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HomeMy WebLinkAbout17-252RESOLUTION NO. 17-252 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (AHAC) 2017 INCENTIVE AND RECOMMENDATION REPORT WHEREAS, pursuant to revised Section 420.9076 (4), F.S., each local government participating in the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program must prepare an Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) report that recommends to the local governing body specific actions or initiatives to encourage or facilitate the development and preservation of affordable housing. WHEREAS, the St. Lucie County AHAC held public meetings on August 1, 2017, August 15, 2017, and August 29, 2017 to review the County's existing affordable housing incentive recommendations in order to determine which incentives should be updated and incorporated into the 2017 Incentive and Recommendation Report; and WHEREAS, the AHAC held a public hearing pursuant to the requirements of Section 420.9076 (5), F.S. on November 2, 2017 to review the 2017 Incentive and Recommendation Report; and WHEREAS, an electronic copy of the 2017 Incentive and Recommendation Report must be submitted to Florida Housing Finance Corporation by December 1, 2017; and Florida: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, A. The above recitals are ratified in their entirety. B. The attached St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee 2017 Recommendation Report, a copy of which is incorporated by reference, is hereby approved. C. This resolution shall take effect upon adoption. After motion and second the vote on this resolution was as follows: Chairman Chris Dzadovsky AYE Vice Chair Tod Mowery AYE Commissioner Frannie Hutchinson AYE Commissioner Linda Bartz AYE Commissioner Cathy Townsend AYE PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 7th day of November, 2017. ATTEST: eputy Clerk BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA BY: e� z Chai man APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECF4ESS: _ n County Attoyhey Exhibit D 67-37.005(1), F.A.C. Effective Date 11/7 CERTIFICATION TO FLORIDA HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION Local Government: St. Lucie County Certifies that: (1) The availability of SHIP funds will be advertised pursuant to program requirements in 420.907- 420.9079, Florida Statutes. (2) All SHIP funds will be expended in a manner which will insure that there will be no discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, familial status, or religion. (3) A process to determine eligibility and for selection of recipients for funds has been developed. (4) Recipients of funds will be required to contractually commit to program guidelines and loan terms. (5) Florida Housing will be notified promptly if the local government /interlocal entity will be unable to comply with any provision of the local housing assistance plan (LHAP). (6) The LHAP provides a plan for the encumbrance of funds within twelve months of the end of the State fiscal year in which they are received and a plan for the expenditure of SHIP funds including allocation, program income and recaptured funds within 24 months following the end of the State fiscal year in which they are received. (7) The LHAP conforms to the Local Government Comprehensive Plan, or that an amendment to the Local Government Comprehensive Plan will be initiated at the next available opportunity to insure conformance with the LHAP. (8) Amendments to the approved LHAP shall be provided to the Florida Housing for review and/or approval within 21 days after adoption. (9) The trust fund exists with a qualified depository for all SHIP funds as well as program income or recaptured funds. (10) Amounts on deposit in the local housing assistance trust fund shall be invested as permitted by law. (11) The local housing assistance trust fund shall be separately stated as a special revenue fund in the local governments audited financial statements (CAFR). An electronic copy of the CAFR or a hyperlink to the document shall be provided to Florida Housing by June 30 of the applicable year. Exhibit D 67-37.005(1), F.A.C. Effective Date 11/7 (12) Evidence of compliance with the Florida Single Audit Act, as referenced in Section 215.97, F.S. shall be provided to Florida Housing by June 30 of the applicable year. (13) SHIP funds will not be pledged for debt service on bonds. (14) Developers receiving assistance from both SHIP and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program shall comply with the income, affordability and other LIHTC requirements, similarly, any units receiving assistance from other federal programs shall comply with all Federal and SHIP program requirements. (15) Loans shall be provided for periods not exceeding 30 years, except for deferred payment loans or loans that extend beyond 30 years which continue to serve eligible persons. (16) Rental Units constructed or rehabilitated with SHIP funds shall be monitored for compliance with tenant income requirements and affordability requirements or as required in Section 420.9075 (3)(e). To the extent another governmental entity provides periodic monitoring and determination, a municipality, county or local housing financing authority may rely on such monitoring and determination of tenant eligibility. (17) The LHAP meets the requirements of Section 420.907-9079 FS, and Rule Chapter 67-37 FAC. (18) The provisions of Chapter 83-220, Laws of Florida have not been implemented (except for Miami -Dade County). t4�- /Z/ Witness Chief El ctedfici or designee Chris Dzadovsky, BOCC Chairman Witness Name and Title Date Cfm // US 4 (Seal) 2 St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee 2017 Incentives Review and Recommendation Report Approved by the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee at a Public Hearing on November 2, 2017 Accepted by the Board of County Commissioners November 7, 2017 Resolution No. (TBD) I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION The St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) was established as required pursuant to Section 420.9072, Florida Statutes and formed by passing of Ordinance No. 08-023. The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee shall submit a report to the Board of County Commissioners every three years on or before December 1 st beginning December 2008 that includes recommendations, evaluations, implementation of affordable housing in the following specific areas: 1) The processing of approvals of development orders or permits, as defined in Sections 163.3164 (7) and (8), Florida Statutes, for affordable housing projects is expedited to a greater degree than other projects; 2) The modification of impact-fee requirements, including reduction or waiver of fees and alternative methods of fee payment for affordable housing; 3) The allowance of flexibility in densities for affordable housing; 4) The reservation of infrastructure capacity for housing for very-low income persons, low income persons, and moderate-income persons; 5) The allowance of affordable accessory residential units in residential zoning districts; 6) The reduction of parking and setback requirements for affordable housing; 7) The allowance of flexible lot configurations, including zero-lot-line configurations for affordable housing; 8) The modification of street requirements for affordable housing; 9) The establishment of a process by which the County considers, before adoption, policies, procedures, ordinances, regulations, or plan provisions that increase the cost of housing; 10) The preparation of a printed inventory of locally owned public lands suitable for affordable housing; 11) The support of development near transportation hubs and major employment centers and mixed- use developments. Meetings of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee were held on the following dates: August 1, 2017 August 15, 2017 August 29, 2017 II. PUBLIC HEARING The report was presented at a public hearing on October 5, 2017 St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 2 of 14 2017 Incentive Review and Recommendation Report III. INCENTIVES AND RECOMMENDATIONS Incentive 1: The processing of approvals of development orders or permits, as defined in Sections 163.3164(7) and (8), Florida Statutes, for affordable housing projects is expedited to a greater degree than other projects. Review Synopsis: Goals, Objectives and Policies regarding affordable housing and housing in general may be Comprehensive Plan Housing Element. There are no Goals, Objectives or Policies that specifically address the expedition of the review, approval and/or permitting of affordable housing projects. The addition of language, in the form of an objective or policy, regarding the expedition of the approval of affordable housing projects would be best suited in the Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan. ention of affordable housing in definition, zoning, use or expedition of review or approval of such developments. Chapter XI, Administration and Enforcement, deals with the procedures required for obtaining development orders (any order granting, denying authorization, or granting with conditions an application for a development permit) and certain types of permits. Chapter XII, Decision Making and Administrative Bodies, defines the respective commissions, boards and agencies and all matters related to their charge. Any modifications of review and approval procedures to expedite affordable housing projects would be best suited to Chapter XI. Consideration of the modification of duties and powers with respect to the expedition of affordable housing permitting could be considered for the appropriate board (BOCC) and/or Local Planning Agency (Planning and Zoning Commission). 2008 Recommendation: Specific policies and objectives regarding expedition of permits and development approvals should be added to the Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan along with the addition of modifications in respect to expediting affordable housing to the Land Development Code Chapter XII, Decision Making and Administrative Bodies. 2008 Board Action: March 9, 2010, Resolution 10-060 was passed directing the St. Lucie County building official to expedite the review of all building permit applications for County funded affordable housing projects. A stamp has been created to mark plans as affordable housing projects so that they are easily identified by the building department. 2011 Recommendation: At this time the Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive. 2011 Board Action: None 2014 Recommendation: At this time the Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive. 2014 Board Action: None 2017 Recommendation: At this time, the committee has no further recommendation for this incentive. 2017 Board Action: TBD St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 3 of 14 2017 Incentive Review and Recommendation Report Incentive 2: Consider the modification of impact-fee requirements, including reduction or waiver of fees and alternative methods of fee payment for affordable housing. Review Synopsis: Comprehensive Plan Housing Element. The following objectives and policies do seem to address the issue of fee waivers and alternative methods of fee payment, albeit not specifically. Objective 5.1.3 by 2003, the Land Development Regulations shall clearly define incentives to facilitate public and private sector cooperation. Policy 5.1.3.1 The County will continue to review ordinances, codes, regulations and the permitting process for the purpose of identifying excessive requirements, and amending or adding other requirements in order to maintain or increase private sector participation in meeting the housing needs, while continuing to insure the health, welfare and safety of the residents. Policy 5.1.3.2 The County shall continue to support incentives including fast track processing to proposed housing developments. Policy 5.1.3.4 By December 31, 2003, the Land Development Regulations shall provide private sector and nonprofit organizations incentives for the provision of affordable housing, including density bonuses. The addition of specific language, in the form of an objective or policy, regarding the reduction or waiver of fees and alternative methods of fee payment for affordable housing may be considered. makes no mention of reduction or waiver of fees and alternative methods of fee payment for affordable housing. Any modifications of review and approval procedures to expedite affordable housing projects would be best suited to Chapter XI Administration and Enforcement and Chapter XII Decision Making and Administrative Bodies. Further, the County is currently in the process of assessing its impact fees and consideration of including the above may be appropriate. 2008 Recommendation: Specific language should be added to the Comprehensive Plan, in the form of an objective or policy, regarding the reduction, waiver or deferral of fees and alternative methods of fee payment for affordable housing. 2008 Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009. No further action was taken by the board. 2011 Recommendation: Due to the current economic climate and constraints on the County budget, the Committee members do not have any recommendations for this incentive. When the economic climate improves, this incentive may be revisited. 2011 Board Action: None 2014 Recommendation: At this time the Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive. 2014 Board Action: None St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 4 of 14 2017 Incentive Review and Recommendation Report 2017 Recommendation: The Committee recommendsthe BOCC support changes to the State law regarding the collection of impact fees for affordable housing. Additionally, the committee recommends the BOCC direct staff to explore local options to fund the cost of impact fees for affordable housing. 2017 Board Action: TBD Incentive 3: Allow flexibility in densities for affordable housing. Review Synopsis: The Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan does contain language that could be construed to include the allowance of flexibility in densities. Witness the following examples: Policy 5.1.1.2 The County shall continue to permit high density residential development in Planned Mixed Use Development projects. Objective 5.1.2 In order to facilitate the development of industries (industrial and commercial) providing numerous positions, the County shall encourage the development of housing conducive to the attraction of these new industries and which have been identified as a need within St. Lucie County. Objective 5.1.3 by 2003, the Land Development Regulations shall clearly define incentives to facilitate public and private sector cooperation. Policy 5.1.3.1 The County will continue to review ordinances, codes, regulations and the permitting process for the purpose of identifying excessive requirements, and amending or adding other requirements in order to maintain or increase private sector participation in meeting the housing needs, while continuing to insure the health, welfare and safety of the residents. There appear to be no other Goals, Objectives or Policies in any of the other Elements of the Comprehensive Plan addressing the issue of flexibility in densities for affordable housing. Future modifications to nearly all the Elements, such as Land Use, Transportation, Potable Water/Solid Waste/Drainage/Sanitary Sewer Sub-Elements, may be considered in that the issue of density ought to be considered comprehensively. The Land Development Code also does not address, specifically, allowances for flexibility in densities for affordable housing. However, there are a number of chapters and their respective sections that either consider or could be modified to better consider density flexibility regarding affordable housing. They include, however are not necessarily limited to Chapter III Zoning Districts (Residential Multi-Family districts, Planned Development and Planned Mixed Use Development), Chapter VII Development Design and Improvement Standards (Sections 7.01.00 Planned Unit Development, 7.03.00 Planned Mixed Use Development, 7.04.00 Area, Yard, Height, and Open Space Requirements). Such modification considerations, with respect to density must also take into consideration transportation issues (reference Section 7.05.00 Transportation Systems) and parking (reference Section 7.06.00 Off-Street Parking and Loading). 2008 Recommendation: Specific language should be added to the Land Development Code which would better address density flexibility for affordable housing. 2008 Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009. No further action was taken by the board. St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 5 of 14 2017 Incentive Review and Recommendation Report 2011 Recommendation: Due to the current economic climate, the Committee members do not have any recommendations for this incentive. When the economic climate improves, this incentive may be revisited. 2011 Board Action: None 2014 Recommendation: The Committee would like to request that the BOCC direct the Planning and Development Services Department to add language to the Comprehensive Plan that residential development for affordable housing may receive a density bonus not to exceed 15% of the density permitted by the applicable zoning district. 2014 Board Action: None 2017 Recommendation: The Committee recommends the BOCC direct staff to explore an allowance of a density bonus for workforce housing permitted for development located within one-half (1/2) mile radius of a rail station, multimodal transit center or transit stop. 2017 Board Action: TBD Incentive 4: The reservation of infrastructure capacity for housing for very-low income persons, low income persons, and moderate- income persons. Review Synopsis: The Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan does contain language that could be construed to include the reservation of infrastructure. The following goal (shown) and the subsequent objectives and policies that follow appear to address this issue: GOAL 5.2: TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE MIX OF SAFE AND SANITARY HOUSING WHICH MEETS THE NEEDS OF EXISTING AND FUTURE ST. LUCIE COUNTY RESIDENTS. Future modifications to the Elements, such as Land Use, Transportation, Potable Water/Solid Waste/Drainage/Sanitary Sewer Sub-Elements, may be considered in that the issue of capacity ought to be considered comprehensively. The Land Development Code also does not address, specifically, the reservation of infrastructure capacity for affordable housing. Modifications regarding the reservation of infrastructure capacity for affordable housing appear to be limited to Chapter VII Development Design and Improvement Standards. 2008 Recommendation: To better plan for higher density land uses that can better accommodate affordable housing, develop specific language in the Comprehensive Plan for land use designations that will serve affordable housing infrastructure requirements such as utilities and transportation. 2008 Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009. No further action was taken by the board. 2011 Recommendation: Due to the current economic climate, the Committee members do not have any recommendations for this incentive. When the economic climate improves, this incentive may be revisited. St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 6 of 14 2017 Incentive Review and Recommendation Report 2011 Board Action: None 2014 Recommendation: At this time the Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive. The Committee requests direction from the BOCC on how and if to proceed with working towards Goal 5.2 above. 2014 Board Action: None 2017 Recommendation: At this time, the Committee has no further recommendations for this incentive. 2017 Board Action: TBD Incentive 5: The allowance of affordable accessory residential units in residential zoning districts. Review Synopsis: There appear to be no Goals, Objectives or Policies in any of the Elements of the Comprehensive Plan that specifically address the allowance of affordable accessory units. Arguably, some of the goals, policies and objectives language is broad enough that such standards would be appropriate for inclusion in the Land Development Code. The Residential Zoning Districts (Chapter III Zoning Districts) could be modified to include such accessory units. Chapter VII Development Design and Improvement Standards, Section 7.04.00 Area, Yard, Height, and Open Space Requirements and Chapter VIII Accessory and Temporary Structures and Uses would also need to be reviewed. 2008 Recommendation: Specific language should be added to both the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Code. Comprehensive Plan language would include additions to the Future Land Use and Housing Elements with regard to accessory structures. Specific language to the Land Development Code would include additions to Zoning Districts and to Development Design and Improvement Standards with respect to accessory structures and area, yard, height and open space requirements. Accessory structures would be considered in districts where best feasible or appropriate. 2008 Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009. No further action was taken by the board. 2011 Recommendation: Due to the current economic climate, the Committee members do not have any recommendations for this incentive. When the economic climate improves, this incentive may be revisited. 2011 Board Action: None 2014 Recommendation: The Committee recommends that the 2014 recommendation mirror the 2008 recommendation. The Committee requests direction from the BOCC on how and if to proceed with Incentive 5. 2014 Board Action: None 2017 Recommendation: The Committee recommends the BOCC direct staff to explore a text amendment to the land development code to allow accessory dwelling units no larger than 50% of the main residence, where deemed appropriate. 2017 Board Action: TBD St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 7 of 14 2017 Incentive Review and Recommendation Report Incentive 6: Reduce parking and setback requirements for affordable housing. Review Synopsis: Again, there appear to be no Goals, Objectives or Policies in any of Elements of the Comprehensive Plan that specifically address the allowance of affordable accessory units. However, some of the goals, policies and objectives language is broad enough that such standards would be appropriate for inclusion in the Land Development Code. Land Development Code Chapters and Section to be reviewed for modification with respect to the reduction of parking and setback requirements would include, but not necessarily be limited to Chapter VII Development Design and Improvement Standards, Section 7.04.00 Area, Yard, Height, and Open Space Requirements and Section 7.06.00 Off- Street Parking and Loading. 2008 Recommendation: Specific language should be added to the Land Development Code Development Design and Improvement Standards and Off Street Parking and Loading requirements with respect to parking and setback requirements. 2008 Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009. No further action was taken by the board. 2011 Recommendation: Due to the current economic climate, the Committee members do not have any recommendations for this incentive. When the economic climate improves, this incentive may be revisited. 2011 Board Action: None 2014 Recommendation: At this time the Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive. 2014 Board Action: None 2017 Recommendation: The Committee recommends to the BOCC that developers of new affordable housing developments who are looking for a reduction of parking and setback requirements have the opportunity to submit a traffic study in order to determine whether a reduction is feasible. Any costs for the study would be at the expense. 2017 Board Action: TBD Incentive 7: The allowance of flexible lot configurations, including zero-lot-line configurations for affordable housing. Review Synopsis: Also here, there appear to be no Goals, Objectives or Policies in any of Elements of the Comprehensive Plan that specifically address the allowance of affordable accessory units. However, some of the goals, policies and objectives language is broad enough that such standards would be appropriate for inclusion in the Land Development Code. St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 8 of 14 2017 Incentive Review and Recommendation Report Land Development Code Chapters and Section to be reviewed for modification with respect to the reduction of parking and setback requirements would include, but not necessarily be limited to the Residential Zoning Districts (Chapter III Zoning Districts) could be modified to include such flexibility. Chapter VII Development Design and Improvement Standards, Section 7.04.00 Area, Yard, Height, and Open Space Requirements. Sections 7.01.00 Planned Unit Development, 7.03.00 Planned Mixed Use Development, also found in Chapter VII should be considered as well. 2008 Recommendation: Specific language should be added to both the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Code. Comprehensive Plan language would include additions to the Future Land Use and Housing Elements with regard to zero-lot-line configuration. Specific language to the Land Development Code would include additions to Zoning Districts and to Development Design and Improvement Standards with respect to accessory structures and area, yard, height and open space requirements. Zero-lot-line type uses and configurations would be considered in districts where best feasible or appropriate. 2008 Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009. No further action was taken by the board. 2011 Recommendation: Due to the current economic climate, the Committee members do not have any recommendations for this incentive. When the economic climate improves, this incentive may be revisited. 2011 Board Action: None 2014 Recommendation: At this time the Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive. 2014 Board Action: None 2017 Recommendation: At this time, the Committee has no further recommendations for this incentive. 2017 Board Action: TBD Incentive 8: The modification of street requirements for affordable housing. Review Synopsis: There appear to be no Goals, Objectives or Policies in any Elements of the Comprehensive Plan that specifically address street requirements for affordable housing. Arguably, some of the goals, policies and objectives language is broad enough that such standards would be appropriate for inclusion in the Land Development Code. Land Development Code Chapters and Section to be reviewed for modification with respect to street requirements would include, but not necessarily be limited to Chapter VII Development Design and Improvement Standards and Section 7.06.00 Off-Street Parking and Loading. 2008 Recommendation: Work with County Engineering to review and modify, where feasible, street and parking circulation cross-section requirements for affordable housing development. St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 9 of 14 2017 Incentive Review and Recommendation Report 2008 Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009. No further action was taken by the board. 2011 Recommendation: To take into the consideration the Urbanized Concept Transit Network when developing affordable housing, with the idea that those seeking affordable housing may also be seeking affordable transportation. 2011 Board Action: None 2014 Recommendation: The Committee recommends that current and future public transportation be taken into consideration when developing affordable housing. 2014 Board Action: TBD 2017 Recommendation: The Committee recommends to the BOCC that the 2017 recommendation mirror that of 2008; Work with County Engineering to review and modify, where feasible, street and parking circulation cross-section requirements for affordable housing development. 2017 Board Action: TBD Incentive 9: Establish a process by which the County considers, before adoption of any policy, procedure, ordinance, regulation, or plan a provision that prevents any increase the cost of housing. Review Synopsis: Goals, Objectives and Policies regarding affordable housing and housing in general may be f Comprehensive Plan Housing Element. The following objectives and policies may be interpreted to provide for the establishment of a process by which the County could consider, before adoption, policies, procedures, ordinances, regulations or plan provisions that increase the cost of housing. Objective 5.1.3: By 2003, the Land Development Regulations shall clearly define incentives to facilitate public and private sector corporations. Policy 5.1.3.1: The County will continue to review ordinances, codes, regulations and the permitting process for the purpose of identifying excessive requirements, and amending or adding other requirements in order to maintain or increase private sector participation in meeting the housing needs, while continuing to insure the health, welfare and safety of the residents. Policy 5.1.3.2: The County shall continue to support incentives including fast track processing to proposed housing developments. Policy 5.1.3.4: By December 31, 2003, the Land Development Regulations shall provide private sector and nonprofit organizations incentives for the provision of affordable housing, including density bonuses. The addition of specific language, in the form of an objective or policy, regarding the above, for affordable housing, may be considered. St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 10 of 14 2017 Incentive Review and Recommendation Report 2008 Recommendation: develop aprocess and/or procedure by which any increase in the cost of housing be considered before the adoption of any policy, procedure, ordinance, regulation, or plan, provision that prevents any increase in the cost of affordable housing. 2008 Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009. No further action was taken by the board. 2011 Recommendation: The contact information of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee members will be made available to Planning and Zoning Department for notification of public meetings that discuss items that may increase the cost of affordable housing. 2011 Board Action: None 2014 Recommendation: The Committee has no additional recommendation for this incentive and feels that the current process allows for proper public input for changes that may affect affordable housing. 2014 Board Action: None 2017 Recommendation: The Committee recommends that the BOCC direct staff to create a formal notification process to notify affordable housing stakeholdersbefore adoption of any policy, procedure, ordinance, regulation, or plan a provision that prevents any increase the cost of housing. 2017 Board Action: TBD Incentive 10: Preparation a printed inventory of locally owned public lands suitable for affordable housing. Review Synopsis: The following objective and policies do address, somewhat, the inventory of locally owned public lands for affordable housing: Objective 5.2.5. Sites suitable for low and moderate-income housing shall be maintained in the County to meet the current and projected population needs. Policy 5.2.5.1 The County shall maintain or increase the amount of vacant land currently designated on the Future Land Use Map as Residential High (RH) in order to reduce land costs for low and moderate income housing. At least annually the plan shall be amended to add RH designated acreage comparable to the amount that has been developed during the previous year. Policy 5.2.5.2 The County shall maintain at a minimum 25% surplus of vacant land designated for high and/or medium density residential use on the Future Land Use Map and inside the Urban Service Boundary, in order that an adequate choice of sites for housing is available at all times. At least annually the plan shall be amended to provide for the surplus. Additional specific language, in the form of an objective or policy, regarding the above, may be considered. 2008 Recommendation: includes developing an inventory of publicly owned lands suitable for affordable housing. St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 11 of 14 2017 Incentive Review and Recommendation Report 2008 Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009. No further action was taken by the board. 2011 Recommendation: Due to the current economic climate and the existing housing stock available in the County, the Committee members do not have any recommendations for this incentive. When the economic climate improves, this incentive may be revisited. 2011 Board Action: None 2014 Recommendation: The Committee recommends that the County continue its current process in accordance with Florida Statute 125.379, which requires local governments to identify locally owned public land suitable for affordable housing. 2014 Board Action: None 2017 Recommendation: At this time, the Committee has no further recommendations for this incentive. 2017 Board Action: TBD Incentive 11: Support development near transportation hubs, major employment centers and mixed-use developments. Review Synopsis: The Comprehensive Plan provides several objectives and policies that seem to address the support of development near transportation hubs and major employment centers and mixed-use developments. Though not specific, through modification or addition of goals, objectives or policies that are more specific, this area may be better addressed. The following are currently found in the Plan: Policy 5.1.1.2 The County shall continue to permit high density residential development in Planned Mixed Use Development projects. Objective 5.1.2 In order to facilitate the development of industries (industrial and commercial) providing numerous positions, the County shall encourage the development of housing conducive to the attraction of these new industries and which have been identified as a need within St. Lucie County. Policy 5.1.2.1 In order to facilitate the location of new commercial and industrial enterprises especially high-tech industries, the county shall designate 1,868 acres of land to accommodate a minimum of 9,340 single-family dwelling units which will encourage the relocation of new businesses. Policy 5.1.2.2 The County shall encourage the development of single-family residential dwelling units to be located in the vicinity of new industrial and commercial development. GOAL 2.2 ESTABLISHES AN INTEGRATED TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM CONSISTENT WITH FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTY. Objective 2.2.1 Coordinate the transportation system with the future land use map or map series and ensure that existing and proposed population densities, housing and employment patterns, and land uses are consistent with the transportation modes and services proposed to serve these areas. St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 12 of 14 2017 Incentive Review and Recommendation Report GOALS 2.6 INCORPORATETHE POTENTIAL FOR MASS TRANSIT INTO LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION NEEDS. 2008 Recommendation: Follow the recommendations regarding development near transportation hubs, major employment centers and mixed-use developments as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report. 2008 Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009. No further action was taken by the board. 2011 Recommendation: The Committee has no additional recommendations at this time. 2011 Board Action: None 2014 Recommendation: The committee recommends that the 2014 recommendation mirror the 2008 recommendation. 2014 Board Action: None 2017 Recommendation: The committee recommends the BOCC direct staff to explore an allowance of a density bonus for workforce housing permitted for development located within one-half (1/2) mile radius of a rail station, multimodal transit center or transit stop. Additionally, the planning review of an affordable housing development should take into consideration the proximity of the development to public transit. 2017 Board Action: TBD IV. ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS 2011 Additional Recommendations: The Committee adopted the definition of affordable housing as it relates to the eleven items in the recommendation report This definition is consistent with the HUD definition of housing affordability. State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) rules have been updated to reflect if a SHIP funding distribution is $350,000 or less, they are exempt from the AHAC reporting requirement. The committee recommends updating the ordinance to reflect this change. The committee will continue to emphasize the need for affordable housing in times of a declining economy, low housing values and record default/foreclosure rates. Another critical element suffering is the jobless rate. There is a direct relationship between housing and jobs. The committee adopts the theme generated at the recent Florida Housing Coalition Conference Statistics show that for every dollar spent on housing, it equates to 8 dollars into the economy. 2014 Additional Recommendations The Committee would like to state that it will continue to support and emphasize the need for affordable housing in St. Lucie County. St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 13 of 14 2017 Incentive Review and Recommendation Report 2017 Additional Recommendations: The Committee recommends that the BOCC promote and support the submission of tax credit projects from 1. affordable housing developers. The Housing Credit (HC) program provides for-profit and nonprofit organizations with a dollar-for-dollar reduction in federal tax liability in exchange for the acquisition and substantial rehabilitation, substantial rehabilitation, or new construction of low and very low income rental housing units.Each development must set aside a minimum percentage of the total units for eligible low or very low income residents for the duration of the compliance period, which is a minimum of 30 years with the option to convert to market rates after the 14th year. At least 20 percent of the housing units must be set aside for households earning 50 percent or less of the area median income (AMI), or 40 percent of the units must be set aside for households earning 60 percent or less of the AMI. The Committee recommends that the BOCC support the creation of a Community Land Trust (CLT) or an 2. existing CLT servicing St. Lucie County. A community land trust refers to the vehicle of separating land from building (house) for the purpose of transferring title to the house without selling the land. It also denotes the nonprofit organization that holds title to the land and manages the ground leases on community land trust properties. Homeownership becomes more affordable because the transfer of title to the homeowner does not include a fee interest in the land; the sales price is based on the value of the improvements, without the value of the land. The land is owned by a 501(c) (3) corporation which provides a 99 year ground lease to the homeowner. The ground lease has a resale provision which ensures the property will be affordable in perpetuity. The home must be sold to an income eligible buyer at an affordable price. The resale provision will typically provide a reasonable return to the homeowner but the appreciation may be far less than standard market appreciation. From the standpoint of the buyer, the CLT home provides home ownership in a market where the alternative is to rent or move away. From the standpoint of local government, society, funders providing subsidy, and affordable housing advocates in general, the CLT provides a way of creating permanent housing stock with a single subsidy. The Committee recommends the BOCC support the creation of a local revenue source to fund affordable 3. housing . The funding provided by the State and Federal government is increasingly becoming less, thus leaving the County with reduced resources to assist its most vulnerable citizens with the obtaining and maintaining safe and decent housing. A local revenue source would allow the County to continue providing services at the levels needed to support the community, while having the discretion to decide how to best meet this need. ATTACHMENTS: Resolution No. (TBD) Resolution No. 2011-190 Ordinance No. 08-023 Resolution No. 09-036 Resolution No. 10-060 St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 14 of 14 2017 Incentive Review and Recommendation Report