§ 1600-500. DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES AND REGULATORY RELIEF

(a)

Priority or Fast Track Processing. All development projects involving the construction of on-site affordable units will receive priority processing status at all County levels of review. Such applications shall be reviewed prior to other applications.

(b)

Fee Waivers. The Board of Supervisors may waive or reduce planning permit application fees to facilitate the construction of on-site affordable units.

(c)

Density Bonus. As an alternative to credit banking, a project applicant may request a density bonus of one market rate unit for each additional affordable unit to be constructed on-site beyond a proposed project's affordable housing requirement. This bonus shall also apply to development projects normally not applicable under this ordinance such as residential development projects consisting of less than ten dwelling units. This density bonus may be requested by the project applicant as an alternative to credit banking. A density bonus provided under this section shall not exceed 25% of the maximum density otherwise allowed under the existing General Plan, applicable specific plan and zoning designations and shall be counted toward any density bonus otherwise required by Section 65915 of the Government Code. Where a density bonus for a specific project would exceed 25%, the excess credit earned beyond 25% must be taken as a credit.

(d)

Reduction of Design and Development Standards. The Planning Commission, upon request by the project applicant, may modify the following design and development standards for development projects providing on-site affordable housing units:

(1)

Setbacks

(2)

Lot Size

(3)

Lot Configurations

(e)

Infrastructure Improvements. The Board of Supervisors may accelerate the schedule for public works projects in its Capital Improvement Program that will facilitate, or are critical to, the development of affordable housing.

(f) Technical and Financial Assistance. The County may assist project applicants in meeting their affordable housing requirement to the extent possible by providing technical and financial assistance. Technical assistance may be in the form of resolutions of support, grant application assistance, and the identification of various local, state and federal funding mechanisms. Financial assistance may be in the form of fee reductions or waivers, participation in the County's Mortgage Credit Certificate Program, or utilization of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.