Seattle's Mandatory Housing Affordability program (SMC 23.58B-C) grants extra height and FAR in upzoned areas in exchange for on-site affordable units or in-lieu fees. MHA evolved from the 2015 HALA framework.
Adopted in 2019 after the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA), MHA codified in SMC 23.58B and 23.58C requires developers in MHA-zoned areas to either build 5-11% affordable units on-site or pay an in-lieu fee ($7-$32 per sq ft, varying by zone and market area). The bonus permits an extra story, additional FAR, or relaxed yard standards. MHA applies to most multifamily and commercial projects of three or more units. Office of Housing administers fees and unit certification. Affordable units must serve households at 60% AMI for rentals or 80% AMI for ownership for at least 75 years. Map and fee tables are published online.
Failure to meet MHA affordability or pay fee: permit denial, stop-work, civil penalties up to $500 per day, and recovery of avoided contributions plus interest by Office of Housing.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Seattle, WA
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Seattle, WA
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