Alternative Development Standards For Affordable Housing

Author : Paul, Teresa
Publisher : CMHC
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 51 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (32 download)

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Download or read book Innovation in Practice : Keys to Alternative Development Standards written by Paul, Teresa and published by CMHC. This book was released on 2000 with total page 51 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The study aimed to find ways to accelerate innovation in residential land use. Due to the widening gap between subdivision standards and demographically-driven hosuing needs, the obstacles to challenging established rules and regulations (fighting city hall), and the fact that few initiatives have made significant headway into modifying standards, this research sought keys to how innovative standards get introduced. The primary objective was to isolate critical factors enabling alternative development standards (ADS) according to developers who have succeeded in introducing ADS, as well as municipal officials involved in these projects. As a secondary objective, interviewees were asked for ideas on how to address complex regional scale (off-site) standards, such as those affecting stormwater, arterial road, school and park infrastructure. Interviews produced practical advice and strategies on how to successfully alter standards, which should assist future ADS proposals. Even more important, close inspection of this information revealed keys to successful initiatives, namely that proponents instinctively nurtured four critical conditions: (1) clear rationale for and presentation of proposals, (2) municipal receptivity, (3) ability to support an extended approval process, and (4) readiness of the housing market for alternative housing and community forms. Notably, proponents cultivated these key conditions rather than regard their absence as barriers to innovation. Concrete suggestions for how to change off-site standards were elusive; however a clear picture of deterrents to evolution of these standards emerged. Major deterents include adherence to "Cadillac" standards, lack of leadership, and most importantly, lack of information and communication, especially the availability of concise and relevant information and effective information exchange. Better information alone, particularly concerning who really pays for the full costs of expensive off-site infrastructure, would be productive. Developers, municipalities and higher-order levels of government each can uniquely contribute to the move towards more affordable, community-minded and environmentally sustainable land use standards. Recommendations are provided for each group that can, if implemented, accelerate the adoption of innovative standards so that they can better keep pace with changing housing needs.