Winter Garden adopts East Winter Garden land‑use amendments to allow denser, mixed housing options

The Winter Garden City Commission on a unanimous vote adopted three amendments to the city comprehensive plan that add new future‑land‑use categories for parts of the historic East Winter Garden neighborhood and make room for accessory dwelling units and a density‑bonus program.

Planning staff told the commission the amendments — Ordinances 25‑04, 25‑05 and 25‑06 — implement the East Winter Garden Plan adopted in 2018 and updated in 2022 and are intended to increase homeownership and housing options while preserving neighborhood character. "Allowing accessory dwelling units can provide housing for family members or generate rental income," a planning staff member said during the presentation. "These units help homeowners adapt to changing needs, build wealth, and introduce more affordable housing options without altering the neighborhood's character."

The ordinances create two new future‑land‑use categories. "Neighborhood residential" would cover eastern areas (including…