The City of Thornton is committed to working to expand the supply and distribution of safe and decent “affordable housing” throughout the City. The term “affordable housing” refers to homes or apartments in which the rent is affordable to people that earn less than the median income, the mid-point of all incomes in the metro region. The City desires to increase the amount of “affordable housing” for residents that make 40% Area Median Income or less.
City Goals for Affordable Housing
The Thornton City Council has developed an Affordable Housing Policy to encourage specific elements on new affordable housing projects:
-
Location: The City invites the development of multifamily affordable housing units in areas where there is not an existing concentration of low income housing.
-
Access: The City desires that new “affordable housing” construction be located within a quarter of a mile of bus stops and in close proximity to basic services, such as schools, child care facilities, grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical services.
-
Renewable Resources: The City encourages the use of energy efficiency measures or improvements in all “affordable housing” projects.
Developers are encouraged to contact the City to learn about zoning regulations, building code and potential funding sources.
Pre-Application Meetings
City Development offers free pre-application meetings in which developers can sit down with staff and discuss potential projects. Staff can assist in identifying opportunities, possible sites, and potential land use, building, fire and access challenges. Interested agencies can visit the Current Planning website for more information or contact the City's Housing Coordinator.
Funding Sources
Private or non-profit developers may be eligible for a variety of grants or bonds to construct or renovate "affordable" units in a single or multi-family housing project. City staff can help developers to identify if a project would be eligible for funding and what Federal, State or other source would best fit their project. Possible sources include Private Activity Bonds, Community Development Block Grants, Community Development Financial Institutions and tax credits.
Related Links
2010 Housing Master Plan
Thornton Development Services
Thornton Maps