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Commission backs Habitat for Humanity rezoning to allow mixed housing types on 7.79 acres
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a rezoning request by Indian River County Habitat for Humanity to change roughly 7.79 acres from RS6/RMH8 to RM6 to permit a mix of single‑family, duplex and small multifamily units supportive of affordable housing objectives; staff said density would not increase under the change.
The Indian River County Planning and Zoning Commission on April 9 recommended that the Board of County Commissioners approve a rezoning requested by Indian River County Habitat for Humanity to convert about 7.79 acres from split RS6/RMH8 zoning to RM6 (multifamily residential).
Staff explained the request aligns with the site’s M2 future land use designation and that the rezoning would eliminate split zoning while not increasing the numeric density permitted on the property (RM6 allows up to six dwelling units per acre, consistent with RS6 standards). Staff concluded the rezoning meets county comprehensive plan policies and development‑regulation criteria and recommended approval.
Trevor Lumis, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Indian River County, told the commission Habitat intends a mix of smaller single‑family units, duplexes and limited small multifamily configurations to increase attainable housing stock in the county. He said construction costs have risen dramatically—he referenced roughly a 103% increase in per‑unit construction costs over the past four years—and that smaller footprints and different product types are tactics Habitat is pursuing to bring down per‑unit costs.
No members of the public spoke during the hearing. A motion to recommend approval of the rezoning carried, recorded with one commissioner opposed. The recommendation will be transmitted to the Board of County Commissioners for final action.
