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Commission adopts Local Housing Assistance Plan to align SHIP funding with regional counties
Summary
The commission approved the three‑year Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) required under the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program, increasing certain owner‑occupied rehabilitation and down‑payment maxima and aligning Deltona's policies with neighboring counties to improve eligibility and program flexibility.
The City Commission adopted a three‑year Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) Monday that will govern how the city uses State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funds for fiscal years 2025–26 through 2027–28. The plan aligns Deltona’s program with recent LHAPs from Volusia and Seminole counties and expands award limits for several programs to reflect higher construction costs.
Key elements - Strategy A (homebuyer assistance): The LHAP raises the maximum down‑payment assistance to the state maximum of $60,000 (with up to $20,000 of that amount allowed for eligible rehabilitation prior to closing when necessary). Staff said the change aligns the city with surrounding counties and responds to higher housing prices and construction costs. - Strategy B (minor home repairs): The plan broadens eligibility and scope for emergency and minor home‑repair grants. Previously limited roof grants for elderly homeowners are expanded to allow roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and accessibility repairs for households up to moderate income levels regardless of age. Minor‑repair applicants may now receive grants again after a five‑year interval; owner‑occupied rehabilitation has no waiting period. - Acquisition/new construction: The LHAP includes a strategy to use SHIP funds (up to $200,000 of state funds) toward a community land trust (CLT) or similar acquisition and new‑construction initiatives, modeled on Seminole County’s CLT program.
Why staff changed the plan Community Development staff said construction costs and tariffs have increased materially, and that prior award limits left homeowners unable to make required repairs. Staff also changed an unwritten “one‑trip” rule so eligible homeowners can receive certain minor repairs more than once over time, consistent with neighboring counties’ policies.
Adoption The commission voted 5–2 to adopt the plan; staff said the plan will be submitted to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation for review and final approval per state rules. Once approved, the city may execute required documents and begin executing the programs described in the LHAP.
