\u200bYes in God\u2019s Backyard (YIGBY) empowers city officials and local faith leaders to expedite and bolster affordable housing opportunities by utilizing vacant land owned by religious institutions. St. Petersburg\u2019s Office of Community Impact is developing a new program to help streamline the process.<\/p>\n
\u200bCouncil Chair Copley Gerdes noted the city was also the first to adopt<\/a> House Bill 1339 (2020), a precursor to the Live Local Act, which allowed local governments to build affordable housing in areas without residential zoning. \u201cSo, to the finish line we go again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u200b\u201cThe City of St. Petersburg advocated for the \u2018Yes in God\u2019s Backyard\u2019 ordinance because we believe that it takes an innovative, comprehensive approach to tackle the affordable housing crisis,\u201d Welch said in a subsequent prepared statement.<\/p>\n \u200b\u201cI\u2019m proud to announce that St. Pete is leading the way statewide in instituting this provision, but our work on this issue is just getting started.\u201d<\/p>\n \u200bCouncil members approved the ordinance without discussion. However, local lawmakers and state stakeholders celebrated its passage Friday.<\/p>\n \u200bKody Galzer, chief legal and policy director for the Florida Housing Coalition, noted that many faith-based organizations own or control underutilized land in ideal locations that \u201ccould be transformed into desperately needed affordable homes.\u201d He credited the city for adopting the \u201cnew discretionary tool\u201d just five months after YIGBY became law.<\/p>\n \u200b\u201cOnce again, St. Pete is setting the pace on local housing policy, and they deserve major credit for their leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n \u200bHB 1339 allowed local governments to create affordable housing on institutionally zoned land if it met certain requirements. Derek Kilborn, director of planning for the city, explained Thursday that the Live Local Act removed those<\/a> properties, which typically include religious institutions, from consideration.<\/p>\n \u200bYIGBY stipulates that between 65% and 90% of a mixed-use project must go toward housing units. The legislation allows height restrictions on parcels in historic districts, and cities can administratively review design regulations.<\/p>\n \u200bBeginning in November 2026, officials must submit an annual report that summarizes any related litigation and a list of proposed or approved projects. They must also administratively approve all demolition permits.<\/p>\n \u200bYIGBY allows the highest building height currently permitted or within three-quarters of a mile from the site. There is also a three-story threshold.<\/p>\n \u200b\u201cSt. Petersburg is once again leading the way with thoughtful, community-focused solutions to our housing challenges,\u201d said Sen. Darryl Rouson. \u201cI was proud to work alongside Rep. (Lindsay) Cross at the state level to pass language enabling this ordinance, and even prouder to see my home city become the first in Florida to put it into action.\u201d<\/p>\n \u200bThe city previously approved Palm Lake Christian Church\u2019s plans to build affordable housing under HB 1339. Construction commenced on the project, which will provide 86 units for households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income, in August<\/a>.<\/p>\n A rendering of Palm Lake Urban Sanctuary, including the existing church (left). Image: Newstar Development.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Palm-Lake-Christian-Church-affordable-housing-rendering-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/p>\n