City plans height increase to boost affordable housing development

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a proposed change to local zoning regulations that would increase the maximum building height from five stories (65 feet) to eight stories (95 feet) under specific conditions. The proposal aims to facilitate the development of affordable housing by allowing developers to exceed the current height limit if their projects include affordable housing components.

Initially, there were concerns from staff regarding the height increase, leading to a suggestion to limit the height to six stories (75 feet) unless affordable housing was included. However, the revised proposal still maintains the potential for an eight-story structure if affordable housing is part of the development plan. This adjustment aligns with state statutory requirements encouraging the provision of affordable housing.

During the meeting, members of the planning and zoning board raised questions about the implications of this height increase on the \"live local\" initiative, which allows for commercial developments within a mile of certain districts to also benefit from the height allowances. The discussion highlighted that the primary areas affected by this change would be along the Sunrise Boulevard corridor and the Plantation Point development, which may also pursue live local applications.

The proposed changes reflect a broader strategy to incentivize developers to create affordable housing while navigating the complexities of local zoning laws and state requirements.