County Board Revises Bonus Density Provisions to Encourage Affordable
November 13, 2019 PROGRAM NEWS:
On Saturday, November 16, the County Board will consider eliminating bonus density maximums for developments that provide affordable housing or community facilities. The County’s Zoning Ordinance currently sets limits on how much bonus density all projects may gain through the special exception site plan review process. The proposed changes would allow the County to consider bonus density where appropriate on a case-by-case basis, resulting in more opportunities to support housing affordability.
The Board will also consider a Request to Advertise December public hearings for a proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment that, if approved, would expand locations where elder care facilities could be located. The facilities include assisted living developments, nursing homes, continuing care retirement communities, and other services to support daily living.
Arlington is home to more than 65,000 persons 60 years old or older and that number is expected to grow in coming decades. Options for assisted living in the County are limited. Just six facilities exist today and no new facilities have been built since 2011. The extensive community engagement process around the proposed amendment has further confirmed the need for more opportunities to age in place.
The County Board meeting on Saturday, November 16 will begin at 8:30 a.m. The public may attend in person on the third floor of Bozman Government Center. Meetings can also be watched via Arlington TV. Interested in providing comments? Learn how to sign up to speak at a County Board meeting.