New strategies tackle the affordable housing crisis in Norman

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Proponents of a new housing plan say it could streamline development, address community housing needs, and bring down price barriers on quality housing in the city.

In Norman, 72% of its residents are unable to afford new construction, while 41% are unable to afford a $1250 monthly rent, according to recent data.

The new housing plan focuses on zoning policy and other housing strategies. It will not designate the actual areas where the policy will be implemented. That responsibility will instead fall under the land use part of the AIM Norman master plan.

As with all AIM plans, the housing plan was developed through neighborhood workshops, developers, and city staff.

AIM was introduced to residents at two town halls held Dec. 10 and 11 last year, one at the Young Family Athletic Center and the other in the Norman development center. Each of the city’s master plans had tables set up for residents to learn more.

Their housing strategies tackle the ongoing community struggle for simultaneous affordability and livability.

The plan focuses most on creating affordable places to live and is based on an in-depth analysis of the current market, said project manager Amy Haase.

“It looks at developing a comprehensive strategy to address affordable housing needs in the community and diversity of housing needs,” Haase said.

The committee is proposing clear zoning codes so builders know what can go where and development can move forward easier.

According to the presentation, they would like to remove zoning that only allows single-unit residences. Single family homes would still exist, but the proposal would free up places for different kinds of housing.

They also want to allow home occupations and live-work units everywhere.

Another goal is to add variety in housing types, specifically to address those kinds of housing that have been “historically underbuilt” in Norman.

These new developments would also require an affordability guarantee for those within 80-120% of the area median income or apply universal design standards.

The committee is keeping in mind low income and mobility limited residents for the housing updates. They are also thinking up ways to add supportive services and update permanent supportive housing strategies to lift people out of homelessness.

New construction and redevelopments are being targeted towards areas that are near schools, healthcare, public transit, and well-used roads.

Another proposal seeks to add percentage-based unit requirements for large developments, meaning that a certain percent of development would have to meet a more accessible income requirement.

As a way to offer an incentive to developers, the city could offer fee and lot waivers for favored kinds of construction, according to the presentation.

Existing housing is “the most affordable housing in Norman today,” according to the presentation.

For this reason, the committee seeks to offer incentives only to create new places to live where there weren’t any before.

Planmakers also seek to create an Affordable Housing Development Fund to help people who do not qualify for the lowest income federal programs.

This fund would come together through lenders, bonds, and an affordable housing fee, before touching the general fund.

Another goal of the housing plan is to enhance and fill in gaps in existing neighborhoods where existing infrastructure needs a revamp.

If approved, they plan to carry out the update through enhanced public-private partnerships through the city, the university, and the housing authority, among various economic development groups.

One more strategy mentioned was vacant lot penalties to encourage infill development and rid the city of space that is empty-yet-used.

Additionally, the committee plans to centralize information into resource centers for property owners, builders, and renters, with education plans to follow.

These housing education plans would target small landlords and local builders but would also accept volunteers.

The committee also wants to simplify red tape processes required to move housing strategies forward.