The Metropolitan Planning Commission recommended approval of the Varied Appeal Hardship Incentive (VAHI) Overlay District with conditions, with a unanimous vote of 10-0. This citywide overlay allows residential developments in certain areas to exceed existing height and density limits in exchange for a commitment to provide affordable housing units. Specifically, developers can gain additional development capacity if 10% of the proposed units are rent-restricted at 80% Area Median Income (AMI) or less for a period of 30 years. The VAHI Overlay applies to various multi-family residential, mixed-use, and commercial mixed-use zoning districts. It requires approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals for specific waivers related to height and density. This initiative provides a new pathway for developers to contribute to affordable housing supply while gaining flexibility in their projects.