04-27-26-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 27, 2026 16 Community Development Director Reilly reviewed the affordability requirements within the proposed chart, noting a developer was required to provide a minimum number of three-bedroom units if 60 units of housing were requested. Councilmember Monson inquired if the table was stating 5% of the units had to be affordable or all 5% of the affordable units had to be three bedrooms. Community Development Director Reilly indicated the percentages only apply to projects with more than 150 units otherwise the project would be required to provide five affordable units. He provided further clarification on the requirements within the table. Councilmember Holden suggested the language be reworded for clarity purposes. She recommended the 55+ senior housing developments not be required to have a three-bedroom development. Community Development Director Reilly reported the intent is to address a mix of housing types within a single building or development to accommodate what the market has shown to needs. He explained just because the market shows a need for a specific type of units, it does not mean developers will produce these types of units. Rather, developers tend to develop the most amount of units possible for the least amount of money in order to retain the most amount of rent possible. Councilmember Holden asked about the provisions for three-bedroom units and if that has to do with affordability. She stated she did not support the city telling developers what type of units they can and cannot include in their apartment building, especially if the developer has completed a housing study. Community Development Director Reilly reported market rate developments would not have to provide family-sized units but they would have to ask the City Council for permission to build an all-market-rate project. Councilmember Holden commented under Subsection 7 Item B the provision would allow a tenant to live in a low-income apartment at 140% AMI. Community Development Director Reilly indicated this was the typical standard for having someone move from an income restricted unit into a non-restricted unit. Councilmember Holden expressed concern with the fact an affordable unit could be taken up by a tenant that has an income that makes 140% AMI for fifteen years. She stated if this was the case, she would like the percentage lowered. Community Development Director Reilly reported this was the case. Councilmember Holden indicated she has a problem with the bonus densities. She recommended the 50%be changed to 25% or 15%. She questioned how the 25%parking flexibility was decided. Community Development Director Reilly commented 25% was reasonable and was a standard used by other communities that have parking minimums.