Planning commission issues 3–2 recommendation against rezoning Windmill Drive parcel

The Ocean View Planning & Zoning Commission voted 3–2 on a recommendation against rezoning 32451 Windmill Drive (application P360) from R1 single-family to R2 one- and two-family zoning. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to town council, which has the final decision.

Staff presented the application and said the 0.572-acre parcel could support one house under R1 and—if rezoned to R2—would allow configurations that could yield two to three dwelling units depending on whether semi‑detached or stacked duplex units are used. Staff clarified that the code distinguishes semi‑detached and duplex types and that the 42-foot maximum height in the code applies in both districts.

Sean Cummings, representing SMC Enterprises, described a concept of semi‑detached homes of about 2,400 square feet and responded to technical questions about utilities and ownership. “We bought it complete transparency for making money,” Cummings said when asked about the developer’s intentions; he added the units could be rentals or sold individually.

A string of nearby residents opposed the rezoning at public comment. Mark Seawwalk, president of the Avon Park homeowners association, said the subdivision’s piping is rusted and the HOA is already budgeting to replace it: “If we’re going to now take on more water from this building, which we will, it’s going to impact the flow going into that pipe,” he told the commission. Several neighbors asked how a 42‑foot maximum structure would sit next to existing yards; one resident said the open views and mature trees that now buffer backyards would likely be removed.

Commissioners split over whether rezoning materially changes the issues neighbors raised. Supporters of the rezoning said drainage, setbacks and height limits are reviewed later in the land development process and that the rezoning itself does not automatically authorize specific building forms; opponents said approving a higher-density zoning could foreclose protections for neighborhood character. After a roll‑call vote, the commission recorded a 3–2 recommendation against the rezoning. The commission chair said council will consider that recommendation at upcoming public hearings.

Next steps: Because the planning commission issued only a recommendation, the matter will be scheduled for town council public hearings; the chair noted there will be two more public hearings and the property will be re‑posted and noticed on the town website.