SHIP - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee

City of Gainesville SHIP - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Meeting AGENDA Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 6:00 p.m. Location: Historic Thomas Center, Building B 306 NE 6th Avenue Gainesville, FL Jamie Bell, Aymee Ginard-Cepeda, Mary Lou Hildreth, Saeed Khan, Members: Michael Raburn, Reina Saco, Fred Schilffarth, Belinda Smith, Octavia Washington Alternate: Cynthia Chestnut If you have a disability and need an accommodation in order to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion at (352) 334-5051 at least two business days in advance. TTY (Text Telephone Telecommunication Device) users please call 711 (Florida Relay Service). For Speech to Speech (STS) relay, please call 1-877-955-5334. For STS Spanish relay, please call 1- 877-955-8773. For STS French Creole relay, please call 1-877-955-8707.  Pages A. CALL TO ORDER Agenda Statement: The City of Gainesville encourages civil public speech. Disruptive behavior is not permitted during City Commission and Advisory Board meetings. Please do not bring food, drinks, props, signs, posters, or similar materials into the meeting room. B. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA C. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES D. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS 2023-835 Discussion of the Incentives and Recommendations Report (B) 3 Department: Housing & Community Development Description: The AHAC should review the backup provided and discuss the 2023 Incentives and Recommendations Report, focusing primarily on which recommendations should be changed or removed; and new recommendations that should be added. Fiscal Note: In Fiscal Year 2023-24, the SHIP Program will contribute $1,669,046.00 to City affordable housing programs. Recommendation: The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Review the information provided and take appropriate action. E. PUBLIC COMMENT F. MEMBER COMMENT G. NEXT MEETING DATE - October 10, 2023 H. ADJOURNMENT Page 2 of 50  City of Gainesville Agenda Item Report File Number: 2023-835 Agenda Date: September 12, 2023 Department: Housing & Community Development Title: 2023-835 Discussion of the Incentives and Recommendations Report (B) Department: Housing & Community Development Description: The AHAC should review the backup provided and discuss the 2023 Incentives and Recommendations Report, focusing primarily on which recommendations should be changed or removed; and new recommendations that should be added. Fiscal Note: In Fiscal Year 2023-24, the SHIP Program will contribute $1,669,046.00 to City affordable housing programs. Explanation: Section 402.9072 of the Florida Statutes provides that qualifying local governments (Cities and Counties) can participate in the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program and receive SHIP Program funds for affordable housing activities. Those activities include Down Payment Assistance, Homeowner Repair, Home Replacement, Mortgage Foreclosure Intervention, Home Buyer Training, Home Ownership Training, and others. To be eligible for SHIP Funds, the State requires local governments to take several steps, including appointing an Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC). Section 420.9076(4) of the Florida Statutes requires the AHAC to produce an annual Incentives and Recommendations Report (IRR) which reviews all local government plans, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations which impact affordable housing. The statute specifically requires the AHAC to review 11 listed types of strategies (incentives and regulations), plus any other affordable housing incentives identified by the committee. Page 3 of 50 Strategic Connection: ☐ Goal 1: Equitable Community ☐ Goal 2: More Sustainable Community ☒ Goal 3: A Great Place to Live and Experience ☐ Goal 4: Resilient Local Economy ☐ Goal 5: “Best in Class” Neighbor Services Recommendation: The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Review the information provided and take appropriate action. Page 4 of 50  2023-835A City of a1nes 2022 Incentives and Recommendations Report Developed by the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee For the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program September 13, 2022 Legislative File #220388 Page 5 of 50 Page 6 of 50 Page 7 of 50 Page 8 of 50 Page 9 of 50 Page 10 of 50 Page 11 of 50 Page 12 of 50 Page 13 of 50 Page 14 of 50 Page 15 of 50 Page 16 of 50 Page 17 of 50 Page 18 of 50 Page 19 of 50 Page 20 of 50 Page 21 of 50 Page 22 of 50 Page 23 of 50 Page 24 of 50  2023-835B State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) 2023 Page 25 of 50 IRR Discussion Page 26 of 50  IRR Overview • In order to receive SHIP funds, the State requires the AHAC to develop an IRR and present it to the City Commission • A review of local regulations, incentives, policies, procedures, and fees that impact the cost of housing • Focuses primarily on the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations • Can also include other recommendations that the AHAC feels would increase access to affordable housing Page 27 of 50 IRR Overview • AHAC must review 11 regulations/incentives (strategies) that impact the provision of affordable housing – Identified in Ch. 420, Florida Statutes • Does the City provide these incentives for affordable housing? • Do City regulations unnecessarily increase housing costs? • AHAC may also recommend other strategies Page 28 of 50 Required to review 1. *Expediting processing of applications 2. *Requiring review of regulations & policies 3. Modifying impact fees 4. Allowing flexibility in densities 5. Reserving infrastructure capacity 6. Allowing accessory residential units 7. Reducing parking & setback requirements 8. Allowing flexible lot configurations (including zero lot line configurations) 9. Modifying street requirements 10. Inventory of locally owned land 11. Support housing developments near work, transportation & retail Page 29 of 50 1. Expedited Reviews* • Mandatory Incentive* • The processing of permits or development orders for affordable housing faster than other projects • Currently, the Department of Sustainable Development (Planning and Building) expedites reviews of affordable housing projects – They “move to the front of the line” • Recommendation: Continue Revise explanation Page 30 of 50 2. Review of Policies & Regulations* • Mandatory Incentive* No Change • The establishment of a process by which the City considers, before adoption: – policies, procedures, ordinances, regulations, or plan provisions that might increase the cost of housing • Currently, City has implemented on-going review • Recommendation: Continue Page 31 of 50 3.Modifying Impact Fees • Lowering/waiving fees for affordable housing • Paying fees from another source • Charged to new development to help fund infrastructure • Typically used for roads, parks, libraries, fire stations, police stations, utility plants & schools • Recommendation: Revise ConnectFree Resolution to clearly allow paying connection fees/charges for new affordable housing units Page 32 of 50 4. Flexible Density • The opportunity to increase the number of units/acre – May reduce the cost/unit • Sometimes related to height and mass • Part of Inclusionary/Exclusionary Zoning Study • City has declined or reversed most efforts to reduce Exclusionary Zoning • Inclusionary Zoning proposals are being reviewed; See AHAC recommendations Page 33 of 50 4. Flexible Density • Recommendation: Expand opportunities for density & height increases, ONLY if linked to the mandatory provision of affordable housing (See AHAC’s recommendations for IZ) Page 34 of 50 5. Reserving Infrastructure Capacity • For affordable housing No Change • Currently, City monitors infrastructure capacity and infrastructure use for all development • Currently, City plans ahead for anticipated need • Currently, City invests in transportation projects to enhance mobility options – Including road, bike, pedestrian and transit • Recommendation: Continue Page 35 of 50 6. Accessory Residential Units • Small dwelling on the same lot as a primary single-family unit • Either attached to, or detached from, the primary unit • Also known as: No Change – Mother-in-law apartments/suites – Garage Apartments – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Page 36 of 50 6. Accessory Residential Units • Ordinance amended on September 3, 2020 – Allows in all residential zoning districts – Up to 2 per lot • 1 attached and 1 detached No Change – Up to 850 square feet or 50% of primary structure – Must comply with zoning district standards • Including height and setbacks – Architectural design, character, style, and appearance must be consistent and compatible with the primary structure – May not be sold separately or as a condominium unless properly subdivided Page 37 of 50 6. Accessory Residential Units Revise Page 38 of 50 6. Accessory Residential Units • Since adoption ~42 applications received 23Co’d • Recommendation: – Continue monitoring number and location of applications – Develop “pre-approved” or “model” plan – Consider revolving loan fund No Change Page 39 of 50 7. Reduced Parking & Setback Requirements No Change • Parking Requirements means the # of parking spaces, not the design or configuration of the spaces • Setback Requirements means the distance from building to property boundary Page 40 of 50 7. Reduced Parking & Setback Requirements No Change • Currently, City allows reduced parking studies • Currently, City allows reduced parking for affordable housing • Currently, reduced setbacks require a variance for individual lots, or a Planned Development for a Subdivision – Provision of affordable housing is not a criteria • Recommendation: Allow reduced setbacks for subdivisions only with the provision of affordable housing Page 41 of 50  8. Flexible Lot Configurations • Including 0-lot line layout – Bldgs on property lines – More usable land – Not allowed w/out special approval • Currently, affordable housing isn’t a justification • Recommendation: Make providing affordable housing a justification for modifying subdivision requirements Page 42 of 50 No Change 9. Reduced Street Requirements No Change • Refers to the width and design of streets • Public roads are regulated by the State • Currently, standards are modest and some flexibility exists • Recommendation: Maintain current requirements Page 43 of 50  10. Public Land Inventory • Publicly owned land may be appropriate for affordable or other type of needed housing • Currently, City maintains an Inventory – Department of Sustainable Development • City makes surplus & escheated land available to both non-profit and for-profit affordable housing developers • Recommendation: Continue, expand (map other public lands & underutilized private land; put on the City’s website) Page 44 of 50  11. Land Use Mix • Are there opportunities (zoning) to facilitate affordable housing & higher residential densities – along major transportation corridors and bus routes? – near employment centers, retail, services, parks, etc.? • Department of Sustainable Development Interactive Map - City of Gainesville (arcgis.com) • Recommendation: Continue; possibly update language to match new Comprehensive Plan Page 45 of 50 Page 46 of 50 12. Other Possible Incentives/Initiatives • Anything else that AHAC thinks is a good idea • Potential discussion points – ?Employer assisted housing (grad students, Continuum)? – ?Community engagement and education? – ?Anti-displacement & Anti-gentrification? – Others? Page 47 of 50 Discussion Page 48 of 50  BRIEF PRIMER FOR AHAC IRR DISCUSSION 2023-835C Over time, AHAC has taken on many important duties that are consistent with its role, as envisioned by the City Commission and the AHAC members themselves. Nevertheless, AHAC members should note that developing and submitting the Incentives and Recommendation Report (IRR) is the only task that the State Statute requires AHAC to complete (F.S., 420.9076). Developing and submitting the IRR is required in order for the City to continue to receive State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program funds. These funds are used mostly for Owner-Occupied Home Repair, First Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance, and Homeowner and Home Buyer Education and Training. $1,378,145 in FY2022-23 $1,665,288 in FY2023-24 The IRR is a broad review of all of the City’s rules, regulations, plans, policies, procedures, and incentives impacting the cost of affordable housing. However, it focuses on the City’s Land Development Regulations and the City’s Comprehensive Plan. AHAC should consider: Do City regulations unnecessarily increase housing costs? Does the City provide these incentives, including the ones below, for affordable housing? Red text below indicates relevant information and/or the recommended AHAC action. At a minimum, AHAC must review the following 11 items (F.S., 420.9076(4)): 1) Expedited processing of approvals of development orders or development permits issued by the City for affordable housing projects, including without limitation, building permits, zoning permits, subdivision approvals, rezonings, certifications, special exceptions, variances, or any other official action of local government having the effect of permitting the development of land for affordable housing. Mandatory Implementation. Continue. Possible AHAC Discussion. 2) Modification of impact fee requirements, including reduction or waiver of fees and alternative methods of fee payment for affordable housing. Add brief discussion of revising ConnectFree Resolution to clearly allow paying connection fees/charges for new affordable housing units (for example: LGAO, SAIL, Habitat for Humanity, NHDC, and affordable ADUs). 3) Allowance of flexibility in densities for affordable housing. City has declined or reversed most efforts to reduce exclusionary zoning (The exception has been the September 3, 2020 expansion of allowances for ADUs.). Inclusionary zoning proposals are being reviewed. See AHACs inclusionary zoning recommendations. Consider minor edits. 4) Reservation of infrastructure capacity for housing for low- and very-low-income persons. Continue. No Change. 5) Allowance of affordable accessory residential units in residential zoning districts. Continue. No Change, except slight data update. 6) Reduction of parking and setback requirements for affordable housing. Continue. No Change. Page 1 of 2 Page 49 of 50  7) Allowance of flexible lot configurations, including zero lot line configurations, for affordable housing. Continue. No Change. 8) Modification of street requirements for affordable housing. Continue. No Change. 9) Establishment of a process by which the City considers the impact on the cost of housing before adoption of policies, procedures, ordinances, regulations or plan provisions. Mandatory Implementation. Continue. No Change. 10) Preparation of a printed inventory of locally owned public lands suitable for affordable housing. Continue. Expand by mapping other public and underutilized private land. Consider posting on the City website. 11) Support of affordable housing development near transportation hubs and major employment centers and mixed-use developments. Continue. Update discussion to match new Comprehensive Plan. AHAC may also recommend other strategies. Last year (2022), AHAC recommended the following “Other Strategies”. Employee Assisted Housing. Continue. No Change. Facilitate Home Repair. Revise or remove. The City already has a waiting list. Enhance Community Engagement and Education. Continue. No Change. Study Anti-Displacement and Anti-Gentrification Strategies. Continue. Update data. Page 2 of 2 Page 50 of 50