One of the primary goals of Florida’s Live Local Act (LLA) is to ensure that people can live where they work. Increasing housing density in urban areas is one way to do that. Being closer to where you work also enables residents to rely less on their cars and take advantage of other transit opportunities to get to and from work. To that end, the LLA recognizes the reduced need for parking and has relaxed many parking requirements.

For example, so long as the qualifying multi-family development is within a half-mile of major transportation hubs, local governments must reduce parking requirements by at least 20 percent. In areas located within designated transit-oriented developments, the Act eliminates parking requirements.

These changes directly contribute to the feasibility of affordable housing projects in Palm Beach County. Here are a few ways these changes contribute to a multi-family development project’s success:

• Reduced overall project costs – Parking structures can be prohibitively expensive, especially in densely populated areas where land costs are already high. By reducing the number of parking spaces needed, developers can build more units without the burden of financing more parking to accommodate additional residents.
• Maximized land use – Fewer required parking spaces mean more land can be dedicated to residential units and amenities.
• Faster approvals – Eased parking regulations under the LLA mean developers may face fewer delays during the permitting and approval process.

The Live Local Act’s adjustments to parking requirements offer developers greater flexibility while also encouraging more efficient land use. These changes are particularly valuable for workforce housing projects in areas near transit. As you prepare for your next multi-use or multi-family development project in Palm Beach County, get in touch with our team at Seacoast Consulting Group. We can help ensure your project stays on track while helping you maximize the benefits of the Live Local Act.