Quote:
Originally Posted by paul78701
I think the density bonus program is a bit backwards. Instead of making developers pay what seems like a penalty TO build taller, why they don't offer incentives FOR building taller?
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Along with the fire code comments, I agree that the density bonus program is pretty whack. With all other things we incentivize what we want and penalize what we don't want: Ex: charge a higher rate for people who use more water to discourage excess water use, charge a toll to discourage road use, etc.
My hope is that the city will either 1) incentivize density, or 2) stop trying to prevent density. As Paul said, charging someone to build more density is the same as discouraging density. I know the city has been trying to force developers to pay into this or that fund, but it would be much better to grow the tax base instead.
Why do we obsess over density anyway? Because it makes our communities more diverse (more people!), it allows us to be healthier (i.e. walk/bike to work), and it makes it easier for city services, businesses, etc to know where to provide resources.