Details

Title	Code of Ordinances and Unified Land Development Regulations, City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Highlights	Fort Lauderdale recognizes that the amount of time it takes to process development applications affects the cost of producing affordable housing.   Fort Lauderdale provides expedited processing for affordable housing development applications.                       Fort Lauderdale recognizes that development fees increase the cost of producing affordable housing.   Fort Lauderdale provides funding to reimburse affordable housing developers for a portion of the required development fees.                       Fort Lauderdale recognizes that property tax liability has an impact on housing affordability for low- and moderate-income households.   Fort Lauderdale provides for an additional homestead exemption for elderly taxpayers whose income does not exceed a certain threshold.                       Fort Lauderdale implicitly recognizes that the development code does not provide sufficient flexibility to encourage development of affordable housing.   Fort Lauderdale’s zoning code allows density bonuses, accessory dwelling units, home occupations and streamlined processing to encourage the development of affordable housing.
Description	The City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida’s Code of Ordinances contains a number of provisions that impact the development and maintenance of affordable housing. The code provides for expedited review of affordable housing proposals, residential density bonuses, accessory housing and home occupations. The code also provides for additional homestead property tax exemptions. Section 9-340 provides certain benefits to those who propose to develop affordable housing in the City. The code defines such housing as affordable to those earning 80 percent of the median area income and paying no more than 30 percent of their income for housing. The code also provides that the income of occupants of affordable housing may increase to but not exceed 140 percent of 80 percent of the median income while still remaining eligible for the housing. Units constructed under these provisions can be for sale or rent. For these projects, the City will provide an expedited review process that includes: identification of appropriate zoning regulations, oversight of the development process, referral to other local jurisdictions, assistance with completing the development application, and identification of resources. In addition, the City will set aside a certain amount of funding to offset a portion of the development fees incurred in connection with the development of this type housing. (Section 9-341) The City zoning code provides a number of features that increase housing affordability. Fort Lauderdale allows density bonuses in certain areas of the city, referred to as flexibility zones. In these zones, developers may request increased densities for affordable housing units, subject to certain conditions. (Section 47-28) The City will also increase the number of sleeping rooms allowed in special residential housing, group homes, and foster care facilities. Fort Lauderdale also permits accessory units in certain residential zones. The City places restriction on the maximum size of the dwelling and limits the number of bedrooms in the unit. The City also prescribes minimum sizes for lots that will contain an accessory unit. (Section 47-19) Section 47-19.7 allows certain home occupations. The home occupation must be subordinate to the residential use of the dwelling and must meet several other criteria. The city also provides an additional homestead exemption of $25,000 for those aged sixty-five and over whose income does not exceed $20,000. Those claiming the exemption must apply to the Broward County Property Appraiser each year. (Section 15-135) This site was accessed in April 2003.
Publication Date	2003
Organization	City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Web Location	http://www.municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?pid=10787&sid=9

Notice: The contents of this record reflect the views of the author and/or promulgating municipality, and should not be construed as representing the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or U.S. HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research. No attempt has been made by U.S. HUD or its contractors to verify the accuracy, currency, or validity of the record contents presented herein.