St. Pete Standard

The St. Petersburg City Council has approved a series of measures to aid local homeowners, promote affordable housing, and support recovery from recent hurricanes.

In a meeting held on December 10, 2024, the council voted to enhance support for homeowners affected by hurricane damage through revisions to the Codes Compliance Assistance Program. The program will now offer eligible homeowners up to $10,000 in repair funds, an increase from the previous $7,500 limit. Additionally, the income eligibility threshold has been raised from 100% to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). These changes are intended to expand recovery efforts and provide financial relief for property owners dealing with code violations and storm-related repairs.

Addressing challenges in the local housing market, the council also approved a resolution to streamline what was formerly known as the Foreclosure Lot Disposition Policy. Now called the Affordable Lot Disposition Program, it aims to encourage affordable housing development through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process for developers and other modifications. Changes include eliminating the Foreclosure Properties Committee, allowing multi-unit construction in eligible zoning districts, and extending the restrictive covenant period for neighborhood stabilization to ten years.

Furthermore, an amendment was approved regarding Citrus Grove Apartments—a significant affordable housing complex—to facilitate its transfer from Foundation for Affordable Housing Citrus Grove LLC to Citrus Grove Preservation Ltd., which will continue operations and rehabilitation efforts at this 84-unit complex serving low-income households.

To expedite recovery from hurricanes Helene and Milton, amendments were made to the Rapid Roof Replacement Program under the Affordable Single-Family Homeownership Program. These amendments enable properties impacted by recent storms to qualify for roof repairs or replacements via zero-interest forgivable loans offered to eligible residents in South St. Petersburg.

These initiatives align with Mayor Kenneth T. Welch's "Housing Opportunities for All Pillar" strategy and demonstrate St. Petersburg's ongoing commitment toward affordable housing development and community revitalization.