The Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board unanimously recommended approval of an amendment that would allow limited commercial uses inside restricted transit zones (T5R and T6R) when those uses are part of a funded affordable housing project.

Staff said the amendment is narrowly tailored: it permits commercial uses up to 10 percent of a building’s floor area and only when the commercial component is associated with federal or state affordable‑housing funding that requires supportive workforce or social‑service space. The amendment also requires a warrant process so Planning can confirm the programmatic nature of the proposed commercial uses.

Why it matters: some federal and state housing programs that provide construction or operating funding require on‑site spaces for workforce training, day programs, child care or social services. Under current restricted‑zone rules those programmatic commercial uses were prohibited. The change aims to allow affordable housing projects to remain eligible for such funding without changing the residential character of restricted transit zones.

Board comments and clarifications: board members commended the drafting and asked whether the language should be tightened to align specifically with program rules (for example Low Income Housing Tax Credit or HUD program limitations). Staff said the language intentionally remains somewhat flexible because program requirements can change, but agreed to consider tightening the list of allowed program types if required later by the Commission.

Action: the board moved and voted to recommend approval; the item passed by roll call 11‑0.

Next steps: the amendment will move to City Commission for public hearings and final adoption. Planning staff noted that the change does not automatically grant Live Local or other overlay benefits; those remain tied to separate eligibility rules and would require additional code edits if the commission sought to allow them.