Empowering Faith-Based Organizations to Build Affordable Homes
Across Florida, many faith-based organizations own underused land that could help provide a viable affordable housing solution. However, the challenge is often outdated zoning laws which make it difficult or even impossible to build housing on these sites, forcing congregations and nonprofit partners to navigate costly, slow and uncertain rezoning processes.
YIGBY (“Yes-in-God’s-Backyard”) Law, Senate Bill 1730, passed by Florida's legislature earlier this year, gives cities and counties the ability to approve affordable housing on eligible land owned by religious institutions, even if that land isn’t currently zoned for residential use. However, YIGBY is optional; cities and counties must choose to use it.
How YIGBY Works (Source: Florida Housing Coalition)Local governments may allow affordable housing on: “[A]ny parcel, including any contiguous parcel . . . which is owned by a religious institution as defined in s. 170.201(2) which contains a house of public worship, regardless of underlying zoning” as long as at least 10 percent of the homes are affordable as defined in s. 420.0004.
Key points for activating YIGBY:
Local Flexibility: YIGBY gives localities the authority to set development standards without needing a rezoning or comprehensive plan amendment, including density, height, setbacks, parking and more.
Affordability Defined Locally: Localities can define affordability in ways that reflect their own housing needs, provided at least 10% of the total units meet the statutory definition of affordable.
No Ordinance Required—Though Encouraged: Local governments aren’t required to pass a new ordinance to begin using YIGBY. However, adopting local policy guidelines can provide clarity, consistency and transparency for both developers and the public.
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