REGULAR MEETING OF THE WELLINGTON VILLAGE COUNCIL

Wellington Council Meeting April 10, 2012 Page 249 of 384
HOUSING ELEMENT
HOUSING ELEMENT
GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
Wellington is approaching “built-out” condition, and does not plan for any extensive
annexation of contiguous, undeveloped area. In 2007, Wellington’s Building Department
records indicated that 136 permits were issued for new residential construction and 16
permits for new commercial construction. The population is projected to continue to
grow, but at a progressively declining rate as Wellington approaches built-out status.
There currently is an inventory of approximately 1,000 approved but un-built dwelling
units. In addition to the remaining approved units, as discussed in Table 1-2 of the
Introduction to the Comprehensive Plan, there are approximately 3,788 acres suitable
for development based on physical characteristics and availability of services. The
developable vacant areas have good access and are available for development at this
time. Utilities are readily available. Potable water, sanitary sewer, drainage, solid
waste, recreation, and transportation are generally provided by Wellington. Except for
the vacant land used for conservation, the remaining vacant land is primarily in private
ownership.
Residential units to be constructed in the future may range from villas associated with a
senior continuing care facility to rental apartment complexes to large scale, equestrian
oriented single family dwellings. Based upon a planning horizon of ten years, it is
estimated that an average of 50-100 homes will be constructed annually from 2008 –
2018 although this may vary due to economic conditions and housing demand for new
dwelling units. Prior Wellington estimates of 300 Dwelling Units (DU) per year were
based on planning analysis conducted at that time.
Affordable Housing
The Palm Beach County Comprehensive Plan defines an “affordable” home as a
household paying 30% or less of its annual income for gross housing costs. Renteroccupied
gross housing costs include rent plus utilities costs, while owner-occupied
housing may include costs such as mortgage loan principal, interest, taxes, and
insurance (PITI) plus utilities and association fees. Currently Wellington has an
inventory of rental and individually-owned housing stock that meets the requirements of
most income levels and fulfills the need for these housing categories as demonstrated
in Tables 2 and 3.
Wellington has several neighborhoods that include Palm Beach County Section 8 rent
subsidy housing. Additionally, the Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Delray Beach
Housing Authorities have located portions of their Section 8 housing vouchers within
Wellington. Wellington recognizes that Section 8 Housing is not necessarily permanent
and does not represent a long-term solution to workforce or affordable housing needs
within the community.
Wellington
Comprehensive Plan – Housing Element
Update 2011
H-1