§ 62-6307. Workforce housing incentives.

To meet the needs of county residents for workforce housing as defined in the Code, the following incentives are provided:

(1)

Density bonus for workforce housing. Developments located within any residential or commercial zoning or future land use category, with a density of six units per acre or greater, and with at least 30 percent of units designated as workforce housing are eligible to apply for a 15 percent density bonus, consistent with the criteria in the county comprehensive plan, provided the overall residential development density does not exceed the density in the next highest residential future land use designation.

An application for a density bonus, that does not otherwise require a rezoning or amendment to the comprehensive plan, shall be submitted and evaluated in the same manner as an amendment to the official zoning map, pursuant to the process set forth in section 62-1151. In evaluating the density bonus request, the board shall consider the density and intensity of surrounding land uses and compatibility with neighboring uses in determining the maximum density to allow. A density bonus may be less than the highest density bonus amount permitted by the comprehensive plan and future land use designations.

Developments located in unincorporated Brevard County within any coastal hazard area defined by the comprehensive plan, or on any of the barrier islands, are not eligible for a density bonus under this section.

(Example: 20 units × 1.15 = 23 units. 23 units × .30 = 7 units required as workforce housing.)

(2)

Workforce density bonus use on site. Density bonuses may be considered only within the development site creating the bonus units.

(3)

Zoning requirements and review criteria for workforce developments exceeding established future land use density. In order to realize additional residential units from a density bonus, up to 15 percent over the maximum density allowed in the future land use categories that allow the use of a density bonus, rezoning to a planned unit development (PUD) or residential planned unit development (RPUD) zoning classification shall be required. In evaluating the rezoning request and proposed development location, the board shall consider the density and intensity of surrounding land uses and compatibility with neighboring uses in determining the maximum density to allow. This density may be below the highest density bonus amount permitted by the comprehensive plan and future land use designations. Developments located in unincorporated Brevard County within any coastal hazard area defined by the comprehensive plan, or on any of the barrier islands, are not eligible for a density bonus under this section.

In addition to the existing review criteria for PUD and RPUD zoning change applications the following location criteria apply. The areas of rezoning and development should be located in areas serviced by existing transportation and utilities infrastructure, and located near other public facilities, services, employment centers, shopping, active mass transit corridors, day care centers, schools, and health services. A location evaluation matrix and needs analysis form, authorized by the BOCC as a part of these regulations, shall be completed and submitted to determine consistency with the location criteria. Developments scoring at or above the minimum 66th percentile will be eligible to receive a density bonus. A complete application will include the location evaluation matrix and needs analysis forms that meet the minimum scoring requirement at or above the 66th percentile.

In determining the appropriateness of a rezoning the board of county commissioners shall consider all factors associated with the review of a PUD or RPUD development pursuant to this Code. The board of county commissioners shall also consider the impact of the proposed project on the transportation level of service.

(4)

Permit review and recording fee refunds. All developments with workforce housing units shall be eligible for refunds of county review and agreement filing fees (e.g. planning, building, engineering), from funds administered by the county department of housing and human services, as permitted by law, contingent on availability of funds. Developments with workforce units will be eligible to request a refund of review and recording fees only on the units designated as workforce. This does not include impact fees, facility investment fees, connection fees or similar fees.

(5)

Workforce housing agreement. The applicant shall enter into a land use and deed restriction affordability agreement with the county. The agreement shall provide the number and designation level of workforce units, and period of time as workforce housing, and any other requirements in order to receive housing trust fund monies or units consistent with the written policies and procedures established by the board of county commissioners. A land trust may be used as a mechanism to retain units as workforce.

(6)

Affordable/workforce housing team. Developments in which 15 percent or more of the entire project is workforce housing can receive the assistance of the county's affordable/workforce housing team. The team will provide technical assistance to facilitate the movement of the development through the necessary permitting procedures. Contact with the affordable/workforce housing team shall be made through the affordable/workforce housing coordinator.

Priority use of the team resources will be given to projects with affordable units, and a greater period of time that units will remain affordable. Subsequent priority will be given to developments that have workforce, or a combination of affordable and workforce units. A higher percentage of units mean a higher priority.

(Ord. No. 07-18, § 9, 5-3-07)