Amendment to Affordable Housing Definitions in Municode
Chapter 2, Article VIII, Division 2, Section 2-291
Overview
This proposal updates the income definitions for Affordable Housing and Attainable (Workforce) Housing to reflect the actual earnings of Orange County residents and essential workers, and to ensure housing policy is aligned with local income data and federal standards.
Current Definitions
• Affordable Housing: 30%–120% Area Median Income (AMI)
• Attainable (Workforce) Housing: 120%–140% AMI
These definitions misclassify the majority of Orange County residents, including teachers, nurses, hospitality workers, and first responders—many of whom earn at or below 80% AMI—as ineligible for housing categorized as “affordable.”
Proposed Changes
Affordable Housing: 30%–80% Area Median Income (AMI)
Attainable (Workforce) Housing: 80%–120% AMI
Why This Matters
Reflects Local Income Reality
The majority of Orange County households earn below 80% AMI. Current definitions fail to recognize this reality and weaken the effectiveness of housing policy.
Correctly Includes Essential Workers
Teachers, nurses, hospitality workers, and first responders—core to Orange County’s economy—are largely within the ≤80% AMI range and should be clearly eligible for housing designated as affordable.
Aligns with Federal Standards
HUD defines affordable housing primarily at or below 80% AMI. Aligning county definitions improves consistency, accountability, and access to funding.
Creates Honest Policy Categories
The amendment restores logical, non-overlapping definitions that clearly distinguish:
Affordable Housing: households facing the greatest cost burden
Attainable Housing: moderate-income households transitioning toward market stability
Impact
• Ensures affordable housing serves those who actually need it
• Improves clarity for developers, staff, and advisory boards
• Strengthens trust in housing policy terminology
• Does not affect previously approved developments