A rule mandating that new market-rate housing developments in Clovis include affordable units — which the city is required to implement as part of a 2024 lawsuit settlement — has cleared the city’s Planning Commission and is headed next to the City Council.
The commission voted 4-0 on Thursday evening to OK the “Mixed-Income Zoning Ordinance,” which would require developers of any new residential project that has 11 or more market-rate homes to set at least 5% of the units aside for lower-income residents. But developers will be allowed to pursue “alternatives for compliance,” the draft ordinance says, including paying fees.
Commissioners and city staff noted Thursday that there remain several unknowns in the ordinance: How long will it be in effect? How will developers navigate the rules? What happens to an affordable house if the primary owner dies?…