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unworkable on residential lots where they'd otherwise be the optimal way to deliver affordable <br />housing that spreads land costs across multiple households. <br />However, there is a "sweet spot" that addresses the comprehensive plan goal to complement and <br />preserve the character that is Arden Hills. In real terms, that is the maximum density of housing <br />you could build while still using the cheapest construction techniques: the same used for a single- <br />family house. This leads us back to the conversation about the so-called "missing middle" or the <br />range of small-scale apartment housing ranging from duplexes all the way to small apartment <br />buildings and including arranging buildings on lots in different ways, such as cottage courts. <br />FOutplex: OU�V�ild <br />-- \ Duplex: Stacked <br />\ side -By -side. Mousing <br />;ietarherl Singh+ar�'y \ Stacked Missing Middle v, ,M <br />-IwseS. <br />hacked -. _... \ <br />+ ^ i <br />Allowing for these types of developments and/or adding more options to add units to existing lots <br />(including but not limited to subdividing large lots, allowing for three or more units by right, <br />including so-called accessory units, and reducing minimum lot sizes) is the lowest cost option for <br />cities to address the affordability of housing. <br />Looking at the adopted 2040 Comprehensive Plan, two directions with multiple solutions stand <br />out: <br />• Encourage the incorporation of affordable and life -cycle housing into new development <br />and redevelopment where feasible. <br />• Identify programs, policies, and strategies that encourage aging in community for senior <br />citizens. <br />Density bonuses are a land -use tool that incentivizes more units per development and are useful <br />where feasible. The concept is best used as an embedded component in the zoning code either <br />through planned unit development regulations or development of a master plan that is adopted by <br />the city council. Importantly, the idea of a density bonus does not have to be tied to a financial <br />incentive. Instead, they are offered in exchange for something the city needs and/or wants. This <br />could be affordable housing, additional park dedication or fees in lieu, and/or implementing <br />enhanced aspects of sustainable building design. <br />Here are three examples of zoning code language for density bonuses: <br />1. City of Cottage Grove <br />In any PUD the maximum number of dwelling units allowed shall not exceed the base <br />density identified in the land use districts in the comprehensive plan, except that: <br />Page 4 of 6 <br />