County relaxes rule for affordable projects

The Sarasota County Commission is taking steps to make it easier for developers to build affordable housing projects.

In January, the board approved a change to regulations that will allow one parking space for dwelling units with 900 square feet or less. Currently, multifamily residences must be accompanied by one-and-a-half or two parking spaces, regardless size.

Sarasota County Director of Planning Services Matt Osterhoudt said the reduced parking spot requirements sets a minimum, and developers can build more if they want.

“The intent is to provide flexibility,” he said.

The commission voted unanimously in favor of the change, which will be incorporated in the county’s new Unified Development Code, to be completed in the next year.

“We’ve set affordable housing as a priority for a number of years, but what can government do?”

This change is one of three to the county’s regulations the commission hopes will drive more developers to build affordable housing in the area.

Coming up, the commission will make a decision about identifying dwellings that are less than 900 square feet as half a dwelling unit, which will allow developers to fit more on a property without changing the zoning. A time has not been scheduled for the commission to discuss this. 

Commissioners will also consider reducing one-time utility and mobility fees associated with the developments by half — making it cheaper for developers to build these properties. A mobility fee is charged on a new development to pay for offsite transportation improvements.

The mobility fees reduction will be on the commission’s March 13 consent agenda. Staff is working on a study of the utility fees, which will be completed by the end of the fiscal year.

Affordable housing was identified by the commission as its number one priority in the coming year, and commissioners consistently urge staff to move quicker.

“We’ve set affordable housing as a priority for a number of years, but what can government do?” Commissioner Charles Hines said. “We can change words and regulations, which we just did … We can give money to a housing trust that’s being considered, but we’ve struggled with our budgets ... The third option is if we have land, we could potentially donate the land to assist a private developer to develop affordable housing.”

In addition to the regulatory changes on the horizon, Hines recently presented a resolution to an ongoing dispute between the city of Sarasota and the county that would involve the county donating a 115-acre parcel of land in north Sarasota County to be developed into affordable housing.