Nearly one year ago the Foster City Council reviewed a “21 Elements” nexus study and a City Staff recommendation for an affordable housing impact fee (AHIF) of $80 per square foot on all new rental residential. At the study session last August, BIA opposed any fee, pointing out that the nexus study uses a flawed methodology and arguing that AHIF leads to higher housing costs. The City Council vetoed the need for AHIF and directed Staff to further study potential new fees on commercial development. As a result, at a Council study session tonight, Staff will present a recommendation that Foster City not adopt any affordable housing fees on new rental housing and requesting the City Council to review and give direction to Staff on a commercial linkage fee only. To read the Staff Report,
click here.
