Palm Beach County initiates review to expand farmworker housing in Ag Reserve up to 3%

County staff asked the board to authorize initiation of a comprehensive-plan amendment to explore opportunities to expand farmworker housing options in the Ag Reserve tier. The request stems from recommendations from Cooperative Extension and the Ag Enhancement Council.

Richard Bowman, a local farmer, urged the board to consider raising the statute's 1.5% allowance to 3% for certain parcels, arguing that many local farms are on small tracks where the current limit is insufficient. "My request is as we go through this process, we consider making that, 3%, which is only 7,100 and change square feet of housing on a 5 acre tract," Bowman said.

Commissioners discussed statutory constraints, development-rights interactions (TDRs), distinctions between different farm-residence categories and operational details for H-2A or seasonal barrack-style housing. Staff and Cooperative Extension representatives outlined that state law allows up to 1.5% on ag-class parcels and said the initiation will include reviewing whether that limit and TDR rules should be modified for Ag Reserve circumstances.

Commissioner Sachs moved to initiate the comprehensive-plan amendment allowing up to 3% and to direct staff to evaluate related TDR and programmatic issues; Commissioner Weiss seconded the motion and the board approved 7-0.

Staff noted statutory safeguards in the state framework (including revocation/removal requirements if farmworker housing ceases to operate) and said they will coordinate stakeholders and report back with draft language.

Action: Motion to initiate a comprehensive-plan amendment to study farmworker housing options in the Ag Reserve, including consideration of up to 3% allowances and TDR exemptions (mover: Commissioner Sachs; second: Commissioner Weiss). Outcome: carried 7-0.