City of Davis

Middle Income

Should the City of Davis require developers to provide a percentage of new housing units for "middle income" homebuyers (120-180 percent of area median income, or less than $100,000 per year). Should permanent affordability be required? Can the City ensure that the homes are sold to local employees or persons already living in Davis?

Growth Targets

The City Council has tentatively established a target growth goal of 250 dwelling units per year. This growth amount probably can be achieved through 2006 by already approved projects. After 2006, it appears that some new infill and/or peripheral development approvals would be needed. Currently a study is being performed to gauge what the city's internal housing need will be in future years, in order to decide whether 250 dwelling units meets that need. Formalizing this goal will require environmental review and amendments to policy documents such as the General Plan and the Phased Allocation Ordinance.

City Council Meetings where the internal housing need and the possibility of a middle income category have been discussed:

1. Feb 26th, 2003
2. March 12th, 2003
3. April 2, 2003
4. July 23, 2003
5. September 23, 2003 Resolution 03-174
6. August 2, 2004
7. October 12, 2004 :: Davis Enterprise Article "Housing targets middle incomes"

Action taken October 12, 2004: The City Council voted in favor of adding a 25% requirement for middle income units (units affordable to households with incomes from approximately $72,241 to $96,320 for a family of four) on future market rate ownership housing projects. This new requirement will be in addition to the city's existing 25% requirement for the construction of units affordable to moderate and low income households. In addition to this requirement, the City Council voted to require all future affordable ownership units to be subject to a preference system for local employees that will also account for seniors and persons with disabilities. Details of these decisions will be discussed further at future City Council meetings in winter and spring.

Measure J

In 1999, the voters of the City of Davis approved "Measure J" requiring voter approval before the City would allow development of agricultural, open space, or horse ranch property at the edge of the urban area. The ordinance includes exemptions for schools, parks, and affordable housing necessary to meet regional fair share needs. No projects have completed the Measure J process thus far.

UCD Neighborhood

The University of California, Davis is proposing to build a mixed-use neighborhood at the southwest corner of Russell Boulevard and Highway 113. No decisions have been made on whether the project would be annexed to the City of Davis. Letter sent from the Mayor to the UC Regents November 3, 2003

Tenant Selection Criteria- As part of the Affordable Housing Ordinance update, the Affordable Housing Taskforce is proposing a thorough process in qualifying households for affordable ownership and rental housing. Click here to see a draft of the updated Affordable Housing Ordinance. The updated ordinance is projected to be heard by the Planning Commission the end of October and the City Council in mid-November 2004.

Permanent Affordability- As part of the Affordable Housing Ordinance update, the Affordable Housing Taskforce is proposing a limited sales price appreciation for all future affordable ownership units. As currently proposed, the standard would allow appreciation to affordable ownership units at a percentage equal to the change in Area Median Income for Yolo County each year, which averages about 3%, with additional credit given for improvements done to major systems of the unit. Major systems would include things that prolong the life of the unit, such as plumbing or roofing. Click here to see a draft of the updated Affordable Housing Ordinance. The updated ordinance is projected to be heard by the Planning Commission the end of October and the City Council in mid-November 2004.