Case study
Housing Development Secures 35% Bonus Density By Recycling Greywater
Executive Summary
The Flats on 4th, a sustainable age-restricted housing community in St. Petersburg, Florida, demonstrates how greywater recycling unlocks significant development incentives. By implementing a decentralized greywater recycling system, Archway Partners secured Florida’s maximum 35% density bonus, enabling construction of 16 additional affordable units, plus a $22,000 rebate from the Tampa Bay Water Wise Program.
The Challenge
Archway Partners faced a critical constraint when planning The Flats on 4th: local zoning regulations limited development density, restricting the number of affordable housing units they could build. For a project focused on providing age-restricted housing for elders, maximizing unit count while maintaining sustainability standards was essential to project viability. They needed a cost-effective water management solution that would meet evolving environmental expectations without requiring extensive plumbing modifications or complex centralized treatment infrastructure.
The Solution
Archway Partners implemented a decentralized greywater recycling system featuring seven units in cascade configuration. The system captures greywater from showers and baths, treats it, and recycles it for toilet flushing throughout all residential units. With the capacity to recycle approximately 1,500 gallons of greywater per day (548,000 gallons annually), the decentralized design required no extensive pipe rerouting or centralized infrastructure.
This approach enabled the development to qualify for Florida’s maximum 35% density bonus—a powerful incentive that rewards projects utilizing water-saving technologies—allowing construction of 16 additional units beyond standard zoning limits. The project also qualified for a $22,000 rebate from the Tampa Bay Water Wise Program’s Customizable Rebate Program for multifamily projects.
Results and Impact
Development Impact
Additional Affordable Units
16 additional affordable units
Rebate Received
$22,000 rebate received
Improved Project Economics
Enhanced project economics
System Benefits
Simplified installation
Decentralized cascade system eliminated need for extensive pipe rerouting or centralized water treatment infrastructure
Reduced carbon footprint
From simplified installation requirements
Sustainability leadership
Positioned Archway Partners as a leader in sustainable building in Florida
Future-proofed
Already compliant as municipalities implement stricter water usage guidelines
Replication Potential
First of three planned projects implementing greywater recycling, demonstrating a scalable model for affordable housing developments seeking density bonuses.
Key Takeaways
Density Bonuses Create Win-Win Scenarios
Water conservation incentives simultaneously advance environmental goals and improve project economics. The 16 additional units significantly enhanced project viability while reducing per-unit water consumption. Developers should actively engage with local water agencies to identify all available incentive programs and layer multiple benefits—this project captured both a density bonus and a $22,000 rebate.
Decentralized Systems Offer Practical Advantages
The cascade configuration of multiple smaller units avoided the complexity and cost of centralized treatment infrastructure. This approach reduced installation costs, simplified maintenance, and lowered the project’s carbon footprint, making it particularly valuable for affordable housing developments where construction economics significantly impact project viability.
Future-Proofing Provides Competitive Edge
As municipalities implement stricter water usage guidelines, developments with integrated water recycling systems gain competitive advantages in permitting, marketing, and long-term operational costs. Early adopters position themselves ahead of regulatory curves while attracting environmentally conscious residents.
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