St. Petersburg is now Florida’s first city to formally adopt new affordable housing legislation known as “Yes in God’s Backyard.”
City council members unanimously approved an ordinance that incorporates Senate Bill 1730 into the municipal code at their Dec. 11 meeting. Mayor Ken Welch began advocating for the provision in 2024, and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the legislation into law in June.
Yes in God’s 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’s Office of Community Impact is developing a new program to help streamline the process.
Council Chair Copley Gerdes noted the city was also the first to adopt House Bill 1339 (2020), a precursor to the Live Local Act, which allowed local governments to build affordable housing in areas without residential zoning. “So, to the finish line we go again.”
“The City of St. Petersburg advocated for the ‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ ordinance because we believe that it takes an innovative, comprehensive approach to tackle the affordable housing crisis,” Welch said in a subsequent prepared statement.
“I’m 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.”
Council members approved the ordinance without discussion. However, local lawmakers and state stakeholders celebrated its passage Friday.
Kody 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 “could be transformed into desperately needed affordable homes.” He credited the city for adopting the “new discretionary tool” just five months after YIGBY became law.
“Once again, St. Pete is setting the pace on local housing policy, and they deserve major credit for their leadership.”
HB 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 properties, which typically include religious institutions, from consideration.
YIGBY 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.
Beginning 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.
YIGBY allows the highest building height currently permitted or within three-quarters of a mile from the site. There is also a three-story threshold.
“St. Petersburg is once again leading the way with thoughtful, community-focused solutions to our housing challenges,” said Sen. Darryl Rouson. “I 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.”
The city previously approved Palm Lake Christian Church’s 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.
While religious institutions often possess prime, redevelopable real estate – and could use an additional revenue stream – navigating the building process can be challenging for faith-based leaders. The Office of Community Impact’s new program will help mitigate hurdles.
According to the announcement, the initiative will combine education and individualized support to engage local houses of worship. Officials believe it will “help set up participants for success by offering feasible development pathways” and information on “how to build lasting capacity for faith-based affordable housing projects.”
The initiative will also provide direct technical assistance on readiness assessments, site screenings, partner selection, deal structures, predevelopment planning and budgeting, regulatory processes and “producing congregation-specific action plans.”
“The passage of this YIGBY ordinance … shows what we all know: St. Petersburg is leading the charge on affordable housing in Florida,” Cross said. “This policy reflects the strong partnership and commitment by our city and the State of Florida to serve the people who make our communities so great.
“I’m proud to have played a part in helping to realize this important step forward and look forward to seeing its implementation in St. Pete and across the state.”
