Lynn B. Thomas, Jr., AICP Long-Range Planner Town of Easton
Three Techniques: Inclusionary Zoning Granny Flats Flexible Zoning Districts
Inclusionary Zoning Requires minimum percentage of houses in a development be affordable. Often includes a density bonus and/or other offsets. Used in approx. 100 local jurisdictions and under consideration by dozens more.
Inclusionary Zoning in Easton Currently being Drafted by Affordable Housing Board Would be one part of an overall Affordable Housing Program Contemplates 15% affordability requirement with a 20% density bonus
Granny Flats Sometimes also referred to as Accessory Apartment A second dwelling unit either in or added to an existing single-family detached dwelling May be located in an accessory structure
Granny Flats Advantages to Developer Ability to offer additional housing options Effectively higher density
Granny Flats Advantages to Home Owner Potential Income Flexible space that may be used as a home office, lodging for an elderly parent or teen-age/20- something child, or as a very private guest room
Granny Flat Advantages to Community Provides Affordable Housing integrated into the neighborhood Increases eyes on the street especially on alleys and side streets Increases density w/o making the area seem overbuilt
Granny Flats in Easton Added to Zoning Ordinance in 1998 as Special Exception w/ numerous conditions Over time conditions were relaxed a bit and eventually Granny Flats were outright permitted in our residential districts
Example of a Granny Flat in Provo, Utah Contained w/in principal unit Probably rented to college student helping both the student and the home-owner keep their respective housing costs down
Accessory Apartment provided in basement in this example from Europe http://www.schwoerer.de
Where is the accessory apartment in these images from New Hampshire?
Nicholson of "The Australian" newspaper: www.nicholsoncartoons.com.au
Flexible Zoning Districts Includes Floating Zones and Overlay Zones Floating Zones can be applied for wherever specified by the Zoning Ordinance and the rules replace those of the base zoning district. They are generally not premapped. Common example is a PUD.
Flexible Zoning Districts Overlay Zones are pre-mapped and standards are generally in addition to those of the underlying zoning district. A common example of this type of district is an Historic District.
Flexible Zoning Districts in Easton Planned Redevelopment District Allows great flexibility in uses and development standards like setbacks, density, lot sizes, etc. Created to stimulate redevelopment, especially on industrially zoned lands along the former rail-line.
Flexible Zoning Districts in Easton Planned Redevelopment District Cont d Provides for administrative relief in many simple applications Encourages mixed-uses by allowing uses not otherwise permitted by underlying zoning Allows for up to 20 du/ac
Examples of Planned Redevelopment Projects Victoria Walk
Examples of Planned Redevelopment Projects Dixon Square
Examples of Planned Redevelopment Projects Graham s Place
Examples of Planned Redevelopment Projects Treehaven
Examples of Planned Redevelopment Projects Brooklett s Commons
For more information: Lynn B. Thomas, Jr., AICP Town of Easton Long-Range Planner (410) 822-1943 lbthomas@town-eastonmd.com http://www.town-eastonmd.com/planning/planninghome.htm