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Affordable housing discounts for new development

New low-income housing in multi-family structures, single detached dwelling units, owner-occupied dwelling units, and shelter housing may qualify to receive a discounted capacity charge.

Eligible new units will be assigned 0.32 residential customer equivalents (RCE), which in most cases is a 50 percent discount. These affordability options are part of our effort to encourage affordable housing development in the region.

Step 1. Review your type of structure and qualifications in the table below.

 

Structure type Qualifications
Multi-family structure
  • Rent-restricted.
  • Occupancy restricted in at least 51 percent of units, to residents with incomes at or below 80 percent of area median.
  • Covenant or deed protecting affordability has 40-year minimum duration.
Single detached dwelling unit
  • Rent-restricted.
  • Occupancy restricted to residents with incomes at or below 80 percent of area median.
  • Covenant or deed protecting affordability has 40-year minimum duration.
Owner occupied dwelling unit
  • Unit is owned and occupied by a household that, at the time of initial ownership and occupancy, has a gross household income at or below 80 percent of area median.
  • Unit meets definition of principal residence (owner resides there at least 183 days per year, no sublease/rent).
  • Owner agrees transfer of ownership is restricted to persons with an income at or below 80 percent of area median, meet definition of principal residence, and sell at a price not exceeding 35 percent of gross monthly income for the household purchasing the home (including mortgage principal, interest, taxes, and insurance).
  • Covenant or deed protecting affordability has 40-year minimum duration.
Shelter housing (distinct dwelling units)
  • Structure is owned by government/nonprofit and operated as a shelter for people receiving support services from a county-recognized government assistance program for homelessness.
  • Shelter housing with distinct dwelling units will qualify as special purpose housing and be assigned 0.32 RCEs per unit.
Shelter housing (alternative configurations)
  • Structure is owned by government/nonprofit and operated as a shelter for people receiving support services from a county-recognized government assistance program for homelessness.
  • Alternative configurations, such as dormitories or adult family homes, will be assigned rates based on plumbing fixtures and receive a 50 percent discount.
Multi-family senior residences
  • One-bedroom units only.
  • Limited to two residents.
  • At least one resident is aged 55 or older.
  • Covenant or deed protecting affordability has 40-year minimum duration.
Special purpose housing
  • For physically or mentally disabled persons.
  • Persons receiving support services from government-assisted programs for homelessness.

Step 2. To see if you are eligible and apply for discount, contact us at 206-296-1450 or CapChargeEscrow@kingcounty.gov.

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