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Duncan discusses housing program at BIG-C meeting
By BOB MACPHERSON
Article published on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 |
MADEIRA BEACH – There may be relief ahead for those who work in but cannot afford to live in Pinellas County.
County Commissioner Ronnie Duncan briefed the Barrier Islands Governmental Council April 30 on a proposed plan to retain workers and other residents who can not obtain affordable housing in the county.
“Many people who live in Pinellas County cannot afford to live in Pinellas County,” Duncan said. “This impacts tourism, the availability of nurses, teachers, care givers etc. These people go and look for housing before taking jobs and when they can’t find affordable housing they don’t come to Pinellas County.”
The proposed program – The Pinellas County Inclusionary Housing Program – would assure affordable housing in new housing development and redevelopment projects of more than 20 units constructed in the county. Inclusionary housing units would be integrated throughout the residential housing development and would be required to be comparable to the market rate units in appearance, number of bedrooms, and quality of construction.
Rental housing developments would be required to set aside a minimum of five, 10 or 15 percent of the total number of units to be developed as affordable to persons or households with total annual gross incomes that do not exceed 60, 80 or 120 percent respectively of the medium annual income adjusted for family size.
Homeowner housing developments would be required to set aside a minimum of five, 10 or 15 percent of the total number of units to be developed as affordable to persons or households with a total annual gross income that does not exceed 80, 120 or 150 percent respectively of the medium annual income adjusted for family size.
Affordable rental units would remain in the affordable category for at least 30 years.
Residential housing developments zoned for both single family and multi-family units may satisfy the affordable housing requirement in both or either the single family or multi-family part of the development.
The resale of an inclusionary unit would be required to comply with rules established by the program administrator including notice of intent to sell; and sale to an income-eligible buyer.
Although the intent of the program is that affordable units be included on site as an integrated part of a housing development, a developer may apply for permission to develop affordable housing off-site. If approved the off-site construction must take place before or at the same time as the on-site units.
Provided a vacant site is readily developable, is of sufficient size, appropriately zoned and without environmental issues, the purchase of land by a developer may be approved in lieu of actual construction.
Developments that meet requirements of the inclusionary program may be entitled to a density bonus of up to 50 percent if consistent with local land development and comprehensive plan requirements.
Duncan said the county and municipalities must work together.
“We have to make sure what works, works for your community. We need feedback on the draft plan ordinance from the towns,” he told the group of mayors and other local governmental officials.
Municipalities would adopt rules necessary to carry out the program in their communities.
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Article published on Tuesday, May 6, 2008
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