Affordable Housing Density Bonus
The city’s affordable housing density bonus and other zoning incentives are set forth in CDC Section 3-920. Mixed-income projects containing between 15% and 25% affordable housing units are eligible for a 25% to 50% bonus (see table in the Code). Projects with a higher percentage of units dedicated for affordable housing may receive a 20% density bonus.
Additional Legislative Incentives for Affordable Housing (HB 1339 & SB 962)
Section 166.04151(6), F.S., allows a local government to approve any residential or mixed-use residential development on any parcel zoned for commercial or industrial use as long as 10% of the housing units are set aside for affordable housing, regardless of any zoning or other regulations that are in place.
Affordable housing projects in the Commercial (C) or Industrial, Research & Technology (IRT) Districts may be permitted as Comprehensive Infill Redevelopment (or Comp Infill) Projects. Projects must meet the applicable Comp Infill criteria which address a myriad of items including, but not limited to, consistency with the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Code; not impeding the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding properties; and compliance with one or more stated objectives including the provision of affordable housing.
Comp Infill projects are Level Two Flexible Development (FLD) applications. Level Two applications require review by the DRC, which makes a recommendation regarding project approval. The authority for approval or denial is granted by the Code to the city’s Community Development Board. Although this means that a public hearing is required, a future land use change and rezoning are not also required.