimum amenities for the trail must be specified on the Application Plan and the approval process either in the proffers or on the application plan. Some requirements are indicated with Note 9 on Sheet 2. The note on Sheet 2 of the application plan only says "developer will coordinate" and this is not sufficient for enforcement purposes. 4. Per Zoning Division comments -Proffer 2(b)- Add wording to the last sentence of the proffer, the owner must make the necessary subdivision application within 30/60/90 days of the request and dedication must occur X number of days from the request date. 5. Per Transportation Planning comments -Please remove the reference to Charlottesville Area Transit in proffer 3.(a) and replace with public transit stop. In 3.(b), the decision should be left to the County on where to place the transit stop, not the City. Planning Planning staffs comments are organized as follows: • How the proposal relates to the Comprehensive Plan • The Neighborhood Model analysis • Additional comments from reviewers (See attached) Comprehensive Plan Comments on how your project conforms to the Comprehensive Plan will be provided to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors as part of the staff report that will be prepared for the work session or public hearing. The comments below are in preparation for the Planning Commission review and may change based on direction from the Commission and/or with subsequent submittals. W W W.ALBEMARLE.ORG 401 McIntire Road, Suite 228 1 Charlottesville, VA 22902-4596 The proposal includes two Tax Map Parcels. The first property is identified as Tax Map Parcel (TMP) 61-167 and is located within the Neighborhood 2 Comprehensive Plan Area, which is part of the Places29 Development Area. TMP 61-167 measures 1.584 acres and is currently zoned R-4 Residential. The property is also located within the Airport Impact Area (AIA) Overlay Zoning District, and the Entrance Corridor (EC) Overlay Zoning District. TMP 61-167 is currently occupied by a two-story detached single-family residential structure with a finished square footage of approximately 1,300 sq. ft. The Future Land Use Plan -South contained in the Places29 Master Plan designates TMP 61-167 as a Neighborhood Service Center (NS) with the future land use classification of Urban Mixed Use (in Centers). The second property is identified as TMP 61-167C and is located within the Neighborhood 2 Comprehensive Plan Area, which is part of the Places29 Development Area. TMP 61-167C measures 25.734 acres and is currently zoned R-4 Residential. The property is also located within the Airport Impact Area (AIA) Overlay Zoning District, and the Entrance Corridor (EC) Overlay Zoning District. Portions of the property are located within the Managed and Preserved Steep Slopes Overlay Districts, as well as a small area at the southwest corner of the property that is within the Flood Hazard (FH) Overlay Zoning District. TMP 61-167C contains mostly open fields with some areas covered by mature tree and shrub vegetation. There are eight (8) structures on TMP 61-167C that have been used as agricultural outbuildings in the past. The Future Land Use Plan -South contained in the Places29 Master Plan calls for four future land use classifications across different portions of TMP 61-167C: 1. Urban Mixed Use (in Centers); 2. Urban Density Residential; 3. Public Open Space; 4. Privatively Owned Open Space, Environmental Features; A primary objective of the Neighborhood Service center (NS) designated on TMP 61-167 is to "provide increased pedestrian and bicycle access to the everydaygoods and services offered" in the NS center. According to page 4-14 of the Places29 Master Plan, NS centers should have "a visual and physical relationship to major roads that makes them accessible to additional customers from outside the immediate neighborhood." Page 4-18 of the Places29 Master Plan identifies this NS as "The Meadow Creek Parkway" center and states that "land uses shown on the Future Land Use Map in the immediate vicinity of the Parkway are derived from the Jones & Jones study, which still provides guidance for development in the area immediately adjacent to the Parkway and Rio Road corridor. The study recommendations should be considered during review of land use decisions." The Jones & Jones study refers to this area as the "Rolling Uplands -Open" and identifies suitable uses on these properties and others in the immediate vicinity. Page 8 of the Jones & Jones study identifies the following general use categories as suitable in this area: • Residential and commercial development • Park/open space; rural preservation • Transportation corridor Since the Places29 Master Plan and Jones & Jones study were adopted in 2011 and 2001, respectively, the John Warner Parkway has been constructed. The Meadow Creek Parkway referred to in both documents is the now existing John Warner Parkway. This road was built according to the alignment identified as "Alternative A" in the Jones & Jones study. A series of recommendations related to urban development patterns that should occur on properties along Rio Road and the John Warner Parkway are listed on page 18 of the Jones & Jones study. The most pertinent recommendations are as follows: • Discourage excessive linear -style development (strip development) along major roads; instead encourage compact communities with strong centers and clearly defined boundaries. • Maintain the linear park atmosphere along the parkway, thus enhancing the overall value of future developments bordering the parkway. • Create districts and neighborhoods that have centers or focal points for congregating. These centers may include parks, plazas, schools, community centers, or small commercial and social areas. Centers should be within easy walking distance for most residents in the neighborhood. W W W.ALBEMARLE.ORG 401 McIntire Road, Suite 228 1 Charlottesville, VA 22902-4596 • Establish on ordered network of streets, bikeways, pedestrian paths, and transit routes that will connect new neighborhoods, existing residential areas and non-residential districts. • Create appealing streetscapes and public spaces with street trees and landscaping to make the neighborhood inviting and to connect residential areas to each other as well as to commercial centers and common areas. • Integrate development with open space and recreation opportunities, including the parkway, parks and natural areas, and pedestrian/bike paths. Connect to surrounding park and recreation amenities such as Pen Park and the proposed Rivanna river walk, as well as to other existing developed areas. • Encourage new development that respects the existing landscape and that is compatible in scale, form, and character with the terrain features. Several maps and exhibits contained in the Jones & Jones study identify areas suitable for urban development vs. open space, parks, trails, etc. These drawings are very general and conceptual in nature. These drawings can be viewed on pages 19 and 22 of the study. The application plan and site layout proposed with ZMA201900008 is consistent with the following exhibits in the study: Urban Development Pattern on page 19, Urban Development — Pedestrian Connections on page 19, Urban Development — Vehicular Connections on page 19, and Corridor Land Use Concept on page 22. Therefore, staff has compared the application primarily with the recommendations contained in Chapter 8 of the Comprehensive Plan and the Places29 Master Plan. Where relevant, the Jones & Jones study recommendations are incorporated into the analysis. See the Neighborhood Model analysis section below for specific comments. In addition to consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, please also be advised that all zoning map amendment applications are evaluated relative to the "factors to be considered" specified in County Code §18-33.27(B). This evaluation will be written in the staff report to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors once the application moved forward to public hearings. Neighborhood Model Projects located within the Development Areas are typically reviewed for consistency with each of the Neighborhood Model Principles found in the Comprehensive Plan. Comments are provided below on relevant aspects of the Neighborhood Model. More detailed comments may be provided after more detailed plans are provided. Pedestrian Orientation This principle is mostly met. Note 7 on Sheet 1 of Exhibit A explains that sidewalks will be provided along all internal streets and travel ways. Furthermore, no cul-de-sacs are shown on the application plan. Each "block" within the project measures approximately 200'-250' in length and is broken up by the internal travel ways. This design is consistent with Comprehensive Plan Strategy #2b that developments should be laid out in grids as opposed to dead -ends, and that blocks measure less than 600' in length. This will provide a frame of reference and comfortable travel experience for those choosing to walk though and adjacent to the development. However. the application plan does not include a label or callout describing the width of the shared use path along Rio Road E. Please provide a detail or description of the size, materials. etc. of the shared use path. Mixture of Uses This principle is partially met. The proposal includes dedication of a 1.1 acre open space area that can be used to access the greenway trail along John Warner Parkway. This is consistent with the recommendation that "each Neighborhood Service center should include a publicly accessible urban open space" as stated on page 5-7 of Chapter 5: Places Tvoes of the Places29 Master Plan. However, the application could be strengthened if additional commitments are made to design and build the park so that it includes a plaza, gathering area, or similar elements commonly seen in pocket parks. W W W.ALBEMARLE.ORG 401 McIntire Road, Suite 228 1 Charlottesville, VA 22902-4596 The proposal is partially consistent with the Places29 Master Plan recommendation that at least two types of dwelling units be provided under the Urban Mixed Use (in Centers) designation. See Chapter 4, page 4-5 of the Places29 Master Plan. Exhibit A states that detached single family dwellings and multifamily dwellings will be permitted, but no firm commitment has been made to provide both on site should the ZMA be approved. The primary reason why this proposal does not fully meet this principle is that there are no non-residential uses proposed. As mentioned earlier, the Urban Mixed Use (in Centers) future land use designation calls for a balanced mix of retail, housing, commercial, office, and institutional uses. Although several institutional uses currently exist on surrounding properties, there is a lack of retail, commercial, and office uses in the immediate vicinity. Furthermore, Page 5-7 of the Master Plan states that Neighborhood Service centers "provide local -serving retail/service uses, such as a drycleaner, florist, convenience store, or coffee shop in a horizontal or vertical mixed - use configuration to support the residences, businesses, and other uses around them." Under the Zoning Ordinance, only office uses can be allowed in the PRD district through approval of a special use permit. The application could be strengthened if a commitment is made to allowing uses other than strictly residential (within the limits of the PRD district regulations) within some of the buildings in Parkway Place. The applicant mentions in the project narrative that they have evaluated providing a greater mixture of uses other than residential and open space. As recommended by the plan, a mixture of uses in these land use designations would non-residential uses such as neighborhood level commercial. Per the narrative, the applicant believes this would not strengthen the project. Neighborhood Centers This principle is partially met. Exhibit A identifies several large and contiguous areas of outdoor open space, including a 1.1 acre parcel that will be dedicated to public use as a trailhead access point to the John Warner greenway. This is consistent with Strategy #2f of the Comprehensive Plan, and the recommendations called for by the Places29 Master Plan in Neighborhood Service centers. These centralized amenities help satisfy this principle by providing accessible outdoor areas where residents can congregate, and civic engagement can occur. However, as mentioned in the analysis of the "Mixture of Uses' principle, the application could be strengthened by providing a more diverse mix of uses. This could be accomplished by following the land use guidelines contained in Land Use Table 1 that calls for neighborhood -level retail uses and/or office/R&D/flex space. If the project were to designate one or two of the proposed buildings for ground floor level retail uses, this would accomplish the goals of the Neighborhood Center principle. The applicant mentions in the project narrative that they have evaluated providing non- residential uses such as neighborhood level commercial, but that this would not strengthen the project. Staff acknowledges that the applicant is choosing not to provide neighborhood level retail within this project. Mixture of Housing Types Notes on Sheet 2 of the application plan state that 15% of the units proposed will be affordable at rental rates equal to 30% of the gross income of 80% Area and Affordability W W W.ALBEMARLE.ORG 401 McIntire Road, Suite 228 1 Charlottesville, VA 22902-4596 Median Income (AMI) based on family size, such that affordable rates would be maintained for at least 10 years. The Housing Planner and Zoning have several comments regarding revisions to the affordable housing note, please see attached. Relegated Parking This principle is met. Interconnected Streets and This principle is not fully met. Transportation Networks No new streets are called for within the subject parcels by Figure 4.8 — Future Transportation Network in the Places29 Master Plan. Nevertheless, Exhibit A identifies an interconnection that will be provided at the southern boundary between Parkway Place and an adjacent parcel known as TM 61- 167A. Should that parcel be redeveloped in the future, an opportunity will be available to create a travel way/street network parallel to Rio Road. Furthermore, the Jones & Jones study identifies a conceptual street network on the subject properties and adjacent parcels. See the exhibit titled Urban Development — Vehicular Circulation on page 19. That exhibit clearly shows that existing vegetation and open space on the south side of the subject parcels should not be disturbed in order to create stub -outs, and the Parkway Place design is consistent with the street grid called for by the study. The proposed layout also balances the preservation of sensitive environmental features with the need for interconnections as specified by Strategy #2j in the Comprehensive Plan. The single interconnection has been thoughtfully located inside of the project. During site plan or subdivision plat review, sidewalks will be required on both sides of the internal travel way/street network in accordance with the County's Subdivision and Zoning Ordinance regulations. Please see Transportation Planning and VDOT comments regarding the TIA submitted for review. Staff have identified some issues with aspects of the TIA that warrant revisions and further analysis. This includes, amongst other considerations, an analysis of the impacts to the Dunlora Forest Drive/Rio Road intersection and how congestion can be mitigated at this location. Multimodal Transportation This principle is partially met. Sidewalks will be provided so that the pedestrian network Opportunities both inside and outside of the project will be provided. This includes expanded bicycle and trail networks that connect to the existing system within the John Warner Parkway greenway. During the community meeting with the Places29-Rio Community Advisory Committee meeting, the developer stated that the road improvements will be completed prior to requesting issuance of the first certificate of occupancy for new buildings within Parkway Place. This is consistent with proffer #1 in the proposed proffer statement and strengthens the application. The Long Term Transit Network map (Figure 4.9 of the Places29 Master Plan) does not designate any future transit service being provided along either John Warner Parkway or Rio Road. adjacent to the subject parcel. However, the plan does call for future local collector transit service to be provided along other major streets within the Places29 development area. The plan also calls for a future bus rapid transit (BRT) route along Route 29 to the west of the subject parcel. W W W.ALBEMARLE.ORG 401 McIntire Road, Suite 228 1 Charlottesville, VA 22902-4596 The proposed right-of-way reservation and improvements along Rio Road are partially consistent with the cross-section #10 contained in Appendix 3 of the Places29 Master Plan. The future cross-section calls for a total of four lanes along this segment of Rio Road. with 6' bicycle lanes on both sides. and a center median/turn lane area (where applicable at intersections). Please provide a construction detail or exhibit that provides greater details on the roundabout, shared use paths. and all other transportation improvements mentioned in proffer #1C. Parks, Recreational Amenities, and Open Space This principle is met. Please see attached Parks & Recreation comments regarding signage within the proposed 1.1-acre park. Buildings and Spaces of Human Scale This principle is partially met. Please see attached ARB comments. ARB staff recommend breaking the proposed single buildings on the north/west side of the development into smaller footprints/more buildings. If a new structure gets built and covers the entire building footprint shown, this will have visual impacts that need to be mitigated in some fashion. Please clarify whether the intent is to construct buildings that occupy the full footprints shown on the application plan. Redevelopment Principle is not applicable. Property is currently undeveloped. Respecting Terrain and Careful Grading and Re- grading of Terrain This principle is met. Clear Boundaries Between the Development Areas and the Rural Area This principle is not applicable to the request. The subject property is located within the Places29 Development Area. No improvements or changes in use near any boundaries with the Rural Area are proposed. Department of Community Development — Zoning Division Requested changes, see attached comments from Rebecca Ragsdale, rraasdaleCo)albemarle.org. Department of Community Development - Planning Division- Transportation Planning Requested changes, see attached comments from Kevin McDermott, kmcdermott(oalbemarle.org. Department of Community Development - Planning Division — Architectural Review Board (ARB) Requested changes, see attached comments from Margaret Maliszewski, mmaliszewski(@albemarle.org. Department of Community Development — Engineering Division Requested changes, see attached comments from Frank Pohl, foohl@albemarle.org. Department of Community Development — Inspections Division No objection see attached from Betty Slough, bslough0albemarle.org. Department of Social Services Requested changes, see attached comments from Stacy Pethia, spethia@albemarle.org, Department of Fire Rescue W W W.ALBEMARLE.ORG 401 McIntire Road, Suite 228 1 Charlottesville, VA 22902-4596 See attached recommendations from Howard Lagomarsino, hlagomarsinoCcDalbemarle.org, VDOT Requested changes, see attached VDOT comments from Adam Moore, adam.moore@vdot.virginia.gov and Doug McAvoy, douglas.mcavoyCa@vdot.virgi nia.gov. ASCA/RWSA ACSA and RWSA have not sent comments as of May 14, 2021. Any comments will be forwarded to the applicant upon receipt. Department of Parks & Recreation See attached comments from Tim Padalino, tpadalino@albemarle.orci Action after Receipt of Comments The applicant requested a deferral of Board action on this application following the first review. Resubmittal If you choose to resubmit, please use the attached form and submit the required fee. The resubmittal date schedule is provided for your convenience. Additional notification fees will not be required unless a deferral takes place and adjoining owners need to be notified of a new date. Feel free to contact me if you wish to meet or need additional information. My email address is blangilleC@albemarle.org. Sincerely, 7 W Cameron Langille Senior Planner II Planning Division, Department of Community Development W W W.ALBEMARLE.ORG 401 McIntire Road, Suite 228 1 Charlottesville, VA 22902-4596 V REBECCA RAGSDALE County of Albemarle Principal Planner, ZoningCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT rragsdale(rbalbemarle.org 434-296-5832 ext. 3226 To: Cameron Langile, Senior Planner II Date: May 4, 2021 Re: Zoning Review for ZMA201900008 Rio Point fka Parkway Place (Plan set dated 4/2121 and proffers dated 4/2/21) The following comments are provided as input from the Zoning Division regarding the above noted application. Application Plan The plan set does not have the same title that is referenced in the proffers. There is no place in the plan set labeled Application Plan. Three sheets were provided and are labeled Site Layout Plan, Notes, and Grading Plan. In general, organization of notes by category is needed for the application plan. The following sheets are refenced but not provided: • Existing conditions • The illustrative plan that was mentioned in the narrative but is not in the plan set and there is no sheet • A sheet showing conceptual road improvements proffered in Proffer 1 c. Sheet 1- Site Layout Plan - The open space chart and regulations should be moved from the main application page to accompany the other notes on the Sheet 2-Notes that apply to recreation. Sheet 2-Notes- • Notes should be organized by category. All open space and rec requirements should be in one place. All trailhead requirements should be in one place, etc. • Notes that are restating ordinance regulations must be eliminated. Delete Notes 1, 2, 5 and 6 • Conservation Areas are already defined in the ordinance so Note 5 is unnecessary or use the exact wording of the definition from the ordinance: o Conservation area. The term "conservation area" means an area identified on a plan submitted for approval which contains cultural assets or natural features such as non -tidal wetlands, floodplain, slopes identified in the open space element of the comprehensive plan, or streams and stream buffers, within which only limited disturbance or development is allowed. Uses allowed in conservation areas include, but are not limited to, utilities, greenways, pedestrian paths, streets, and stormwater management facilities, where, in the opinion of the County Engineer, no other location is reasonably available and when these improvements have the least impact possible on the environmental features of the area. • Notes 8 and 9-Section 4.16 allows substitutions of equipment or facilities may be approved by the director of planning and community development, provided they offer a recreational amenity equivalent to the facilities listed above, and are appropriate to the needs of the occupants. To avoid any confusion at site plan as to what is required, specific waivers and substitutions should be addressed with the rezoning. For example, if the number of required tot lots are being reduced, this needs to be documented as to what equivalent substitution is acceptable. The swimming pool, club house, and rec field are acceptable substitutions for the basketball courts. Based on the maximum number of units of 328 proposed, the following would be required (below). Minimum specifications must be provided for the amenities listed. WWW.ALBEMARLE.ORG 401 McIntire Road, Suite 228 1 Charlottesville, VA 22902-4596 Required Proposed Tot Lots: 1/30 units, 1/each additional 50 units= 1 Tot Lot 7 Tot Lots Clubhouse Basketball court: One-half court for basketball/100 Fitness Area units=3 half courts Swimming Pool Recreation Field Trailhead Park —see comments below about the trailhead park Greenway Trail Building Heights- The maximum building height is 45 feet in height with a stepback required at 40 feet. Given that is only five feet less than the maximum height, should a stepback be required at a lower height? Building Architecture- This note is not enforceable by Zoning as written. Is this to address items the ARB has requested be required on the application plan? Affordable Housing -The Housing Planner should review these regulations before they are finalized. At a minimum, language should be added to ensure the requirements are enforceable and use standard language such as "Prior to the first certificate of occupancy, the developer shall enter into an agreement with the County of Albemarle restricting the rental rates of the affordable units for a period of at least ten years [or longer according to Housing Planner] Sheet 3-Grading Plan • A legend should be added to this sheet Proffers Proffer 1- Road Improvements -Comments from VDOT and the Transportation Planner are needed to finalize comments on Proffer 1. Preliminary Zoning comments are below. • Proffer 1(a)- Narrative indicates 0.77-acres for land dedication for road improvements but proffers indicate 0.82. The application plan sheet referenced is not part of the proposed application plan set. Wording must be added to indicate that the dedication must occur upon written request by the County and specify a deadline for the applicant to make the dedication or necessary subdivision application to the County. , "Upon written request by the County, the owner must dedicate .. , within 30/60/90 days of the request. The Applicant shall bear the costs of preparing the subdivision plat necessary for the dedication of the Dedication Parcel to the County, and any other required plats or surveys, and the preparation of the deed to convey the Dedication Parcel to the County. The Applicant shall provide general warranties of title in the deed conveying the Dedication Parcel • Proffer 1 (b)-This proffer should be re -worded to "Upon written request by the County, but no sooner than five (5) years from the date of approval of ZMA 2019-08, the owner must contribute within 180 days [suggest a shorter time frame] $750,000 cash to the County for the purposes of funding transportation improvements to John Warner Parkway or Rio Road within the vicinity of the project. • Proffer 1 ( c)- Wording must be added "Owner shall design and construct, Proffer 2- • Proffer 2(a)- Minimum amenities for the trail must be specified on the Application Plan and the approval process either in the proffers or on the application plan. I believe some requirements are indicated with Note 9 on Sheet 2.The note on Sheet 2 of the application plan only says "developer will coordinate' and this is not sufficient for enforcement purposes. • Proffer 2(b)- Add wording to the last sentence of the proffer, the owner must make the necessary subdivision application within 30/60/90 days of the request and dedication must occur X number of days from the request date. WWW.ALBEMARLE.ORG 401 McIntire Road, Suite 228 1 Charlottesville, VA 22902-4596 Proffer 3- Transit Stop- Comments from VDOT, CAT, and the Transportation Planner are needed to finalize comments on Proffer 3. Preliminary Zoning comments are below. • Proffer 3(a)-Minimum standards for the transit stop must be contained in the proffer. • Proffer 3(b)-Add a sentence to the proffer to specify the timing of the cash contribution such as "the owner must make the cash contribution within 30/60 days upon written request from the County. W W W.ALBEMARLE.ORG 401 McIntire Road, Suite 228 1 Charlottesville, VA 22902-4596 C,4 OF AL o� County of Albemarle COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM To: Applicant From: Kevin McDermott; Planning Manager Date: May 10, 2021 Re: ZMA201900008 — Rio Point 401 McIntire Road, North Wing Charlottesville, VA 22902-4579 Telephone:434-296-5832 WWW.ALBEMARLE.ORG The Albemarle County Community Development Department, Planning Division, Principle Planner for Transportation has reviewed the above referenced proposal and associated revised traffic impact statements as submitted by Ramey Kemp and Associates, Inc. (April 2021) and would like to provide the following comments: • Please include a figure of the Roundabout concept showing storage and lane configuration and potential dedication of land proffered to accommodate the roundabout, other road improvements, and shared -use path. This should be included in the application plan and/or described in detail in the proffers. Currently difficult to tell if it accommodates all necessary land. • Build w/roundabout shows increase in queuing and delay for JWP traffic over the no -build w/roundabout. This is the worst operating movement. Is there any way to address this? Possibly a slip lane. • A left -in from Rio to Dunlora Drive is shown in the concept plan for the Roundabout. Please address in more detail the removal of this movement from the analysis. Are we confident that will not be included despite the fact that it is shown in the concept, why, how will the desire for that movement be • Why show the w/roundabout for the Dunlora Forest Dr intersection? The roundabout improvements at JWP/CATEC/Rio Rd do not appear to have any effect on operations at this intersection. Any recommendation to address the continued issue with the WBL at this intersection understanding that the Rio Point development does not make a noticeable change to that problem, but it is still a problem. • Same question on inclusion of the roundabout at Pen Park Rd analysis. It doesn't appear to have any effect on operations. Minor increases in delays for the WB movements at this intersection between the Build and No -build. Any thoughts on ways to address this? • The Rio Rd intersection at the proposed full movement driveway would operate with a failing movement for vehicles leaving the site wishing to turn left. This issue should be addressed to prevent people from turning right and attempting U-turns somewhere further south on Rio Rd East or taking unnecessary risks to get out between traffic. • Please remove the reference to Charlottesville Area Transit in proffer 3.(a) and replace with public transit stop. IN 3.(b) the decision should be left to the County on where to place the transit stop, not the City. • The proposed roundabout at JWP/Rio/CATEC is proposed for funding through the state Smart Scale Program. However, the County will need to contribute $2MM in local funds in order to receive the State funds. This funding is not specifically included in the CIP at this time. Therefore, the proffered funds in the amount of $750,000 to make these improvements may be necessary to complete the project. Staff appreciates the recognition of this need and the proffer to address this. This is a major improvement from a safety and delay perspective from the current situation. Additionally, the extension of the shared -use path south on Rio and new trailhead and parking will improve biking and walking infrastructure in the area and the proffered bus stop will improve transit in the corridor. • Staffs only concerns about traffic operations are the JWP, Dunlora Forest Dr, and full movement driveway queuing and delays. As requested above any recommendations to address these issues would be appreciated. If you have any questions regarding these comments, please feel free to contact me. Kevin M. McDermott Planning Manager Albemarle County 401 McIntire Road Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 296-5841 Eat. 3414 kmcdermott@albemarle.org Review Comments for ZMA2O19OOOO8 Project N PLACE Date Completed:) Monday, May 03, 2021 Department/Division/Agency: Review Status: Reviewer: Margaret Maliszewski CDD ARB Requested Changes The notes regarding architecture and planting that were included on the previous plan remain on the current plan, which is positive. However, some building footprints are now larger than they were previously. Even with the treatments identified in the notes, the visual impacts of the buildings on the north and west perimeters of the site will be difficult to mitigate because of their length and mass. Revising these to multiple buildings with smaller footprints would be appropriate. Page: County of Albemarle Printed On: 05/04/2021 Review Comments for ZMA2O19OOOO8 Project N PLACE Date Completed:) Tuesday, May 04, 2021 Department/Division/Agency: Reviewer: Frank Pohl CDD Enaineerina Review Status: See Recommendations - On the Walking Radius Exhibit, parcel labeled as "Pen Park" is actually the Charlottesville Catholic School (TMP61A-29). I don't think there is access to the RTF through this parcel. - Side slopes leading to the pond should have a gradient of 4H:1V to 51-1:1V [VA DEQ SWM Design Spec. 14 and 15, Section 6.61. It appears the slopes may be steeper. This can be addressed during WPONSMP review but could require additional SWM facilities or expansion of the proposed Tactility footprint. Addressing this comment may result in impacts to the intermittent stream from the proposed stormwater management facility. If so, ACOE permitting of stream impacts may be required prior to VSMP/WPO approval. Page- 1 County of Albemarle Printed On: 05/05/2021 Review Comments for ZMA201900008 Project Name:IPARKWAY PLACE Date Completed:) Friday, April 30, 2021 Department/DivisioNAgency: Review Status: Reviewer: Betty Slough rCDD Insoections 1, FNo Objection Page: 1� County of Albemarle Printed On: 05/04/2021 Review Comments for ZMA2O19OOOO8 Project N PLACE Date Completed:) Friday, April 23, 2021 Department/DivisiorJAgency: Reviewer: Howard Lagomarsino Fire Rescue Review Status: See Recommendations No Objection to Zoning Map Amendment, however, though not necessary to directly address at this stage but to help in planning future steps of this project, presenting points ACFR use and apply, as appropriate (some or all may apply to a particular project), in reviewing projects: 1) To accommodate emergency/fire vehicle access, emergency vehicle access road(s)/route(s) may be required 2) Emergency/fire vehicle access road(s)/route(s) need to provide access to all buildingststructures to allow access of all sides of the ground level within 150 feet from the emergency apparatus 3) An emergency/fire vehicle access road/route needs to provide a suitable service to sustain the weight of emergency apparatus weighing up to 80,000 lbs. 4) An emergency/fire vehicle access road/route needs to provide an unobstructed travel way width of 20 ft. if buildings/structures are under 30 feet tall and 26 ft. if over 30 feet tall 5) Emergency/fire vehicle access roads need to be clear of overhead obstructions at 13 ft 6 in. and below 6) To ensure that parking does not obstruct the emergency apparatus travel way as described above, no parking signs may be required in appropriate areas 7) Any dead-end longer than 150 ft may require an approved turn around for emergency apparatus 8) May need to provide a note of the required ISO fire calculation for the buildings 9) If within the ACSW service area, may need to indicate the latest ACSW flow test to ensure adequate fire flow per calculation in comment # 6 10) If within the ACSW service area, may need to provide the required fire hydrants as determined by calculations in # 6 11) If fire suppression systems or standpipes are installed the FDC must face the road, on address side and there needs to be hydrant within 100 ft. of the FDC, arranged so that when hydrant and FDC are in use for emergency operations, hose does not obstruct travel way. 12) If not within the ACSW service area, may need to provide a note identifying location of closest water source suitable for emergency apparatus operations 13) A Knox Box may be required. May need to place a note indicating this on the site plan. The location of this can be coordinated with the Fire Marshars Office. Page: 1� County of Albemarle Printed On: 05/04/2021 COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Stephen C. Brich, P.E. 1401 East Broad Street (804) 7862701 Commissioner Richmond, Virginia 23219 Fax: (804) 786.2940 May 10, 2021 County of Albemarle Department of Community Development 401 McIntire Road Charlottesville, VA 22902 Attn: Cameron Langille Re: Rio Point (Parkway Place) — Zoning Map Amendment Request ZMA-2021-00008 Review # 1 Dear Mr. Langille: The Department of Transportation, Charlottesville Residency Transportation and Land Use Section, has reviewed the above referenced plan as prepared by Timmons Group, dated 2 April 2021, and offers the following comments: 1. Comments on TIA: a. Signal timing will need to be adjusted to reflect existing timing in the controller at Rio Rd and John Warner Pkwy including Control Type (actuated uncoordinated), minimum green times for all phases, yellow change and all red clearance times for all phases, and flash don't walk time for phase 4. Signal timings for this intersection are attached. The intersection is currently running FYA but that feature is omitted during the peak hours so it should not be included in the Synchro models. b. At the intersection of Rio Rd and John Warner Pkwy, the queue length values shown in the Appendix (pg 79) do not match the values listed in the summary Table 7 (pg 7). Given that Synchro was not used to analyze the roundabout at this intersection, the Synchro queue report should be removed, leaving the Sidra report in place. The same is true for the Build condition with Roundabout as well. Also, why is there a reduction in delay in the SBR movement under the 2023 Build condition (with no Roundabout)? c. The Department is currently running FYA on phases 1 and 5 at the intersection of Rio Rd and Pen Pk but they are not shown in the Synchro models. Please make this adjustment. d. It is understood that the proposed roundabout at Rio Road and John Warner Pkwy will not be included in the Rio Point development. Based on RKA's analysis using projected traffic counts for Year 2023, the roundabout is anticipated to operate at LOS C. It is important to note that this proposed roundabout project is VirginiaDOT.org WE KEEP VIRGINIA MOVING May 10, 2021 Attn: Cameron Langille not expected to be constructed within the next few years, so the County should anticipate traffic operations to reflect the "no -build" condition in the study. 2. Show the distances from Dunlora Dr. to the right -in -only entrance, from Dunlora Dr. to the full -access entrance, and from the full -access entrance to Dunlora Forest Dr. (not shown on the Plans), and ensure these distances conform to Appendix F of the Road Design Manual. 3. Note that the final plan must show conformance with the VDOT Road Design Manual Appendices B(1) and F, as well as any other applicable standards, regulations or other requirements. Please provide a digital copy in PDF format of the revised plan along with a comment response letter. If further information is desired, please contact Doug McAvoy Jr. at (540) 718-6113. A VDOT Land Use Permit will be required prior to any work within the right-of-way. The owner/developer must contact the Charlottesville Residency Transportation and Land Use Section at (434) 422-9399 for information pertaining to this process. Sincerely, Adam J. Moore, P.E. Area Land Use Engineer Charlottesville Residency Review Comments for ZMA2O19OOOO8 Project N PLACE Date Completed:) Tuesday, May 04, 2021 Department/DivisiorJAgency: Reviewer: Tim Padalino Parks upen space ueaicatea to Puouc use (-lraiineaa Pair): Review Status: [See Recommendations 1a. ACPR supports the proposed use of this 1.1-acre area to be dedicated to public use as a "trailhead park" for public enjoyment and public access to the Rivanna Trail / John Wamer Parkway shared use path. 1 b. ACPR is supportive of participating in a collaborative planning and design process focused on determining the uses, amenities, and improvements within this proposed Trailhead Park. 1 c. Staff acknowledges Note #9 which states that "The developer shall design and construct park amenities for the Trailhead Park'" and which lists different types of amenities proposed for this park. Staff also acknowledges note #1 in "Land Dedicated to Public Use" which states "The developers shall construct all improvements within the trailhead park." Although additional details would be determined during the collaborative planning and design process (as described in the project narrative), it is important to understand some of the details or quantities of these proposed amenities and improvements (specifically the number and configuration of parking spaces) in order to clearly assess the adequacy and appropriateness of a Trailhead Park as a "Neighborhood Service Center." 1d. Staff preemptively notes that the proposed trail connections and signage/maps (described in the project narrative) should clearly direct trail users to publicly -accessible facilities and amenities, and should not provide wayfinding information that would facilitate trespassing on private property. 2. Site Layout Plan: 2a. ACPR staff acknowledges the proposed ROW dedication and proposed construction of a 10' pedestrian and bicycle pathway along E Rio Road, and strongly supports the inclusion and provision of this proposed public facility. 2b. Please clarify if the "0.12 acre greenway" would be dedicated to public use, or if that area would be private open space. ACPR staff recommends dedication of public greenway area in this vicinity, along the southwestern portions of the subject property closest to the Meadow Creek stream corridor, to help facilitate future greenway connectivity. 2c. Staff acknowledges the proposed Landscape Buffer and the developer's plans to "retain existing natural undisturbed vegetation or plant a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs native to Virginia" (as described in the project narrative). ACPR staff supports the protection, retention, maintenance, and management of (healthy) existing vegetation within the proposed Landscape Buffer, and supports supplementing that existing vegetation with a mixture of additional trees and shrubs native to Virginia. 2d. Staff also acknowledges the proposed amenities for the proposed on -site (private) active recreation area listed in Note 8, and strongly supports the provision of (private) playground equipment and other active recreation amenities on -site for residents and guests. 3. Proposed Land Uses: ACPR staff reasonably anticipate that the proposed 328 new dwelling units would produce an increased demand for, and result in increased impacts to, existing County parks, greenways, and blueways (water recreation). Staff believes the proposed open space dedications and provisions of publicy-accessible recreational amenities are partially helpful, but are not adequately proportional to the reasonably anticipated impacts to existing County parks and outdoor recreation resources. 4. Proffer Statement: ACPR staff acknowledges Proffers #2(a) and 92(b). Additional internal discussion and external coordination with applicants regarding future maintenance responsibilities are required prior to ACPR (potentially) accepting/approving proffer 92(b). Page: � County of Albemarle Primed On: 05/OS/2021 Review Comments for ZMA2O19OOOO8 Project N PLACE Date Completed:) Wednesday, May 05, 2W1 Department/DivisiorJAgency: Reviewer: Stacy Pethia CDD Planning Review Status: See Recommendations Please be aware that the County is currently updating its Housing Policy. The new Housing Policy will be going to the Board of Supervisors in June and has different recommendations for affordable housing from the current policy. A draft of the proposed new Housing Policy is attached to these comments for the applicants reference. Please do not hesitate to contact me to further discuss the new housing policy. Under the current housing policy, the maximum affordable rents must account for the cost of any tenant provided utilities. The current housing policy, affordable housing is defined as: Affordable Housing is defined, for the purpose of this policy, as those houses affordable to the forty percent of the County population that have household incomes at or below 80% of the area median income. For 2003, the maximum affordable home for purchase (80% median income) would be $172,000 and maximum housing costs (rent and utilities) for tenants would be $787 (50% median income). As you can see, the maximum housing cost for renters must include the cost of utilities. I recommend adding something similar to: Rents for such units shall not exceed the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents, minus an allowance for tenant provided utilities as established by Virginia Housing for the Housing Choice Voucher program. Thanks, Stacy R. Pethia, PhD Housing Policy Manager Albemarle County speth ia@albemarle.org 434.296.5832 x3240 (Office) 434.409.6133 (Cell) 1600 5th Street Ext., Suite A, Charloftesvile, VA 22902 Page: 1� County of Albemarle Printed On: 05/13/2021 HOUSING ALBEMARLE: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A NEW HOUSING POLICY Dated May 4, 2021 HOUSING ALBEMARLE: AT -A- G LA N C E Objective 1: Increase the supply of housing to meet the diverse housing needs of all current and future Albemarle County residents. Strategy 1 a: Allow, encourage, and incentivize a variety of housing types (such as bungalow courts, triplexes and fourplexes, accessory dwelling units, live/work units, tiny homes, and modular homes); close to job centers, public transit and community amenities; and affordable for all income levels; and promote increased density in the Development Areas. Action Steps: • Ensure a mixture of housing types are provided, with a minimum of 20% of the total number of housing units in new developments being provided as affordable housing. • Review and update housing density bonuses within the zoning ordinance to encourage a variety of housing types. • Explore options with county owned land to develop a permanent affordable housing community. • Consider designating Housing Rehabilitation Zones to encourage and incentivize the development and preservation of affordable and workforce housing in those zones. Objective 2: Increase the supply of long-term affordable and workforce rental housing in Albemarle County. Strategy 2a: Promote affordable and workforce rental housing development and preservation. Strategy 2b: Provide incentives to increase production of affordable rental housing. Action Steps: • Promote the use of the existing density bonus ordinance as a tool to achieve affordable rental housing. • Identify a package of developer incentives other than bonus density, such as reductions in parking or minimum lot size requirements, to encourage development of affordable and workforce housing. • Develop an Accessory Apartment Loan Program to encourage the construction of accessory apartments. Pilot the program as a workforce housing solution for County teachers and school employees. Strategy 2c: Develop procedures for monitoring and enforcing compliance of occupancy and rent restrictions required by law and/or funding sources. Strategy 2d: Develop mechanisms, such as deed restrictions, to ensure affordable rental units developed utilizing county incentives remain affordable for a minimum of 30 years with the long-term goal of creating a stock of permanently affordable rental housing units. Strategy 2e: Partner with local organizations (including, but not limited to, nonprofit agencies, realtor associations, regional jurisdictions, the University of Virginia, and county departments) to promote access to affordable rental housing opportunities. Action Steps: • Identify local partners. • Establish a publicly accessible platform for maintaining publicly accessible data on housing units available for rent including location, price, size/type, and amenities. Objective 3: Improve access to affordable and workforce homeownership opportunities and promote long-term affordability of for -sale housing. Strategy 3a: Develop policies creating affordable and workforce homeownership opportunities through new residential development and the preservation of existing owner -occupied housing. Strategy 3b: Support the development of permanently affordable owner -occupied housing through the community land trust model and other shared equity forms of ownership. Strategy 3c: Develop procedures for monitoring and enforcing occupancy and sales price restrictions required by law and/or funding sources. Strategy 3d: Develop mechanisms (such as deed restrictions) to ensure affordable for -sale units developed with county incentives and other types of county support remain affordable for a minimum of 40 years with the long-term goal of creating a stock of permanently affordable for -sale housing units. Strategy 3e: Partner with local organizations (including, but not limited to nonprofit agencies, realtor associations, the City of Charlottesville, the University of Virginia, and county departments) to promote access to affordable homeownership opportunities. Action Steps: • Identify local partners. • Establish a publicly accessible platform for maintaining publicly accessible data on affordable housing units available for sale including location, price, size/type, and amenities. Objective 5: Develop and implement an Affordable Dwelling Unit Program under Virginia Code Section 15.2-2304. Strategy 5a: Develop an Affordable Dwelling Unit Program structure and guidelines, including provisions. Action Steps: • Establishing a minimum period of affordability of 30 years for rental units and 40 years for homeownership units; • Identifying mechanisms to secure minimum affordability periods; • Specifying method for calculating the amount of developer cash -in -lieu of affordable unit payments; and • Establishing the right of first refusal for the purchase of for -sale Affordable Dwelling Units by Albemarle County or a designee. Strategy 5b: Revise Albemarle County's Zoning Ordinance to include the Affordable Dwelling Unit Program. Objective 6: Establish a Housing Trust Fund Strategy 6a: Develop and implement a sustainable Housing Trust Fund for adoption by the Board of Supervisors. Action Steps: • Identify the target market, target partners, the overall purpose to be accomplished plus the sources of funding for a trust fund including, but not limited to, developer cash -in -lieu payments. Fund and hire the staffing required to implement and operate the Fund. • Establish an application process for the trust fund, including priorities for funding, application period(s), timelines for proposal review and selection, and methods to evaluate funding proposals. • Develop success measures and the mechanisms for tracking and reporting the number of affordable units supported with trust fund dollars, as well as other related success measures Objective 8: Reduce regulatory barriers to affordable and worldorce housing production. Strategy 80: Review the County's Comprehensive Plan to identify barriers to affordable and workforce housing development and remove identified barriers. Action Steps: • Review all chapters of the Comprehensive Plan to identify barriers in language and policy recommendations. • Review Master Plans to identify barriers in language and policy recommendations. • Review all Comprehensive Plan land use designations and corresponding densities, unit types, lot sizes, form recommendations, and land use maps to identify barriers. • Work with the community and stakeholders to identify solutions to remove or resolve identified barriers and update Plans accordingly. Strategy 8b: Review the County's ordinances and zoning map to identify barriers to affordable and workforce housing development and to ensure County ordinances support this policy and the updated Comprehensive Plan. Remove identified barriers and resolve inconsistencies. Action Steps: • Review the County's ordinances including the subdivision ordinance, zoning ordinance, and zoning map to identify barriers to affordable and workforce housing. • Work with the community and stakeholders to identify solutions to remove barriers and update ordinances and zoning map accordingly. Consideration should be given to the following: • In all zoning districts, reduce minimum lot sizes, setback requirements, and minimum parking requirements to allow for more affordable and workforce housing development. • In single-family neighborhoods, achieve greater housing supply and diversity by allowing small-scale residential structures such as duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes that are in keeping with the scale of the existing neighborhood. • In all residential zoning districts allow external accessory dwelling units. • Evaluate the effectiveness of the existing density bonus ordinance as a tool to achieve affordable housing. Amend as necessary. Strategy 8C: Ensure all future zoning text amendments and zoning map amendments support the construction of innovative housing types and creative infill development projects to help provide for increased density in the Development Areas. iv Preservation of existing housin communities Objective 4: Preserve and maintain the county's aging housing stock, and existing communities. Strategy 4a: Work with public and private partners to address housing maintenance issues, including exploring methods for assisting lower -income homeowners in need of smaller, lower -cost home repairs to access affordable home repair services. Action Steps: • Continue to pursue state and federal grant funding for housing rehabilitation projects. • Pursue a zero -interest housing rehabilitation loan program for low- and moderate -income homeowners. • Research best practices in home repair assistance programs. Strategy 4b: Develop strategies to encourage owners of naturally occurring affordable rental housing (NOAHs) to preserve all, or a portion, of these units as affordable housing. Action Steps: • Complete a survey of multifamily rental properties located in Albemarle County to identify NOAHs at least biennially. • Pursue a zero -interest rental housing rehabilitation loan program to help preserve and maintain affordable rental housing. Strategy 4c: Explore programmatic options to support homeowner efforts to upgrade water and sewer service by connecting to the publicly owned utilities systems. Strategy 4d: Examine the need for, and feasibility of, implementing a rental inspection district program to help ensure safe, decent, and sanitary living conditions for tenants and other residents living designated areas. Action Steps: • Research effectiveness of rental inspection programs adopted in other Virginia jurisdictions. • Analyze neighborhood level housing data to identify potential areas for designations as Rental Inspection Zones. Designate appropriate areas as such. • Develop rental inspection program guidelines, including inspection schedules, time periods of compliance, and fines for noncompliance. • Develop a resource needs analysis necessary to implement this program, if adopted by the Board. • Obtain funding for this program through outside sources if approved. 01 Strategy 4e: Develop and implement an Anti -Displacement and Tenant Relocation Policy and associated guidelines. Action Steps: • Develop policy guidelines based on requirements of the federal Uniform Relocation Act. • Develop mechanisms for tracking relocation activities and policy compliance. • Provide technical assistance for developers creating relocation plans. • Obtain funding for the tracking of these guidelines if adopted. Strategy 41: Examine early indicators of neighborhood change and housing prices to identify communities at risk of change. Focus programs and/or investment in those areas. Action Steps: • Identify appropriate neighborhood change metrics. • Identify, or develop and implement, an evaluation tool to track neighborhood change. • Report neighborhood change metrics to the Board on a routine basis. Objective 6: Establish a Housing Trust Fund Strategy 6a: Develop and implement a sustainable Housing Trust Fund for adoption by the Board of Supervisors. Action Steps: • Identify the target market, target partners, the overall purpose to be accomplished plus the sources of funding for a trust fund including, but not limited to, developer cash -in -lieu payments. Fund and hire the staffing required to implement and operate the Fund. Establish an application process for the trust fund, including priorities for funding, application period(s), timelines for proposal review and selection, and methods to evaluate funding proposals. Develop success measures and the mechanisms for tracking and reporting the number of affordable units supported with trust fund dollars, as well as other related success measures Objective 7: Establish a standing housing advisory committee. Strategy 7a: Establish a standing housing advisory committee. Action Steps: • Working with the Albemarle County Office of Equity and Inclusion, determine desired representative committee membership vi • Establish committee structure including committee leadership and membership terms. • Establish committee charge to include, for example, monitoring progress towards housing policy objectives; evaluating effectiveness of the county's housing programs and policies, and making recommendations for changes; or making recommendations for county investments in affordable and workforce housing projects. Strategy 7b: Work with Housing Advisory Committee to produce an annual housing report to include progress towards meeting housing policy objectives, and an evaluation of county housing policies and programs, as well as research into the impact of housing and community characteristics on affordable housing provision and prices. Objective 9: Promote access to safe, stable, and healthy housing regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, disability status, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity and veteran status. Strategy 9a: Ensure changes in County policies, including zoning text amendments, land use changes and Comprehensive Plan updates comply with state and federal civil rights laws, and do not negatively impact the supply of, or equitable access to, affordable housing. Evaluate housing programs and projects on how well they serve communities of color, low-income renters, and cultural communities using clear, measurable indicators. Action Steps: In cooperation with the Albemarle County Office of Equity and Inclusion, identify metrics and tools to evaluate the impact of residential development and legislative changes on county neighborhoods and households, particularly with regards to the social inclusion of low-income households, persons of color, seniors and persons with disabilities. Develop and implement an Affordable Housing Impact Statement tool to measure the potential impacts of policies, programs, or projects on the County's affordable housing stock. Strategy 9b: Expand community's knowledge of rights and responsibilities under the Virginia Landlord and Tenant Act. Action Steps: • Develop educational materials and or educational trainings/events for landlords, tenants of rental housing and interested community members. • Work with Albemarle County Office of Housing to design and implement a landlord outreach and education program to expand the use of Housing Choice Vouchers. vii Objective 10: Work to end and prevent homelessness. Strategy 10a: In partnership with public, private and nonprofit partners, expand permanent housing opportunities for chronically homeless households. Action Steps: • Increase the number of permanent supportive housing units for chronically homeless individuals. • Dedicate 20 project -based housing choice vouchers to Permanent Supportive Housing development(s) for chronically homeless households by 2022. • In partnership with mental health and homeless service providers, apply for HUD's Mainstream Voucher program to serve 20 additional formerly homeless households in Permanent Supportive Housing or Rapid Re -Housing. • Dedicate funding to create one additional supportive housing case manager position to assist formerly homeless households in maintaining housing stability. • Support the creation of a "Move -On" program to assist formerly homeless households currently in Permanent Supportive Housing or Rapid Re -Housing who no longer need intensive supportive services transition out of those programs and remain stably housed. • Establish a Housing Choice Voucher preference for formerly homeless households in Permanent Supportive Housing or Rapid Re -Housing programs. Strategy 1 Ob: Promote the best practice of Housing First. Action Steps: • Incentivize and prioritize applications for homeless and housing services funding from Albemarle County that utilize a Housing First approach. Strategy 1 Oc: Prevent homelessness where possible through homeless prevention programs and strategies. Action Steps: Dedicate funding to support local homeless prevention programs in preventing homelessness among 40 additional households per year. Dedicate funding to expand local emergency hotel and motel vouchers for homeless families with children to serve an additional 10 families per year. Strategy 1 Od: Address unmet needs for people living unsheltered Action Steps: • Dedicate funding to help support the creation one additional street outreach and engagement position. • Dedicate funding to expand local emergency shelter capacity by 10 units/beds for individuals. viii Strategy 10e: Assist households experiencing homelessness to quickly return to housing and remain stably housed. Action Steps: • Dedicate funding to support homeless housing programs serve an additional 20 households quickly identify, move into, and remain in housing per year. Collaborate with local and regional partners to expand housing programs for youth experiencing homelessness. Objective 11: Enable Albemarle Residents to age in the community. Strategy 11 a: Partner with nonprofit and for -profit affordable housing developers to increase the supply of affordable and accessible housing options in Albemarle County, with an emphasis on units affordable to low-income senior and disabled households. Strategy 11 b: Promote the inclusion of Universal Design standards into all new residential developments. Strategy 11 c: Support and promote housing options that allow for aging in place both within a community and at home. To combat social isolation among people with different abilities, encourage the creation of fully accessible communities with accessible design elements such as wheelchair ramps, handrails on both sides of staircases, Braille directional signage, and barrier -free walkways. Ensure communities have easy access to public transportation options. Action Steps: • Encourage inclusion of design and construction features that support aging in place (such as non -slip flooring, reinforced walls in bathrooms to support grab bars, or rocker panel light switches) in all new residential construction. • Encourage inclusion of affordable, senior appropriate housing units in mixed -use communities. • Promote the creation of age -friendly community spaces and amenities, such as including well -lit sidewalks and walking paths in all communities, signaled crosswalks to allow access to shopping and services, easy to read signage, public transit access, and seating areas in local parks. Strategy 11 d: In partnership with public, private, and nonprofit partners, work to increase the number of supportive housing communities for persons with disabilities to promote independent living and community integration for such persons. Strategy 11 e: Continue to offer property tax exemptions for low-income senior homeowners. Strategyl If: Continue to provide real estate tax exemptions for the County's veterans with a 100% service -connected disability, and homeowners with a total and permanent disability. ix Strategy 11 g: Study the feasibility of implementing a rent rebate program for low- income seniors to help with housing affordability issues. Objective 12: Promote healthy, sustainable communities and housing. Strategy 12a: Promote mixed -income development throughout the County's Development Areas. Strategy 12b: In partnership with local transit providers and the Albemarle County Broadband Authority, examine options for expanding access to both amenities in both urban and rural neighborhoods to increase resident access to services, education and training, and employment opportunities. Strategy 12c: Support the goals of Albemarle County's Climate Action Plan to enhance environmental sustainability and reduce the overall cost of housing by ensuring new housing is developed near job centers and alternative transportation opportunities. Action Steps: • Continue to require and provide sidewalks and pedestrian paths in the Development Areas. • Support expanded transit services including bus shelters and benches in new development projects. Strategy 12d: Partner with nonprofit housing and/or public health organizations to address unhealthy housing issues, particularly in rural and historically underinvested areas. Strategy 12e: Working with nonprofit partners, support homeowners and owners of rental properties in completing home energy efficiency upgrades. Strategy 1211: Promote incorporation of energy -efficient design in all new residential development. 0 STRATEGY IA: EXPLORE OPTIONS WITH COUNTY OWNED LAND TO DEVELOP A PERMANENT AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY. STRATEGY 2B & 3B: PROVIDE INCENTIVES TO INCREASE PRODUCTION OF AFFORDABLE RENTAL AND FOR -SALE HOUSING. STRATEGY 5A: DEVELOP AN AFFORDABLE DWELLING UNIT PROGRAM STRUCTURE AND GUIDELINES. STRATEGY 6A: DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A SUSTAINABLE Q HOUSING TRUST FUND FOR ADOPTION BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS. STRATEGY 7A: ESTABLISH A STANDING HOUSING ADVISORY 1 COMMITTEE. STRATEGY 10A: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PUBLIC, PRIVATE AND _ NONPROFIT PARTNERS, EXPAND PERMANENT HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHRONICALLY HOMELESS HOUSEHOLDS. (Page intentionally left blank) HOUSING Pursuant to Virginia Code § 15.2-2223(D), localities are required to address affordable housing in their comprehensive plans: The comprehensive plan shall include the designation of areas and implementation of measures for the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of affordable housing, which is sufficient to meet the current and future needs of residents of all levels of income in the locality while considering the current and future needs of the planning district within which the locality is situated. The housing goal, policy objectives and strategies outlined on the following pages satisfy this statutory requirement and are designed to address housing needs in Albemarle County through the year 2040. 11Page Contents AlbemarleCounty Vision & Housing Goal..........................................................................................4 Introduction............................................................................................................................................. 5 Definitionsof Terms.................................................................................................................................7 Policy Objectives & Strategies............................................................................................................12 Objective 1: Increase the supply of housing to meet the diverse housing needs of all current and future Albemarle County residents..........................................................................13 Objective 2: Increase the supply of long-term affordable and workforce rental housing in AlbemarleCounty............................................................................................................................14 Objective 3: Improve access to affordable and workforce home -ownership opportunities and promote long-term affordability of for -sale housing...........................................................18 Objective 4: Preserve and maintain the county's aging housing stock, and existing communities...................................................................................................................................... 21 Objective 5: Develop and implement an Affordable Dwelling Unit Program under Virginia CodeSection 15.2-2304...................................................................................................................26 Objective 6: Establish a Housing Trust Fund..................................................................................27 Objective 7: Establish a standing housing advisory committee................................................28 Objective 8: Reduce regulatory barriers to affordable and workforce housing production. ............................................................................................................................................................. 29 Objective 9: Promote access to safe, stable, and healthy housing regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, disability status, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity and veteran status..............................................................30 Objective 10: Work to end and prevent homelessness..............................................................33 Objective 1 1: Enable Albemarle Residents to age in the community......................................37 Objective 12: Promote healthy, sustainable communities and housing..................................42 Implementationpriorities....................................................................................................................45 Indicatorsof Progress...........................................................................................................................49 Appendices Appendix 1: Community Outreach...................................................................................................51 21Page (Page intentionally left blank) 31Page ALBEMARLE COUNTY VISION & HOUSING GOAL County Vision: Albemarle County envisions a community with abundant natural, rural, historic, and scenic resources; healthy ecosystems; active and vibrant development areas; a physical environment that supports healthy lifestyles; a thriving economy; and exceptional educational opportunity for present and future generations. Housing Goal: Albemarle County's housing will be safe, decent, and sanitary; available to all income and age levels; located primarily in the Development Areas; and available equally to current and future County residents. 41Page INTRODUCTION Housing plays an important role in all our lives. Homes provide a foundation for life and promote equitable communities. A variety of quality housing types, affordable to a range of incomes, support positive health outcomes, educational achievement, and employment. Albemarle County is doing well on these fronts overall, but the high cost of housing in our area means thousands of individuals and families are being left behind. While high housing costs disproportionately affect our county's seniors, Black and Latinx residents, and low-income households, they are not the only ones struggling. Local workers who provide essential services to our community, such as teachers, police officers, landscapers and bus drivers are increasingly being priced out of the county. Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. Only by providing a variety of housing types, affordable to individuals and Overall Qualify of Life in Albemarle County Fair Poor 9% 1% Source: 2020 Albemarle County Community Survey families with diverse incomes, can we ensure Albemarle County is a thriving, sustainable community for all today and well into the future. The policy objectives and strategies discussed below help ensure Albemarle County can meet this goal. Special Note: The policy recommendations presented in this document were finalized in February 2020. Subsequently, on March 23, 2020 Governor Northam issued Executive Order 53 (later amended) instituting a temporary stay-at-home order for all Virginians, the cessation of all in - classroom school instruction through the end of school year, and the closure of all non- essential businesses. These closures resulted in unprecedented job losses with Albemarle County experiencing a 210% increase (from 2.8% to 9%) in the unemployment rate between March 1 and April 30, 2020. While the unemployment rate decreased to 7.6% by the end of June 2020, more than 4,000 county residents remained jobless'. The loss in income accompanying these job losses has left many households struggling to meet their monthly housing costs. A number of actions taken at the federal, state and local government levels (e.g., eviction moratoriums, mortgage forbearances, and mortgage and rent assistance programs) are helping to keep COVID-19 impacted households in their homes through the end of the 2020. However, the full extent of the impact the pandemic will have is not yet ' Virginia Employment Commission 51Page known. Albemarle County staff continues to monitor the situation and will bring forward recommendations for further housing -related actions as needed. 61Page DEFINITIONS OF TERMS Accessible unit - Housing units built in conformance to the International Code Council International Building Code specifications for Type A accessible units or meeting the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS). Accessory apartment - a separate, independent dwelling unit contained within the structure of and clearly subordinate to a single-family detached dwelling, as distinguished from a two- family dwelling. Affordable Dwelling Unit Program - a program intended to address housing needs, promote a full range of housing choices, and encourage the construction and continued existence of affordably priced housing for low- and moderate -income residents living within the county, as enabled by Section 15.2-2304 of the Code of Virginia. Area Median Income (AMI) for Households - the AMI is the midpoint of all of the incomes for a given area. Half of households in a given area have a higher income than the midpoint, and half have an income less than that amount. Comprehensive Plan - Albemarle County's Comprehensive Plan establishes a 20-year vision for future development. It is a document that contains overarching policies, recommendations and incorporates each of the Master Plans and Small Area Plans as they are adopted by the Board of Supervisors. Density - the number of families, persons or housing units per unit of land. Development Areas - The Development Areas are designated areas for residential and business growth, intended to be attractive and vibrant communities where people live, work and play with infrastructure, such as schools, libraries, sidewalks and streets, to support these areas. Disability - under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a person is considered to have a disability if he or she is unable to independently carry out one or more of the major life activities of walking, eating, sleeping, breathing, seeing, hearing or thinking. Employment Center - An area with employment -generating uses supporting basic industries and economic development goals with secondary residential uses and commercial and retail uses that support employees and residents. HUD - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 71Page Homeless or Homelessness - an individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes persons exiting institutions (e.g. hospitals or prison) where they have resided for 90 days or less and who resided in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation immediately before entering the institution. Inadequate nighttime residences include: 1) a public or private place not meant for human habitation; or 2) a publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living arrangements (e.g. homeless shelters or hotels rooms paid for by local government). Homeowner - the analyses in this document are based on the U.S. Census Bureau's definition of an owner -occupant - or homeowner - as an owner of residential property who lives in the unit even if it is mortgaged or not fully paid for. The owner live in the unit as his/her principal residence. Household - A household includes all the people who occupy a housing unit. The occupants may be a single family, one person living alone, two or more families living together, or any other group of related or unrelated people who share living arrangements. Household income (Extremely Low, Very Low, Low, Moderate, Middle) -The amount of money that a household receives from all sources in a given year. Income thresholds are adjusted for household size and are revised annually based on the area median income. Housing affordability- Whether combined costs of housing consume no more than 30% of household income, including monthly rent plus any tenant -paid utilities for renters, and monthly mortgage payments plus property taxes and insurance for homeowners. Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly known as Section 8 Rent Assistance) - a federally funded rental assistance program for low-income households. Households must meet income eligibility criteria. Each household pays a minimum of 30% of income for rent. For Albemarle County, the Housing Choice Voucher program is administered by the Office of Housing. Housing cost burden - a household is considered to be cost burdened when it pays more than 30% of its gross income for housing. Housing First - a homeless assistance approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness to provide a stable platform from which individuals and families can pursue personal and family goals and improved their quality of life. Housing Rehabilitation Zones - specific areas created by local governments, by ordinance, for the purpose of providing incentives and regulatory flexibility to encourage the construction or preservation of housing (see Section 36-55.64 of the Code of Virginia). Incentives may include, but not be limited to: reduction of permit fees, waiver of property tax liens, and use of special permit process. Incentives and waivers apply for a period of 10 years. Housing Unit - a single residential unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. Income limits, Affordable Housing - the maximum amount of gross income a household can earn to qualify for affordable housing. For affordable rental housing the income limit is 60% of AMI adjusted for household size. For affordable for sale units the income limit is 80% of AMI adjusted for family size. Income limits, Worldorce Housing - to qualify for workforce rental housing, a household must have a gross income between 60% AMI and 120%AMI. To qualify for workforce homeownership opportunities, household income must fall between 80%AMI and 120% AMI. Maximum Rent, Affordable Housing - the maximum rent to be charged for an Affordable Housing rental unit is equal to one-fourth of 65% of the AMI adjusted for unit size. As of Maximum affordable rents are calculated by multiplying the AMI by the following factors per unit size: Efficiency 0.009479 1 bedroom 0.010833 2 bedroom 0.013542 3 bedroom 0.016927 4 bedroom 0.018958 5 bedroom 0.021802 6 bedroom 0.024646 Maximum Rent, Workforce Housing - the maximum monthly rent to be charged for a Workforce Housing rental unit may not exceed 110% of the Fair Market Rent applicable to the size of the unit. Maximum Sales Price, Affordable Housing - the maximum affordable home sales price shall be equal to or less than 65% of the federal HOME Program's 1-Unit Purchase Price Limit for Existing Housing for Albemarle County. Maximum Sales Price, Workforce Housing - the maximum affordable home sales price shall be equal to or less than 65% of the federal HOME Program's 1-Unit Purchase Price Limit for New Housing for Albemarle County. Median Home Sales Price - the sale price at which exactly half of homes for sale are listed above this price and exactly half are listed below this price. 91Page Minimum affordability period (owner -occupied) - affordable owner -occupied units shall remain affordable for a minimum of 40 years. Minimum affordability period (renter occupied) - affordable renter -occupied units shall remain affordable for a minimum of 30 years. Mixed Income Development - a type of development that serves households at various income levels. Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing - privately owned and operated residential rental properties that maintain low rents without public subsidy. Permanent Supportive Housing - a housing model that combines affordable housing assistance with supportive services to support independent living. Supportive services may include health care, education or training, and employment services. Preservation - any of a variety of policies and programs designed to maintain the existing housing stock. Preservation activities may include housing rehabilitation or the extension of housing affordability compliance periods. Rental Inspection Districts - Section 36-105.1 of the Code of Virginia provides local government with the authority to inspect rental housing units in designated areas. The purposes of rental inspection districts include protecting the health, safety and welfare of tenants; and addressing or proactively preventing the deterioration of rental housing. Rural Areas - The Comprehensive Plan designates areas outside of the designated Development Areas or Master Planned Areas as Rural Areas. The Rural Areas consist of approximately 95% of the County, or 695 square miles. These areas are designated for conservation and preservation for the protection of environmental, historic, cultural, and scenic resources. Social Equity - the just and fair inclusion into a society in which all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. Sustainable Communities - a sustainable community takes into account, and addresses, the full range of economic, environmental, and social equity needs of its members. Sustainable communities meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. They are places where people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives feel welcome and safe, where every group has a seat at the decision - making table, and where prosperity is shared. Transit - A system of public transportation in a given area that can be made up of buses, subways, light rails, or elevated trains. 10 1 Page Transit Corridor -geographic band that follows a general directional flow or connects major sources of trips served by public transportation. Universal Design - the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood, and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability. Zoning or Zoning Code - the process of classifying land in a locality into districts and establishing in each district regulations concerning building and structure location and design and the uses to which land, buildings and structures may be put. 11 1 Page POLICY OBJECTIVES & STRATEGIES 121 Page Objective 1: Increase the supply of housing to meet the diverse housing needs of all current and future Albemarle County residents. Albemarle County is growing. The University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service2 estimates the County's population will grow by 24.7% from 111,039 to 138,485 persons by the year 2040. With this growth comes increased demand for housing of various types and sizes that meet the diverse needs of both renters and homeowners, as well as those of individuals and families of all sizes, ages, and abilities. To accommodate this growth, the County will need to add approximately 11,750 new units to our housing stock over the next 20 years3. The majority of this need-9,031 units or 77% of the required new housing - is projected to be met with units already in the residential development pipeline4. This means the county must support the development of an additional 2,719 units to fully accommodate projected household growth through 2040. The following strategies will help ensure housing is available for all current and future county residents: Strategy 1 a: Allow, encourage, and incentivize a variety of housing types (such as bungalow courts, triplexes and fourplexes, accessory dwelling units, live/work units, tiny homes, and modular homes); close to job centers, public transit and community amenities; and affordable for all income levels; and promote increased density in the Development Areas. Action Steps: • Ensure a mixture of housing types are provided, with a minimum of 20% of the total number of housing units in new developments being provided as affordable housings. • Review and update housing density bonuses within the zoning ordinance to encourage a variety of housing types. 2 University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center, Demographics Research Group (2019). Virginia Population Projections. Retrieved from https://demographics.coopercenter.org/virainia-population- proiections 3 Albemarle County Community Development Department (2019). 2019 Growth Management Report. http://www.olbemarle.org/upload/images/forms center/departments/community development/for ms/PC Reports/2019/Growth Management Report November 12 2019 Aft a.pdf 4 Albemarle County Community Development Department (2019). Albemarle County Development Dashboards, https://www.olbemorle.org/govemment/community-development/view/development- dashboard. Accessed March 18, 2020. s This percentage of affordable housing is based on the housing cost burden analysis presented in the Comprehensive Regional Housing Needs Assessment report, which indicates approximately 21 % of current county households are paying more than the recommended 30% of income for housing. Assuming this percentage remains steady over the next 20 years, ensuring that 20% of all new housing units are provided as affordable housing will help to fill the affordable housing gap. 13 1 Page • Explore options with county owned land to develop a permanent affordable housing community. • Consider designating Housing Rehabilitation Zones6 to encourage and incentivize the development and preservation of affordable and workforce housing in those zones. Objective 2: Increase the supply of long-term affordable and worldorce rental housing in Albemarle County. Renters represent approximately 37% of the total households in Albemarle County (Table 1)7. The majority (71 %) of renter households are located within the county's Development Areas, reflective of the distribution of multifamily housing throughout the County. 96%of properties containing 5 or more rental units are located in the Development Areas. 1007 90% 80% 7007 6007 5007 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Table 1: Households by Tenure 2019 Owner 26,265 63.3% Renter 15,231 36.7% rr r• Figure 1: Distribution of Rental Housing by Units in Structure 2018 Development Areas Rural Areas 6 Section 36-55.64 authorizes local governments to establish, by ordinance, housing rehabilitation zones for the purpose of providing incentives and regulatory flexibility in such zones including but not limited to: reduction of permit fees; waiver of tax liens to facilitate the sale of properties to be substantially rehabilitate, renovated, or replaced; and use of a special permit process. Incentives and waivers apply to housing rehabilitation zones for a period of 10 years. 7 U.S. Census Bureau. DP04: Selected Housing Characteristics. 2 American Community 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. 14 1 Page Single-family detached units are the predominant type of rental housing in the county's Rural Areas (Figure 1)8. Rental housing costs have been steadily increasing since 2010, rising 23% between 2010 and 2019 (Figure 2). Rents for smaller units increased the most during this period (Table 2). Median $1,400 — $1,200 $1,071 $1,000 9-� $1,031 $800 $600 $400 — $200 $0 Figure 2: Median Gross Rent 2010 - 2019 $1,106 $1,117 $1,189 $1,080 $1,115 $1,156 $1,244 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 gross rents for efficiency/studio, one -bedroom, and 5+ bedroom rental units increased 46%, 41 %, and 51 % respectively, while rents for units with 2, 3, and 4-bedrooms experienced rent increases between 30% to 37%9 Table 2: Median Gross Rent by Number of Bedrooms 2015 - 2019 No Bedroom 740 $1,080 45.9% 1 BR $779 $1,098 40.9% 2 BR $912 $1,249 37.0% 3BR $1,089 $1,421 30.5% 4BR $1,355 $1,827 34.8% 5+ Bedrooms 1,433 1 $2,1641 51.0% The increase in median gross rent has been accompanied by an increase in housing costs for many County residents. In 2019, 77%of renter households were paying $1,000 or more per 8 Partners for Economic Success (2019). Comprehensive Regional Housing Study and Needs Assessment, Virginia Planning District 10. 9 U.S. Census Bureau. DP04: Selected Housing Characteristics. 2 American Community 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. 15 1 Page month for gross rent, a 70% increase since 2010. The number of households paying between $1,500 and $1,999 per month for gross rent saw the greatest increase during this period (207.2%), followed by households paying $2,000 or more (95.3%). During this same period, the number of households paying less than $1,000 per month for gross rent decreased nearly 43% (-42.8%), with households paying less than $500 per month for gross rent decreasing by 38.2% (Table 3)10. Table 3: Change in Gross Rent 2010 - 2018 7 Gross _�� s Change 2010-2017 jd� 00' Total 11,953 14,601 2,079 17.4% As the cost of rental housing has risen, so have the number of households experiencing housing cost burdens (Table 4). The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recommends households spend no more than 30% of gross household income on housing and related costs. Households spending more than 30% of gross income are considered to be housing cost burdened. Severe housing cost burden occurs when households must dedicate 507o or more of their gross income toward housing costs. As of 2017 (the last date Table 4: Renter Housing Cost Burden by Household Income Level 2017 - , Less than 30% of AMI 2,580 1,900 73.6% 1,805 69.9% Greater than 30% to 50% of AMI 1,935 1,615 83.5% 965 49.8% Greater than 50% to 80% of AMI 2,900 1,735 59.8% 245 8.4% Greater than 80% to 100% of AMI 1,910 455 23.8% 45 2.4% Greater than 100% of AMI 5,230 215 4.1 % 25 0.5% for which data is available), 2 out of every 5 renter households in Albemarle County were housing cost burdened. While high housing costs are affecting renter households across the income spectrum, renter households with the lowest incomes are impacted the most with more than three-quarters (77.8%) of renter households with incomes less than or equal to 50% of Area Median Income" (AMI) paying more than 30% of their incomes toward rent and 10 U.S. Census Bureau. DP04: Gross Rent. 2010 and 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. $93,700 for Charlottesville Metropolitan Area as of April 2021. 16 1 Page utilities, and more than 60% (61.3%) spending more than half of their income for housing and housing related costs.12 High housing costs can lead to a range of issues for both individual households and the broader community. The greater the share of income households spend for housing, the less money they have available to cover the costs associated with other necessities, such as healthy foods or transportation to employment. Health issues may arise due to an inability to buy healthy foods or prescription medicines, and frequent moves due to increasing rents often inhibit the ability of children to perform well in school. Local economic development efforts are impacted as well, employers having difficulty attracting and retaining employees due to concerns about housing affordability. To help ensure the health and success of our residents and continued economic growth, Albemarle County must act to increase the supply of both affordable and workforce rental housing in our community through a variety of policies and programs. The county's affordable rental housing stock will comprise those rental units affordable for rent to households with incomes no greater than 60% of AMI adjusted for household size, and workforce rental housing units are units affordable to households with incomes between 60% and 120% of AMI adjusted for household size. The county will work to increase the number of affordable and workforce rental units through the following strategies: Strategy 2a: Promote affordable and workforce rental housing development and preservation. Strategy 2b: Provide incentives to increase production of affordable rental housing. Action Steps: • Promote the use of the existing density bonus ordinance as a tool to achieve affordable rental housing. Identify a package of developer incentives other than bonus density, such as reductions in parking or minimum lot size requirements, to encourage development of affordable and workforce housing. Develop an Accessory Apartment Loan Program to encourage the construction of accessory apartments. Pilot the program as a workforce housing solution for County teachers and school employees. Strategy 2c: Develop procedures for monitoring and enforcing compliance of occupancy and rent restrictions required by law and/or funding sources. Strategy 2d: Develop mechanisms, such as deed restrictions, to ensure affordable rental units developed utilizing county incentives remain affordable for a minimum of 30 years with the long-term goal of creating a stock of permanently affordable rental housing units. 12 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Consolidated Plan/CHAS Data 2013-2017. 17 1 Page Strategy 2e: Partner with local organizations (including, but not limited to, nonprofit agencies, realtor associations, regional jurisdictions, the University of Virginia, and county departments) to promote access to affordable rental housing opportunities. Action Steps: • Identify local partners. • Establish a publicly accessible platform for maintaining publicly accessible data on housing units available for rent including location, price, size/type, and amenities. Objective 3: Improve access to affordable and workforce home- ownership opportunities and promote long-term affordability of for -sale housing. Renters are not the only households affected by high housing costs. Of the 25,460 homeowners in Albemarle County, 4,485 (17.6%) are experiencing housing cost burdens. Like renters, low- and moderate -income homeowners are disproportionately cost burdened. Approximately 42% of homeowners with incomes less than 80% of AMI pay more than 30% of their household income for housing. Homeowners in the lowest income bracket are experiencing the highest rate of severe housing cost burden, with close to one-third of homeowners with household incomes less than 30% AMI paying 50% or more of their income for housing and related costs (Table 5)13. Table 5: Homeowner Housing Cost Burden by Income Level 2017 Less than 30% of AMI 1,625 1,025 63.1% 835 51.4% Greater 30% to 50% of AMI 1,915 820 42.8% 400 20.8% >50% to 80% of AMI 3,330 1,045 31.4% 415 12.5% Greater 80% to 100% of AMI 2,350 520 22.1 % 80 3.4% Greater 100%of AMI 16,240 1,075 6.6% 95 0.6% Affordable owner -occupied housing stock in Albemarle County has been decreasing since 2015. In 2015, homes valued at less than $200,000 comprised 25% of the county's owner - occupied housing stock (Figure 3). By 2019, that percentage had fallen to 17%with the greatest decrease registered among homes valued under $100,000 (Table 6)14. 13 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Consolidated Planning/CHAS Data 2013 - 2017 14 U.S. Census Bureau. DP04: Selected Housing Characteristics 2015 & 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. 18 1 Page Figure 3: Home Values by Percentage of Total Units 2015 - 2019 2019 1 2015 0% 10% 20% 30% ■ <$100,000 ■ $300,000-$499,9999 40% 50% 60% ■ $100,000 - $199,999 ■ $500,000+ Table 6: Home Values 2015 - 2019 < 100,000 1,728 1,091 -637 -36.9% $100'000 to $199,999 3,955 3,641 314 7.9% $200,000 to $299,999 6,358 5,719 -639 -10.1 % 300,000 to $499,999 7,038 8,407 1,369 19.5% 500,000+ 6,202 7,407 1,205 19.4% r 70% 80% 90% 100% 0 $200,000 - $299,9999 Rising home sales prices may be a contributing factor in the number of housing cost burdened homeowners. Between 2010 and 2019, the median home sales price in Albemarle County increased 29.3%15 (Table 7). However, the county's median household income only increased 21.1 % during the same period, placing homeownership out of reach for many local households (Table 8)16. This mismatch between home sales prices and incomes can negatively impact economic development in the county17. Of the top five largest employment sectors in the county, none offer average annual salaries equal to or greater 15 Nest Realty (2011 & 2019). Charlottesville Annual Report. https://www.nestrealty.com/bloa/charlottesville/charlottesville-market-reports 16 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 17 Virginia Center for Housing Research (2017). Addressing the Impact of Housing for Virginia's Economy. Appendix Report 6: Housing and Economic Opportunity -a Review of the Literature. httD://www.virciiniahousinapolicv.com/pdf/HPACReiDort Appendix7o20Report%206%20Housina7o20and b20Economic%20Opportunity.pdf 19 1 Page than the area median income (Figure 4)18 leaving many single- and two -person households working in these industries out of the local homebuyers' market. Table 7: Median Home Sale Price Table 8: Area Median Income 2010 - 2019 Change from edion Prior Yea ffr Sales Price JChange1535,001011 2010 - 2019 Year A Me Income Figure 4: Average Salary by Employment Sector 2020 Area Median Income Healthcare & Social Assistance ter Retail Trade Acommodations & Food Service Professional, Scientific & Technical Services Construction $0 $20,000 $40,000 $60,000 $80,000 $100,000 Albemarle County recognizes the importance of providing good quality affordable and workforce homeownership opportunities for our current and future residents. The county's affordable owner -occupied housing stock will comprise those for -sale units affordable for purchase by households with incomes no greater than 80% of AMI adjusted for household size, and workforce for -sale housing units are units affordable to households with incomes between 80% and 120% of AMI adjusted for household size. The county will work to increase the number of affordable and workforce homeownership opportunities through the following strategies: 18 Virginia Employment Commission (2020). Community Profile: Albemarle County. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment and wage data. 20 1 Page Strategy 3a: Develop policies creating affordable and workforce homeownership opportunities through new residential development and the preservation of existing owner - occupied housing. Strategy 3b: Provide incentives to increase production of affordable and workforce for -sale housing. Action Steps: • Identify a package of developer incentives such as reductions in minimum lot size requirements, to encourage development of affordable and workforce housing. Strategy 3c: Support the development of permanently affordable owner -occupied housing through the community land trust model and other shared equity forms of ownership. Strategy 3d: Develop procedures for monitoring and enforcing occupancy and sales price restrictions required by law and/or funding sources. Strategy 3e: Develop mechanisms (such as deed restrictions) to ensure affordable for -sale units developed with county incentives and other types of county support remain affordable for a minimum of 40 years with the long-term goal of creating a stock of permanently affordable for -sale housing units. Strategy 3f: Partner with local organizations (including, but not limited to nonprofit agencies, realtor associations, the City of Charlottesville, the University of Virginia, and county departments) to promote access to affordable homeownership opportunities. Action Steps: • Identify local partners. • Establish a publicly accessible platform for maintaining publicly accessible data on affordable housing units available for sale including location, price, size/type, and amenities. Objective 4: Preserve and maintain the county's aging housing stock, and existing communities. Approximately one out of every 5 units (20%) of the County's housing stock was built prior to 1970 (Table 9) 19. Older units comprise the majority (62.8% of units built prior to 1990) of the 19 U.S. Census Bureau. B25036: Tenure by Year Structure Built. 2013 - 2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. 21 1 Page housing stock in Rural Areas. This is reflective of the county's efforts to focus residential construction in the Development Areas20 (Figure 5). Table 9: Housing Units by Year Structure Built and Tenure rrrrrrrr��rlirrrrrrrrrrrrrr�+.rl�rrrrrrrrrrrrrr�+.r! 2010 or later 4,021 9.2% 2,810 9.7% 1,211 8.1 % 2000 to 2009 8,030 18.4% 5,372 18.6% 2,658 17.8% 1990 to 1999 8,588 19.6% 5,924 18.5% 2,664 19.8% 1980 to 1989 8,279 18.9% 5,332 18.5% 2,947 19.8% 1970 to 1979 6,125 14.0% 3,812 13.2% 2,313 15.5% 1960 to 1969 2,589 5.9% 2,363 8.2% 226 1.5% 1950 to 1959 2,350 5.4% 1,181 4.1 % 1,169 7.8% 1940 to 1949 421 1.0% 240 0.8% 181 1.2% 1939 or earlier 3,351 1 7.7% 1,828 6.31%o 1,523 10.2% ... r. Figure 5: Housing Units by Year Structure Built - Development and Rural Areas Rural Areas 2010 or 2000 to later 2009 1970 or 3% 15% 1970 to 1979 15%, 1980 to 1989 4% '0 to 1999 14% Development Areas 1970 or 2010 or 2000 to earlier later 2009 eAW 5% ,.m 1970 1971 13% 1989 17% ) to 19 25% Single-family homes - both detached and attached -- make nearly 80% of the units built before 1980, 94% of which are owner -occupied (Table 10). However, older single-family units also provide an important source of rental housing for county residents. Of the 5,344 older renter -occupied units in the county 51 % are single-family homes (Figure 6)21. 20 Partners for Economic Success (2019). 21 U.S. Census Bureau. B25127: Tenure by Year Structure Built by Units in Structure. 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. 22 1 Page Table 10: Housing Units Built Prior to 1980 by Tenure OwnerEIrr Occupied Occupied 1, detached or attached 11,171 79.3% 8,945 94.3% 2,726 52.2% 2 to 4 747 5.7% 199 2.1 % 640 12.3% 5 to 19 1,259 1.4% 68 0.7% 1,275 24.4% 20 t0 49 284 1.5% 0 0.0% 206 3.9% 50 or more 235 1.5% 18 0.2% 210 4.0% Mobile home, boat, RV, van, etc. 686 2.9% 258 2.7% 1661 3.2% WMEW, Figure 6: Renter -Occupied Units by Units in Structure Built 1979 and Earlier ■ 1, detached or attached ■2to4 ■5to19 ■ 20 t0 49 ■ 50 or more ■ Mobile home, boat, RV, van, etc. An aging housing stock can have a significant impact on housing affordability. Older units tend to be less energy efficient leading to increased utility costs. Older homes also require significant investments in maintance to keep them hazard free and in good condition. Owners of rental properties pass these maintenance costs on to tenants in form of higher rents, often forcing many lower -income households out of their homes. For lower -income homeowners, especially senior homeowners living on fixed -incomes, these increased costs may stretch already tight household budgets leading to defered home maintenance resulting in unsafe living conditions. An additional concern in Albemarle County is the number of affordable rental properties with affordability periods nearing the expiration date. There are a total of 10 affordable rental properties, containing 980 units, located within the county. These properties received funding 23 1 Page from a range of federal sources (e.g. the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and HOME Investment Partnership programs) to ensure the units are offered at rents affordable to low- income households for specific periods of time. Within the next 10 years, the affordability period for three of these properties are set to expire. This could potentially force 443 low- income households to search for affordable housing in an already tight rental housing market (Tablel 1)22. Table 11: Assisted Multifamily Properties by Affordability Period Expiration ..Period .. „ ir.abilitl En �. Wilton Farm 144 01/01/2022 Rio Hill A arfments 139 01 /01 /2025 Mallside Forest Apartments 160 01 /01 /2029 Parks Edge Apartments 96 01 /01 /2035 Crozet Meadows 66 01 /01 /2041 Scottsville Apartments 34 01 /01 /2043 The Meadowlands 66 09/01 /2043 Treesdale Apartments 88 11 /01 /2048 Woods Ed e Apartments 97 08/O1 /2052 Park View at South Pantos 90 03/01 /2053 Older communities are at constant risk of decline due to socioeconomic and demographic changes, physical condition of the housing stock neighborhood amenities, and changing consumer preferences in the housing market. Sometimes, change leads to the revitalization of aging communities bringing new residents and increased investment to these neighborhoods. This type of positive change often leads to increases in housing prices (for both renter- and owner -occupied housing) and increased pressure on long-time homeowners and landlord to address property maintenance issues. These pressures may result in the displacement of older and lower -income residents who are unable to afford the higher costs of housing. More often, however, this change leads to neighborhood decline with an increase in poverty levels, deteriorating housing and infrastructure and the closing of community amenities and services23. To help preserve our existing affordable housing stock and existing communities, Albemarle County will take the following steps: 22 National Housing Preservation Database. https://preservationdatabose.org/. Accessed March 25, 2020. 23 Mallach, Alan (2018). America's Middle Neighborhood: Setting the Stage for Revival. Lincoln Instite of Land Policy. https://www.lincolninst.edu/sites/default/files/pubfiles/mallach wpl8om2.pdf 24 1 Page Strategy 4a: Work with public and private partners to address housing maintenance issues, including exploring methods for assisting lower -income homeowners in need of smaller, lower -cost home repairs to access affordable home repair services. Action Steps: • Continue to pursue state and federal grant funding for housing rehabilitation projects. • Pursue a zero -interest housing rehabilitation loan program for low- and moderate -income homeowners. • Research best practices in home repair assistance programs. Strategy 4b: Develop strategies to encourage owners of naturally occurring affordable rental housing (NOAHs) to preserve all, or a portion, of these units as affordable housing. Action Steps: • Complete a survey of multifamily rental properties located in Albemarle County to identify NOAHs at least biennially. • Pursue a zero -interest rental housing rehabilitation loan program to help preserve and maintain affordable rental housing. Strategy 4c: Explore programmatic options to support homeowner efforts to upgrade water and sewer service by connecting to the publicly owned utilities systems. Strategy 4d: Examine the need for, and feasibility of, implementing a rental inspection district program to help ensure safe, decent, and sanitary living conditions for tenants and other residents living designated area$24. Action Steps: • Research effectiveness of rental inspection programs adopted in other Virginia jurisdictions. • Analyze neighborhood level housing data to identify potential areas for designations as Rental Inspection Zones. Designate appropriate areas as such. • Develop rental inspection program guidelines, including inspection schedules, time periods of compliance, and fines for noncompliance. • Develop a resource needs analysis necessary to implement this program, if adopted by the Board. • Obtain funding for this program through outside sources if approved. Strategy 4e: Develop and implement an Anti -Displacement and Tenant Relocation Policy and associated guidelines. 24 Section 36-105.1 of the Code of Virginia provides local government with the authority to inspect rental housing units in designated areas. The purposes of rental inspection districts include protecting the health, safety and welfare of tenants; and addressing or proactively preventing the deterioration of rental housing. 25 1 Page Action Steps: • Develop policy guidelines based on requirements of the federal Uniform Relocation Act. • Develop mechanisms for tracking relocation activities and policy compliance. • Provide technical assistance for developers creating relocation plans. • Obtain funding for the tracking of these guidelines if adopted. Strategy M: Examine early indicators of neighborhood change and housing prices to identify communities at risk of change. Focus programs and/or investment in those areas. Action Steps: • Identify appropriate neighborhood change metrics. • Identify, or develop and implement, an evaluation tool to track neighborhood change. • Report neighborhood change metrics to the Board on a routine basis. Objective 5: Develop and implement an Affordable Dwelling Unit Program under Virginia Code Section 15.2-2304. The Code of Virginia provides local governments with the authority to offer increased density to developers in exchange for the construction of affordable housing. Increased density in exchange for affordable housing is the only vehicle through which Virginia jurisdictions can incent affordable housing in new development. Albemarle County employs the density bonus through two mechanisms, density bonus provisions for certain residential zoning areas (Chapter 18 Sections 13.4.3, 14.4.3, 15.4.3, 16.4.3, 17.4.3 and 18.4.3 of the Albemarle County Zoning Code); and developer proffers for affordable housing related to rezoning and special use permit applications. The density bonus for affordable housing program provides developers the option of a 30% increase in density in exchange for at least 50% of the additional units gained through increased density being offered as affordable housing. Through the proffer system, Albemarle County has worked with developers seeking a density increase through a rezoning or special use permit application to ensure a minimum of 15% of the total housing units in the development are provided as affordable housing. Due to conflicts between the county's density bonus program and density recommendations outlined in the Comprehensive Plan, few developers have taken advantage of this bonus program. The county has had greater success adding affordable units to the housing stock through the acceptance of developer proffers. Since 2004, developers have proffered approximately 1,146 - 1,42425 affordable units in exchange for higher densities secured 25 The county requires developers to proffer a minimum of 15% of the total units in the development as affordable housing. The current number of proffered units reflects the residential build out potential of each project and is presented as a range for the minimum and maximum number of anticipated units. 26 1 Page through rezonings and/or special use permits. However, in 2016, the Virginia legislature amended the State's proffer legislation limiting local governments' abilities to accept proffers for affordable housing. State legislation provides an alternative strategy for affordable housing development. Section 15.2-2304 of the Code of Virginia provides Albemarle County with the authority to create, through an amendment to the county's zoning ordinance, an affordable dwelling unit program. The creation of such a program will help Albemarle County address housing needs, promote a full range of housing choices, and encourage the construction and continued existence of affordably priced housing for low- and moderate -income residents living within the county. An affordable dwelling unit program supports the creation of affordable and workforce housing by providing developers the opportunity to increase density through a rezoning or special use permit, in exchange for the construction of below market rate housing units. The program can apply to both for -sale and rental units. Program components may include regulation of the prices of affordable rental and for -sale housing units (including resale prices of for -sale units), the establishment of minimum affordability periods to help build a stock of long-term affordable housing, standards for amounts of cash - in -lieu of affordable unit payments by developers, and first right of refusal of for -sale Affordable Dwelling Units by Albemarle County. Strategy 5a: Develop an Affordable Dwelling Unit Program structure and guidelines, including provisions. Action Steps: 1. Establishing a minimum period of affordability of 30 years for rental units and 40 years for homeownership units; 2. Identifying mechanisms to secure minimum affordability periods; 3. Specifying method for calculating the amount of developer cash -in -lieu of affordable unit payments; and 4. Establishing the right of first refusal for the purchase of for -sale Affordable Dwelling Units by Albemarle County or a designee. Strategy 5b: Revise Albemarle County's Zoning Ordinance to include the Affordable Dwelling Unit Program. Objective 6: Establish a Housing Trust Fund Housing trust funds are established for the express purpose of providing affordable housing. Revenue to capitalize a housing trust fund can come from many sources, including developer cash -in -lieu of affordable housing payments associated with an affordable dwelling unit program. Funds can be distributed as either grants or loans to a variety of local partners including for -profit and nonprofit developers, affordable housing services providers, public housing authorities, or local government departments, as well as individual 27 1 Page homeowners or landlords. Priorities for the use of housing trust fund dollars can be set to meet local priorities as housing needs change. Strategy 6a: Develop and implement a sustainable Housing Trust Fund for adoption by the Board of Supervisors. Action Steps: Identify the target market, target partners, the overall purpose to be accomplished plus the sources of funding for a trust fund including, but not limited to, developer cash -in -lieu payments. Fund and hire the staffing required to implement and operate the Fund. Establish an application process for the trust fund, including priorities for funding, application period(s), timelines for proposal review and selection, and methods to evaluate funding proposals. • Develop success measures and the mechanisms for tracking and reporting the number of affordable units supported with trust fund dollars, as well as other related success measures. Objective 7: Establish a standing housing advisory committee. As with all policies and programs, Albemarle County's housing policy will only be effective if it reflects the needs of our residents. A housing advisory committee, comprised of members from our local community, will help ensure the county's policy is aligned with community needs. Working together with county staff, members of this advisory committee can, for example, help monitor implementation of the housing policy; monitor activities of the affordable housing trust fund; or make recommendations for funding priorities. Creation of such a committee can help the county respond effectively to changing community needs. Strategy 7a: Establish a standing housing advisory committee. Action Steps: • Working with the Albemarle County Office of Equity and Inclusion, determine desired representative committee membership • Establish committee structure including committee leadership and membership terms. • Establish committee charge to include, for example, monitoring progress towards housing policy objectives; evaluating effectiveness of the county's housing programs and policies, and making recommendations for changes; or making recommendations for county investments in affordable and workforce housing projects. Strategy 7b: Work with Housing Advisory Committee to produce an annual housing report to include progress towards meeting housing policy objectives, and an evaluation of county housing policies and programs, as well as research into the impact of housing and community characteristics on affordable housing provision and prices. 28 1 Page Objective 8: Reduce regulatory barriers to affordable and workforce housing production. In 199126, the Federal Advisory Commission on Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing identified local regulations - such as restrictive zoning codes and land use policies -- as a Table 12: Examples of Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing27 :. Over -commitment of land to single-family detached housing X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Limits on by -right zoning at appropriate densities Proffer legislation Inadequate supply of well -located land with zoning that permits residential uses Few incentives for redevelopment of older commercial properties Density restrictions Few mechanisms to connect income qualified buyers with proffered affordable for sale units Inadequate water and sewer infrastructure Lengthy or unpredictable development approval processes Large -lot zoning (minimum lot sizes) High minimum parking requirements High minimum lot set -backs Maximum building heights significant barrier to the provision of affordable housing in communities across the United States. While many of these barriers impact affordable housing provision differently in the county's urban and rural areas, other barriers are common impediments to affordable housing production throughout our communities. Table 12 provides examples of regulatory barriers that inhibiting the delivery of affordable housing in Albemarle County. In efforts to increase the amount of affordable housing, Albemarle County will take the following steps: 26 U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development & Research (2005). "Why Not In Our Community?" Removing Barriers to Affordable Housing: An Update to the Report of the Advisory Commission on Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing. 27 Partners for Economic Success (2019). Comprehensive Regional Housing Study and Needs Analysis: Planning District 10. Urban Land Institute (2014). Bending the Cost Curve: Solutions to Expand the Supply of Affordable Rentals. https://www.enterr)risecommunity.org/download?fid=790&nid=3688 29 1 Page Strategy 8a: Review the County's Comprehensive Plan to identify barriers to affordable and workforce housing development and remove identified barriers. Action Steps: • Review all chapters of the Comprehensive Plan to identify barriers in language and policy recommendations. • Review Master Plans to identify barriers in language and policy recommendations. • Review all Comprehensive Plan land use designations and corresponding densities, unit types, lot sizes, form recommendations, and land use maps to identify barriers. • Work with the community and stakeholders to identify solutions to remove or resolve identified barriers and update Plans accordingly. Strategy 8b: Review the County's ordinances and zoning map to identify barriers to affordable and workforce housing development and to ensure County ordinances support this policy and the updated Comprehensive Plan. Remove identified barriers and resolve inconsistencies. Action Steps: • Review the County's ordinances including the subdivision ordinance, zoning ordinance, and zoning map to identify barriers to affordable and workforce housing. • Work with the community and stakeholders to identify solutions to remove barriers and update ordinances and zoning map accordingly. Consideration should be given to the following: • In all zoning districts, reduce minimum lot sizes, setback requirements, and minimum parking requirements to allow for more affordable and workforce housing development. • In single-family neighborhoods, achieve greater housing supply and diversity by allowing small-scale residential structures such as duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes that are in keeping with the scale of the existing neighborhood. • In all residential zoning districts allow external accessory dwelling units. • Evaluate the effectiveness of the existing density bonus ordinance as a tool to achieve affordable housing. Amend as necessary. Strategy 8c: Ensure all future zoning text amendments and zoning map amendments support the construction of innovative housing types and creative infill development projects to help provide for increased density in the Development Areas. Objective 9: Promote access to safe, stable, and healthy housing regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial 30 1 Page status, disability status, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity and veteran status. Racially, the population in Albemarle County is comprised primarily of individuals identifying as Caucasian (82%), followed by Black or African Americans (10%), Asians (5%) and individuals of mixed races (3%) (Figure 7). This composition represents a slight increase in diversity since 2010, particularly with respect to the county's Asian and mixed -race populations which have grown by 35%and 26%respectively. The local Hispanic population has increased, as well, with the county experiencing an 29% growth in Hispanic population since 2010 (Table 13)28 Figure 7: Population by Race - 2019 Black 10% Some other Two or more Asian race races 5% 1% 2% Table 13: Population by Race and Ethnicity • - r r Caucasian 79,493 87,831 10.5% Black 9,563 10,245 7.1% Asian 4,146 5,590 34.8% Some other race 1,360 1,134 -16.6% Two or more races 2,071 2,605 25.8% Hispanic 4,790 6,200 29.4% Non -Hispanic 91,843 101,205 10.2% Albemarle County has a relatively young population with a median age of 39 years. Persons between the ages of 25 - 54 years are in the largest age cohort in the county making up 36% 28U.S. Census Bureau DP05 ACS Demographic and Housing Estimates 2010 & 2019 5-year Estimates. 31 1 Page of the population. This is followed by young people (ages 0 - 19 years), persons aged between 55 - 74 years, and seniors over the age of 75 (26%, 24% and 8% of the population respectively) (Figure 8)29. The population in the county's Development Areas is significantly younger than that of the Rural Areas. The median age in Development Areas is 34 years, while the median age is 46 years in the county's Rural Areas (Table 14)30. Figure 8: Population by Age 85 years and 75 to 84 vears older 20 to 24 years 6% Table 14: Age Distribution by Development and Rural Areas t24 16,637 27.1% 10,875 22.7% 27,512 25.2% 5,522 9.0% 2,180 4.6% 7,702 7.1% 9,266 15.1 % 4,578 9.6% 13,844 12.7% 35 to 44 years 7,384 12.0% 5,165 10.8% 12,549 11.5% 45 to 54 years 6,857 11.2% 6,539 13.7% 13,396 12.3% 55 to 64 years 6,507 10.6% 8,436 17.6% 14,943 13.7% 65 to 74 years 4,602 7.5% 6,199 13.0% 10,801 9.9% 75 to 84 years 2,744 4.5% 2,831 5.9% 5,575 5.1 % 85 years and over 1,792 2.9% 1,012 2.1% 2,804 2.6% Median Age 1 341 100.0% 47,815 1 46 100.0%r 1 1 39 rrr 29 U.S. Census Bureau DP05 ACS Demographic and Housing Estimates 2019 5-year Estimates. 30 Partners for Economic Solutions (2019). 32 1 Page Equal access to housing promotes community diversity and the creation of sustainable communities, two characteristics that provide a variety of benefits to individuals, households, and the community as a whole. These benefits include greater acceptance and understanding of cultural differences, increased educational attainment and employment31, and community economic development32. Albemarle County will promote non- discrimination and ensure fair and equal housing opportunities for all our current and future residents as required by Federal law through the following strategies: Strategy 9a: Ensure changes in County policies, including zoning text amendments, land use changes and Comprehensive Plan updates comply with state and federal civil rights laws, and do not negatively impact the supply of, or equitable access to, affordable housing. Evaluate housing programs and projects on how well they serve communities of color, low- income renters, and cultural communities using clear, measurable indicators. Action Steps: • In cooperation with the Albemarle County Office of Equity and Inclusion, identify metrics and tools to evaluate the impact of residential development and legislative changes on county neighborhoods and households, particularly with regards to the social inclusion of low-income households, persons of color, seniors and persons with disabilities. • Develop and implement an Affordable Housing Impact Statement tool to measure the potential impacts of policies, programs or projects on the County's affordable housing stock. Strategy 9b: Expand community's knowledge of rights and responsibilities under the Virginia Landlord and Tenant Act. Action Steps: • Develop educational materials and or educational trainings/events for landlords, tenants of rental housing and interested community members. • Work with Albemarle County Office of Housing to design and implement a landlord outreach and education program to expand the use of Housing Choice Vouchers. Objective 10: Work to end and prevent homelessness. Albemarle County is committed to ensuring homelessness in our region is rare, brief, and nonrecurring. Since 1998, the County has partnered with the Thomas Jefferson Area Coalition for the Homeless, the City of Charlottesville, and regional homeless services providers in 31 Wells, A.F., L. Fox and D. Cordova-Cobo (2016). How Racially Diverse Schools and Classrooms can Benefit all Students. The Century Foundation. 32 Kallick, D. (2015). Bringing Vitality to Main Street: How Immigrant Small Businesses Help Local Economies Grow. Americas Society/Council of the Americas and The Fiscal Policy Institute. 33 1 Page working to move homeless individuals and families from living on the streets and in shelters to securing decent, stable, affordable homes of their own. Currently, there are an estimated 188 persons experiencing homelessness in the Thomas Jefferson Planning District, Region 1033. This number includes 21 children under the age of 18 years, with the majority of persons experiencing homelessness (162 individuals) aged 25 years and older (see Table 15)34. Table 15: Homeless Persons by Age Cohort 2015 - 2020 Age Gro --W7 2018 201]1t202 Children underage 18 Persons age 18 to 24 Persons over age 24 Total ome ess persons 185 166 160� Chronic homelessness35 has been a relatively small but persistent issue in our region. After experiencing a significant decrease (72.6%) in the number of chronically homeless between 2010 and 2014, the region has experienced an uptick (39.4%) in the number of chronically homeless persons during the 2016 to 2020 period (Figure 9)36. Our region's veterans can be particularly at risk of experiencing homelessness. The issues leading to veteran homelessness vary but include many of the same issues faced by the civilian population, such as a lack of affordable housing and economic hardship. But veterans also face additional challenges associated with military service, such as multiple 33 The Planning District, Region 10 includes the City of Charlottesville, and Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson. 34 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. CoC Homeless Populations and Subpopulations reports (2010 - 2020). https://www.hudexchonge.info/programs/coc/coc-homeless- populations-and-subpopulations-reports/?filter Year=&filter Scope=CoC&filter State=VA&filter CoC=VA-504&program=CoC&croup=PopSub. Accessed March 19, 2021. 35 The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines chronically homeless as an individual or head of household: who has a disabling condition; and who has been homeless continuously for at least the past 12 months; or who has experienced four or more episodes of homelessness in the past three years that cumulatively add up to a 12 month period. HUD further defines a disabling condition as an HIV/AIDS infection or a mental health condition, subsistence use, physical disability, or chronic health condition that "is expected to be of long continued duration and substantially impairs the person's ability to live independently." Final Rule on Defining Chronically Homeless. December 4, 2015: https://files.hudexchange.info/resources/documents/Defining Chronically-Homeless-Final-Rule.pdf. Accessed March 19, 2020. 36 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. CoC Homeless Populations and Subpopulations reports (2010 - 2020). https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/coc/coc-homeless- populations-and-subpopulations-reports/?filter Year=&filter Scope=CoC&filter State=VA&filter CoC=VA-504&program=CoC&croup=PopSub. Accessed March 19, 2021. 34 1 Page and extended deployments, traumatic brain injuries and post -traumatic stress disorder37. In 2020, 16 of our region's veterans were experiencing homelessness, a 7% increase from 2019 (Figure 10)38 Figure 9: Chronically Homeless Person 2010 - 2020 140 120 117 100 80 76 65 60 60 40 20 32 33 33 41 46 35 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Figure 10: Number of Homeless Veterans by Sheltered Status 2015 - 2019 20 15 10 5 - 0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 ■Sheltered ■Unsheltered 37 U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (2018). Homelessness in America: Focus on Veterans. httos://www.usich.aov/resources/uploads/asset library/Homelessness in America. Focus on Veteran spdf. Accessed March 19, 2020. 38 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. CoC Homeless Populations and Subpopulations reports (2010 - 2020). https://www.hudexchanae.info/programs/coc/coc-homeless- populations-and-subpopulations-reports/?filter Year=&filter Scope=CoC&filter State=VA&filter CoC=VA-504&program=CoC&croup=PopSub. Accessed March 19, 2021 35 1 Page Strategy 10a: In partnership with public, private and nonprofit partners, expand permanent housing opportunities for chronically homeless households. Action Steps: • Increase the number of permanent supportive housing units for chronically homeless individuals. • Dedicate 20 project -based housing choice vouchers to Permanent Supportive Housing development(s) for chronically homeless households by 2022. • In partnership with mental health and homeless service providers, apply for HUD's Mainstream Voucher program to serve 20 additional formerly homeless households in Permanent Supportive Housing or Rapid Re-Housing39. • Dedicate funding to create one additional supportive housing case manager position to assist formerly homeless households in maintaining housing stability. • Support the creation of a "Move -On" program to assist formerly homeless households currently in Permanent Supportive Housing or Rapid Re -Housing who no longer need intensive supportive services transition out of those programs and remain stably housed. • Establish a Housing Choice Voucher preference for formerly homeless households in Permanent Supportive Housing or Rapid Re -Housing programs. Strategy 1 Ob: Promote the best practice of Housing First40 Action Steps: • Incentivize and prioritize applications for homeless and housing services funding from Albemarle County that utilize a Housing First approach. Strategy 1 Oc: Prevent homelessness where possible through homeless prevention programs and strategies. Action Steps: Dedicate funding to support local homeless prevention programs in preventing homelessness among 40 additional households per year. Dedicate funding to expand local emergency hotel and motel vouchers for homeless families with children to serve an additional 10 families per year. 39 Permanent Supportive Housing is a model that combines low -barrier affordable housing, health care, and services to help individuals and families lead more stable lives. Rapid Re -housing is the provision of short-term rental assistance and services to help individuals and families quickly exit homelessness. 40 Housing First is a homeless assistance approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homeless above addressing self-sufficiency. It is based in the belief that people must have basic needs like housing and food met before addressing less critical needs, such as attending to substance use issues or securing a job. 36 1 Page Strategy 1 Od: Address unmet needs for people living unsheltered. Action Steps: • Dedicate funding to help support the creation one additional street outreach and engagement position. • Dedicate funding to expand local emergency shelter capacity by 10 units/beds for individuals. Strategy 1 Oe: Assist households experiencing homelessness to quickly return to housing and remain stably housed. Action Steps: • Dedicate funding to support homeless housing programs serve an additional 20 households quickly identify, move into, and remain in housing per year. • Collaborate with local and regional partners to expand housing programs for youth experiencing homelessness. Objective 11: Enable Albemarle Residents to age in the community. Albemarle County is aging. According to the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Policy, the number of persons in Albemarle County aged 65 years and over increased by 47.1 % between 2011 and 2020. By the year 2040, this segment of the population is expected grow another 27.2% (27,233 individuals) or nearly 20% of the total population. As is the case today, women will comprise the majority of this demographic group, particularly among the 75 years and older age group (14.1 % female versus 9.8% male) (Table 16)41. It is anticipated that the projected increase in the County's senior population will lead to an increase in senior -headed households, as well. Currently, there are 11,929 households with heads of households aged 65 years and older, representing more than one quarter (28.1 %) of county households. Senior headed households are nearly evenly split between the County's Development and Rural areas (48.7% and 51.3% respectively); however, Rural Areas have a higher percentage of senior householders than the Development Areas (32.7% and 24.5% respectively) (Table 17)42 Most (63.3%) senior householders own their homes. Of the seniors occupying rental housing, more than 60% (62.2%) are aged 75 years and older. Unlike senior homeowners, senior renters 41 University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center, Demographics Research Group (2019). Virginia Population Projections. Retrieved from https://demographics.coopercenter.org/virginia-population- projections. 42 Partners for Economic Success (2019). 37 1 Page are more likely to live alone with 65.5% of renters aged 65 - 74 years and 73% of renters aged 75 years and older living in single -person households (Table 18)43. Table 16: Albemarle County Population Projections by Age Total 97,782 111,039 111,039 138,485 0-19 24,103 24.6% 27,331 24.6% 32,002 28.8% 35,884 25.9% 20-44 31,665 32.4% 37,848 34.1 % 44,414 40.0% 45,883 33.1 % 45-64 27,453 28.1 % 24,443 22.0% 22,274 20.1 % 29,485 21.3% 65-74 7,549 7.7% 12,153 10.9% 12,861 11.6% 10,548 7.6% 75 to 79 2,466 2.5% 3,537 3.2% 5,687 5.1% 5,342 3.9% 80 to 84 2,190 2.2% 2,507 2.3% 4,252 3.8% 5,043 3.6% 85 and Over 2,356 2.4% 3,219 2.9% 4,227 3.8% 6,301 4.6% Female 48,247 57,746 65,598 72,453 <65 42,040 87.1 % 45,551 78.9% 50,079 76.3% 56,558 78.1 % 65-74 3,439 7.1 % 6,541 1 1.3% 6,923 10.6% 5,678 7.8% 75-84 1,959 4.1 % 3,540 6.1 % 5,820 8.9% 6,079 8.4% 85+ 809 1.7% 2,114 3.7% 2,776 4.2% 4,138 5.7% Male 49,535 53,294 60,120 66,033 <65 41,181 83.1% 44,072 82.7% 48,612 80.9% 54,694 82.8% 65-74 4,110 8.3% 5,612 10.5% 5,938 9.9% 4,870 7.4% 75-84 2,697 5.4% 2,505 4.7% 4,119 6.9% 4,306 6.5% 85+ 1,547 3.1 % 1,105 2.1 % 1,451 2.4% 2,163 3.3% Table 17: Households by Age of Householder Less than 25 years 1,701 4.0% 1,348 5.7% 353 1.9% 25 to 34 years 6,472 15.27o 4,652 19.6% 1,820 9.7% 35 to 44 years 6,485 15.37o 4,026 17.0% 2,459 13.1 % 45 to 54 years 7,333 17.37o 3,959 16.7% 3,374 18.0% 55 to 64 years 8,559 20.1% 3,941 16.6% 4,618 24.6% 65 to 74 years 6,595 15.5% 2,892 12.2% 3,703 19.8% 75 years and over 5,334 12.6% 2,913 12.3% 2,421 12.9% 43 U.S. Census Bureau B25116: Tenure by Household Size by Age of Householder, 2019 ACS 5-Year Estimates. 38 1 Page Table 18: Age of Householder by Tenure and Household Size 2019 15 - 54 years 10,595 1,311 12.4% 9,284 87.6% 10,574 3,108 29.4% 7,446 70.4% 55 - 64 years 6,116 1,285 21.0% 4,831 79.0% 1,995 877 44.0% 1,1 18 56.0% 65 - 74 years 5,804 1,870 32.2% 3,934 67.8% 1,005 658 65.5% 347 34.5% 75 years+ 3,750 1,772 47.3% 1,978 52.7% 1,657 1,209 73.0% 4481 27.0% As the population ages, it is important that Albemarle County helps to ensure seniors can live in their homes and neighborhoods as long as possible. According to a 2018 survey completed by the AARP44, nearly 80% of respondents aged 50 and older and 86% of respondents 65 and older indicated they want to remain in their communities and homes as they grow older. However, only 59% of survey respondents believed they would be able to do so. Locally, barriers to seniors aging in place include a lack of appropriate affordable housing options, the need for home modifications such as the installation of grab bars or chair lifts to support changes in mobility, lack of access to public transportation options, and difficulties paying for home maintenance needs. These barriers to aging in place also impact the ability of differently -a bled persons to live independently in our community. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that approximately 9% of the population in Albemarle County is living with at least one disability. Mobility issues are experienced by 25% of the differently -a bled population, followed by difficulties living independently (19%of the differently-abled), and hearing and cognitive issues (18%and 17% respectively). A further 21 % of differently -a bled persons experience issues with self -care (12%) and vision impairments (9%) (Figure 1 1) 45. While disabilities impact the daily lives of county residents distributed across the age spectrum, seniors - especially those aged 75 and older- are most affected. Issues associated with personal mobility impact seniors the most (27.8%), and two out of every five persons aged 75 years and older experience cognitive difficulties. More importantly, nearly 22% of persons in the oldest cohort are having difficulty living independently in their homes and communities (Figure 12)46. 44 AARP (2018). 2018 Home and Community Preferences Survey: A National Survey of Adults Age 18- Plus. 45 U.S. Census Bureau. S1810: Disability Characteristics 2013 - 2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. 46 ibid 39 1 Page Figure 11: Disability by Type Figure 12: Type of Disability by Age 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Under 65 years 65 to 74 years ision 9% 75 years and older ■ Hearing ■ Vision ■ Cognitive ■Ambulatory ■ Self -care ■ Independent living Housing -related issues can have a significant impact on the lives of differently -a bled households. A lack of accessible housing units (both for sale and for rent) is a barrier to independent living for many differently-abled householdS47. Home modifications to support homeowners with mobility issues can often be expensive. For example, the costs to purchase and install a chair lift can range from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on the type and length of a staircase. Many smaller multi -family buildings do not include elevators, limiting unit choice for mobility -challenged renters. Renters are also responsible for covering the cost of any 47 Partners for Economic Solutions (2019). 40 1 Page accessibility modifications made to the interior of their units, such as the addition of grab bars in bathrooms. The high cost of housing in the county is an additional challenge for d ifferently-a bled persons, especially for households seeking rental housing. More than one-third (35.8%) of the County's working age differently-abled persons are living in poverty, 57% of whom are employed48. With this level of income, a family four Table 20: 2020 Federal Poverty Guidelines Persons inoverty Household uideline Affordable Rent Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines can afford to pay $655 per month for rent and utilities, far below the Fair Market Rent for any size unit in the county. Albemarle County recognizes the importance of providing housing opportunities affordable to individuals and families of all abilities, as well as the ability for all county residents to age within their communities, and will strive to achieve the following: Strategy 11 a: Partner with nonprofit and for -profit affordable housing developers to increase the supply of affordable and accessible housing options in Albemarle County, with an emphasis on units affordable to low-income senior and disabled households. Strategy 11 b: Promote the inclusion of Universal Design49 standards into all new residential developments. Strategy 11 c: Support and promote housing options that allow for aging in place both within a community and at home. To combat social isolation among people with different abilities, encourage the creation of fully accessible communities with accessible design elements such as wheelchair ramps, handrails on both sides of staircases, Braille directional signage, and barrier -free walkways. Ensure communities have easy access to public transportation options. 48 U.S. Census Bureau. B23024: Poverty Status in Past 12 Months by Disability Status by Employment Status for the Population 20 to 64 Years, 2019 ACS 5-Year Estimates. 49 Universal design is the process of creating products and built environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. See the National Institute for Building Sciences' Whole Building Design Guide for Universal Design standards: httos://www.wbda.ora/desia n-obiectives/accessible/bevond-accessibility-universal-desia n. 41 1 Page Action Steps: • Encourage inclusion of design and construction features that support aging in place (such as non -slip flooring, reinforced walls in bathrooms to support grab bars, or rocker panel light switches) in all new residential construction. • Encourage inclusion of affordable, senior appropriate housing units in mixed - use communities. Promote the creation of age -friendly community spaces and amenities, such as including well -lit sidewalks and walking paths in all communities, signaled crosswalks to allow access to shopping and services, easy to read signage, public transit access, and seating areas in local parks. Strategy 11 d: In partnership with public, private, and nonprofit partners, work to increase the number of supportive housing communities for persons with disabilities to promote independent living and community integration for such persons. Strategy 11 e: Continue to offer property tax exemptions for low-income senior homeowners. Strategyl If: Continue to provide real estate tax exemptions for the County's veterans with a 100% service -connected disability, and homeowners with a total and permanent disability. Strategy 11 g: Study the feasibility of implementing a rent rebate program for low-income seniors to help with housing affordability issues. Objective 12: Promote healthy, sustainable communities and housing. Housing plays an important role in supporting Albemarle County's vision for a sustainable community that provides environmental, social, and economic opportunities for all current and future residents. An adequate supply of housing, affordable to and accessible by all county resident no matter their income, race/ethnicity, age, disability status or other characteristics helps Albemarle County achieve all three pillars of sustainability5O: Figure 13: Pillars of Sustainability • Environmental sustainability- living within the means of our natural resources; 50 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2013). Creating Equitable, Healthy, and Sustainable Communities: Strategies for Advancing Smart Growth, Environmental Justice, and Equitable Development. https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-01 /documents/eauitable- development-report-508-01 1713b.pdf _ 42 1 Page Economic sustainability - the ability of an economy to support a defined level of economic production indefinitely; Equitable development - the creation of healthy, vibrant, communities where residents of all incomes, races and ethnicities have access to the opportunities, services, and amenities they need to thrive. Environmental sustainability is supported by ensuring new residential developments are located in the County's Development Areas, close to employment opportunities and alternative transportation options, helps reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted due to single -occupancy vehicle trips. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is further enhanced by the incorporation of green building design features (e.g. energy -efficiency measures, improved interior air quality, use of environmentally sustainable building materials, installation of solar panels). Focusing development in the County's Development Areas helps preserve the natural resources - our parks and waterways, and agricultural land -- located throughout the rural areas. Housing also supports a thriving local economy in a number of ways. Residential development and home energy -efficiency projects create job opportunities in the construction field. Housing affordable to range of household incomes, which is located near job centers, can encourage businesses to locate in the county. And locating homes within easy of access of public transportation networks may increase transit ridership leading to an expansion of employment opportunities in the public transportation field. Finally, housing, and affordable housing in particular, plays a direct role in increasing community equity and inclusion. Where one lives has a significant impact on opportunities for households to improve their health, access quality education, achieve economic self- sufficiency, and realize personal goals51. A neighborhoods access, or lack of access, to good quality schools, good quality and affordable healthcare, and job opportunities can help or hinder individual and family achievements throughout the lifecycle. The quality, accessibility and affordability of housing opportunities impact community sustainability, as well. A high turn -over of community residents due to high housing -cost burdens leads to neighborhood instability and the potential for neighborhood decline. Long-term residency in a neighborhood has been shown to enhance community cohesion and collective efficacy, both of which enable community's efforts to combat local crime and other negative effects of neighborhood disadvantage52. Albemarle County will promote healthy, sustainable communities and housing through the following strategies: 51 Brennan, M. & Golvez, M (2017). Housing as a Platform: Strengthening the Foundation for Well -Being. Urban Institute. Washington, DC. https://www.urban.ora/research/publication/housing- platform/view/full report 52 Robert J. Sampson, Stephen W. Raudenbush, and Felton Earls. 15 August 1997. "Neighborhoods and Violent Crime: A Multilevel Study of Collective Efficacy," Science 277: 922 43 1 Page Strategy 12a: Promote mixed -income development throughout the County's Development Areas. Strategy 12b: In partnership with local transit providers and the Albemarle County Broadband Authority, examine options for expanding access to both amenities in both urban and rural neighborhoods to increase resident access to services, education and training, and employment opportunities. Strategy 12c: Support the goals of Albemarle County's Climate Action Plan to enhance environmental sustainability and reduce the overall cost of housing by ensuring new housing is developed near job centers and alternative transportation opportunities. Action Steps: • Continue to require and provide sidewalks and pedestrian paths in the Development Areas. • Support expanded transit services including bus shelters and benches in new development projects. Strategy 12d: Partner with nonprofit housing and/or public health organizations to address unhealthy housing issues, particularly in rural and historically underinvested areas. Strategy 12e: working with nonprofit partners such as the Local Energy Alliance Program, support homeowners, and owners of rental properties and their tenants, in completing home energy efficiency upgrades. Strategy 12f: Promote incorporation of energy -efficient design in all new residential development. 44 1 Page IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITIES Priorities are organized sequentially in the order in which they appear in the Plan. Additional prioritization will be needed before adding items to the County's Work Program. Strategy 1 a, page 13 Explore options with county owned land to develop a permanent affordable housing community. Strategy 2b & 3b, Provide incentives to increase production of affordable rental pages 17 & 21 and for -sale housing. Strategy 5a, page 23 Develop an Affordable Dwelling Unit Program structure and guidelines, including provisions. Strategy 6a, page 24 Develop and implement a sustainable Housing Trust Fund for adoption by the Board of Supervisors. Strategy 7a, page 24 Establish a standing housing advisory committee. Strategy 10a, page 32 In partnership with public, private, and nonprofit partners, expand permanent housing opportunities for chronically homeless households. 45 1 Page IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX . .. . .'ears Priority Actions * Explore options with county owned land to * 1 a develop a permanent affordable housing X community. * 2b * Create a package of developer incentives for X affordable and workforce housing. * 5a * By ordinance, create, adopt and implement an X Affordable Dwelling Unit Program. * 6a *Create an Affordable Housing Trust Fund. X X * 7a * Create a Housing Advisory Committee. X X * 10a * Permanent Supportive Housing project. X Programmatic Tools Develop an Accessory Apartment Loan Program to encourage the construction of accessory 2b apartments. Pilot the program as a workforce X housing solution for County teachers and school employees. 2e Create a publicly accessible listing of affordable X X housing units 4a Work with public and private partners to address X housing maintenance issues Complete a survey of multifamily rental 4b properties located in Albemarle County to X X identify NOAHs at least biennially. 4f Identify, or develop and implement, an X X evaluation tool to track neighborhood change. 9a Develop and implement an Affordable Housing X X Impact Statement tool. Work with the Albemarle County Office of 9b Housing to design and implement a landlord X X outreach and education program to expand the use of Housing Choice Vouchers. Zoning Tools i Review and update housing density bonuses a within the zoning ordinance x Consider designating Housing Rehabilitation a Zones to encourage and incentivize the X development of affordable and workforce housing. 46 Examine the need for, and feasibility of, 4d implementing a Rental Inspection Districts X ordinance. 4e Develop and implement Anti -Displacement and X Tenant Relocation policy guidelines Review the County's Comprehensive Plan to 8a identify barriers to affordable and workforce X housing development and remove identified barriers. Review the County's ordinances and zoning map to identify barriers to affordable and workforce 8b housing development and to ensure County Xd ordinances support this policy and the updated Comprehensive Plan. Remove identified barriers and resolve inconsistencies. Financial Tools Identify a package of developer incentives other than bonus density, such as reductions in parking 2b or minimum lot size requirements, to encourage X development of affordable and workforce housing. Pursue a zero -interest housing rehabilitation loan 4a program for low- and moderate -income X X homeowners Pursue a zero -interest rental housing rehabilitation 4b loan program to help preserve and maintain X X affordable rental housing. Dedicate 20 project -based Housing Choice l0a Vouchers to Permanent Supportive Housing X developments for chronically homeless households In partnership with mental health and homeless service providers, apply for HUD's Mainstream 10a Voucher program to serve 20 additional formerly X homeless households in Permanent Supportive Housing or Rapid Re -Housing Dedicate funding to support local homeless 10c prevention programs in preventing homelessness X X among 40 additional households per year. 47 • Dedicate funding to expand local emergency 10c hotel and motel vouchers for homeless families X X with children to serve an additional 10 families per year Dedicate funding to expand local emergency 10d shelter capacity by 10 units/beds for individuals X Dedicate funding to support homeless housing programs to support an additional 20 households l0e to quickly identify, move into, and remain in X X housing per year Continue to offer property tax exemptions for Ile low-income senior homeowners. X Study the feasibility of implementing a rent 1 1 f rebate program for low-income seniors to help X with housing affordability issues. Continue to provide real estate tax exemptions for the County's veterans with a 100% service- 12e connected disability, and homeowners with a X total and permanent disability m INDICATORS OF PROGRESS 1. Development Activity Report continues to indicate a mixture of housing types is being constructed. 2. Total housing stock increases by at least 11,750 new units by the year 2040. 3. At least 20%of all new residential units in new develops are provided as affordable housing. 4. At least 5,555 units of affordable rental housing are created or preserved by the year 2040. 5. At least 5,040 affordable owner -occupied housing units are created or preserved by the year 2040. 6. The County loses no more than 1 % of total affordable housing stock each year. 7. Increase the number of affordable units created using the density bonus provisions of zoning ordinances by 1017oannually. 8. Increase the number of landlords and property management companies that provide housing for Housing Choice Voucher program participants and other low-income households by 10 each year. 9. Prevent homelessness for 40 households annually. 10. Expand local emergency homeless shelter capacity by at least 10 units/beds. 11. At least 20 homeless households move into permanent housing each year. 12. Increase the supply of affordable and accessible housing for seniors and persons with a disability by at least 150 units by the year 2030. 49 APPENDICES 50 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT APPENDIX 1 : COMMUNITY OUTREACH Background Albemarle County is committed to creating sustainable communities and safe, decent housing opportunities for our residents. Since 2004, our Comprehensive Plan and Affordable Housing Policy have provided guidance on how we meet that need. However, new residential development in the County has not kept pace with growing housing demand, leaving many County residents struggling to find housing they can afford that meets their needs. The Comprehensive Regional Housing Study and Needs Analysis53 report released in 20197 identified more than 10,000 homeowners and renters who are paying more than the recommended 30 % of gross household income for housing and housing related costs. As the County continues to grow, that number is estimated to increase by 4,000 households by the year 2040. To ensure the County continues to provide sufficient and appropriate housing opportunities in our community, the County embarked on an effort to update our housing policy in October 2019. The new policy recommendations provide the tools necessary to meet the diverse housing needs of all County residents regardless of income, age, or other special needs. A Way Forward In April 2019, the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission published the Comprehensive Regional Housing Study and Needs Assessment54 report. This study, which examined housing needs on both a county level and region -wide basis, identifies more than 10,000 Albemarle County households - both renters and homeowners (20 % and 42 % of total households, respectively) -- struggling with housing costs. Households with incomes less than 50 % of area median income experiencing the greatest housing cost burdens (67% of all very low- and extremely low-income households). The report further shows that the number of households paying more than the recommended 30 % of income for housing costs is anticipated to increase 34 % by the year 2040. To help meet current and future housing needs for county residents, staff is undertaking an update of the county's Housing Policy. 53 Partners for Economic Success (2019). 54 Ibid. 51 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT Housing Albemarle Process Communi , Recommen- ' Im lemen- N p Engagement dations • tation Plan The Planning Commission directed staff to begin work on updating the Housing Policy at their July 23, 2019 meeting. The Housing Policy update was a three -phased process. It began with a series of community engagement activities to collect feedback on housing -related issues and aspirations, as well as on potential tools the County may use to meet current and future housing needs in Albemarle County. The information collected through these activities directly informed the second and third phases of the policy update process - creation of a August 2019 Rio29 Form Based Code Public Event & Survey November 2019 qa Roll Call Equity O Equity &Inclusion Roadshow Jack Jouett Middle School Student Project Focus Group Discussions comprehensive housing policy, as well as an implementation strategy. An overview of this process is outlined below. Community Outreach Between August and December 2019, approximately 400 county residents engaged with the new policy development process. Staff Octobeer2019 conducted three community meetings in October 2019 with the O Community Meetings goals of sharing information about affordable housing in Albemarle County, listening to residents' concerns about housing in the county, and identifying solutions to support affordable housing in our neighborhoods. In addition to the community December 2019 meetings, staff worked with local nonprofit service providers to Regional Housing 40 - organize focus group sessions with Survey Focus G oup nonprofit staff, and the individuals Discussions and households they serve. Staff completed a total of seven focus 52 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT group sessions between November 1, and December 17, 2019. These discussions focused on a set of general topics: • What, if any, housing related issues are you or someone you know struggling with? • How does a lack of affordable housing affect you, your neighborhood, our county? • What types of housing do we need in Albemarle County? • What can Albemarle County do to address affordable housing needs? Meeting and focus group participants represented a diverse cross-section of persons who live and/or work in Albemarle County, including residents from both the Development and Rural areas, seniors, renters and homeowners, developers and real estate professionals, local employers and nonprofit service providers. Other engagement and data collection activities undertaken by staff include: • Rio29 Form Based Code Public Event & Survey - August 2019 • Rivanna Roll Call - November 2019 • Office of Equity and Inclusion Roadshow Stop - November 2019 • Regional Housing Survey (conducted by the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission) • Jack Jouett Middle School, Eighth Grade Student Project - November 2019 to January 2020 Community outreach activities were supplemented by staff discussions with various county departments including: the Economic Development Office, Facilities and Environmental Services, the Office of Equity and Inclusion, the Office of Housing, and the Department of Social Services. Stakeholder Committee To develop the new policy recommendations, staff worked with a nine -member a Stakeholder Committee comprised of individuals representing the following interests: • county residents aged 65 years and older; • IMPACT55; • people experiencing homelessness; • for -profit developers of multi -family rental housing; 55 IMPACT, or the Interfaith Movement Promoting Action by Congregations Together, is a grassroots initiative comprised of 27 diverse faith congregations in the Charlottesville -Albemarle area who wish to live out and work in response to the common call for justice found in each of our traditions. 53 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT • the Regional Housing Partnership56; • homeowners; • local employers; • low-income households; and • the City of Charlottesville. 56 Members of the Regional Housing Partnership include the following: City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Fluvanna County, Greene County, Louisa County, Nelson County, non-profit housing providers, homeless services provider, a local builder, a local developer, a design professional, resident of an urban area, residents of a rural area, University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, rural non-profit organization, Workforce Investment Board, Regional Transit Partnership, and the Thomas Jefferson Health District. 54 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT Community Feedback Session 2 (October 8, 2020) - Listen Topic 1 - Housing in Our Community What does home mean to you? • Safe • Doesn't require all of your money • Space to enjoy spending time with friends and family • A community where I choose to spend my time • Pittsburgh • A haven, a safe and stable place where you can let your guard down Name things you like most about housing in the county • A lot of different types/wide variety of housing • Proximity to shopping and services • Proximity to schools (shorter bus rides) • Multigenerational living Name things you like least about housing in the county • How much rent I have to pay • Almost no accessible single unit dwellings • Aging in place is very difficult • Limited affordable housing • Not enough workforce housing • Gentrification happening in the community Topic 2 - Affordable Housing What does affordable housing mean to you? • Needs to focus on lower income • Not a single definition • It's a sliding scale, scale needs to reflect the community • Housing needs to match income level • What is affordable to me might not be affordable to others • Price points • Includes rental units Do you, or anyone you know, struggle with housing costs/issues? How? • Rent + utilities + bills • Falling behind on rent • Worried about landlord raising rent • Work hours cut back • Transitional housing is limited • Aging, illness (can't continue working, no available housing) 55 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT Landlord won't fix damages to trailer (found one basement apartment with shared laundry, didn't feel safe) How does a lack of affordable housing impact you, your neighbors, your community, and/or our county? • More difficult to realize life dreams/ambitions (art career) • Rural families are being displaced (can't afford the generational family home) • We're creating neighborhoods that lack economic diversity Topic 3 - Vision for Housing Describe what a healthy housing system would look like in Albemarle County • Consistently available to meet the demand • Encourages affordability at the local level • Mixed -level incomes, no isolated homogeneity • Safe • Accessible • Amenities are available • Sense of community Topic 4 - Barriers to Housing What do you see as barriers to building your neighborhood? What are some of the barriers to individuals/families meeting their housing needs? What are the barriers to providing affordable housing in Albemarle County? • Supply • Transportation • Finding contractors • Zoning code (political will) • Growth control policy • NIMBYism • Lack of understanding • Lack of resources • State regulations Additional Comments • We're building too many high-priced homes • Hard to fill positions because people can't afford to live here (workforce housing) • Make affordable: build up, density • National trends in migration to this area? (people are moving from more affluent cities to the county (this is affordable to them) • Some people are unaware about housing issues in the community • Need incentives for developers • Where is affordable housing a priority on the BoS list of priorities? Not in the top ten • Long term designated funding should be part of this policy • How will county funding solve a zoning issue? • Trust fund can leverage funds • Can the county earmark land? • Manufactured homes can be allowed by a change in the zoning code 56 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT L' Session 3 (October 25) - SOLUTIONS Does the county currently define 'affordable housing' adequately? What would be an alternative definition? • Should we think of rent in the equation? • Energy efficiency is a concern and should be included • Broaden the language to include cost of living • What is the detriment to taking 40% out of the definition? 40% reflects a specific moment in time (2004) • Define affordable recognizing the relationship between income and cost of living in an area • Broaden components of housing -- include transportation o Figure out how to incorporate affordability index o Need an objective metric o It does not good to have affordable housing that is far from jobs and resources • Total housing cost = housing + transportation + utilities • HUD doesn't include transportation in their equation • Should we have two definitions - or - should we cap at 80%AMI? 0 80-120%AMI = workforce housing o We can have the standard (HUD) definition AND another definition 0 80% is what federal assistance is capped at Housing Objectives: Do the current objectives address today's housing needs? What are we missing? What do we no longer need? • What's the difference between Comprehensive Plan and Housing Policy? • Overall housing policy with a focus on affordable housing • What can we take out? (no response on this) • What incentives can we provide? o Density bonus in exchange for affordability o Do away with density as a measure o Alternatives to banks (investors? Crowd -funding? Land trust?) o Re: density bonus - are we hitting the "sweet spot"? If not, can we reset that? o By -right bonus? o Point system that looks at scale, climate, close to jobs, etc? • How can you promote a grade? There are community education outcomes and potential to increase dwellings that capture community values (affordable, equity, efficient, well designed, etc) • The county has a small housing fund, the point system could be used as criteria for future funding o Tax abatement - improved value abatement that offsets debt, for multi -family dwellings o Parking reductions o Pick and choose - ala carte menu for incentives o Can building material suppliers get tax breaks if supplies go to affordable building? o Can county establish a fund for hookup fees? • Hookup fees don't change based on usage • This would significantly reduce cost ($20K per unit?) o Progressive property tax • Tied to income 57 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT o Habitat -style performance agreement • What about affordable housing that isn't safe/maintained? o AHIP • Experimentation - what are we talking about? (housing types - apartment, duplex, fourplex, etc) o What is the range? o For the policy, it would be all of that • One -bedroom apartments are hard to find, they can be more expensive than 2- bedroom • Housing Implementation Strategy is a companion document to Housing Policy • How does a unit stay affordable? o First right of refusal o Shared equity o Not a lottery • Could county -owned land be used? Housing Strategies: Are the current strategies effective? What else should we be doing? • Shift some "talking" based items into "action" based items • Long term view needed (not just 5 years) • Regional, coordinated approach o We're not using our infrastructure efficiently • Energy farms - it's all related • Create places where people want to live that includes affordability • How do you impact the cost of: o Land o Materials o Labor • Minimum lot size needs to be adjusted • Tracking (take a step back) o Have any policies led to affordable housing? o Make that information public Government/Agencies can do a better job of connecting qualified buyers with available stock o There is a gap o What is the mechanism to get income -qualified buyers in place to be ready to buy? • It seems like there are opportunities being left on the table • There are a lot of structural problems • A lot of first time home buyers aren't looking for homes in the traditional ways/forums • Income required to qualify was so tight, if a single teacher was qualified and then got married, they wouldn't be able to hold onto if. • What has worked? • Need to look at cost of transit when added to the cost of housing • Need a density overlay for transit hubs • Scottsville needs to be included and represented in the plan • Help developers access incentives for accessible units o Universal standards • What is the impact of universal design on density? • Has the university addressed its growth and its contribution to the housing problem? m Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT o IMPACT met with President Ryan • What is the tension between the Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Code? • We need to get better about working together, regionally o Recognition that there are differences in priorities • Is the county considering a cottage cluster overlay? • Is there any discussion of the Minneapolis model? o Upzoning o Be cautious about displacement • What is the impact of short-term rentals on affordable housing? • Long term affordable housing - past the first sale - is important • No one solution will work - we need dynamic opportunities o If the options don't exist, we can't use them 59 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT OCTOBER FOCUS GROUPS Esmont Seniors - 10/24/2019 Housing issues: • Mostly older homes in need of repairs • Homes unsafe -front porch collapsing • Lack of privacy in senior housing projects - no private front doors or porches/patios/balconies; enter unit from public hallway • Housing not located near services • Housing too expensive - rent consumes nearly all social security income, rely on food bank to eat • Difficult to maintain homes when older and living on fixed incomes • Contractors don't want to take on small (low cost) jobs, who to turn to? • No public transportation in Southern Albemarle! • Southern Albemarle has been neglected for years • Not enough accessible homes • Senior housing not developed with seniors' needs in mind - laundry room in basement, no in -unit washer/dryer, no elevators in buildings, had to move from second floor unit to ground floor unit because couldn't walk stairs • Little faith nonprofits will provide services -just promises, perform unnecessary/unrequested services/repairs • Seniors at risk of homelessness due to high costs of rent/maintenance/property taxes • Why do we pay the same rate of taxes but don't receive same level of services? Where do our tax dollars go? Which supervisor represents Esmont$ Solutions: • Housing costs should be in line with income • Need more county investment/support in S. Albemarle • Esmont/Scottsville should be a development area - rich, white people stopped Esmont from becoming a development area years ago to protect rural character. • We want development - restaurants, cafes, shops, grocery stores, services • Change zoning to allow for more development • Senior housing needs to be designed with senior needs in mind - accessibility features • Include seniors on boards of directors of nonprofit housing providers/senior communities - we can help make sure senior needs are priorities • Mixed -use senior housing - housing, services, amenities all in one place • Money for home maintenance • Need resources • Housing assistance to help with cost of housing • Housing fund to help with maintenance, home repairs • Housing assistance needed • Reliable, affordable contractors willing to take on smaller jobs - contractor directory? m Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT • Decision -makers need to make themselves known and available to community they serve. • List of resources available for help/support with housing issues/needs • Bring good public transportation to community JABA Staff - 10/29/2019 Challenges: • Affordable is not really affordable o LIHTC units rent approximately $900 - $1000/month o Only able to house very-low/extremely-low income seniors if they have a rental assistance voucher o Have empty units -can't fill because seniors can't afford to pay the rent • Homes in Albemarle County are too big, have too many floors • All new homes being built in Crozet are multi -level and selling for $400k to start • Long-term care goal is to reintegrate individual into community o Can't afford to go back • Housing too expensive • Need security deposit, but had to spend down all savings to stay in long- term care (medicare requirement) • Have nowhere to go - can be discharged to West Virginia where housing is cheaper but seniors want to stay in area (relationships, services, social networks) • Auxiliary grants for assisted living don't cover cost of care- $1265/mo from state but cost of care = $3000 - $3500/mo o Seniors must be discharged when grant funds are spent o Medicare- security deposit issue again • Many seniors only receive about $500 - $600/mo in social security payments • Seniors living with family members - often no room for them, not wanted, their independence is lost • Aging in place o Homeowners can't keep up with home maintenance as they age o Creates health and safety issues o County needs to support AHIP more • Health issues o Doesn't always look like a housing issue o Can't afford both housing and medication, often meds lose to housing o Seniors cut back on AC and heat to save money, leads to heat and cold related health problems o Have seniors with no running water and/or electricity in homes but they won't leave o Housing not near reliable public transportation can lead to depressing, physical illness, social isolation There is a housing -transportation mismatch Public transit is too expensive -- $1.50/trip with JAUNT CAT doesn't work well for seniors - to many transfer 61 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT • JAUNT more expensive than CAT, but at least you can schedule trips so more reliable • Rural seniors don't have access to services - too far out for transit • 11 % of seniors living at 100% of poverty level (nationally?) • 26% of seniors live along without assistance (nationally?) - potential for isolation is big • Waiting lists for senior housing communities are long - 15 months at Timberlake • Not enough housing overall • How are seniors supposed to make rent payments? • Baby Boomers aging fast but didn't save for retirement, so issue will grow soon • Need financial stability to afford to retire • People need to earn a living wage now so they can save • Many Baby Boomers often not able to save, so social security acts as a paycheck in old age • Millennials can't afford to buy homes • Charlottesville's housing market is ridiculous • Housing is cheaper in Waynesboro, why? Less demand for housing there. • Populations in outlying areas and counties need access to healthcare Solutions: Homeowners could build smaller accessory unit to supplement income o Would have to report increased income to IRS o Property values, and property taxes would increase • Accessory units could act as an anti -displacement tool - allow seniors to downsize within own neighborhoods Co -housing is potential tool for senior housing o Student housing on W. Main in city would be ideal for co -housing o Older apartment buildings also a good option - convince owners/developers to rehab into co -housing, second life for buildings o Would need a match -making service for co -housing tenants o TJPDC researched co -housing - recommended Vermont model • Found lots of interest from seniors, no homeowners signed up to provide rooms • 80% AMI = 400%- 500% of poverty level - this definition of affordable housing lumps all low-income household together. Different income levels have different needs/issues • LIHTC program lumps all seniors together, no recognition of different needs • Mixed -generational housing would help seniors remain in community - social interaction, support networks • County policies need to address barriers to affordable housing - cost of land, regulatory environment, political will all drive up cost of development and cost of housing • County owned land for affordable housing • UVA owned land in county for affordable housing • Connect transportation with housing • Affordable housing easements • Water/sewer hook-up fees are too high - $20k/unit for RWSA connections 62 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT • Address housing supply -demand mismatch -- need sufficient supply of housing to meet population/household growth • Infuse more money into housing or stop growth in county • Direct county funding to right things - more people over the age of 65 than under the age of 5 years - schools vs. housing investment • Need transportation improvements • Need to address bad landlords - those who take advantage of low income households and seniors (poor quality, unsafe, over -crowding) • Look into co -housing arrangements like as Emmerson Commons • Pilot project for accessory units • Need more accessible housing • Need cheap land for affordable housing • Dedicated county owned land for affordable housing • Allow small cottage homes of 1 and 2 bedrooms • Incorporate universal design into housing • Factory built/modular homes for affordable housing on county land • Housing near services • Allow flexibility for co -housing with services • Friendly, multi -generational communities (social interaction/social support) • Hold a contest for innovative community design - the $100k home • Renewal energy for powering homes • Address home energy efficiency • Need targeted supports for senior communities - provide workspace on site where service providers can meet with clients • Convert the mall into housing • Develop housing on a portion of the mall parking lot • Put something useful in the mall Park View Apartments - 10/30/2019 Property information: Property is a LIHTC development Unit rents: $936 for 1 BR, $11 18 for 2BR LIHTC program requires units be affordable to 60%AMI - too high for most seniors, retail workers, UVA staff Required to set aside 12 units at 30% AMI, initially set aside 22 at the AMI level Challenges: • Many of us living on fixed income • 2 or 3 homeless seniors ask about housing in Park View every month • Government policies contribute to homelessness • Affordable housing is a multi -headed monster. Supply & demand works in housing. Our demand is higher than our supply of housing. Money talks. • Where do people go to find housing? 63 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT • Too much bureaucracy is driving up cost of housing • Pay for full time work should match the cost of housing • Need to be paid a living wage • Unaffordable housing + no support services = illness • Co -housing is not the way to go. Don't want to live a roommate at our age Solutions: • Accessory units could provide affordable housing for seniors • The City should take over the Landmark Hotel and build affordable housing • Need incentives to encourage landlords to rent units for less, like a tax credit program. • Need standard rules across housing programs • need small communities for seniors • need to get millionaires & billionaires on board. Seniors are quickly becoming the largest population. What are the wealthy willing to do? • Homeless individuals need guidance on how to find affordable homes including in other states. Provide assistance to move there if they wish to. • There are housing assistance programs for low income households, and wealthy families can afford anything. What is there for everyone else in terms of housing? Can't afford to buy/rent, but don't qualify for assistance. • Pair seniors with students - provides social interaction, social support, assistance with home. Keeps seniors in their homes as long as possible • Get the Social Security Administration in the mix - they need to understand the issues • Education young people about the importance of saving for retirement • Improve the local bus system - CAT buses are empty. Why? • Need ways for people to cross major roads on foot to access services • Either build senior housing near services or services near senior housing - easy access to grocery, drug store and hospital are the three most things a senior needs. • County needs to be set cash -in -lieu of affordable unit price not let developers determine how much they should pay per unit. 64 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT November Focus Groups Mary Williams Senior Center - 11 /11 /2019 Challenges: Transportation • JAUNT- no will call service to/from medical center. Only 2 trips per day 9:00 am drop off and 3 pm pick up. Have to hang around until then. • CAT - no bus on weekends. Have 1 mile walk uphill to bus stop Accessibility • Senior housing more accessible than private housing • Not all senior housing includes grab bars in bathrooms • Trip hazards in private rental units - carpet, broken tiles • Need housing with no stairs Housing costs • Rent increases annually but income doesn't -social security incomes does not always increase, or does not increase as much as rent • Rent increased $50/month this year higher than social security increase • In private rental unit you have a choice, pay rent increase and struggle or move. Where do you god • Need to consider not just rent amount but cost of utilities, medications and transportation. • Social security check is $1,400/month my rent is $800/month • Young people need to consider small insurance policy now to cover cost of future funeral expenses. Cheapest funeral is $7,000. Can't burden family members with that cost. • If you're social security check is to high, then you can't qualify for Medicaid/medicare. If you can't qualify for that, then you can't afford assisted living. • Property taxes are hard to pay. If you receive even $5 too much, then you don't qualify for senior tax relief benefit. • My rent is $1,148/month but my social security check is only $1,480/month. Leaves only about $300 for utilities, medical care/medicine, food, transportation Other issues • Housing not close to services, shopping • Waiting lists for housing assistance/affordable housing too long (3 months - 18 month wait) • Laundry rooms in basement, difficult to carry laundry up and down stairs. • Costs $1.50/load of laundry. This adds up. • Rooms are very small. Don't need a lot of space, but need more than I have. • Need to sell my house. My children moved out, have too much land to take care of. What do I do? Where do I go? • High cost of land drives up cost of housing • Developers not including affordable units in their projects • Home maintenance is expensive 65 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT Solutions • Provide some rental assistance -- $300/month would be helpful • Resource booklet or web page -reliable contractors for small jobs; housing assistance programs; available services. One place to find helpful information for seniors • Affordable senior communities with grocery store, small center, medical center, and senior center for socializing o Senior only community! Once you get to this age you deserve your right to privacy. • Rental opportunities for co -housing with family members • Use county -owned for affordable housing • Need to build housing along transit routes m Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT The Haven - 11/12/2019 Barriers to housing for homeless persons • Live in The Crossings for 4 years now, want to move o Neighbors drink too much o Very noisy o Police there often, ambulances o Can't have overnight guests o Rent is okay, but need a better place • Waiting list for Housing Choice Voucher program is too long • Landlords won't take rental vouchers • Housing Choice Voucher program criminal background barriers • Using my Housing Choice Voucher to move here from New York. Want to move my children here but can't because I can't find a place to live. Don't want to drag my children from shelter to shelter. Not fair to them and no way to raise children. • Need housing close to public transportation or needed services. Too much housing here is located in places where you need a car. • Security deposit programs take too long to issue deposit. Landlords won't wait that long. • If I get a rental voucher and security deposit, I still can't afford to pay to move my stuff or buy furniture, or other stuff for the new home. • Landlords use tenant rating systems to qualify applicants. Scores only look at rental history, not reasons for that history. Homeless people never get enough points to qualify. • My income changes each month, makes it difficult to qualify for an apartment. • Older homeless persons just want a small, affordable place to rent o Never had a home of their own before o Monthly social security income of $771 but pay $600/month for rent with roommates o Roommates don't work well for many homeless persons • Slumlords are only landlords willing to work with homeless o Units are dangerous, should be torn down o They are a necessary evil • Homelessness is not just a city issue • Homelessness is a fixable problem. Solving homelessness will address other problems, as well - emergency room visits, incarceration. Solutions • Need housing navigation services - difficult to find housing and work way through housing assistance system. Where do you start? • Rental assistance programs need to account for security deposit needs. Even if I get a housing choice voucher and find a landlord willing to take it, I don't have money for a security deposit so will lose the apartment. • Need Single Room Occupancy units at affordable rates 67 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT On-line Feedback Timestamp What does 'home' mean to you? Name 3 things you like the most about housing in Albemarle County, Name 3 things you like the least about housing in Albemarle County. What does affordable housing mean to you? Do you, or someone you know in Albemarle County struggle with housing costs/issues? Tell us how. 10/18/2019 where I can live, safely 1.a wide variety of ].hard working working let's use the accepted yes; on fixed incomes, 15:32:38 and well, as myself.'safely settings; in cityscapes, class people have few standard: costing not with disabilities, not and well' are best above or beside choices that we can more than 30-33% of available near work described by what they shops, in smaller or afford income of the (with or without a are not: not places of larger neighborhoods, 2. foxed income working household car), unsafe, threat to my with rural settings, in class people - on Social unhealthy physical/bodily or my sight of other houses Security, with modest emotional/spiritual well or not in sight of other savings - have very few being; so, a $750K houses, etc choices, and many are house may still be a 2.a wide variety of not safe or healthy for threatening place, and styles: timber, brick, aging, with disabilities, not a home, and a $30K other materials; with special mobility and 'mobile home' may be different other needs home etc.'as myself' architectures, designs, 3.public ransportation, means that I am can be etc and safe biking/ walking completely relaxed, not 3.availability: you can trails, are poorly like a workplace, etc find housing in variety available and poorly where behaviors are of settings and in connected to do things supervised variety of styles without a car M Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT 10/18/2019 a place to live rural setting, privacy, increasing property something which I can we need to do some 15:57:01 quiet taxes; not yet but afford-- and this may house repairs but possibly in the future - mean cutting back on hesitate because of airbandb arrangements many pleasurable the aspects of life such as cost eating out, vacations - and yes all but the most basic smortphone 10/18/2019 Family, quiet, nature, Proximity to Cville, to Distance from parks, Can buy / rent for less 23:41:09 workplaces, and to large swaths of than 30%of income. shopping monotony (endless Affordable for one identical townhouses), person is different than lack of alternative for another person; it's transport all relative. 10/20/2019 a place to live live in a great the cost, not enough of allowing someone to not me, but young 20:00:13 community, lots of it, and outdated zoning spend no more than teachers, firefighters housing types to policies and regulations 30% of the income on and police officers choose from, much of that only incentivize housing do. Especially child the available supply is lowdensity care/pre-school near employment developments for large teacher. lots/expensive housing. 10/21 /2019 A safe secure place to live Compact urban Lack of investment in Housing that is No, I am fortunate 12:09:02 - it does not housing, proximity to urban infrastructure, subsidized for low that my family can necessarily mean single Charlottesville, housing that sprawls into income families that afford our housing family home ownership. beautiful rural areas, cannot afford market choice rural setting rate housing options. M. Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT Timestamp How does a lack of affordable housing impact you, your neighbors, your community, our county? If you could design your own neighborhood, what would 9 look like? What types of housing would you build? Who would there? In a few words, describe what a healthy housing system would look like in Albemarle County. Many individuals and families in Albemarle County are struggling to meet their unique housing needs. What are some of the barriers preventing them from doing so? What are the potential barriers Albemarle County may face as we try to provide housing options that meet the needs of all our of our diverse population? 10/21 /2019 Feeling welcome, Aesthetics, proximity Cost, cost, driving too 30% HUD definition Yes. Jobs don't pay 16:30:16 secure, and connected to culture and nature, much AMI --gotta use the enough, and the to the past and future. my friends here. technical meaning if housing costs too one exists much. This is a housing supply-side problem, mainly. 10/18/2019 dangers to life, health cooperative opportunity always to 1. poor affordability of There are groups - like 15:32:38 and wellbeing come neighborhoods: e.g. find safe, healthy housing with amenities ASAP - who actually from lack of affordable shared yard work, affordable housing close they need don't want more housing, not only to shared garden and to what you find 2. poor location (not people to come to individuals, but to other harvesting/preserving essential: for some, near what they the County. There are household/community food, shared livestock workplace, for some, uniquely need) groups - like members family or friends, for 3. poor connectivity newcomer elites - e.g. where some, medical/health (without car, by bike who want some appropriate care, for some, or foot or public imaginary poulty, fish, etc, recreation, etc transportation) landscape/fictitious shared common areas neighborhood, made for up reality. There are recreation, relaxation, jealous resentful conversation IN ALL groups - like some SEASONS. ridiculous 'social justice' groups - who hate certain groups and don't 70 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT want them to be heard, or served (because they are prejudiced against them while at the same time claiming to be fighting other prejudices). Many urban area elites are willfully ignorant and prejudiced about rural values, rural lifestyles, rural communities. 10/18/2019 believe that my I'd keep the same see above. Avoid Some people I suspect The County should 15:57:01 neighborhood covers zoning. In my entanglent with are starting out —and not quite a range of costs neighborhood, houses Charlottesville. that has been provide housing. How range quite a lot and historically about lowering there is considerable difficult but many property diversity both in race ( suceed. Some people taxes? newcomers and the could stand some many generations help established here); old with budgeting -- try people; young the families; at least some Dave Ramsey or people from foreign Elizabeth Warren countries. Owners and books renters. on budgeting, both remarkably similar. 10/18/2019 Drives further inequality We need a variety of New or renovated Cost. Land value The county needs to 23:41:09 different types of houses at all price points escalation help make it easier neighborhoods. I for a private citizen to would ensure that all build their own house, for example, a tiny 71 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT types of homes house, or a kit house. (detatched, Due to the excessive townhouses, amount of apartments) include a regulations about yard or dedicated how a house is built, area of land where the county each resident can needs to help people garden. Need to build navigate the state smaller houses. building codes. Further, the county needs to support the use of nonconventionol septic and composting toilet systems. 10/20/2019 results in a lack of a variety of housing See above. Options that cost and an outdated See above. 20:00:13 diversity in types and ownership all income groups can Comprehensive Plan neighborhoods, and options. Smaller lots, afford, that are close to and rezoning process means that we all pay smaller houses, all schools and employment that makes it nearly more for housing than close to transit. But this areas. And one that does impossible to obtain we should. We need requires the County to not attempt to solve the approvals for higher more supply to help actually APPROVE entire problem density housing keep prices in check rezoning applications by burdening developers projects that are even (basic supply and that allow more to provide the solution! It consistent with the demand) density and smaller lot is a community -wide recommendations of sizes, even if it is more problem and we need the comp plan. A lack than what the comp community -wide of leadership at the plan designations solutions. top levels of County contemplate Administration, Board of Supervisors, and Community Development Staff to take this on and LEAD. 72 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT Right now the policy expects the developers to solve all the problems with affordable housing units and proffers, while the County does nothing, and not only does not provide incentives for more affordable housing, but actually ERECTS more barriers in the form of proffers, lower densities, and denying projects due to traffic impacts 10/21/2019 There are various An urban Safe secure housing Low incomes and a Political push back 12:09:02 inexpensive housing neighborhood options for everybody in lack of housing from people who options for people in our with a mix of housing our community who options for people at don't want to pay community including options and a well wants it. the lowest income more taxes rental apartments and designed levels. We need condominiums. In fact, I transportation to focus both on just checked listings and I network (public transit, helping raise incomes see condo/townhouses street grid, protected and subsidizing for sale in the area as bike and pedestrian housing costs for low as $120,000 and 1 corridors) that people who need bedroom rentals as low as connect homes to help. $490 per month. jobs, shopping, and recreation. Alternative transportation options will also help lower the 73 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT cost of living and the carbon footprint for residents in the area. 10/21 /2019 Money spent on high rent My neighborhood Choices that meet the Cost of the housing, The HUD budget will 16:30:16 and mortgages displaces needs more live -work needs of every stage of which is related to not reach desired other quality of life costs: spaces, houses and life, for all. development costs, levels any time soon, healthcare, healthy foods. apartments with which has complex probably. And Housing problems also workshops, studios, inputs. Those under local zoning codes displace many people offices, and storefronts the County's control are very difficult to from our area entirely. attached or close by. include: update wholesale. Then people could 1.) ZONING, But it's probably work from home and 2.) construction easier to start businesses safely, workforce via building commit to a handful and drive less. We also trades education, of incremental need to improve our 3.) time to market improvements every sidewalks, and start including year. Gradually add more community development review. byright uses and gardens. Overall, we density, simplify SUP need to build more processes especially housing, of all types, for small projects. and bring the price down. The median new home will be one - bedroom, because more people have 1-2-person households now. But to prevent isolation, those 1 BR homes need community spaces built in closely --plazas, pocket parks, recreation areas, waterfronts. 74 Appendix 1: Community Outreach - DRAFT Timestamp Any other comments? 10/18/2019 15:32:38 thank you 10/18/2019 23:41:09 We need better transit options that link major residential areas directly to major employers; these transit systems should be designed to serve commuters who are gainfully employed. Currently, many developed areas on 29 north have no viable alternative transportation method to get to work. Further, we need bike lanes or greenways that would allow individuals on bikes, segways, scooters, etc fo commute safely to work. Need a greenway that runs parallel with US-29 north, and is actually accessible from residential areas on both sides of the road 10/20/2019 20:00:13 The County needs to be willing fo lead on this issue and fake some proactive steps OTHER THAN just looking to developers to solve the problem themselves with affordable housing proffers with rezonings. And the County Board needs fo approve rezoning projects with high -density residential, and stop denying them or discouraging them based on traffic impacts. And modify the master plans to add more highdensity residential, and fo provide INCENTIVES for devleopers and builders to build more affordable units, not just burdensome regulations. The local developers and builders actually want to help and contribute toward the solution, but cannot be the ONLY ones to do if, as per the current policy. 10/21 /2019 12:09:02 The answer is not fo grow the urban area and give a windfall to the development community. They won't build what is needed to provide affordable housing - instead they will build what offers the greatest profit. We have more than enough development potential within the City and the County. 10/21 /2019 16:30:16 Thank you for taking on this effort! 75 Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission - Regional Housing Survey Albemarle County responses Do you own or rent your current home? Do the housing options in Albemarle County meet your needs? 76 In what type of housing do you currently live? Manufactured Hoi 3' Condominii 2% Do you think it is hard to find decent, affordable housing in Albemarle County? Don't know 77 When choosing where to live, what do you care about most? Traffic congestion and commute time 7% 6% 6% The cost of a car and gas 0% 2% 2% Proximity to public transportation 5% 1 % 5% Proximity to place of work 3% 13% 16% Proximity to amenities 7% 14% Quality of schools 8% 11 % 2% Access to broadband 1 % 3% 10% Available jobs 3% 3% 0% Living in/near and urban environment 6% 5% 8% Living in/near a rural environment 7% 6% 5% Housing affordability 1 1 % 1 8% Type of housing I want is available 9% 15% I would consider living in a housing option other than a single-family home. IN What types of affordable housing are needed in Albemarle County? 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 5% J ey ey �1 �1 •�y ey ey x1 .`p� \e�o�\J -'°J. ey`1 o`�e��y c`a�e\��G�J`ea �`�� r°.1N ye`�y. yy° o°J Sew` � IN 10 79 67 0 46% I 45% People who work Albemarle should Building more affordable I All people deserve safe be able to afford to live in Albemarle housing shelter 577o There are affordable housing options in all parts of Albemarle County Availability of affordable housing benefits our workforce 21 /o Preserving existing affordable housing Availability of affordable housing benefits our local businesses Which tenures (or kinds) of housing are needed in Albermarle County? M 70% 70% M 50% 44% 39% 40% 32% 30% 22% 20% 15% 11%. 11%. 10% 10% 10% 10% .. 3% ■ 0% �00� 9O FS c , X0°Q C# e 0\e5� � 5� 5� •Si� $ r�z� 0�eS 0 .,A \ o Go ��0 coo \ 0 00 o °� °�o CJo �° �0 6e 0� fro°a 0° e0� S°� o r �e`ae� Sr G P55 a0p�a� �10 Q0 P What are the things that you would be willing to support to get more affordable housing? Faster permit review EL Mr. Zoning for mixed -use residential ' . Higher density Higher taxes to build/preserve... Reduced developer fees 91 Respondent Demographics Mexican• American Hispanic, Lai 1% Respondents by sex I *MWOOOI Respondents by race/ethnicity Aleutian, Eskimo, _. :an- m 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Respondents by age 25 < 18 years 18 years - 25 years - 35 years - 45 years - 55 years - 65 years + 24 years 34 years 44 years 54 years 64 years 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 5 0 - < $10,000 Respondents by income 16 11 9 ■ $10,000 - $25,000 - $ $40,000 - $55,000 - $25,000 40,000 $55,000 $70,000 3 $70,000 - $85,000 $85,000 + m Employed part time 11% Respondents by employment status Unemployed Sfudanf 7C1_ Where in Region 10 do you work? Does not work in Region 10 8% 0