HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/2/2024 Item 7a, Goswick
Jessica Goswick <
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Subject:7/2/24 City Council Meeting - Item 7a
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Dear council,
My name is Jessica Goswick, I am a SLO resident and architect specialized in affordable housing. First of
all, thank you for your effort to simplify fees and balance them with the cost of the services. Overall, I
think many of the proposed changes are on the right track, however I have concerns with how some
increases could disincentivize housing construction which the city has identified as a top priority.
I support the change to simplify the fee structure for building fees to 12 categories and applaud the city
for reducing residential fees in this area. While fees need to result in a balanced budget, they also serve
as barriers to entry for building. Wherever possible, the city should try to subsidize these fees for
residential projects, especially multi-family residential. Lower fees act as an incentive to build
desperately needed housing. Multifamily housing in particular should continue to receive some city
subsidy since it contributes more significantly to the public good. The budget could be balanced by
increasing other types of fees to cover these subsidies.
In regards to appeals fees, I believe appeals fees should be higher for non-applicants to balance out the
city costs. Non-applicants/neighbors have the ability to share their concerns during the typical
discretionary process and therefore should pay a fair share if they appeal after that process is over and a
decision is reached.
There are a handful of specific fees that should be reconsidered tomaintain the incentives for building
housing and reducing our carbon footprint:
Residential photovoltaic system fees should be reduced in order to incentivise the conversion to
clean energy. (fees number 84, 85, 91, 107, 108)
Condominium Conversion and SB 9 Urban Lot Split fees both contribute to increased possibilities
for home ownership in our city (fee numbers 53 & 55). Keeping these low helps to increase these
opportunities.
With increased planning amendment fees, please consider revising the zoning map and specific
plans throughout the city to allow for more residenital and an increased density of residential.
This would encourage residential development without requiring additional fees or review.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our city.
Sincerely,
Jessica Goswick
Architect | Lecturer | Renter
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