Planning commission recommends rezoning for Chandler Hills master plan

The Apopka Planning & Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of Ordinance 3093, rezoning a 117.16‑acre property at 2350 West Kelly Park Road to KPI (Kelly Park Interchange) mixed use with a neighborhood character overlay to allow a master‑planned subdivision of 392 single‑family units. The motion was made by Commissioner Norwood and seconded by Commissioner Woods; the motion carried on a voice vote.

Bobby Howe, planning manager, told commissioners the property is within 1 mile of the State Road 429 Kelly Park Road interchange and therefore subject to the Kelly Park form‑based code. Staff said the proposal would rezone the parcel from county A‑1, county A‑2, city transitional and RSF‑1a to KPI mixed use and that the master plan shows 392 units at a density of 3.38 dwelling units per acre. Lot widths on the plan range from 34 to 60 feet; the form‑based code does not set minimum or maximum lot size or living area for this area.

Howe said the developer will dedicate a 30‑foot strip for future Kelly Park Road right of way and build a 12‑foot bicycle trail within that strip to contribute to the regional trail system called for in the form‑based code. The master plan preserves 32.59% of the site as open space; the form‑based code requires 20% open space. The applicant is also dedicating a 15‑foot and a 50‑foot strip for future right‑of‑way needs along Chandler Road and proposes a vehicular ingress/egress point for future access onto Chandler Road.

Applicant Jonathan Jewells, representing the applicant, said Chandler Road is a private, substandard dirt road that currently provides access for nearby parcels. Jewells said the project will not change existing access now but will provide legal dedications and rights that would allow the city to improve Chandler Road to a public right of way in the future if additional dedications are secured from adjacent properties.

Howe also reported that Orange County Public Schools indicated capacity is not available at the high school level for the area and listed a deficit of "20.881 seats" for the zoned high school, Apopka Heights. The development review committee recommended approval; staff recommended the commission find the amendment consistent with the comprehensive plan and land development code and compatible with surrounding character, and the commission approved that recommendation.

The commission’s approval is a recommendation to city council; final action on the ordinance will be taken by the city council at a later date.