Title
AN ORDINANCE relating to development regulations; adopting provisions for an alternative housing demonstration project, in accordance with K.C.C. 21A.55.010; and adding a new section to K.C.C. chapter 21A.55.
Body
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
SECTION 1. Findings:
A. The availability of affordable housing is a regional vision as expressed in the Washington State Growth Management Act, VISION 2040 multicounty planning policies, the King County countywide planning policies, the Regional Affordable Housing Task Force Five-Year Action Plan and the King County Comprehensive Plan.
B. The Comprehensive Plan includes specific policy direction to implement that regional vision on a local level, including: providing equitable opportunities for all individuals; allowing a variety of housing types; supporting and incentivizing housing that is affordable at all income levels; and encouraging increases in housing density and the siting affordable housing near frequent transit and commercial areas. The Vashon-Maury Island Community Service Area Subarea Plan also directs increasing the inventory of housing that is affordable to very-low-, low- and moderate-income populations on the island. Similarly, the White Center Community Action Plan directs expansion of opportunities for developing new housing to meet local housing needs, including affordable housing.
C. The Regional Affordable Housing Task Force Five-Year Action Plan also recommends King County update zoning and land use regulations, including in single-family low-rise zones, to increase and diversify housing choices, including but not limited to micro and efficiency units.
D. The King County Comprehensive Plan encourages exploration of alternative housing options and includes policy direction for creation of demonstration projects for new affordable housing models. It also allows impact fee exemptions for affordable housing developments. As a means to provide opportunities for lower ...

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