'Precedent-Setting' Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance Enacted

"Prompted in part by complaints that young people cannot afford to raise families in the community where they grew up, the North Shore city of Highland Park has approved what an observer called a 'precedent-setting' zoning ordinance requiring a portion of new multifamily developments to be reserved for affordable housing.The ordinance, passed unanimously by the Highland Park's city council on August 26, 2003, requires 20 percent of new multifamily residential construction with five or more units to be set aside for affordable housing, officials said. The city defines 'affordable' as housing priced within reach of a family of four earning $56,500 to $90,000. The ordinance offers the incentive to builders of a density bonus that allows them to build an additional unit, to be sold at market value, for each affordable unit built."

Thanks to Stuart Meck, FAICP