Commission recommends R‑3A rezone for Hillview townhome project, reducing density

On Feb. 5, 2025, the Seminole County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners rezone the Encore at Hillview site from A‑1 agriculture to R‑3A multiple family dwelling to permit a townhome development of 28 lots on approximately 3.34 acres north of Hillview Drive.

Annie Silaway, senior planner with Development Services, presented the proposal. The site’s current high‑density residential future land use allows up to 20 dwelling units per net buildable acre, but the requested R‑3A zoning limits density to a maximum of 10 dwelling units per net buildable acre; the applicant’s plan proposes a maximum density that conforms to the R‑3A limit. The applicant provided a letter from the City of Altamonte Springs confirming the ability to provide potable water and sanitary sewer service; the site is in that city’s utility service area.

The development plan shows 28 townhome lots, a minimum lot size of 2,200 square feet, buffers including a 25‑foot landscape buffer adjacent to the Oakland Hills subdivision, a 10‑foot buffer along Hillview Drive, and a 12.5‑foot buffer on the east. The applicant also proposes 25% common usable open space, excluding landscape buffers.

A representative for the applicant, Zach Miller, was present for questions. No members of the public provided comment at the hearing. A commissioner moved to recommend adoption of the ordinance enacting the rezone; the motion was seconded and carried with all members voting in favor. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action; site plan approval will return to staff for administrative review, per county procedures.