New Florida law gives St. Petersburg less say on affordable housing
New Florida law gives St. Petersburg less say on affordable housing Tampa Bay Times
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St. Petersburg City Council Addresses Housing Affordability Crisis
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Introduction
The St. Petersburg City Council has taken several steps to address the housing affordability crisis. However, new state laws have forced the council to undo some rules on housing and development. These laws aim to streamline the creation of affordable housing by removing local discretion and public input.
Repealing Tenant’s Bill of Rights
Last week, the council voted to begin the process of repealing its tenant’s bill of rights, which previously prohibited landlords from discriminating against tenants’ source of income and provided other protections. However, the state has preempted the council from doing so.
Loss of Local Control
City staff informed council members that they no longer have a say in the zoning, density, and height of certain developments with affordable housing. This loss of local control is frustrating for council members who believe that sensible regulations are necessary for the city.
The Live Local Act
The Live Local Act provides $811 million for affordable housing programs throughout the state, including $150 million in recurring funds. However, it also preempts local governments from enacting rent controls and allows developers to build affordable housing to the maximum height and density under specific zoning without local discretion.
Increased Density and Height
Under the new law, any affordable housing project with at least 40% of its units dedicated to families making 120% of the area median income can build up to the highest density allowed in commercial, mixed-use, or industrial zoned areas. They can also build to the maximum height allowed for the area.
Impact on Public Input
Projects like Beacon 930, Urban Landings, The Madison, The Salvador, and 745 Del Mar Terrace can now be approved without a public hearing or a City Council vote. Only administrative approval is needed. This reduces the opportunity for public input and involvement in the decision-making process.
Lower Threshold for Affordable Housing
The state law’s threshold for affordable housing is lower than what the city currently has on its books. The city’s rules require 30% of units to be affordable, with half of those units reserved for families making up to 80% of the area median income. The new law allows for a higher percentage of units and a higher income threshold.
Restrictions on Affordable Housing in Residential Areas
The new law also prohibits the city from approving affordable housing in residential areas. This restriction would have prevented an affordable housing project at Palm Lake Christian Church, which faced opposition from residents.
Remaining Areas of Control
The city still has control over providing setbacks and parking, stormwater systems, trees, and signage. However, the requirement for five public hearings to increase density in flood-prone areas is likely overruled.
Concerns from Council Members
Council members expressed concerns about the loss of control and the potential impact on their districts. Council Chairperson Brandi Gabbard’s district, located near the Gandy Bridge, is particularly flood-prone. They believe that the city has done significant work to protect the city and provide housing responsibly, and they question the extent to which these new laws will improve the housing stock.
Inventory of City-Owned Surplus Land
Cities are now required to inventory city-owned surplus land by October 1 to identify properties that can be made available for affordable housing.
Impact on Redevelopment in Hurricane-Affected Areas
St. Petersburg has also been affected by a law meant to encourage redevelopment in areas hit by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. This law prevents cities within 100 miles of those affected areas from adopting more restrictive or burdensome amendments to their comprehensive plans or land development regulations.
Conclusion
The new state laws have significantly impacted the city’s ability to regulate affordable housing and development. While some control remains in certain areas, the loss of local discretion and public input raises concerns among council members. The city will need to navigate these new laws while continuing to address the housing affordability crisis and work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article discusses the housing affordability crisis and the impact of new state laws on housing and development regulations. These issues are directly connected to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities. Additionally, the article mentions the removal of protections against discrimination based on source of income, which relates to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
- SDG 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are related to ensuring access to affordable housing (SDG 11.1), promoting equal rights to economic resources and access to basic services (SDG 1.4), and promoting social, economic, and political inclusion (SDG 10.2).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Percentage of affordable housing units in the city
- Percentage of units dedicated to families making a certain percentage of the area median income
- Number of public hearings required for increasing density in flood-prone areas
- Inventory of city-owned surplus land for affordable housing
The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include the percentage of affordable housing units in the city, the percentage of units dedicated to families making a certain percentage of the area median income, the number of public hearings required for increasing density in flood-prone areas, and the inventory of city-owned surplus land for affordable housing.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | – Percentage of affordable housing units in the city – Percentage of units dedicated to families making a certain percentage of the area median income – Number of public hearings required for increasing density in flood-prone areas |
| SDG 1: No Poverty | 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property. | – Percentage of affordable housing units in the city – Percentage of units dedicated to families making a certain percentage of the area median income |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | – Percentage of affordable housing units in the city – Percentage of units dedicated to families making a certain percentage of the area median income |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: tampabay.com
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