Affordable Senior Housing

Background: Affordable Senior Housing was identified as a pressing need in Sumner.

The Sumner Housing Action Plan adopted in 2021 found that:

• By 2040, the number of seniors in Pierce County will increase to 26% of total population.
• 76% of householders that are 65 and over and renting are cost burdened.
• Sumner has limited senior apartments, limited affordable units.

What’s in the new code: Affordable Senior Housing regulations

In 2021, staff proposed updating the Sumner Zoning Code to increase incentives and options for affordable senior housing.

The proposed code was reviewed by the Planning Commission in November and December 2021 and in January 2022. It was also reviewed by the City Council and adopted in March 2022.

The senior housing regulations update the Sumner Zoning code to:

• Allow affordable senior apartments in residential zones, only through a Planned Residential Development permit process.
• Allow affordable senior apartments in commercial zones, without ground-floor commercial requirements.
• Increase building height 1- to 2 stories.
• Increase unit density significantly in all zones.
• Only allow these height & density increases for affordable senior housing.
• Reduce required parking & open space for senior housing to reduce costs.

What's the status

March-April 2022

• The proposal (Ordinance No. 2812) was adopted by the City Council on March 21, 2022.

January-February 2022

• The Planning Commission reviewed the draft proposal in November and held a public hearing December 2021. At their January 2022 meeting, the Commission recommended approval of the proposal.
• The City Council reviewed the proposed regulations in February and March 2022.