What is the Affordable Housing Unit/Fee?
The Affordable Housing Unit/Fee is a housing impact fee which applies to any change of commercial use and non-residential new construction. The purpose of the fee is to help provide housing for persons with moderate incomes who are employed by new and expanding businesses. All developers/owners of privately owned retail, office, warehouse, manufacturing, or hotel/motel properties must pay the fee. The requirement also applies for certain changes in use, with or without new construction. Changes from residential to manufacturing, warehouse, retail, office or hotel/motel; from manufacturing or warehouse to retail; from manufacturing or warehouse to office; and from retail to office space are all subject to the Affordable Housing Unit/Fee. The City uses the Affordable Housing Fee fund for land acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, subsidization, counseling, or cooperation to expand affordable housing opportunities in Alameda.
