Notice is hereby given that the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) will hold a Public Hearing on the matter of proposed recommendations for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP). In accordance with F.S. 420.9076 (5), the City of Winter Haven Affordable Housing Advisory Committee will adopt its final evaluation and Housing Incentive Strategy recommendations at the date, time and location listed above. The committee will evaluate and recommend specific initiatives to encourage or facilitate the development of affordable housing in the City. All interested parties are invited to attend this Public Hearing to review and make comments on the proposed evaluation and recommendations. Below is a summary of the incentives:

(a) The processing of approvals of development orders or permits for affordable housing projects is expedited to a greater degree than other projects, as provided in s. 163.3177(6)(f)3.

(b) All allowable fee waivers provided for the development or construction of affordable housing.

(c) The allowance of flexibility in densities for affordable housing.

(d) The reservation of infrastructure capacity for housing for very-low-income persons, low-income persons, and moderate-income persons.

(e) Affordable accessory residential units.

(f) The reduction of parking and setback requirements for affordable housing.

(g) The allowance of flexible lot configurations, including zero-lot-line configurations for affordable housing.

(h) The modification of street requirements for affordable housing.

(i) The establishment of a process by which a local government considers, before adoption, policies, procedures, ordinances, regulations, or plan provisions that increase the cost of housing.

(j) The preparation of a printed inventory of locally owned public lands suitable for affordable housing.

(k) The support of development near transportation hubs and major employment centers and mixed-use developments.

This public hearing is for comments on the final report. The final evaluation and recommendations will be placed in a report provided to the City Commission and Florida Housing Finance Corporation no later than December 31, 2022. A copy of the final evaluation and Housing Incentive Strategy recommendations will be available for public review at City Hall in the Economic Opportunity & Community Investment Department. For more information, contact Deena Ware at 863-291-5600 or dnware@mywinterhaven.com.

If you are not fluent in English and need language interpreter assistance to participate in the proceeding, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at least four (4) days prior to the AHAC meeting.  In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26 of the Florida Statutes, persons with disabilities needing special accommodations to participate in this proceeding should contact the City Clerk at least 48 hours prior to the proceeding at (863) 291-5627 for assistance; if hearing impaired, telephone the Florida Relay Service Numbers (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or (800) 955-8770 (Voice) for assistance.