Policy 5
Increase the supply of housing types that are suitable for, and attractive to, the County’s growing vulnerable populations. These include the elderly, the homeless, and residents with special needs.
- HN5.1 - Expand housing options by eliminating regulatory barriers to the construction of elderly accessible housing, accessory apartments, and assisted living facilities. Revise the Zoning Ordinance to encourage a variety of housing types.
- HN5.2 - Provide financial incentives, such as low-interest revolving loan funds, to landlords of multifamily housing to retrofit existing dwelling units. This can be used to remove architectural barriers, adapt units, and improve handicap accessibility for the elderly and residents with special needs.
- HN5.3 - Pursue state, federal, and private-sector funds to expand programs that deliver down payment and closing cost assistance and loans for rehabilitation and accessibility modifications for low-income, vulnerable populations.
- HN5.4 - Build partnerships with, and provide technical support and incentives to, faith-based institutions and nonprofits to undertake housing projects and programs for vulnerable populations, in particular the homeless, the mentally ill, at-risk veterans, residents with special needs, and those living with HIV/AIDS. Projects and programs could include transitional housing, group homes, and shelters with services to help residents transition to stability.