Winter Garden commission approves rezoning of property on Plant Street

WINTER GARDEN Winter Garden commissioners discussed several properties at its March 24 meeting.

Commissioners approved the amendment of a future land-use map and rezoning at 429 W. Plant St. The future land-use map, which was formerly low-density residential, is now traditional downtown. The lots at 419 and 429 W. Plant St. were rezoned to central commercial district from residential district. 

A resident who lives behind the properties voiced her concerns about the changing neighborhood. 

“I’m new to Winter Garden,” Mary Weissbrodt said. “I bought here a year ago last fall, and my reason was how lovely it is. I’m just far enough down that I’m not in the historic district, but I still have trees. Just within the past month, three of them were removed directly across the street from me, which I do understand, they have permission for it, et cetera. But my view now became what is probably going to be the back of what is happening.” 

City Manager Mike Bollhoefer told her that the once the plans are submitted, they will have to go through an architectural review board and another hearing. 

Also approved was the annexation of the Circle K at 14990 W. Colonial Drive into the city. The store was voluntary annexed in order to connect to Winter Garden sewer lines after septic failure, according to Community Development Manager Steve Pash.

BACKYARD CHICKENS

Bollhoefer discussed an ordinance the city is drafting regarding backyard chickens. 

“I think this ordinance does a really good job of protecting those who obtain the chickens and protecting those residents adjoining those properties,” he said. 

The ordinance, similar to one used in Maitland, requires those wanting backyard chickens to take a training class. The city also will have the right to inspect chicken coops. 

The first reading of the ordinance will take place at the next commission meeting, April 7.

GOLF CARTS

Bollhoefer also led a discussion on golf carts, which is going to become a larger and more debated issue throughout the state of Florida as laws change to match what people are doing with golf carts, he said. 

When cities vote to designate streets safe for golf carts, the city can be liable if something happens, based on the fact the city determined the road is safe, Bollhoefer said. 

Therefore, Bollhoefer wants the commission to go over laws and rewrite safety rules before the commission decides to re-establish routes in the city. 

Contact Jennifer Nesslar at [email protected].

IN OTHER NEWS

Mayor John Rees read a proclamation declaring April as Water Conservation Month. Because April is typically a dry month, Florida, water management districts and the city of Winter Garden are working together to educate business owners and residents about the need to conserve water.

Commissioners approved an amendment to the city’s planned development code. Planned developments can now contain mainly institutional uses. The amendment also prohibits screened-in enclosures and other accessory structures from being closer than 25 feet from a public right-of-way. 

Commissioners approved the purchase of two solid waste automated side load trucks for $533,937.80.

Commissioners approved the final plat for Waterside on Johns Lake Phase 2A and also approved a maintenance agreement that requires the homeowners’ association to be responsible for all maintenance to landscaping, irrigation and signage.