HomeMy WebLinkAboutWorkforce Housing Minutes 09-14-2007BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
WORKFORCE HOUSING WORKSHOP
Date: September 14, 2007 Convened: 2:15 p.m.
Adjourned: 3:30p.m.
Commissioners Present: Chairman, Chris Craft, Joseph Smith, Paula A. Lewis, Doug
Coward, Chazles Grande
Others Present: Faye Outlaw, Asst. County Administrator, Heather Young, Asst. County
Attorney, Beth Ryder, Community Services Director, John Franklin, Community
Housing Manager, Millie Delgado-Feliciano, Deputy Clerk
The Housing Manager made opening remarks and introduced the housing panel.
Mr. Franklin advised the Boazd they did not distribute the inclusionary housing draft due
to the fact there were some errors that needed to be corrected. This was a rough draft.
Mr. Greg Vaday, addressed the Boazd with regazd to what the panel has been working on.
He expressed his gratitude to the Florida Housing Coalition for their assistance.
Ms. Jamie Ross, Director 1000 Friends of Florida, addressed the inclusionary housing
program and the partner ship of local government and the building sector. The
inclusionary zoning ordinance was pushed back by the Builders Association. The
building community was opposed to it.
A video was presented showing the research done nationwide.
Ms. Ross stated the inclusionary zoning was a smart growth tool that promotes balanced
residential development.
Com. Granted recommended the Growth Management department designate a staff
member to work with this workforce panel and felt their input was very important.
Com. Cowazd commented on the fact that Growth Management staff spends a lot of their
time dealing with many applications and chasing after the developers following up on the
applications etc., they have very little time to spend on these issues. He believes its time
the Boazd re-think these issues and their philosophy.
Com. Grande stated its time they stop thinking of the Growth Management department as
an azea that only reviews applications.
Com. Smith recommended looking into come incentives to assist those who would like to
get into the types of housing where the homes may need some rehabilitation.
Com. Cowazd stated he did not want a community where the rich aze gated and kept
away from others he wants a mixed economic community living together.
Ms. Nancy Offutt, representing the TC Builders Association, and stated the association
was happy with the recommendations brought forwazd by the task force. They support
voluntary inclusion. They are against mandatory inclusionary zoning. They feel
inclusionary zoning is requiring the builders subsidize those who cannot afford the
mazket price of a home. She asked if they were subsidizing the employee or the
employer who is not paying an equitable salary for the people to afford a home.
Com. Smith stated he wanted to work with the TC Builders Association on these issues.
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Ms. Offutt stated they wrote a letter to the Commission expressing their support for
incentivised housing programs but if it is mandated they would have a problem with it.
Mr. McKenzie addressed the Boazd and stated yes the house prices did go through the
roof but it is not all profit, a lot of it is the cost of materials including the increase in labor
costs. This has played as much of a part in the increase price of the house. This needs to
be looked at from all aspects.
Com. Cowazd stated what the Boazd is attempting to do is if a developer comes forward
with a piece of property where he can build a certain amount of home and requests they
be permitted to build more than that amount(an increase in density) ,the Boazd could
consider the request provided it meets the codes and the Boazd may request out of those
additional homes that can be built, 10 of those additional homes be in the affordable
housing program. This is what they are trying to do with inclusionary zoning.
Mr. Skeet Jornigan, Economic Development Council representing major land developers,
major land owners stated the reason they have a problem with the inclusionary zoning is
because he has yet to see this type of an ordinance in the state that had not placed a cost
burden on the development industry and the building industry.
Com. Craft stated he felt the development industry needs to earn the additional density
they request and would want to know what would be the additional benefit to the
community.
Mr. Jornigan stated the ordinance is still a work in progress. They will work with the
county to ensure this would be the first ordinance where there will be a fair share of the
burden in the entire community in exchange for the developers to provide affordable
housing. They were in support of the original staff recommendation, avoluntary
inclusionary program. He stated the task force recommends having a voluntary
inclusionary program and they support this.
A panel member advised the Board that Palm Beach stazted a program like this on a
voluntary basis and when no one came forward they then made it mandatory.
Com. Craft sated somewhere along the line someone will have to pay for the increase i.e.
if salaries go up, taxes will need to be increased, if Wal-Mazt pays their employees more
then the cost of merchandise will increase.
The Asst. County Administrator requested if the Growth Management department is
going to be involved in this issue, she asked the Boazd give them until the end of October
early November to get them going. She felt the department should be involved in
planning and not just turning azound applications.
Com. Cowazd stated he was ready for this to stazt moving forward for the public heazing
process. He does not wish to send this back to a workshop and have it go through 6
months of more review.
Com. Lewis recommended having one more opportunity for public comment by having
another workshop.
Com. Smith concurred with Com. Lewis in giving the public one last shot at this issue.
Com. Lewis' comments were unintelligible.
Com. Craft recommended having a workshop after the ordinance is refined and then
sending it forward to the Growth Management Depazment.
Com. Grande stated he hoped the public would come forwazd with recommendations and
not just say it was a bad idea.
Com. Cowazd stated he would like to see information showing where is the voluntary
inclusionary basis working.
2
The County Administrator stated they were having a difficult time scheduling regular
meeting and a workshop would be difficult to schedule.
The Assistant County Administrator stated she did not hear that a workshop was to be
scheduled she was under the assumption it would be a public meeting.
Com. Lewis stated she was referring to a public meeting not a workshop with the Board.
Mr. Vaday asked for direction from the Board on what the next step would be in order for
them to move forward. He advised the Board the average wage in our community is
about $38,000 and nationwide it is at $41,000 so the county is still behind.
The Board acknowledged this information.
The meeting was adjourned.
C ~ Ci NT ~_ ~.:k
F L O R I D A~
BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE COUNTY
ORDINANCE NUMBER
AN ORDINANCE OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER VII
OF THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE; ADOPTING
SECTION 7.04.05, INCLUSIONARY HOUSING; PROVIDING FOR
APPLICABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; PROVIDING
FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR FILING WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF
STATE' PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND DEPARTMENT OF STATE
PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
WHEREAS, St. Lucie County faces a shortage of affordable housing for households with moderate
incomes, including key members of the local workforce; and
WHEREAS, this shortage has increased substantially in the past several years so that the existing
median home sales price far exceeds that which can be afforded by those earning median income;
and
WHEREAS, new development does not serve low and moderate income households, and the high cost
of new construction and rising property values throughout the community are making it more
difficult for moderately-priced housing to be produced; and
WHEREAS, without action to require new development of a certain size to con~ain some percentage of
affordable housing, the County's affordability problem will worsen, leading to deleterious effects on
the health, safety and welfare of the community, as more families spend more than half their
income on housing, as seniors are forced to leave, and as employers find it more difficult to find
employees; and
WHEREAS, the remaining available land for development in the County is limited, it is
prudent to require that some percentage of all new development be priced
affordably for low and moderate income households; and
WHEREAS, Goal 5.2 of the Housing Element of the St. Lucie County Comprehensive
Growth Management Plan is to "provide an adequate mix of safe and sanitary
housing that meets the needs of existing and future St. Lucie County resident
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners has adopted the St. Lucie County Comprehensive
Growth Management Plan within which are included goals, objectives, and policies related to the
process for review and approval of certain development applications; and
Florida Housing Coalition, Inc.
3-2-07 Draft for Circulation
60
WHEREAS, Chapter 163, Part II, Florida Statutes, requires the implementation of these goals, objectives
and policies through the adoption of consistent land development regulations; and.
WHEREAS, this proposed amendment to Chapter VII, of the Land Development Code, St. Lucie County
Code, has received public hearings before the Local Planning Agency and the Board of County
Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, The Board of County Commissioners finds the proposed amendment consistent with the
goals, objectives and policies of the Comprehensive Growth Management Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. ST.
LUCIE COUNTY. FLORIDA, THAT:
PART 1: Adoption of inclusionary housing requirements.
Section 7.04.05 of Chapter VII is hereby adopted as follows:
Section 7.04.05 Inclusionary Housing.
A. Findings
B. Purpose and intent
C. Definitions
D. Applicability
E. Requirements for Inclusionary Housing
F. Incentives for Provision of Inclusionary Housing
G. Compliance Procedures
H. Alternative Compliance
I. Monitoring and Periodic Review
A. Findings.
1 The Housing Element of the St. Lucie County Growth Management Plan has determined a need
for 8,755 new single family dwelling units and a minimum of 1,622 new multifamily dwelling units by
the year 2010 in unincorporated areas. The Future Land Use Map designated 1,868 acres to
accommodate 9340 new single family dwelling units and 754 acres to accommodate a minimum of
6,786 new multifamily dwelling units.
2 Over 38,000 single family and multifamily units have been approved or are pending approval in
unincorporated St. Lucie County between 2003 and 2007 yet only 15% of 2006 sales were affordable to
households earning 100% of the area median income. Affordable housing is not being built in St. Lucie
County by the private sector to meet current or future demand.
3 In 2000, there were 2,495 single family homes sold countywide that a
household earning 100% of the median income of $49,600 could afford, equaling
2,070 homes or 83% of the total sales volume. In 2006, only 1,012 homes were sold
that could be affordable to a household earning 100% of the median income of
$54,600, representing just 15%% of the total sales volume. of 6,750 single family
homes sold.
4. Hurricanes in 2004 and 2005 destroyed or significantly damaged over 51,000
homes, over half of the housing inventory of the county. Many of these homes were
occupied by very low, low or moderate income
households.
4 In 2005, one quarter of lower income households, or 21,090, spent over 30%
of their income for housing, nine percent, or 8,082 spent over 50% of their income for
housing costs.
5 The County expends local, state and federal dollars to address the need for
affordable housing, but these efforts fall short of the need, for example an estimated
12 units are produced or rehabilitated under the Local Housing Assistance Plan
(excluding disaster programs) but the Future Land Use and Housing elements
estimate a need for 165 new units per year to meet current and projected need. The
waiting list for housing assistance averages 290 persons in need.
6 Without immediate action to require new developments of a certain size to
contain some percentage of affordable units, the gap between affordable non-
affordable units will continue to expand, worsening the affordability problem leading
to deleterious effects on the health, safety, and welfare of the community forcing
more families to leave the area or commute long distances, and resulting in employers
finding it difficult or impossible to find employees, especially among the essential
service workforce.
7 Demographics and analyses of new housing indicates that a large majority of
private development is geared toward high-priced housing and does not serve
households earning less than one hundred percent (100%) of area median income..
8 Developer practices produce the undesirable effect of limiting housing available
to moderate and low-income households, thus failing to implement the housing goal
of St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan of 2002 of dispersal of a diverse range of
housing throughout the County.
lO.The continuing high level of unmet demands for housing, discourages
developers from offering a more diversified price range of housing, and
contributes to the unwillingness of developers to create moderately priced
housing.
11.Rapid regional growth and strong housing demand have combined to make
land and construction costs higher, causing a rise in the price of housing
and causing affordable housing to be located in limited areas.
12.Income has not kept pace with this rapid and significant increase in the cost
of housing in St. Lucie County.
13.Providing incentives to developers will assist developers in providing
affordable housing units as an integral part of new developments.
14.Developers of new housing are not meeting the need for moderately priced,
dwelling units. The provision of only higher priced housing contributes to
the lack of affordable housing.
15.Without a program requiring the building of moderately priced housing,
based on current trends, it is unlikely that developers will provide such
housing on their own initiative, leaving St. Lucie County
Florida Housing Coalition, Inc.
3-2-07 Draft for Circulation 62
citizens without sufficient affordable housing.
B. Purpose and Intent. The purpose and intent of this Section is to:
1 Stimulate private sector production of housing to serve moderate income households in order
to ensure that the County can be competitive in attracting and maintaining a local workforce.
2 Encourage development that includes a range of housing opportunities through a variety of
rental or sales process, and variety of residential unit types.
3 Encourage the even distribution of affordable housing opportunities in all areas of the County
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wherever new residential development is occurring.
4 Reduce regional commuting by encouraging those who working St. Lucie County to also live in
St. Lucie County.
C. Definitions. For purposes of this Section, the following words, terms and phrases shall have the
meanings set forth below:
1 Affordable means housing payments including mortgage principal, interest, taxes and insurance
or rent plus utilities does not exceed 30% of the area median income (AMI) or in compliance with the
St. Lucie County Local Housing Assistance Plan adopted pursuant to Florida Statutes Section
420.9071(19), (20) and (28).
2. Area median income (AMI) means the median family income for the Fort Pierce/ St.
Lucie Metropolitan Statistical Area as published and updated annually by the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
2 Essential Services Personnel means persons in need of affordable housing who are employed in
occupations or professions in which they are considered essential services personnel per Chapter
63.37.002(6) F.A.C. and whose incomes are at or below 140% of the area median income (AMI).
3 Inclusionary housing unit means a newly constructed residential dwelling unit that meets the
criteria set forth in Section C.
4 Low income category means household incomes at or below 80% of the area median income
as published and updated annually by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban De~lelopment and the
Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
5 Market-rate unit means a residential dwelling unit that is not an inclusionary housing unit.
6 Moderate income category means household incomes at or below 120% of the area median
income as published and updated annually by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development and
the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
7 Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDU) means dwelling units that have been determined to
be affordable by households whose gross annual income does not exceed 140% of the area median
income (AMI).
8 Workforce Housing Unit means a dwelling unit that is considered affordable to households with
a gross household income not exceeding 140% of the area median income. This definition shall include
households considered "essential service workers."
D. Applicability
1 In general. The requirements of this Section shall apply to all development applications
proposing new residential dwelling units, except as othervise provided in this section.
^ 2. Exemptions. The following shall be exempt from the requirements of this section:
^ a. The construction or replacement of single-family, mobile home, or duplex swelling units
on lots lawfully established prior to the effective date of this Section, where site plan approval is not
required pursuant to Chapter XI of the Land Development Code.
^ b. The redevelopment or reconstruction of residential development sites, such as
multifamily developments and mobile home parks, where such redevelopment does not involve the
development of additional residential dwelling units. The maximum number of additional units in any
redevelopment project that may be exempt from the requirements of this section shall be no more than
12.
^ c. The construction of accessory dwelling units. As defined in Chapter VIII of the Land
Development Code. [FHC Note: this chapter will be recommended for revision for addition of language
supporting accessory dwelling units]
^ d. Applications for final site plan approval for projects that are otherwise consistent with a
master site plan approved prior to the effective date of this ordinance. Except for projects approved as
a Development of Regional Impact, where the timetable of development in the approved master site
plan has expired, subsequent amendments to such master plan and any associated final site plans shall
be required to comply with the provisions of this section in the same manner as a new development.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to any Development of Regional Impact approved prior to
the effective date of this ordinance.
^ e. Public or private institutional residential facilities intended to house specific, special
needs populations in a group setting, such as residential care facilities; halfway houses and hospitals.'
^ f. Residential facilities associated with any public institutional use.
^ g. Residential development proposals designed to provide affordable housing to
households making less than 100 percent of AMI, where legally enforceable affordability controls will be
in place for at least 15 years after the initial occupancy.
^ h. Temporary housing associated with post-disaster recovery as determined appropriate
by the County Administrator.
Note: Staff has determined that approximately 9 percent (7,740) of households in St. Lucie County are
presently earning between 60-80% AMI, and spending 30+ percent of their monthly income on housing
costs. The data used to assess the workforce housing needs of St. Lucie County was taken from the St.
Lucie County 2002 Comprehensive Plan. Staff acknowledges that since 2002 the median home price
has increased 52 percent, while wages have remained relatively flat. Therefore, it is reasonable to
assume that the need for workforce housing has increased well past the 7,740 household needs of
2002, and a 20-25 percent set-aside rate will address this issue. (Source: Shimberg Center on
Affordable Housing-Title of Chart -Household Cost Burden (CB): Percentage of Income Spent on
Housing by Household Income, 2002)
FHC comment: It is agreed that the early estimates of the Housing Element and Land Use element on
housing needs, income levels and affordability have been dramatically underestimated given the actual
changes in demand during the past four years due to escalating markets and disaster events. The 25%
minimum reflects the market failure to provide for the quarter of the population who has a cost burden.
If this percentage of units had been applied to the 38,000 units approved or pending in the past five
years, then the deficit of 7,740 would not exist.
E. Requirements for Inclusionary Housing.
1 Number of inclusionary housing units required. A minimum of 25 percent of new
residential dwelling units proposed within any residential development application shall be inclusionary
housing units.
2 Calculation of Required Numbers of Units. The total number of residential dwelling units
proposed shall be multiplied by 0.25. Fractional units of 0.5 or greater shall be rounded up to the
nearest whole number while fractional unit of less than 0.5 or shall be rounded down to the nearest
whole number.
Note that projects with less than 8 dwelling units would not be required to provide inclusionary
housing.
FHC Note: There are few projects approved or pending of this size but this is a reasonable
threshold.
3. Required income range. Upon establishing the required number of inclusionary housing
units, each inclusionary housing until shall be identified as serving a maximum household
income of 80, 120 or 140 percent of AMI. The inclusionary housing units shall be distributed
across these three categories as evenly as possible provided that, where the total number of
inclusionary housing units is not evenly divisible by 3; the distribution of the remaining
fractional units shall be at the discretion of the applicant.
FHC Note: The current (2006) area median income for a family of four is $54,600. Thus, 80% of AMI
is $43,600, 120% of AMI is $65,520, and 140% of AMI is $76,440. Normally the maximum level of
income for assisted housing is 120% of area median but in keeping with the goals for attainable
workforce housing for which the cap in the Local Housing Assistance Plan is 140% AMI, this ordinance
will permit the incentives to apply to this income level. The density bonus incentives in the ordinance
provide the greatest incentive for households at the 60% AMI level which is $32,760. Inclusionary
zoning is most effective in a robust housing market with somewhat higher income levels permissible.
4. Location of inclusionary housing units. Residential developments proposed in Future Land
Use designations having a maximum residential density of five or afore units per acre may
provide on the same parcel as the market rate units. Residential developments proposed in
Future Land Use designations having a maximum residential density of less than five units per
acre may provide "offsite" at the discretion of the landowner or by the way of the alternative
compliance provision of paragraph G, below. All reasonable efforts shall be made by the
applicant to integrate inclusionary housing units evenly throughout the development.
a. The number, type, location, and plan for staging construction of all dwelling units. The
inclusionary housing units staging plan shall be consistent with any applicable land use
plan, subdivision plan, or site plan. The staging plan included in the inclusionary housing
units staging plan for all dwelling units shall be sequenced so that construction of
inclusionary housing units precedes or reasonably coincides with the construction of
market rate units.
FHC Note: In the lower density land use areas, it is more difficult to accommodate the inclusionary
units and to take advantage of the density bonus. Therefore the off-site option would allow the county
to work with its housing provider partners to develop units off-site.
5. Minimum standards. Where more than 50 percent of the proposed market-rate
dwelling units will be larger than 1.200 square feet, the required
inclusionary dwelling units shall have a minimum of three bedrooms and a gross Floor area of 1,200
square feet. Where 50 percent or more of the proposed market-rate dwelling units will be smaller than
1,200 square feet, the required inclusionary dwelling units should be similar irk size to the market-rate
dwellings.
1 Architectural and construction standards. The applicant shall make all reasonable efforts
to ensure that the exterior appearance of the inclusionary housing units is similar to that of the market-
rate units within the subject residential development. This includes but is not limited to the landscaping,
architectural design, and color.
2 Completion of market-rate and inclusionary housing units. No more than 50 percent of
the market-rate units within a particular development shall be granted a certificate of occupancy until
the required inclusionary housing -units within such project or phase are eligible to receive a certificate
of occupancy. In the case of a phased development, each phase shall contain the number of
inclusionary housing units required by Section (2) two of this ordinance, no more than 50 percent of
the market-rate units within a particular phase shall be granted a certificate of occupancy until all of the
inclusionary housing units included in such phase are eligible to receive a certificate of occupancy.
3 Affordability period. Once established via approval of a final site plan, inclusionary housing
units required by this Section shall continue to be restricted as inclusionary housing units for a period of
twenty years from the date of certificate of occupancy.
^ 9. Community Land Trust. As part of the application for final site plan, all properties
constructed to satisfy the provisions of E 1 of this ordinance shall be presented to the Community Land
Trust for right of first refusal. Those properties not purchased by the Community Land Trust the
applicant shall;
^ a. Provide draft restrictive covenants, identifying particular dwelling units as inclusionary
housing units. The draft restrictive covenants shall specify the method of compliance with this Section
and must be in a form acceptable to the County Attorney.
^ b. Where a plat is required in conjunction with the final site plan, the applicant shall be
required to record the restrictive convents in the Official Records of St Lucie County in conjunction with
the approval of the plat.
^ c. Where no plat is required to implement the final site plan, the applicant shall record the
restrictive covenants in conjunction with the final site plan.
F. Incentives for Provision of Inclusionary Housing.
The following incentives shall be available to developments constructing the required number of
inclusionary housing units as part of a larger residential development.
1. Choice of Housing Type. Despite any provision to the contrary in Table 7-10 of this
Section of the Land Development Code, inclusionary housing units may be made up of any type of
residential dwelling unit otherwise allowable in the zoning regulations and consistent with the
Comprehensive Growth Management Plan, specifically excluding mobile homes. In zoning districts
where mobile homes are a permitted use, the inclusionary housing units may be made up of
any type of dwelling units which are otherwise consistent with the Comprehensive Growth
Management Plan, including mobile homes.
2 Density Bonus. The intent of the inclusionary zoning ordinance is to produce housing for a
wide range of incomes while providing consistent and predictable expectations for developers. The
following density bonus schedule provides developers incentives and flexibility to produce differing
housing types for all target income ranges. An additional 10% of by- right density, shall be granted to ~
the applicant, provided that the applicant has had Certificates of Occupancy iss~~ed for every
workforce housing unit required by Section E 1 of this ordinance. Bonus market rate units shall be
granted only through the specified ranges. The density bonus shall be no greater than 10% of the total
number of the originally approved units and subject to all land development regulations. The number
ofbonus' market rate units shall be determined by (Table 1) the number and range of workforce
housing units constructed.
FHC Note: We advocate on-site provision of the units unless in the lower ranges of densities permitted
~ such as R-2. We recommend-tt~~clusionary units be required in zoning categories of R-2 to RM-15,
~ PUD, MPUD, DRI's, an C areas. While it is difficult to obtain the full measure of density allowable
_ un egory, the ' n ive of this ordinance is that at a minimum, the allowable density is
~ granted. This may require administrative approvals of site plan requirements on a case by case basis.
W r' For this reason, a high level of coordination and cooperation is required between the applicant, growth
management services, and housing services. The main focus is for the developer to remain
economically whole while meeting the requirements of inclusionary zoning.
Rounding
Applications that construct MPDU's which result in a fraction of a density bonus unit of .75 or greater
shall receive the said density bonus. Applications that result in a fraction of a density bonus less than
.75 or less shall be granted no additional density for that unit. For example, an application that
constructs one affordable unit in range 4 would result in a density bonus of .25 or 1/4 of a market rate
unit. The applicant would not be granted a density bonus. Alternatively, if the same applicant opts to
construct one affordable unit in range 2 instead, the application would result in .75 or 3/a of a market
rate unit and result in a density bonus of one additional market rate unit.
Table 1
RANGE =DENSITY BONUS BASED ON PERCENT OF AMI (AVERAGE MEDIAN INCOME 2006 =
$54 600
Range 1 (60-65% AMI) (Yearly income $32,760 - $35,490) 1.0 Density bonus
of market rate units Range 2 (66-80% AMI) (Yearly income $35,491 - $43,680)
.75 Density bonus of market rate units Range 3 (81-120% AMI) (Yearly income
$43,681 - $65,520) .50 Density bonus of market rate units Range 4 (121-
140% AMI) (Yearly income $65,521 - $76,440) .25 Density bonus of market
rate units
To illustrate, a developer with an approved density of 100 units will be required to
construct no less than 25 moderately priced dwelling units (MPDU's). Depending on
the number of units constructed in each range, this developer could be eligible for an
additional 10 units. For example, if the developer opted to construct 4 of the
workforce homes in range 1, another 6 in range 3, 12 in range 4 (equaling 25 of the
100 units are workforce homes), that developer would be eligible for a density bonus
of an additional 10 units.
Table 2
Range # Affordable Units
roduced x bonus % ~ BOnUs
1 4 ~ 1.0 4
2 0 .75 0
3 6 .5 3
4 12 .25 3
NOTE: Table reflects a development of 100 units with a maximum 10% density bonus.
This project will result in 110 units with 25 in the inclusionary category. Without the
10% densi bonus ca ,the ro"ect would result in 112 units with 25 affordable.
In the above example, the applicant is approved for a maximum of 100 units,
including the required 25 workforce units, permitting the applicant to construct a
maximum of 75 market rate units. The 10% density bonus permits the applicant to
construct 10 additional market rate units (.10 x 100 units = 10). Even though it is
possible to create a density bonus beyond the 10%, the maximum allowed remains
10%. Table 1 is constructed to allow the applicant flexibility in determining a
construction range for their workforce housing units. ~
1 Alleviation of Lot Size Requirements. Despite any provision to the
contrary in the Land Development Code, a development providing inclusionary
housing units shall not be subject to the minimum lot area requirements of the
particular zoning district. Provided that the resulting gross residential density of the
development is no more than 10 percent higher than would have been possible if the
site were developed for single-family detached dwellings using the minimum lot area
requirements set forth in the particular zoning district and provided that the resulting
development otherwise complies with the policies of the Comprehensive Growth
Management Plan.
2 Expedited Permitting. Inclusionary housing projects will be eligible for the
county's affordable housing expedited permitting procedures as defined in the Local
Housing Assistance Plan. Technical assistance with the development will also be
provided as applicable to assist in streamlining the process and ensuring that the
development has quality design and site layout assistance.
3 Financial Assistance. Where possible, the development will be prioritized for
housing funding assistance as it is available along with down payment assistance for
future homeowners. All provisions of the funding programs will apply.
FHC Note: We recommend that at least a small amount of State Housing Initiatives
Partnership funds (SHIP) be provided to inclusionary units and that the recapture
period mirror the twenty year restrictive covenant period. This will greatly enhance
compliance monitoring as the SHIP mortgage will appear in title transfers and the
county will be notified that a unit is being sold.
F. Compliance Procedures.
^ 1. Occupancy by eligible persons only. No person shall sell, purchase, rent
for lease an inclusionary housing unit created pursuant to this section except to
income eligible households and in compliance with the administrative provisions set
forth
^ in this Section. Inclusionary units must be the principal residence of the eligible
person or household.
^ 2. Determination of income eligibility. Prior to purchasing, renting, leasing
or occupying an inclusionary housing unit, the head of household shall submit an
application to the St. Lucie County Community Services Housing Department. The
Community Services shall have the authority to create application forms and to require
such documentation as necessary to determine compliance-with t172 provisions of the
paragraph (F).
^ Note: Staff anticipates that the above income qualification process will be
conducted as an extension of the existing SHIP program.
2 Maximum household income. For the purchase, rental, lease or occupancy of
an inclusionary housing unit, an eligible household will have a combined household
income of no more than 80, 120, or 140 percent of AMI, depending on the
classification of the unit as established in Section. The maximum household income
ranges, including the adjustments for family size, shall be as set forth in the St. Lucie
County Local Housing Assistance Plan (CHAP), as amended from time to time.
^ 4. Requirements for purchase of inclusionary housing units.
^ a. Maximum initial sales price. The maximum initial sales price for
inclusionary housing unit shall be the same as the maximum sales price used for the
First Time Home Buyer Program set forth in the St. Lucie County Local Housing
Assistance Plan, as amended from time to time.
^ b. The system which applicants will use for initial selection of eligible
households to occupy the inclusionary units shall be fair and suitable. Such as a lottery
or "first come, first served". The design of such system will be at the discretion of the
director of Community Services.
^ c. Maximum resale price. Once an inclusionary housingrunit has been
initially sold to a qualified buyer, the maximum resale price during the affordability
period shall increase no more than five percent per year based on the previous selling
price, prorated. For example, where an inclusionary unit initially sells for $250,000,
the maximum sales price after three and one half years is $293,750. [$250,000 * 3.5
*0.05= $293,750].
FHC Note: The maximum sales price for the First Time Home Buyer Program is
currently set at 90% of the median sales price for the area. There are a variety of
resale formulas that can be implemented. Using an index method as shown can result
in excessive buyout amounts if the market is extremely high. If the market is lower
than five percent, then the seller does well. It is particularly useful to have the
community land trust program integrated with the inclusionary zoning program
because the ground lease can have an appreciation resale method that is more
predictable than the index method and maintenance and upkeep are rewarded
whereas they are not in the index model.
5. Requirements for rental or lease of inclusionary housing units.
a. Maximum monthly rent. The maximum monthly rent for an
inclusionary housing unit shall be the same as the High HOME
Rent Limit as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development's (HUD) for the Home Investment Partnership
Program (HOME), using the most recent available figures.
G. Alternative Compliance.
1 While provision of the required inclusionary housing units "on-site" is the
preferred form of compliance, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) may allow
other forms of compliance as set forth in subsection (G) on a case by case basis.
Other forms of compliance may include, but are not limited to, the donation of land
for future affordable housing development, the donation of funding sufficient to
develop the required inclusionary units, or the rehabilitation of existing residential
units. To exercise this provision, a proposal must be submitted to the Community
Services Housing Department for review and comment by the Affordable Housing Task
Force with recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.
2 Appeals. The Board of Commissioners shall have the discretion to allow other
forms of compliance to satisfy the intent of this ordinance as deemed appropriate on a
case-by-case basis. Other forms of compliance may include, but are not limited to,
the donation of land for future affordable housing development, trbnsfer of
development rights, off-site development or the rehabilitation of existing residential
units.
FHC Note: We feel strongly that the fee-in-lieu provision will undermine the intent of
inclusionary zoning and the fee will become the automatic choice rather than
producing the units. This could leave the ordinance open to challenge as it becomes a
payment requirement which simulates an impact fee but that has not been adopted
according to the standards of an impact fee. Rather than include a fee in lieu for those
cases where it is absolutely impossible to build the units on site or off site, we
recommend an appeal clause where the developer can justify the claim to the Board
of Commissioners who at that time can determine appropriate relief from the
ordinance through creative and flexible options including but not limited to donation of
land, transfer of development rights, cash contribution, and off-site development.
H. Monitoring and Periodic Review.
The St. Lucie County Growth Management Department shall publish a report at least
once per year analyzing the productivity and impact of these provisions, as well as
market and other socioeconomic conditions influencing the implementation of these
provisions. The report shall provide recommendations to the Board of County
Commissioners for modification of the inclusionary housing implantation provisions as
appropriate. It is recognized that changes in economic conditions may result in the
need to amend this section annually or more frequently to ensure that the standards
included therein, such as the maximum affordable sales price, remain reflective of
current economic and housing market conditions.
PART 2: APPLICABILITY OF ORDINANCE.
This Ordinance shall be applicable throughout the unincorporated area of St. Lucie
County.
PART 3: CONFLICTING PROVISIONS.
Special acts of the Florida Legislature applicable only to unincorporated areas of St.
Lucie County, St. Lucie County ordinances, County resolutions, or parts thereof, in
conflict with this ordinance are hereby superseded by this ordinance to the extent of
such conflict except for ordinances concerning either adoption or amendment of the
Comprehensive Plan, pursuant to Chapter 163, Part II, Florida Statutes.
Florida Housing Coalition, Inc. 3-2-
07 Draft for Circulation
PART 4: SEVERABILITY.
If any portion of this ordinance is for any reason held or declared to be unconstitutional, inoperative or
void by a court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the remaining portions of this
ordinance. If this ordinance or any provision thereof shall be held to be inapplicable to any person,
property or circumstances by a court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect its
applicability to any other person, property or circumstances.
PART 5: FILING WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE.
The clerk shall be and is hereby directed forthwith to send a certified copy of this ordinance to the
Bureau of Administrative Code, Department of State, R.A. Gray Bldg, Room 101, 500 S. Bronough
Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250.
PART 6: CODIFICATION.
Provisions of this ordinance shall be incorporated into the St. Lucie County Land Development Code,
except that parts 2 through 7 shall not be codified. The word "ordinance" may be changed to "article",
"section", or other word, and the sections of this ordinance may be renumbered or re-lettered.
PART 7: EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall take effect upon filing with the Office of Secretary of State.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED THIS DAY OF , 2006.
ATTEST
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS,
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
e
REVISED AFTER PRESENTATION ON
JUNE 26, 2007 TO THE BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
St. Lucie County
C O CI NT Y
F L O R I D A
Inclusionary Housing
DRAFT
John Franklin, Housing Manager
Jessica Parrish, Housing Project Coordinator
~ o u N-r y
F L O R I D A
BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE COUNTY
ORDINANCE NUMBER
AN ORDINANCE OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER
V11 OF THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE; ADOPTING
SECTION 7.04.05, INCLUSIONARY HOUSING; PROVIDING FOR
APPLICABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTING PROVISIONS;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR FILING WITH THE
DEPARTMENT OF STATE' PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND
DEPARTMENT OF STATE PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, St. Lucie County faces a shortage of affordable housing for households with very low, low and
moderate incomes, including essential personnel of the local workforce; and
WHEREAS, this shortage has increased substantially in the past several years so that the existing median home
sales price far exceeds that which can be afforded by those earning at or below the area median income;
and
WHEREAS, new development does not generally serve very low, low and moderate income households, and
the high cost of new construction and rising property values throughout the community are making it more
difficult for affordably priced housing to be produced; and
WHEREAS, without action to require new development of a certain size to contain some percentage of
affordable housing, the County's affordability problem will worsen, leading to deleterious effects on the
health, safety and welfare of the community, as more families spend more than half their income on
housing, as seniors are forced to leave, and as employers find it more difficult to find employees; and
WHEREAS, the remaining available land for development in the County is limited, it is prudent to require that
some percentage of all new development be priced affordably for very low, low and moderate income
households; and
WHEREAS, Goal 5? of the Housing Element of the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Growth Management
Plan is to "provide an adequate mix of safe and sanitary housing that meets the needs of existing and future
St. Lucie County residents";
WEIEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners has adopted the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Growth
Management Plan within which are included goals, objectives, and policies related to the process for
review and approval of certain development applications; and
WHEREAS. Chapter 163, Part II, Florida Statutes, requires the implementation of these goals, objectives and
policies through the adoption of consistent land development regulations; and
WHE~:REAS. this proposed amendment to Chapter VII, of the Land Development Code, St. Lucie County Code,
has received public hearings before the Local Planning Agency and the Board of County Commissioners;
and
WHEREAS. The Board of Counq Commissioners finds the proposed amendment consistent with the goals,
ohjectives and policies of the Comprehensive Growth Management Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY' COMMISSIONERS. ST.
LUCIE COUNTY. FLORIDA, THAT:
PART 1: Adoption of Inclusionary housing requirements.
Section 7.04.05 of Chapter VI! is hereby adopted as follows:
Section 7.04.05 Inclusionary Housing.
A. Findings
B. Purpose and intent
C. Definitions
D. Applicability
E. Requirements for Inclusionary Housing
F. Incentives for Provision of Inclusionary Housing
G. Compliance Procedures
H. Alternative Compliance
1. Monitoring and Periodic Review
A. Findings.
1. The Housing Element of the St. Lucie County Growth Management Plan has determined a
need for 8,755 new single-family dwelling units and a minimum of 1,622 new multifamily
dwelling units by the year 2010 in unincorporated areas. The Future Land Use Map
designated 1,868 acres to accommodate 9,340 new single-family dwelling units and 754 acres
to accommodate a minimum of 6,786 new multifamily dwelling units.
2. Over 38,000 single family and multifamily units have been approved or are pending approval
in unincorporated St. Lucie County between 2003 and 2007 yet only I5% of 2006 home sales
were affordable to households earning 100% of the area median income. Affordable housing
is not being built in St. Lucie County by the private sector to meet current or future demand.
3. In 2000, there were 2,495 single family homes sold countywide that a household earning
100°ro of the median income of $49,600 could afford, equaling 2,070 homes or 83% of the
total sales volume. In 2006, only 1,012 homes were sold that could be affordable to a
household earning 100% of the median income of $54,600, representing just IS%% of the
total sales volume of 6,750 single-family homes sold.
4. Hurricanes in 2004 and 2005 destroyed or signiticantly damaged over 51,000 homes, over
half of the housing inventory of the county. Very low, low or moderate-income households
occupied many of these homes.
5. In 2005, one quarter of lower income households, or 21,090, spent over 3U% of their income
for housing, nine percent, or 8,082 spent over 50% of their income for housing costs.
6. The County expends local, state and federal dollars to address the need for affordable
housing, but these efforts tall short of the need. For example an estimated 12 units are
produced or rehabilitated under the St. Lucie Local Housing Assistance Plan (excluding
disaster programs) but the Future land Use and Housing elements estimate a minimum need
for 165 new units per year to meet current and projected needs. The waiting list for housing
assistance avera`;es 290 persons in need.
7. Without immediate action to require new developments of a certain size to contain soma
percentage of affordable units, the gap between affordable non-affordable units will continue
to expand, worsening the affordability problem leading to deleterious effects on the health,
safety, and welfare of the community forcing, more families to leave the area or commute long,
distances, and resulting in employers tinding it difticult or impossible to find employees,
especially among the essential service workforce.
8. Demographics and analyses of new housing indicates that a large majority of private
development is seared toward high-priced housing and does not serve households earnin, less
than one hundred percent (100°ro) of area median income.
9. Rapid regional growth and strong housing demand have combined to make land and
construction costs hither, causing a rise in the price of housing and causing affordable
housin; to be located in limited areas.
10, Income has not kept pace with this rapid and significant increase in the cost of housing in St.
Lucie County.
1 1. Providing incentives to developers will assist developers in providing affordable housing units
as an integral part of new developments.
12. Without a program requiring the building of moderately priced housing, based on current
trends, it is unlikely that developers will provide such housing on their own initiative, leaving
St. Lucie County citizens and its workforce without sufficient affordable housing.
B. Purpose and Intent. The purpose and intent of this Section is to:
Stimulate private sector production of housing to serve low and moderate income
households in order to ensure that the County can be competitive in attracting and
maintaining a local workforce.
?. Encourage development that includes a range of housing opportunities through a variety
of rental or sales processes, and a variety of residential unit types.
3. Encourage the even distribution of affordable housing opportunities in all areas of the
County wherever new residential development is occurring, but in particular with
proximity to employment centers and mass transit.
4. Reduce regional commuting by encouraging those employed in St. Lucie County to also
reside in St. Lucie County.
C. Definitions. For purposes of this Section, the following words, terms and phrases shall have the
meanings set forth below:
AfJurduhle means housing payments including mortgage principal, interest, taxes and
insurance or rent plus utilities does not exceed 30% of the area median income (AMI) or
in compliance with the St. Lucie County Local Housing Assistance Plan adopted
pursuant to Florida Statutes Section 420.9071(19), (20) and (28).
2. :4reu rnediun income (ANf/) means the median family income for the Fort Pierce/ St.
Lucie Metropolitan Statistical Area as published and updated annually by the U.S.
Department of Flousing and Urban Development.
3. C'W'HIP Pru,~~rum means the Community Workforce Housing Initiatives Pilot program
administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation as authorized by HB1375 of
the Florida Legislature.
4
~. Es•scn~iul Sc~rri~cs• PU'S<,nnel nreun,c persons in need of affordable housing, who are
employed in occupations or professions in ~shich they are considered essential services
personnel per Chapter 63.37.002(.6) F.A.C. and whose incomes are at or below 14U° o of
the area median income (A!vll).
D
>. Inrlarsioncu~~ housing unit means a newly constructed residential dwelling unit that meets
the criteria set forth in Section C.
6. LuH• income caregun~ means household incomes at or below 80°ro of the area median
income as published and updated annually by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban
Development and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
7. hlcrrket-rote unit means a residential dwelling unit that is not an inclusionary housing
unit.
8. Moderate income category means household incomes at or below 120°~b of the area
median income as published and updated annually by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and
Urban Development and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
9. Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDU) means dwelling units that have been
determined to be affordable by households whose gross annual income does not exceed
140°ro of the area median income (AMI).
10. Very low income category means household incomes at or below 50% of the area median
income as published and updated annually by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban
Development and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
11. Workforce Housing Unit means a dwelling unit that is considered affordable to
households with a gross household income not exceeding 140% of the area median
income. This definition shall include households considered `'essential service workers."
Applicability
1. In general. The requirements of this Section shall apply to all development applications
proposing new residential dwelling units, except as otherwise provided in this section.
Exemptions. The following shall be exempt from the requirements of this section:
a. The construction or replacement of single-family, mobile home, or duplex
swelling units on lots lawfully established prior to the effective date of this
Section, where site plan approval is not required pursuant to Chapter XI of the
Land Development Code.
b. The redevelopment or reconstruction of residential development sites, such as
multifamily developments and mobile home parks, where such redevelopment
does not involve the development of additional residential dwelling units. The
maximum number of additional units in any redevelopment project that may be
exempt from the requirements of this section shall be no more than 12.
c. The construction of accessory dwelling units. As defined in Chapter VIII of the
Land Development Code.
d. Applications for final site plan approval for projects that are otherwise
consistent with a master site plan approved prior to the effective date of this
ordinance. Except for projects approved as a Development of Regional Impact,
where the timetable of development in the approved master site plan has
expired, subsequent amendments to such master plan and any associated final
site plans shall be required to comply with the provisions of this section in the
same manner as a new development. The provisions of this section shall not
apply to any Development of Re~,ional Impact approved prior to the eft~ective
date of this ordinance.
e. Public or private institutional residential facilities intended to house specific,
special needs populations in a ~_roup setting, such as residential care facilities;
halfway houses and hospitals.'
f. Residential facilities associated with any public institutional use.
g Residential development proposals desi~med to provide affordable housing to
households making, less than 100 percent of AMI, where le~,ally enforceable
affordability controls -will be in place for at least 15 years after the initial
occupancy.
h. Temporary housing associated with post-disaster recovery as determined
appropriate by the County Administrator.
E. Requirements for Inclusionary Housing.
1. Number of inclusionary housing units required. A minimum of I S percent of new
residential dwelling units proposed within any residential development application shall
be inclusionary housing units.
Calculation of Required Numbers of Units. The total number of residential dwelling
units proposed shall be multiplied by O.15. Fractional units of 0.5 or greater shall be
rounded up to the nearest whole number while fractional unit of less than 0.5 or shall be
rounded down to the nearest whole number.
Required income range. Upon establishing the required number of inclusionary
housing units, each inclusionary housing until shall be identified as serving a maximum
household income of 80, 120 or 140 (for CHWIP projects only) percent of AMI. The
inclusionary housing units shall be distributed across these three categories as evenly as
possible provided that, where the total number of inclusionary housing units is not evenly
divisible by 3; the distribution of the remaining fractional units shall be at the discretion
of the applicant.
Location of inclusionary housing units. Residential developments proposed in Future
Land Use designations having a maximum residential density of five or more units per
acre may provide on the same parcel as the market rate units. Residential developments
proposed in Future Land Use designations having a maximum residential density of less
than five units per acre may provide "off-site" at the discretion of the landowner or by the
way of the alternative compliance provision of paragraph G, below. All reasonable efforts
shall be made by the applicant to integrate inclusionary housing units evenly throughout
the development.
a. The number, type, location, and plan for staging construction of all dwelling units.
The inclusionary housing units staging plan shall be consistent with any applicable
land use plan, subdivision plan, or site plan. The sta;;ing plan included in the
inclusionary housing units staging plan for all dwelling units shall be sequenced so
that construction of inclusionary housing units precedes or reasonably coincides
with the construction of market rate units.
Minimum standards. Where more than 50 percent of the proposed market-rate dwelling
units will be larger than 1.200 square feet, the required inclusionary dwelling units shall
have a minimum of three bedrooms and a gross floor area of 1,200 square feet. Where
~0 percent or more of the proposed market-rate dwelling units will be smaller than 1,200
square feet, the required inclusionary dwelling units should be similar in size to the
market-rate dwellings.
6. Architectural and construction standards. The applicant shall make all reasonable
efforts to ensure that the exterior appearance of the inclusionary housing units is similar
to that of the market-rate units within the subject residential development. This includes
but is not limited to the landscaping, architectural design, and color.
Completion of market-rate and inclusionary housing units. No more than i0 percent
of the market-rate units within a particular development shall be granted a certificate of
occupancy until the required inclusionary housing; units within such project or phase are
eligible to receive a certificate of occupancy. In the case of a phased development, each
phase shall contain the number of inclusionary housing units required by Section (2) two
of this ordinance, no more than ~0 percent of the market-rate units within a particular
phase shall be granted a certificate of occupancy until all of the inclusionary housing
units included in such phase are eligible to receive a certificate of occupancy.
8. Affordability period. Once established via approval of a final site plan, inclusionary
housing units required by this Section shall continue to be restricted as inclusionary
housing units for a period of twenty years from the date of certificate of occupancy.
9. Community Land Trust. As part of the application for final site plan, all_properties
constructed to satisfy the provisions of E 1 of this ordinance shall be presented to the
Community Land Trust for right of tirst refusal. Those properties not purchased by the
Community Land Trust the applicant shall;
a. Provide draft restrictive covenants, identifying particular dwelling units as
inclusionary housing units. The draft restrictive covenants shall specify the
method of compliance with this Section and must be in a form acceptable to the
County Attorney.
b. Where a plat is required in conjunction with the final site plan, the applicant
shall be required to record the restrictive convents in the Official Records of St
Lucie County in conjunction with the approval of the plat.
Where no plat is required to implement the final site plan, the applicant shall
record the restrictive covenants in conjunction with the final site plan.
F. Incentives for Provision of Inclusionary Housing.
The following incentives shall be available to developments constructing the required number of
inclusionary housing units as part of a larger residential development.
1. Choice of Housing Type. Despite any provision to the contrary in Table 7-10 of this
Section of the Land Development Code, inclusionary housing units may he made up of
any type of residential dwelling unit otherwise allowable in the zoning regulations and
consistent with the Comprehensive Growth Management Plan, including manufactured
housing but specifically excluding mobile homes. !n zoning districts where mobile
homes are a permitted use, the inclusionary housing units may be made up of any type of
dwelling units, which are otherwise consistent with the Comprehensive Growth
Management Plan, including mobile homes.
2. Density Bonus.
The intent of the inclusionary zoning ordinance is to produce housing for a wide range of
incomes while providing consistent and predictable expectations for developers. The
following density bonus schedule provides developers incentives and flexibility to
produce differing housing types for all target income ranges. An additional 2~°% of by-
r•ight density, shall be ~~ranted to the applicant, provided that the applicant has had
Certificates of Occupancy issued for every affordable housing unit required by Section
E I of this ordinance. A minimum of I S% of the total number of units shall be deemed
affordable to low or moderate income residents. An additional 5°% density bonus is
available for projects with inclusionary units reserved for households earning less than
80° 0 of the area median income.
To illustrate. a developer ~~ ith an approved density of 100 units plus ?5 bonus units will be
required to construct no less than 18.75 affordable units. The developer will be eligible for an
additional 35 units, equaling a total number of units of I?5 with 18.75 (19 with roundin,) being
deemed affordable. A development of 100 units by right that will reserve the inclusionary units
for households earning below 80% of the area median income would be eligible would be eligible
for a total density of l3U units with 19.5, or 20 inclusionary units that are affordable to households
with incomes of less than 80% of area median income.
Rounding: for amounts at or below .5, round down and for amounts at .6 or over, round up.
3. Alleviation of Lot Size Requirements. Despite any provision to the contrary in the
Land Development Code, a development providing inclusionary housing units shall not be subject
to the minimum lot area requirements of the particular zoning district. Provided that the resulting
gross residential density of the development is no more than 10 percent higher than would have
been possible if the site were developed for single-family detached dwellings using the minimum
lot area requirements set forth in the particular zoning district and provided that the resulting
development otherwise complies with the policies of the Comprehensive Growth Management
Plan.
4. Expedited Permitting. Inclusionary housing projects will be eligible for the county's
affordable housing expedited permitting procedures as defined in the Local Housing Assistance
Plan. Technical assistance with the development will also be provided as applicable to assist in
streamlining the process and ensuring that the development has quality design and site layout
assistance.
5. Financial Assistance. Where possible, the development will be prioritized for housing
funding assistance as it is available along with down payment assistance for future homeowners.
All provisions of the funding programs will apply.
F. Compliance Procedures.
Occupancy by eligible persons only. No person shall sell, purchase, rent for lease an
inclusionary housing unit created pursuant to this section except to income eligible
households and in compliance with the administrative provisions set forth in this Section.
Inclusionary units must be the principal residence of the eligible person or household.
Determination of income eligibility. Prior to purchasing, renting, leasing or occupying an
inclusionary housing unit, the head of household shall submit an application to the St.
Lucie County Community Services Housing Department. The Community Services shall
have the authority to create application forms and to require such documentation as
necessary to determine compliance with the provisions of the paragraph (F).
Maximum household income. For the purchase, rental, lease or occupancy of an
inclusionary housing unit, an eligible household will have a combined household income
of no more than 80 for the 30% density option or up to 120 percent for standard projects,
or 140 percent for projects participating in the CWH[P program defined in Section C,
depending on the classification of the unit as established in Section. The maximum
household income ranges, including the adjustments for family size, shall be as set forth
in the St. Lucie County Local Housing Assistance Plan (CHAP), as amended from time to
time.
Requirements for purchase of inclusionary housing units.
a. Maximum initial sales price. 'fhe maximum initial sales price for inclusionary
housing unit shall be the same as the maximum sales price used for the First
'T'ime Home Buyer Program set forth in the St. Lucie County Local Housing
,4ssistance Plan, as amended from time to time.
b. The system which applicants will use for initial selection of eligible households
to occupy the inclusionary units shall be fair and suitable, such as a lottery or
"tirst come, tirst served" basis. The design of such system will be at the
discretion of the director of Community Services.
c. Maximum resale price. Once an inclusionary housing unit has been initially
sold to a qualitied buyer, the maximum resale price during the affordability
period shall increase no more than five percent per year based on the previous
selling price, prorated. For example, where an inclusionary unit initially sells for
$250,000, the maximum sales price after three and one half years is $293,70.
($20,000 * 3.5 *0.05= $293,750]. Alternatively, if the property is placed in the
Community Land Trust program, then the ground lease resale provisions shall
apply.
d. Affordability period. The inclusionary housing units shall remain affordable as
defined in Section C for a period of 30 years or for Community Land Trust
properties according to the provisions of the Ground Lease.
Requirements for rental or lease of inclusionary housing units.
a. Maximum monthly rent. The maximum monthly rent for an inclusionary
housing unit shall be the same as the High HOME Rent Limit as determined by
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) for the
Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME), using the most recent available
figures.
G. Alternative Compliance.
1. While provision of the required inclusionary housing units "on-site" is the preferred form
of compliance, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) may allow other forms of
compliance as set forth in subsection (G) on a case by case basis. Other forms of
compliance may include, but are not limited to, the donation of land for future affordable
housing development, the donation of funding sufficient to develop the required
inclusionary units, or the rehabilitation of existing residential units. To exercise this
provision, a proposal must be submitted to the Community Services Division Housing
Department for review and comment by the Affordable Housing Task Force with
recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.
2. Appeals. The Board of Commissioners shall have the discretion to allow other forms of
compliance to satisfy the intent of this ordinance as deemed appropriate on a case-by-
case basis. Other forms of compliance may include, but are not limited to, the donation
of land for future affordable housing development, transfer of development rights, off-
site development or the rehabilitation of existing residential units.
H. Monitoring and Periodic Review.
'1-he St. Lucie County Community Services Division, with input from the Growth Management
Department, shall publish a report at least once per year analyzing the productivity and impact of these
provisions, as well as market and other socioeconomic conditions influencing the implementation of these
provisions. The report shall provide recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for
modification of the inclusionary housing implantation provisions as appropriate. It is recognized that
chant=es in economic conditions may result in the need to amend this section annually or more frequently to
ensure that the standards included therein, such as the maximum affordable sales price, remain reflective of
current economic and housing market conditions.
PART 2: APPLICABILITY OF ORDINANCE.
This Ordinance shall be applicable d~roughout the unincorporated area of St. Lucie County.
PART 3: CONFLICTING PROVISIONS.
Special acts of the Florida Legislature applicable only to unincorporated areas of St. Lucie Counq. St.
Lucie County ordinances, County resolutions, or parts thereof, in conflict with this ordinance are hereby
superseded by this ordinance to the extent of such conflict except for ordinances concernini either adoption
or amendment of the Comprehensive Plan, pursuant to Chapter 163, Part 11, Florida Statutes.
PART -t: SEVERABILITY.
If any portion of this ordinance is for any reason held or declared to be unconstitutional, inoperative or void
by a court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the remaining portions of this ordinance.
If this ordinance or any provision thereof shall be held to be inapplicable to any person, property or
circumstances by a court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect its applicability to any
other person, property or circumstances.
PART 5: FILING WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE.
The clerk shall be and is hereby directed forthwith to send a certified copy of this ordinance to the Bureau
of Administrative Code, Department of State, R.A. Gray Bldg, Room 101, 500 S. Bronough Street,
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250.
PART 6: CODIFICATION.
Provisions of this ordinance shall be incorporated into the St. Lucie County Land Development Code,
except that parts 2 through 7 shall not be codified. The word "ordinance" may be changed to "article",
"section", or other word, and the sections of this ordinance may be renumbered or re-lettered.
PART 7: EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall take effect upon filing with the Office of Secretary of State.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED THIS DAY OF , 2007.
ATTEST BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS,
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
10