The Land Use and Transportation Committee voted to forward an ordinance that allows 100% deed-restricted affordable housing projects to defer payment of administrative building-permit fees until permit issuance rather than at application.

Sponsor Supervisor Ayesha Mahmood said the change reduces upfront costs during predevelopment and helps nonprofit developers and affordable-housing projects align financing and meet state housing production goals. The ordinance applies only to projects that are 100 percent deed-restricted affordable housing.

Tate Hannah of the Department of Building Inspection participated in drafting the measure. Public testimony from the Housing Action Coalition supported the measure, describing how large upfront fees can imperil nonprofit affordable housing projects and that deferral provides needed flexibility during a difficult financing environment.

The committee voted to send the ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation; the clerk recorded three ayes. The ordinance will proceed to the Board of Supervisors for potential adoption.