Vero Beach Council agrees to consider SB 1730 language in code updates to support workforce housing

The Vero Beach City Council on Jan. 13 directed staff to consider incorporating provisions of Florida’s SB 1730 into upcoming updates to the City's Comprehensive Plan, neighborhood policies and residential zoning code to facilitate affordable workforce housing options.

Mayor John Cotugno placed the matter on the agenda and distributed a handout on SB 1730. Planning Director Jason Jeffries told the Council that several churches within the city own sizeable parcels but many are located in single‑family zoning districts where conversions raise compatibility and conditional-use considerations. Council members discussed whether local ordinances are required for SB 1730 provisions to take effect; City Attorney John Turner said the bill includes provisions and that St. Petersburg had adopted an ordinance to encourage use of the law.

Councilmember John Carroll cited prior conversions on the Treasure Coast as examples of how church property has been repurposed for mixed uses including affordable housing. Councilmember Linda Moore voiced concern about potential religious‑preference issues but was generally supportive of any approach that preserves nondiscrimination.

Mayor Cotugno moved that revisions reflected in SB 1730 be considered and, where appropriate, be incorporated into the City’s code updates; the motion passed 5-0. Planning staff will include SB 1730 considerations as they finalize neighborhood policy updates and when they undertake residential zoning district revisions.

Next steps

Jason Jeffries said staff will factor SB 1730 provisions into Comprehensive Plan and zoning updates and coordinate with the Planning and Zoning Board on specific implementation and compatibility standards.