The development services director or designee is authorized to determine the eligibility of project applications for waiver of system development charges that would otherwise be imposed by RMC Titles 14 (Electricity), 16 (Stormwater), 17 (Sewers) and 18 (Water) for affordable housing projects in the city of Richland; provided, that sufficient state or federal grant funds have been secured to fully reimburse the city for the charges so waived.
(Ord. 2025-26 § 1)
For purposes of this chapter, "affordable housing" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 36.70A.030, which provides that "affordable housing" means, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, residential housing whose monthly costs, including utilities other than telephone, do not exceed 30 percent of the monthly income of a household whose income is: (A) for rental housing, 60 percent of the median household income adjusted for household size, for the county where the household is located, as reported by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; or (B) for owner-occupied housing, 80 percent of the median household income adjusted for household size, for the county where the household is located, as reported by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(Ord. 2025-26 § 2)
The development services director or designee may adopt such rules and policies as may be necessary in order to implement the system development charge waiver program established pursuant to this chapter. Applicable grant program guidance may also be relied upon to implement the intent of RCW 35.92.380 and 35.92.385.
(Ord. 2025-26 § 3)
The development services director shall forward all project applications determined to be eligible for waiver of system development charges to Richland city council for final approval.
(Ord. 2025-26 § 4)
The system development waiver authority created through adoption of this chapter is supplemental to existing waiver authority found in Chapter 17.56 RMC, Sewer Rates and Charges, and Chapter 18.24 RMC, Domestic Water Rates and Charges.
(Ord. 2025-26 § 5)