Affordable Housing and Arvada

Zoning to encourage granny flats

In parts of Arvada with large enough lots (e.g., west Arvada not older smaller lots), allow zoning that would allow people to build a small secondary residence on their property they could rent out. The city could also encourage this type of development. This will increase supply. The city would need to put restrictions on hotel-like uses (no Airbnb) in these zones to keep rentals long term for residents.

Innovative Housing Summit

Aurora recently held an Innovative Housing Summit showing an array of housing models & info on housing & homelessness. It would be great for Arvada to follow suit. Close to Home can help to set this up (info@closetohomeco.org). Everyone needs a safe place to call home!

Allow homeowner to add tempory modular units for elderly parent's or disabled children.

How about Community Cottages?

I agree with Cindy about having small homes with gardens. One innovative idea that I have seen comes from the city of Shoreline WA. http://www.cottagecompany.com/Communities/Greenwood-Avenue-Cottages.aspx The idea is that it is a pocket neighborhood, with a small garden attached, but still with community space. This gives each homeowner some personal space while still fostering a sense of community.

Tiny Homes with small yards for gardens

Some people like the idea of having a house rather than living in a condo/apt. They like a little space around them to garden or have a small patio to visit with neighbors and friends. If there are any undeveloped lots in the city or if there are current areas under consideration for redevelopment, I would love to see some cottage or tiny home communities with small yards or patio areas built there. Homes small enough and basic enough that people could afford to purchase or rent them--especially those young people going out on their own or older people who don't want to live in retirement communities or families who don't have large incomes but would love to call a home their own.