Jackson to weigh large-project rules with tougher housing bonus terms

Jackson is set to consider whether its large-project rules should demand more useful deed-restricted housing, not just more square footage. The workshop agenda names Land Development Regulations (LDRs) changes for large development impacts as a 60-minute discussion [agenda](/documents/01KTQ6F12YFVSA7ET5WDFGRPKJ?quote=LDR%20Changes%20to%20Address%20Large%20Development%20Impacts%20(PM26-011)%20(Paul%20Anthony), and the staff packet asks council whether to replace the flat 2:1 workforce housing bonus with a sliding scale: 1:1 for workforce-only units, 1.5:1 for units affordable to households at 120% to 160% of area median income, and 2:1 for units below 120% staff packet.

The same housing section would cap deed-restricted unit sizes at 800 square feet for one-bedroom units, 1,200 square feet for two-bedroom units, and 1,500 square feet for three-bedroom or larger units. Staff say developers have so far used workforce occupancy restrictions rather than income restrictions because those require less subsidy, and recent Housing Department data show workforce-restricted rents are usually discounted less than 10%, sometimes less than 5%. Council direction on June 15 would tell staff what final amendments to draft before ordinance readings.