Falls City housing study recommends policy changes
Aging housing stock lags behind demand
FALLS CITY- The Falls City City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 16.
The agenda includes testing of fire hoses, pension plan benefits and a gas supply agreement.
The Falls City housing study is also on the agenda.
City records say the key findings of the study include:
“extremely low” vacancy ratesdeteriorating housing stock
housing demand exceeding supply in nearly every product type
pressure on affordability for home buyers and renters
employers reporting recruiting difficulty due to housing pressure
The study says the community expresses a strong desire for newer housing and better-maintained rental properties.
Homeowners cite property taxes, utility costs and lack of “move-up” options as barriers.
Public policy recommendations include:
code enforcement for dilapidated properties
mixed-income options
expanded land banking
The recommendations also include policies that support modular and manufactured housing for in-fill solutions and a zoning update for more diverse housing types to include townhomes, small-lot homes and accessory units.
Strategic priorities include:
New single-family homes
Quality rental space
Senior-friendly housing
neighborhood revitalization
Also on the agenda, Scott Hollens of Falls City questions the use of a west 14th Street property for non-cemetery purposes.