3. Housing Element

Goal Statement

The Town of Orchid will provide an opportunity for a structurally secure, cost effective and environmentally sound housing supply which accommodates the needs of the existing and future residents of the Town.

Objective 3.1: Affordable Housing

Recognizing the Town has no ability to provide affordable housing within its corporate limits, the Town Council shall maintain coordination with Indian River County through active participation in the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee or other agency charged with the responsibility of providing affordable housing.

Policy 3.1.1: The Town Council shall designate a representative from the Town and the Town shall actively participate in County sponsored housing programs to provide opportunities for affordable housing on a countywide basis.

Policy 3.1.2: The Town has reviewed and revised all codes, ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures to ensure that no exclusionary provisions exist with regard to low and moderate income housing.

Policy 3.1.3: The Town will assist in the formation of a regional Affordable Housing Task Force to study housing needs in the region.

Policy 3.1.4: The Town participates with Indian River County in the development of a low-cost housing demonstration program.

Objective 3.2: Maintenance Program

The Town has adopted a code enforcement program to maintain the structural and aesthetic condition of Town’s housing stock.

Policy 3.2.1: The Town, through land development regulations, has adopted code enforcement regulations, which at a minimum, address the general standards and maintenance of the Town’s housing stock.

Policy 3.2.2: The Town employs a code enforcement officer to monitor the general condition and maintenance of the Town’s housing stock.

Objective 3: Low and Moderate Income Housing

Recognizing the Town’s inability to provide affordable housing sites within its corporate limits, the Town Council assists Indian River County through participation in the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee or other agency charged with the responsibility of providing adequate housing sites for low and moderate income families and for mobile homes.

Policy 3.3.1: When economically feasible, any substandard unit that may occur within the Town shall be renovated to provide an affordable housing unit.

Policy 3.3.2: Through membership in the Florida League of Cities, the Town will keep informed about the availability of housing subsidy programs.

Policy 3.3.3: The Town Council has designated a representative from the Town and the Town actively participates in County sponsored housing programs to provide adequate housing sites for low and moderate income families and for mobile homes.

Objective 3.4 was deleted.

Objective 3.5: Historic Preservation

The Town shall identify and recognize any historically significant housing that may exist in the Town of Orchid.

Policy 3.5.1: Prior to the demolition or removal of any housing unit over 50 years old, the Town shall coordinate with the Indian River County Historical Society to determine historical significance.

Policy 3.5.2: Should any historically significant properties be located in the Town, the Town will assist property owners in the preparation of applications for the Historic Preservation Grants-In-Aid program administered by the Grants and Education Section of the Division of Historical Resources, Florida Department of State.

Objective 3.6: Relocation Housing

The Town will provide uniform and equitable treatment for persons and businesses displaced by Federal, State and Local government programs.

Policy 3.6.1: The Town shall locate standard housing at affordable costs for persons displaced through public action, as contemplated under 421.55 FS, prior to their displacement.

Policy 3.6.2: Prior to the public demolition or replacement of any existing housing unit which meets minimum code, the Town will assist the homeowner in finding comparable housing facilities for displaced persons prior to their displacement.

Policy 3.6.3: The Town shall appoint the Town Manager to assist persons displaced through public action in finding comparable housing alternatives.