housing

A broad range of housing types and affordability levels

The timely production of new housing is one of Chico’s greatest needs. Valley’s Edge has been planned to accommodate a broad range of housing types and affordability levels. Within this range of housing types, land zoned for workforce housing, also called homes for the “Missing Middle,” is an important part of the affordability mix. This medium density lifestyle revolves around design, density, amenities, and assembly methods capable of lowering the cost of new home production. In total, the Valley’s Edge Land Use Plan reserves roughly 90 acres of land for medium density housing, with capacity for about 870 homes, built over time, in response to Chico’s need. 

This type of land is more capable of serving renters and buyers who can’t yet afford a traditional single family detached home, yet are over-qualified for government subsidized housing. Think fixed-income seniors, young adults, single income professionals such as teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, and other middle-income residents competing for housing. In an ideal setting, housing for these buyers and renters is available near the workplace, close to relatives, and within walking distance of parks, trails and open space: a place like Valley’s Edge. 

Over time, Valley’s Edge would have the ability to help address Chico’s housing needs. There would be approximately 230 acres of land suitable for custom homes, 330 acres dedicated to single-family home builders, and 90 acres for residential cottages, patio homes, courtyard, and cluster housing. Within the Village Core, there would be room for approximately 10 acres of multi-family apartments as well.

Roughly 90 acres reserved for medium density housing, capacity for about 870 homes serving the "Missing Middle."

The Valley’s Edge plan serves these residents with a variety of affordable housing options:

  • Design: Smaller single-family homes built on smaller lots allow homeowners and renters to enjoy the freedom of their own homes without the costs associated with greater square footage and large yards. Proximity (350 yards or closer) to trails and parks ensure ample outdoor space, no matter the yard size.
  • Density: The VE land use plan provides opportunity for greater affordability using higher density “right-sized” housing types, such as cottages, courtyard, and patio homes.
  • Assembly: Certain construction assembly methods are capable of lowering the cost of new home production.
  • Walkable neighborhoods: When workforce housing is connected to walkable neighborhoods by trails and sidewalks, the need to drive and the demand for parking, garages, and carports is reduced. This increases affordability in two ways; lowering costs through reduced lot sizes, and decreasing the family mileage and vehicle expense.

In addition to reserving land for more affordable medium density homes, the master developer, in collaboration with the City and qualified affordable housing developers, will explore opportunities for privately-built, governmentally-subsidized affordable housing.