Hello, does anyone know if social housing can be counted as "affordable housing" for this credit? The units are not rented or for sale, but are for support communities / residents from a wide range of economic levels, household sizes, and age groups to live in a community. Two example of social housing would be: http://www.kfs.bc.ca and http://karis-society.org Thank you
You rely on LEEDuser. Can we rely on you?
LEEDuser is supported by our premium members, not by advertisers.
Go premium for
Eliot Allen
LEED AP-ND, PrincipalCriterion Planners
LEEDuser Expert
303 thumbs up
March 8, 2018 - 12:42 pm
Stephani, I think you have a persuasive case to make that 'social housing' qualifies as 'affordable housing' even if the former charges its occupants nothing or a negligible or in-kind fee. Social housing emphatically satisfies the Intent of the credit, and a rental agreement governing an occupant's tenancy shouldn't necessarily have to include a monetary charge. As long as you document that a negligible cost or no-cost rental unit is committed for at least 15 years to serving occupants who meet the credit's income parameters, you should qualify for Option 2. Also of note is USGBC acceptance of dormitory rooms as dwelling units for ND projects, on a case-by-case basis. So social housing that's configured in dorm fashion may qualify. The other credit paths you have are the Social Equity or Innovation credits, but I think you're on solid ground with NPDc4. If you decide to proceed and the housing element is critical, it's always a good idea to run your approach by USGBC staff before starting a submission.
Eliot
Stephani Carter
Owner | FounderEcoAmmo Sustainable Consulting Inc.
March 8, 2018 - 2:25 pm
Thank you very much!