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Committee reviews residential density bonuses and donor‑transfer mechanism; asks staff for usage data
Summary
Committee members reviewed how Pensacola’s density bonuses work — including donor‑transfer mechanics that shift unit locations while keeping total unit counts unchanged — and were told affordable‑housing bonuses are capped at 25%; staff will report back on recent use of bonuses.
At the June 2 meeting the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee discussed residential density bonuses in the city’s land development code, including the donor‑transfer mechanism and the percentage caps on affordable‑housing bonuses.
The Chair explained the donor‑transfer approach with a waterfront/inland example: donating a share of development capacity from one parcel to another can concentrate units in a preferred location while preserving open space inland. "In the end, you have the same number of homes," the Chair said, noting the transfer changes location rather than increasing overall unit counts.
On affordable‑housing incentives, the Chair read a code provision: "density bonuses for the provision of affordable housing shall not exceed 25% in the limit otherwise established." Members discussed that other bonus types (open‑space, environmental transfers) have different caps and that transfers can get up to 50% in some circumstances, but that affordable‑housing bonuses are explicitly limited to 25%.
Members asked how often developers use density bonuses in Pensacola and whether the committee should recommend changes. The Chair requested that Tracy Pickens provide permitting and use data (for example, recent five‑year activity) so the committee can better assess whether the current bonus structure advances affordable‑housing goals.
The committee did not take formal action on code changes at the meeting; discussion concluded with a direction for staff to return with usage data to inform future recommendations.
