The County's maximum allowable density for residential development adopted in the Comprehensive Plan is provided through the High Residential, 12 units per acre (HR-12) future land use designation which allows a maximum density of 12 dwelling units per acre. All other applicable regulations (Federal, State, County, and Local Code) for multifamily developments are applicable, such as, but not limited to, adequate public facilities/concurrency, environmental review, property development regulations, and required site elements (parking, landscape buffers, drainage, recreation etc.)

What is the maximum height allowed through the Live Local Act?

The maximum allowable height for a project authorized under the Live Local Act is 35 feet.  The highest currently built height for a commercial or residential development in the County within one mile of the project development site (other than approved through variances) may apply for additional height; however, height increases over 35 feet require additional setback from property lines. Additional height restrictions may apply to properties located within an Airport Zone pursuant to Article 16.B.

What zoning districts are permitted to be used through the Live Local Act?

Commercial and industrial zoning districts may be proposed for projects through the Live Local Act, including Multiple Use Planned Developments with a Commercial or Industrial future land use designation, and commercial pods of Planned Unit Developments. Developments in non-residential zoning districts in the Agricultural Reserve Tier are subject to the applicable Preserve Area requirements of the Comprehensive Plan.

What Parking reductions are available?

The County must reduce parking requirements for a proposed affordable housing development by 15% if the development is within ¼ mile of a transit stop, accessible from the development; is located within ½ mile of a major transportation hub accessible from the development, or has parking within 600 feet of the development

What is the review process for a project under the Live Local Act?

Applications to utilize Live Local are processed administratively though the Development Review Officer (DRO) and site plan approval process. Applications will be processed administratively. No rezoning, land use change, or public hearing process is required. Live Local Act projects must still adhere to all other applicable regulations, codes, requirements contained in the County's Comprehensive Plan, Unified Land Development Code regulations, building code, and other regulations such as adequate public facilities/concurrency, environmental review, property development regulations, and required site elements (parking, landscape buffers, drainage, recreation etc.), and flood plain regulations.

Where Do I Start?

In most cases, utilizing the existing residential future land use density in combination with density bonuses through the Transfer of Development Rights, Workforce Housing Program, and/or Affordable Housing Program will yield a higher density than 12 units per acre. In order to determine the applicability of Live Local, an interested applicant is required to contact the Planning Division to identify the maximum allowable density through existing mechanisms prior to proceeding with an Pre-Application Review through the Zoning Division for a Live Local administrative application. Pre-Application Reviews can be submitted through PZB-ZoningIntake@pbc.gov.

What County Owned Land may be available?

The County's Property and Real Estate Management (PREM) Department maintains a link of available surplus properties at the following link:

Facilities Development & Operations PREM Surplus Property