Title:
title
Approve the Affordable Housing Incentive Report for the 2023-2024 Program Year as presented and authorize staff to submit the report to the Florida Housing Coalition. Countywide (Allison Thall - Community Services Director)
end
Division:
division
Community Services - Community Development
body
Authorized By:
Allison Thall, Community Services Director
Contact/Phone Number:
Tadine Diaz/407-665-2362
Background:
In accordance with Florida Statute 420.9076, Seminole County Community Development Division staff and the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) are charged with preparing the annual Affordable Housing Incentives Report, which provides a list of incentives and recommendations to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and local governing board that can be used to foster increased development of affordable housing throughout Seminole County.
On May 24, 2022, the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners approved and adopted the 2022-2025 Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP). The LHAP included the following affordable housing incentives to be achieved during the plan period:
1. Expedited Permitting (Required Incentive)
2. Ongoing Review of Policies, Procedures, Ordinances, and Regulations (Required)
3. Impact Fee Waivers or modifications
Additionally, the Board of County Commissioners approved the Attainable Housing Strategic Plan that recommends specific action steps to incentivize affordable and attainable housing development. During program year 2023-2024, Seminole County Community Services staff has continued to implement the recommended strategies identified the Attainable Housing Strategic Plan. These strategies include:
• Establish incentive program to reduce or subsidize impact fees, provide tax incentives, expedited permitting
• Leverage County Development Rights
• Preserve existing units
• Pilot Projects: Construction Loans and Purchase Assistance Programs
• Fund the Affordable Housing Trust Fund
.
During the November 7, 2024, Public Hearing of the Incentive Report, the AHAC reviewed and discussed the County’s progress with implementing the current incentive strategies. The report noted the diligent efforts of the Community Development and Development Services staff to implement strategies that encourage the production and preservation of affordable housing. Specifically, with the use of the Attainable Housing Checklist, the Attainable Housing team developed what it hopes will become an institutionalized, county-wide pre-application review process to confirm and certify affordable housing projects seeking any form of local subsidy. The Affordable Housing Program Manager will act as the liaison between the Developer and Development Services throughout the planning and permitting process, in an effort to resolve issues that may delay permit issuance.
The report also discusses the affordable housing production (housing development on donated surplus land) and preservation other activities conducted during the program year that received incentives (expedited permitting, waived or reduced impact fees). In addition, the report identifies future opportunities to incentivize affordable housing development through Missing Middle Housing and Mixed-Use Corridor District zoning.
The AHAC voted to approve the report as presented and to submit the report to the BCC for adoption, as well as to the Florida Housing Coalition as required by Florida Statute.
Requested Action:
Staff requests the Board approve the 2023-2024 Affordable Housing Incentive Report as presented and authorize staff to submit the report to the Florida Housing Coalition.