§ 138-3211. Affordable housing development (AHD).

(a)

Purpose. Affordable housing developments (AHDs) may occur throughout the county while ensuring compatibility to the surrounding context and providing certain incentives. The purpose is also to implement the affordable housing goals, objectives, and policies in the Pinellas County Comprehensive Plan.

(b)

Applicability. The specific use standards of this section shall be applicable to the development, expansion, and operation of AHDs. Applicable projects shall meet the affordable housing definitions from the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and/or Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG).

(c)

Standards.

(1)

Development standards.

a.

Affordable housing developments may be constructed/ established as a variety of housing types; however, tents, mobile homes constructed prior to June 1994, and recreational vehicles shall not be permitted to be used as affordable housing units under the provisions of this section.

b.

The affordable housing developments allowable density shall be based on the underlying Future Land Use Map classification and further limited by Policy 1.2.10 of the Future Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan.

(2)

Incentives. The following incentives may be applied to affordable housing Developments to encourage the provision of affordable housing:

a.

Affordable housing developments may be granted density bonuses and development standard flexibility as part of the development review process. Bonuses may be granted in accordance with the comprehensive plan and when it is demonstrated that the development will be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood in terms of scale and building character. A density bonus shall not be allowed for affordable housing developments located within the coastal storm area.

b.

Lot sizes may be reduced below the district minimum standard when a density bonus is granted to the AHD and it is demonstrated that the development will be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood in terms of scale and character.

c.

Setback requirements may be reduced when it is demonstrated that the development will be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood in terms of scale and building character.

d.

On-site parking requirements may be reduced to match the projected parking demand for the development. The applicant shall demonstrate through a technical memorandum or similar analysis that a reduction will not cause an adverse impact to the surrounding neighborhoods.

e.

An expedited review process may be allowed for affordable housing developments. The county administrator or designee may allow for an expedited review process; however, all public notice requirements shall be applicable. At the applicant's request, the project site plan review process may occur concurrently to any required Type 2 review.

f.

Review fees may be waived for affordable housing developments. The county administrator is authorized to waive all review fees for affordable housing units, except where "bond covenants" (i.e., on water, sewer connection fees) or other legal constrains prevent such waiving.

g.

Zero lot line configuration will be permitted in all single-family residential districts as follows:

1.

Zero lot line configuration when not located on the periphery of the AHD may be permitted provided no setback is required on one side of the lot and the setback on the opposite side is double on one side of the lot and the setback on the opposite side is double the normal requirement of the district in which the AHD is located.

2.

Zero lot line configuration proposed on the periphery of an AHD where located in a single-family residential district may be permitted as a special exception pursuant to article II division 7 of this chapter.

h.

Street design. Modification in street layout and design may be permitted subject to site constraints, type and intensity of development and compatibility with surrounding development. The county administrator or his designee may recommend such modifications as deemed appropriate to achieve the intent of this section. However, such recommendation will be in keeping with standard, safe engineering practice and construction standards generally shall not be modified.

i.

Donation of publicly owned land. County Ordinance 88-47 currently permits donations of escheated property to nonprofit organizations. Using state or federal housing funds, the county may also make deferred payments or low-interest loans to both nonprofits and for-profits for the purchase of property when the use meets the requirements of the funding source.

j.

Identifying qualified buyers or renters. Existing sources will be identified and made available to AHDs to provide assistance in locating a qualified pool of eligible home buyers and renters for the affordable units. The community development planning department will make this information available.

k.

Non-conforming mobile home parks may be redeveloped as affordable housing, subject to a Type 2 review, in accordance with section 38-100.

(3)

Procedure for obtaining approval of affordable housing developments.

a.

The planning department shall determine if the proposed affordable housing development meets the definitional criteria of affordable housing. Such criteria shall be contained in a manual prepared by the planning department and adopted by resolution of the board of county commissioners.

b.

The planning department will assist the applicant in seeking fee waiver, subsidies, expedited plan review, and other incentives available to promote the construction of affordable housing if:

1.

The planning department determines that the AHD proposal meets these criteria; and

2.

The applicant is not requesting a density bonus and/or development standard flexibility.

c.

Where the planning department finds that the AHD proposal meets the definitional criteria AND the applicant seeks a density bonus and/or development standard flexibility, refer to article II, Table 138-77—Review Type and Approval, of this chapter for the appropriate approval process.

(Ord. No. 18-36 , § 3(Att. B), 10-23-18)