Santa Fe Homes Program
Through the Santa Fe Homes Program (SFHP), the City of Santa Fe requires that all new housing developments provide a percentage of the homes as affordable. Initially a 30% program, the City Council passed changes to the Ordinance in 2011, requiring 20% of all new developments to be priced affordably for purchasers earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income. These changes are in effect from June 21, 2011, through June 20, 2014. The percentage of affordable rentals (15%) remains the same. Another reduction in the requirement allows developers of ten units or less to pay a fee in lieu of providing affordable units. In 2016, the requirement was amended to allow developers of multifamily market-rate housing to pay a fee in lieu of by right. An allowance was made permanent in 2020. The fee calculation is updated annually.
Process
Developers seeking development approval from the City of Santa Fe's Land Use Department must schedule a pre-application meeting with Alexandra Ladd to develop an affordable housing proposal. This proposal will outline the developer's obligations in terms of providing affordable housing and is signed by the applicant and City staff. The proposal is not legally binding but is used as a communication and clarification tool and is forwarded to land use staff. When the applicant submits final development documents, the proposal becomes an affordable housing agreement approved and signed by the City Attorney and City Manager and executed by the City Clerk. When the final development plans are recorded with the County Clerk, the affordable housing agreement is also recorded, and any applicable fees are due to the City.
Resources
See the SFHP Information Sheet below for more information. In 2010, the Governing Body also approved changes to the Santa Fe Homes Program Ordinance and Administrative Procedures. The updated documents are posted below.