Osceola County commissioners continue contested zoning map change to May for more study

At a Nov. 17 meeting, the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners voted to continue consideration of item 25 — a proposed land‑use map amendment that would move a parcel from a "rural enclave" designation to Low Density Residential (LDR) — to the board’s May 18 meeting at 5:30 p.m.

Commissioner Arrington objected to the proposed change, saying he was "not comfortable with move removing it from rural enclave to low density residential" and suggested the site may be better suited for industrial uses given the planned four‑lane arterial and proximity to a turnpike interchange. "I won't be supporting this motion today if we changed it to be more of industrial opportunities," Arrington said.

Ray Stangle, community development administrator for Osceola County, displayed maps of the existing and proposed land uses and pointed to nearby commercial development along State Road 192 and a self‑storage facility under construction on Simmons Road. Stangle told the board staff did not see urgency and recommended additional study to consider a mixed approach — LDR along Lakeshore with light industrial where appropriate — and to assess infrastructure needs such as Simmons Road widening.

After discussion about traffic, infrastructure and the risk that rezoned commercial or industrial land could later be developed as apartments under other programs, a commissioner moved to continue the item for six months. The motion was seconded and the chair called for the vote; the board approved the continuance. The board directed staff to prepare additional analysis and return the item for action at the May 18 meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the BCC chambers in Kissimmee.

The continuance postpones any final decision on the map amendment while giving staff time to evaluate land‑use mixes and required infrastructure improvements.

What’s next: Item 25 will return to the full board on May 18 at 5:30 p.m. for further consideration.