Orange County commissioners approve multiple land‑use rezonings, pedestrian overpass study and a fireworks ordinance

Orange County commissioners at their June 2025 meeting approved multiple land‑use and procurement items, adopted a fireworks ordinance, and directed staff to move forward on design and right‑of‑way negotiations for the International Drive pedestrian overpass study.

Why it matters: The approvals clear the way for new student housing projects and amendments to several planned developments in high‑growth areas near the University of Central Florida and the International Drive corridor. The pedestrian overpass study authorizes design and property negotiations for a high‑visibility bridge intended to improve pedestrian safety at International Drive and Sand Lake Road. The fireworks ordinance adds county code enforcement procedures tied to Florida law. Commissioners also approved a procurement selection for Southern Regional Water Supply engineering services.

Votes and key details - Consent agenda: The board approved the consent agenda (motion by Commissioner Uribe; second by Commissioner Moore). Outcome: unanimous approval.

- PTV‑25‑02‑001 (sidewalk easement vacation; Quadrangle Track 17): The board approved a petition to vacate part of a sidewalk easement associated with the Quadrangle student housing development plan. Motion by Commissioner Martinez Simrad; second by Commissioner Gomez Cordero. Outcome: unanimous approval.

- CDR‑2405130 / Orange Wood N‑1 plan development amendment: The board found the proposed Orange Wood N‑1 plan development amendment consistent with the comprehensive plan and approved the amendment, including an added condition addressing vested rights and concurrency. Motion by Commissioner Wilson; second by Commissioner Scott. Outcome: unanimous approval.

- CDR‑2405105 (Orange Wood N‑1 PSP / Westwood at Orange): The board approved a substantial change to the Westwood at Orange preliminary subdivision plan, incorporating edits to prior PSP conditions and clarifying multifamily as a permitted use. Motion by Commissioner Wilson; second by Commissioner Moore. Outcome: unanimous approval.

- CDR‑2412288 (Quadrangle PD amendment and non‑substantial deviation to Development of Regional Impact): The board approved converting entitlements from multifamily/office to student housing bedrooms on PD Parcel Tract 18A, with three requested waivers (parking ratio, height and an increase in permitted student‑housing bedrooms up to 763). Motion by Commissioner Martinez Simrad; second by Commissioner Scott. Outcome: unanimous approval.

- DP‑2407177 (Place at Alafaya student housing plan development): The board approved a development plan to demolish an older multifamily complex and construct a new 1,396‑bed student housing project on 25.2 acres west of Alafaya Trail south of University Boulevard; conditions included 24/7 security and a university shuttle program. Motion by Commissioner Martinez Simrad; second not specified on the public record. Outcome: unanimous approval.

- International Drive Pedestrian Overpass: After a multi‑year study and extensive public and stakeholder input, the board approved the recommended conceptual design (an interlocking‑C "drone" concept with an illuminated solar canopy) and directed staff to proceed with design, right‑of‑way acquisition and property negotiations. The estimated conceptual cost presented was about $35.5 million; staff recommended design‑build or CMAR to accelerate schedule and reduce cost. Motion by Commissioner Scott; second by Commissioner Uribe. Outcome: unanimous approval.

- Fireworks ordinance (new Article 6, Orange County Code, incorporating and clarifying enforcement of Florida statute chapter 791): The board adopted an ordinance making unlawful the use of fireworks outside statuteally permitted circumstances, designating prohibited use as a nuisance, and authorizing county enforcement measures including warnings, civil citations and fines ($200 first, $400 second, up to $500 for later violations with mandatory court appearance). The proposed ordinance includes exemptions for state‑permitted displays and for permits issued by municipalities or special districts. Motion by Commissioner Uribe; second by Commissioner Wilson. Outcome: unanimous adoption.

- Procurement: The procurement committee selected Hazen and Sawyer (top‑scoring firm) for engineering services for ozone and facility improvements for the Southern Regional Water Supply; CHA Consultants was named alternate. Motion by Commissioner Gomez Cordero; second by Commissioner Scott. Outcome: unanimous approval.

Other actions: The board accepted most Board of Zoning Adjustment recommendations and formally appointed Jason Reynolds as deputy director of the Planning, Environmental and Development Services department (announcement).

Context and conditions: Most votes were unanimous. Several land‑use approvals included conditions about traffic mitigation, public safety, and coordination with the University of Central Florida; the Quadrangle and Place at Alafaya approvals require developer commitments such as private shuttle service and 24‑hour security. The International Drive overpass includes design requirements from Emergency Services (roof rescue access, elevator capacity for gurneys), DOT coordination on closing crosswalks and installing barrier walls, and a public‑facing lighting/solar canopy that the project advisory group and tourism partners supported.

Ending: Approvals clear the way for multiple student housing projects and for county staff to move forward on design and property negotiations for a major pedestrian overpass in the tourism corridor; the fireworks ordinance and procurement decision provide new enforcement and infrastructure steps to be implemented by county staff.