During the meeting, Joy Gills, principal planner for the Planning and Development Division, explained that the public/quasi-public future land use designation reserved for public and private recreation, as well as educational and public safety facilities, did not permit private residential development. However, the requested medium density residential future land use would support the existing R1 zoning classification.

The subject property consists of two vacant lots within an antiquated plat approved in 1954, which do not meet the R1 zoning district’s minimum lot size and width requirements. Nevertheless, as parcels of record, they are eligible for a building permit. The property is also within the East Altamonte Target area, where the comprehensive plan allows for consideration of infill or redevelopment on a case-by-case basis.

A staff representative clarified that the lots are considered lots of record, grandfathered in due to their establishment before the adoption of the Seminole County comprehensive plan. The applicant, Habitat for Humanity, was presented with the property by Seminole County and plans to develop affordable housing, emphasizing the potential of creating generational wealth for the homebuyers. During the public comments, a community member inquired about subdivision names and utility services, with the staff providing clarifications.

The board unanimously approved the land use amendment after the planning staff recommended adoption. This approval process will next move to the Board of County Commissioners for final consideration. The development would be serviced by public utilities for water, while septic systems would handle sewage due to the unavailability of sewer lines.