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HomeMy WebLinkAbout22-065 RESOLUTION NO. 22-065 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (AHAC) 2021 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 November 5, 2021 and January 7, 2022, to review the County's existing affordable housing incentive recommendations in order to determine which incentives should be updated and incorporated into the 2021 Incentive and Recommendation Report;and WHEREAS,the AHAC held a public hearing pursuant to the requirements of Section 420.9076(5), F.S. on February 4, 2022 to review the 2021 Incentive and Recommendation Report; and WHEREAS, an electronic copy of the 2021 Incentive and Recommendation Report was to be submitted to Florida Housing Finance Corporation by December 1, 2021; and WHEREAS, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the convening of the AHAC and preparation of the recommendation report was delayed. NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida: A. The above recitals are ratified in their entirety. B. The attached St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee 2021 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: Chair Sean Mitchell AYE Vice Chair Frannie Hutchinson AYE Commissioner Christopher Dzadovsky AYE Commissioner Linda Bartz AYE Commissioner Cathy Townsend AYE PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 15th day of March 2022. ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA j2LA 6, —7/2714/116---' BY: Deputy Clerk Chair U ty- �� APPROVED AS TO FORM AND (ft rn CORRECTNESS: n * FLOit County Attorney ST. LUCIE4.41116L- COUNTY FLORIDA Affordable Housing Advisiory Committee (AHAC ) 2021 Recommendation Report Approved by the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee at a Public Hearing on February 4,2022 Accepted by the Board of County Commissioners-TBD Resolution No.TBD 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 annually on or before December 1st 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) Consider all allowable fee waivers provided for the development or construction of 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: November 5,2021 January 7,2022 H.PUBLIC HEARING The report was presented at a public hearing on February 4,2022. St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 1 of 9 2021 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 found in the County's 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. The County's Land Development Code makes no mention 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). 2022 Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive. County policies and procedures related to this incentive will continue to be reviewed. Incentive 2: Consider all allowable fee waivers provided for the development or construction of affordable housing. Review Synopsis: Goals, Objectives and Policies regarding affordable housing and housing in general may be found in the County's 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 3.1.2: The Land Development Code shall continue to define incentives to facilitate public and private sector cooperation. Policy 3.1.2.1 - 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 3.1.2.2 - Based upon economic data showing need, the County shall continue to support incentives including fast track processing and reduced permit fees for proposed affordable housing developments. 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. The County's Land Development Code makes no mention of reduction or waiver of fees and alternative methods of fee payment for affordable housing. Any St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 2 of 9 2021 Recommendation Report 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. Road Impact Fees were last updated in 2019, and fee reductions were adopted for Affordable Housing developments. 2022 Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive at this time. The Committee will continue to review County policies and procedures related to this incentive. 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 3.1.1.2 - The County shall continue to permit high density residential development in Planned Mixed Use Development projects. Policy 3.1.1.3 - In order to facilitate the location of new commercial and industrial enterprises especially high-tech industries,the County shall maintain sufficient housing to encourage the relocation of new businesses. Objective 3.1.2: The Land Development Code shall continue to define incentives to facilitate public and private sector cooperation. Policy 3.1.2.1 - 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). 2022 Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive at this time. The Committee will continue to review County policies and procedures related to this incentive. St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 3 of 9 2021 Recommendation Report 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 3.2: 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. 2022 Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive at this time. The Committee will continue to review County policies and procedures related to this incentive. 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. 2022 Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive at this time. The Committee will continue to review County policies and procedures related to this incentive. 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. St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 4 of 9 2021 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 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. 2022 Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive at this time. The Committee will continue to review County policies and procedures related to this incentive. 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. 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. 2022 Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive at this time. The Committee will continue to review County policies and procedures related to this incentive. 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. 2022 Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive at this time. The Committee will continue to review County policies and procedures related to this incentive. 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. St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 5 of 9 2021 Recommendation Report Review Synopsis: Goals, Objectives and Policies regarding affordable housing and housing in general may be found in the County's 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 3.1.2: The Land Development Code shall continue to define incentives to facilitate public and private sector cooperation. Policy 3.1.2.1 - 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 3.1.2.2 - Based upon economic data showing need, the County shall continue to support incentives including fast track processing and reduced permit fees for proposed affordable housing developments. Policy 3.1.2.4 - Based upon economic data showing need, the Land Development Code shall continue to 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. 2022 Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive at this time. The Committee will continue to review County policies and procedures related to this incentive. 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 3.2.5: Sites suitable for low and moderate-income housing shall be maintained in the County to meet the current and projected population needs. Policy 3.1.1.1 -To provide sufficient land to meet the future housing needs,the Future Land Use Map shall provide future land use designations that allow a variety of housing types, affordability, and densities. 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. 2022 Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive at this time. The Committee will continue to review County policies and procedures related to this incentive. St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 6 of 9 2021 Recommendation Report 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 3.1.1.2 - The County shall continue to permit high density residential development in Planned Mixed Use Development projects. Policy 3.1.1.3 - In order to facilitate the location of new commercial and industrial enterprises especially high-tech industries,the County shall maintain sufficient housing to encourage the relocation of new businesses. Policy 3.1.1.4 - The County shall encourage residential development in the vicinity of new industrial and commercial development. Goal 2.2: Establish an integrated multimodal transportation system that meets the mobility needs resulting from 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, as identified in the Go2040 LRTP Goal 2.6: Incorporate the potential for mass transit into long range transportation needs. 2022 Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive at this time. The Committee will continue to review County policies and procedures related to this incentive. St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 7 of 9 2021 Recommendation Report IV. ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS 2022 Additional Recommendations: 1. The Committee recommends that it continue to evaluate county policies and procedures that may adversely impact the development of affordable housing. 2. The Committee recommends that an interim recommendation report be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners prior to December 31,2022. Exhibits: Exhibit A-Resolution No.2022-XX Exhibit B -Previous Recommendations and Actions St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 8 of 9 2021 Recommendation Report Exhibit B 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; 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. 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: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive. Board Action:None 2014 Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive. Board Action:None 2017 Recommendation: The committee has no further recommendation for this incentive. Board Action:None 2. Consider all allowable fee waivers provided for the development or construction of affordable housing. 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. Exhibit B 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. Board Action: None 2014 Recommendation: At this time the Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive. Board Action:None 2017 Recommendation: The Committee recommends the 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. Board Action: None 3. The allowance of flexibility in densities for affordable housing; 2008 Recommendation: Specific language should be added to the Land Development Code which would better address density flexibility for affordable housing. 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. Board Action:None Exhibit B 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. 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. Board Action:None 4. The reservation of infrastructure capacity for housing for very-low income persons,low income persons,and moderate-income persons; 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. 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. Board Action:None Exhibit B 2017 Recommendation:At this time,the Committee has no further recommendations for this incentive. Board Action:None 5. The allowance of affordable accessory residential units in residential zoning districts; 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. Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009. No further action was taken by the board. 2011 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. 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. 1 Exhibit B Board Action:None 6. The reduction of parking and setback requirements for affordable housing; 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. 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. Board Action:None 2014 Recommendation: At this time the Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive. 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 developer's expense. 2017 Board Action:None Exhibit B 7. The allowance of flexible lot configurations, including zero-lot-line configurations for affordable housing; 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. 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. Board Action:None 2014 Recommendation: At this time the Committee does not have additional recommendations for this incentive. Board Action: None 2017 Recommendation: At this time,the Committee has no further recommendations for this incentive. Board Action:None 8. The modification of street requirements for affordable housing; 2008 Recommendation: Work with County Engineering to review and modify, where feasible, street and parking circulation cross-section requirements for affordable housing development. Exhibit B 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. Board Action: None 2014 Recommendation: The Committee recommends that current and future public transportation be taken into consideration when developing affordable housing. Board Action:None 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. Board Action:None 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; 2008 Recommendation: Work with County Attorney's office to develop a process 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. Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009. No further action was taken by the board. Exhibit B 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. 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. Board Action:None 2017 Recommendation: The Committee recommends that the BOCC direct staff to create a formal notification process to notify affordable housing stakeholders before adoption of any policy, procedure,ordinance,regulation,or plan a provision that prevents any increase the cost of housing. Board Action:None 10. The preparation of a printed inventory of locally owned public lands suitable for affordable housing; 2008 Recommendation: Follow the recommendations outlined in the County's Affordable Housing Strategy which includes developing an inventory of publicly owned lands suitable for affordable housing. 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. Board Action: None Exhibit B 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. Board Action:None 2017 Recommendation: At this time,the Committee has no further recommendations for this incentive. Board Action:None 11. The support of development near transportation hubs and major employment centers and mixed-use developments. 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. 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. Board Action: None 2014 Recommendation: The committee recommends that the 2014 recommendation mirror the 2008 recommendation. 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 Exhibit B review of an affordable housing development should take into consideration the proximity of the development to public transit. Board Action: None Additional Recommendations 2011: •3 The Committee adopted the definition of affordable housing as it relates to the eleven items in the recommendation report as"30%of one's gross income."This definition is consistent with the HUD definition of housing affordability. + State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) rules have been updated to reflect if a jurisdictions' annual 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—"HOUSING EQUALS JOBS". Statistics show that for every dollar spent on housing, it equates to 8 dollars into the economy. 2014: ❖ The Committee would like to state that it will continue to support and emphasize the need for affordable housing in St. Lucie County. 2017: ❖ The Committee recommends that the BOCC promote and support the submission of tax credit projects from 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 existing CLT servicing St. Lucie County. A community land trust refers to the vehicle of separating land from building (house) for the purpose of Exhibit B 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 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.