Winter Springs planning board approves annexation-linked land-use change and rezoning for three parcels

The Winter Springs Planning and Zoning Board LPA voted unanimously March 5 to approve two related ordinances that clear the way for annexation and redevelopment of three parcels totaling 6.13 acres.

Senior planner Janelle Garnett presented the measures, describing Ordinance 2026-03 as a small-scale future land use map amendment and Ordinance 2026-04 as the companion rezoning request. "The properties are currently located at 2090 and 300 Tuscuilla Road and 1258 Milky Way," Garnett said, adding the parcels total "a cumulative total of 6.13 acres." She told the board the items are tied to a pre-annexation and town center redevelopment agreement executed Feb. 9 and that the annexation ordinance (2026-02) is being processed concurrently.

Why annex? Board members asked whether the change was necessary if county designations would allow residential development; Garnett and the chair said the annexation was a voluntary action by the owner to align the parcels with city zoning and to access city services. Garnett said surrounding properties are already in T4/T5 transects and staff recommended changing the future land use designation from Seminole County medium density residential to the City of Winter Springs Town Center District and rezoning the parcels to the city's T4 transect.

Garnett also summarized outreach and timing: a pre-application on June 25, 2025; public notices mailed Feb. 13 and a newspaper advertisement Feb. 16; and the applicant listed as Ryan Sheehan of Christopher Ryan Holmes. She described the development concept as roughly 11 residential homes on two parcels and a separate parcel for RV and boat parking ancillary to the private community. On ownership of Milky Way right-of-way, Garnett said some segments are city-owned and some are Seminole County-owned.

Terrell and Roll, director of community development, told the board the annexation is voluntary and that the city had sent courtesy notification to the county; "We've not had any correspondence or objection from the county," he said.

During the public comment period, Mark Erickson, identified as Avery Park homeowners association president and a nearby homeowner, said he and many neighbors were "very supportive of what he's recommending and doing the project as he's designed," expressing neighborhood backing.

On motions, a board member moved to approve Ordinance 2026-03 (the future land use amendment) and the motion passed by roll call with five recorded "Aye" votes and no opposition. The board then discussed rezoning details — screening and parking standards and access considerations — and approved Ordinance 2026-04 (rezoning to the city's T4 transect) by unanimous roll call vote. Both approvals were made subject to the conditions in the redevelopment agreement executed Feb. 9.

The board concluded with member reports, heard no further public input and adjourned. Next steps for the project will include permitting and the city’s processing of the concurrent annexation ordinance (2026-02) and any development applications required under the redevelopment agreement.