Pinellas County unveils housing regulatory toolkit to boost affordable housing efforts

The Forward Pinellas Board convened on June 9, 2025, to discuss significant developments in housing policy, particularly the introduction of a new Housing Regulatory Toolkit aimed at enhancing affordable housing across Pinellas County. Linda Fisher presented the toolkit, which has been a year in the making, following the signing of the Advantage Pinellas Housing Compact three years ago. This compact, involving Forward Pinellas, Pinellas County, and seven municipalities, aims to coordinate housing affordability efforts throughout the region.

Fisher explained that the toolkit serves as a comprehensive resource for local governments, providing model policies and strategies to streamline the development of affordable housing. It addresses the challenges developers face due to varying codes across municipalities, aiming to create a more uniform regulatory environment. The toolkit was developed with input from local government staff and the Pritchett Steinbeck group, which specializes in affordable housing.

The presentation highlighted the pressing need for affordable housing in Pinellas County, citing a demand for over 3,300 new housing units annually, with a significant portion required for low- to moderate-income households. Currently, the county produces just over 2,700 units per year, predominantly at market rates, exacerbating the affordability crisis. Fisher noted that many residents are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing, with nearly 60% of renters affected.

The toolkit includes model development standards, a menu of incentives for affordable housing, and recommendations for overcoming barriers to housing development. It also addresses various housing types, including missing middle housing and accessory dwelling units, which can provide more affordable options.

During the meeting, Council Member Gabbard raised concerns about the implications of density bonuses in coastal high hazard areas, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach with county partners to address these challenges. Fisher acknowledged the importance of ongoing discussions about housing strategies, particularly in light of recent hurricane experiences, and mentioned plans for a housing summit next year to further explore these issues.

The board ultimately sought approval for the Housing Regulatory Toolkit, with plans to engage local governments in discussions about its implementation. The toolkit represents a proactive step towards addressing the housing affordability crisis in Pinellas County, with the potential for significant impact on local communities.