collage of apartments and men in hardhats

Goal 4: Resiliency

Plan for greater resiliency by reducing impacts to current and future housing stock through diverse and localized adaptation and building strategies designed to reduce risks from flooding, major storms, and other natural hazards.

  1. Through coordinated, geographically-based data analysis and mapping, understand housing stock vulnerability across the county (1-3 years):
    • Repetitive loss areas
    • Building age and condition
    • Conformity with resilient building codes / Housing in Special Flood Hazard Areas
    • Impacts of sea level rise
  1. Protect the existing housing stock through the pursuit of programs, such as:
    • the creation of rehabilitation grant programs targeted at hardening existing affordable housing against climate change impacts and for accessible additions
    • the provision of grants or low-interest loans to property owners to bring structures up to code, focusing on areas of special flood hazard
    • the provision of grants or low-interest loans to property owners to upgrade homes with accessible design features (e.g., chair lifts, roll-in showers, lower countertops and light fixtures, etc.) (1-3 years)
  1. Create a guide for homeowners containing building strategies that can be utilized to reinforce the resiliency of their homes. (1-3 years)

Housing Vulnerability

Upkeep of existing housing stock provides a sustainable source of accessible housing. The age of one’s home does not directly indicate its condition; however, the overall age of a community’s housing stock can indicate that there are certain challenges that exist. Some issues can impact overall “affordability” of a home. Older homes may need significant upgrades that can be costly to homeowners (e.g., roof repair; foundation issues; etc.) Older structures may be less energy efficient, driving up associated costs.  Structures that are located within the Coastal High Hazard Area have unique challenges and are subject to threat of wind and storm surge.

Nearly 60% of Pinellas County’s housing units were built prior to 1980 (42 years or older)17

According to the Property Appraiser’s Office, 30.6% of Pinellas County’s living units are located within the Coastal High Hazard Area.19

handyman repairing window

56.3% of Pinellas County’s living units that are in the Coastal High Hazard Area, are 40 years or older.20

TABLE 4: Pinellas County (As of 2021), Year Structure Built18

Year Built

Housing Unit Estimate

Percent of Total Households

    Built 2020 or later

2,001 

0.39%

    Built 2010 to 2019

23,525

4.5%

    Built 2000 to 2009

38,479

7.4%

    Built 1990 to 1999

50,795

9.8%

    Built 1980 to 1989

102,890

19.9%

    Built 1970 to 1979

128,943

24.9%

    Built 1960 to 1969

70,952

13.7%

    Built 1950 to 1959

68,813

13.3%

    Built 1940 to 1949

13,504

2.6%

    Built 1939 or earlier

17,873

3.5%

TOTAL:

517,775

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17 B25034: YEAR STRUCTURE BUILT – Census Bureau Table

18 B25034: YEAR STRUCTURE BUILT – Census Bureau Table

19 Based on Pinellas County Property Appraiser Office’s use codes that include living units and FEMA’s Coastal High Hazard Zones.

20 Based on Pinellas County Property Appraiser Office’s use codes that include living units, FEMA’s Coastal High Hazard Zones, and Living Units in the 2021 CHHA with Year Built 40 Years or Older.