The dwelling unit density in the Workforce Housing Overlay District may be increased by a maximum of 30% over the density allowed in the underlying zoning district if all of the following conditions are met:
- Not less than 17% of the total number of dwelling units is workforce housing units. In the event the maximum allowable density is not increased by 30%, the percentage of workforce housing units required shall maintain the same ratio of 30% to 17%. For example, if a developer is applying for a 20% bonus density, then the percentage of workforce housing units must be 11.33% of the total number of units.
- Workforce housing units must be integrated throughout the development; they cannot be segregated from the market rate units.
- Workforce units must be constructed at the same time as the market rate units…they cannot be constructed after the market rate units are all built.
- Workforce units must conform to the Workforce Housing Design Criteria and any other applicable design standards in the Comprehensive Plan, including, but not limited to, the following standards:
- The exterior of workforce housing units shall have the same building materials and finish, and be nearly indistinguishable from the market rate units of the same housing type;
- Workforce housing units must be comparable in bedroom mix, design and overall quality of construction to the market rate units in the development. However, workforce units shall not be required to exceed three (3) bedrooms per unit; and
- The square footage and interior features of workforce units shall not be required to be the same as the other dwelling units in the development as long as they are reasonably similar in size and quality and are consistent with the current building standards for new housing.