Florida Construction News staff writer
The St. Petersburg City Council has approved several resolutions aimed at enhancing affordable housing projects and improving recovery from recent storm damage.
Revised foreclosure lot disposition policy
The City of St. Petersburg’s Affordable Lot Disposition Program connects qualified developers to vacant lots acquired by the City through foreclosure. The lots are provided at a nominal amount, with no up-front cost, on one condition: the developer constructs and sells the property to a qualified buyer whose income meets affordable housing standards notated by the City (at or below 120% AMI).
In response to challenges in the local housing market, Council approved a resolution to streamline the Foreclosure Lot Disposition Policy, now renamed the Affordable Lot Disposition Program.
The new policy, designed to support affordable housing development, includes the introduction of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process to qualify developers and modifications to improve the efficiency of the program. Notable changes include the elimination of the Foreclosure Properties Committee, the allowance for multi-unit construction in eligible zoning districts, and an extension of the restrictive covenant period to 10 years for neighborhood stabilization. More information about the Affordable Lot Disposition Program can be found at stpete.org/LotDisposition.
Citrus Grove Apartments amendment
The City Council also approved the First Amendment to the Declaration of Restrictions for Citrus Grove Apartments, a key affordable housing complex. This amendment facilitates the transfer of the property from Foundation for Affordable Housing Citrus Grove LLC to Citrus Grove Preservation, Ltd., which will continue to operate and further rehabilitate the apartments. The 84-unit complex serves low-income households and is a critical part of revitalizing South St. Petersburg. More information about affordable housing efforts in St. Pete can be found at stpete.org/AffordableHousing.
Expanded Codes Compliance Assistance Program
City Council voted to increase support for homeowners affected by hurricane damage by revising the Codes Compliance Assistance Program. Originally approved in August 2024, the program will now assist eligible homeowners with up to $10,000 in repair funds, an increase from the previous $7,500 cap. Also, the income eligibility threshold has been raised from 100% to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) to better accommodate households impacted by the recent hurricanes.
Rapid Roof Replacement Program amendments
In an effort to accelerate recovery from hurricanes Helene and Milton, City Council approved amendments to the Rapid Roof Replacement Program, a subprogram of the Affordable Single-Family Homeownership Program. The amendments allow properties impacted by recent storms to qualify for roof repairs and replacements. This initiative will offer zero-interest, forgivable loans to eligible residents in South St. Petersburg who require roof repairs due to storm damage, further aiding the City’s recovery and housing stabilization efforts. More information can be found at stpete.org/CRA-housing.
