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Comprehensive Plan Housing Element • Public and Private Coordination In Indian River County, the future housing needs of the middle and upper income population categories can be readily met by the normal functioning of the building/financing/regulatory markets. On the other hand, the housing needs of persons and families in the very low and low income groups cannot be met without a concerted effort by the private residential development industry, lending institutions, municipal and county governments, and special interest organizations devoted to improving the quality and affordability of housing. Generally, experts on urban development agree that the quality of a community's housing (and neighborhoods) is an excellent indication of the social, physical, and economic stability of the community. Normally, community pride is evidenced by well -kept homes. For that reason, zoning was initially established to protect neighborhoods and to provide safe and sanitary living environments through the provision of open space standards and density limits. Subsequently, housing maintenance codes were developed and adopted by communities as a means of assuring adequate maintenance of housing and to prevent blight caused by gradual deterioration of housing. One means of addressing those issues in Indian River County is for county government to provide leadership in assuring (1) high maintenance standards for housing; (2) prevention of overcrowding; (3) preservation of existing housing in sound condition, especially housing of distinctive character; (4) removal of blighted and unsafe housing; and (5) provision of housing at an affordable cost for people in lower income groups. Without assistance to reduce housing costs for those in the lower income groups, several conditions could occur in the County. Overcrowding in existing housing could increase, resulting in code enforcement problems and neighborhood deterioration. Households having insufficient income to meet housing, food, and other essential needs could suffer from health and welfare problems, resulting in indirect costs to the community. Finally, the lack of affordable housing could lead to a decline in the labor supply for lower -paying employment classes. For those reasons, it is important that Indian River County utilize a wide range of means to reduce housing costs. Addressing regulatory standards and providing incentives for housing development are some of the most effective ways to do so. While providing housing is primarily a function of the private sector, there is much that the County can do to set the framework and create the environment for the private sector to meet housing needs at lower costs, without sacrificing community character and acceptable standards of housing quality. 37 Community Development Department Indian River County