Habitat for Humanity is planning on building seven permanently affordable townhouse units in North Bend.

The project took a step forward on July 21, with the North Bend City Council signing a development agreement with the Seattle-King County chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

The project would be located at 250 E. 2nd St. It includes two units that will be for families making less than half of the area median income, with the rest marketed toward those making 80 percent.

“We’re definitely committed to the project,” said Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County Director of Development Patrick Sullivan.

Sullivan said during an interview that Habitat for Humanity has a strategic initiative to help serve areas outside of Seattle. A lack of affordable housing is a problem throughout the county.

“In the majority of King County, affordable housing is too rare. Anywhere that we can try to put a dent in that, we do so,” he said.

The affordable housing development nonprofit is already far along in the planning process. Sullivan is expecting to break ground by February 2021. The project is anticipated to take up to 16 months to complete.

A covenant agreement ensures the units will remain affordable housing forever in a city with a distinct lack of housing options for those making less than the area median income.

The city is reducing traffic and storm impact fees by half, and waiving bike and pedestrian impact fees for the project since it provides affordable units.

The development agreement between the city and Habitat for Humanity is required due to sewer limitations. These limitations were enacted as the city improves its wastewater treatment plant. However, affordable housing developments provide exceptions to these limitations.

After this project begins, Sullivan said they will continue looking for further projects in the area.