DeLAND, Fla. — The city of DeLand could cut some red tape Monday night in hopes of encouraging more affordable housing in the city.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The proposal would change some of the regulations for buildings and lots in the city’s main core area.
DeLand Mayor Bob Apgar said this is one potential tool to try to address the affordable housing issue. Though if it passes Monday it will not solve the problem, the proposal would allow people to build and utilize undeveloped lots.
READ: Florida developer One Stop Housing plans affordable apartments in Orlando
“We are trying to do things that will accommodate or make it easier for Habitat for Humanity or other people that are interested in solving the crisis to deal with individual lots on a case-by-case basis,” the mayor said.
Housing is considered affordable when it is less than 30% of a family’s gross income.
The proposal focuses on the city’s 4-mile core downtown area.
READ: Are investors driving Central Florida’s housing crisis?
Apgar says the proposal reduces the minimum square footage a property would need to be, removing restrictions from buildings on non-conforming lots and encourage the use of more in-law suites or accessory dwellings in the city.
The city will discuss that proposal during a second reading at Monday’s commission meeting starting at 7 p.m.
The change would take effect immediately once adopted by the commission.
READ: Looking to buy a house? Meet your biggest competitor
This browser does not support the video element.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.