Chapter 20.25
HOUSING FOR THE LOW
INCOME ELDERLY
Sections:
20.25.000 Purpose.
20.25.010 Changes to site development standards.
20.25.020 Eligible projects.
20.25.030 Application.
20.25.040 Location criteria.
20.25.050 Enforcement.
20.25.000 Purpose.
This chapter is intended to allow reasonable changes in RM zone site development standards for housing projects for the low income elderly, because, among other reasons, these projects usually have fewer persons per unit than a normal multiple residential project. [Ord. 2818 § 2, 1991].
20.25.010 Changes to site development standards.
The hearing examiner may approve the following changes to the normal site development standards of the district in which the housing project for the low income elderly is to be located:
A. A decrease of as much as one-half of the minimum required site area per unit.
B. A decrease of the minimum number of parking spaces per unit, but in no event less than one space per unit. [Ord. 2818 § 2, 1991].
20.25.020 Eligible projects.
To be eligible to use this section, a project shall be rented exclusively to low income elderly persons as defined by the Housing and Urban Development or persons receiving Social Security disability benefits, or be financed under the Insured Mortgage Program of HUD for housing projects for the low income elderly, or similar government programs. [Ord. 2818 § 2, 1991].
20.25.030 Application.
The applicant shall apply for a conditional use permit in order to use the provisions of this section. The applicant shall submit a full description of the proposal with the application, including a statement of how the project qualifies under ECDC 20.25.020. The applicant shall also show on the site plan a reservation of sufficient space to provide the normally required number of parking spaces if the project should ever be converted to a normal multiple residential project. [Ord. 2818 § 2, 1991].
20.25.040 Location criteria.
The hearing examiner shall, prior to approving a permit under this section, find that the project is located in an area which has the following characteristics:
A. Walking Distance. Is within convenient walking distance of public transportation, food and drug stores, and other neighborhood commercial services used by the low income elderly;
B. Safety. Has streets and sidewalks which are safe and otherwise suitable for elderly pedestrians;
C. Community Facilities. Has nearby parks, libraries and other cultural and recreational facilities.
20.25.050 Enforcement.
Before the issuance of a building permit for a project approved under this section, the owner as a grantor shall execute a covenant to run with the land to the city of Edmonds as grantee. The city shall record the covenant with the county auditor at the owner's expense. The covenant shall state file number and date of approval of the use permit, identify the density and parking changes that the city has approved, and state that the right to maintain the approved changes is dependent on the continued status of the project as an eligible project under this section. The covenant shall further state that the project must comply with the normal zoning and parking requirements if it ceases to be eligible under this section, and that the city may enforce the covenant through any appropriate legal means, including but not limited to specific enforcement.