What were the most significant items on the Winter Park Planning & Zoning Board agenda for July 2025?

Meeting Reading

Winter Park Planning & Zoning Board

July 1, 2025

5 items on the agenda

**The Pickleball ordinance (ZTA #25-03) passed 6-0 even with three opposed speakers — the board is using zoning code, not noise code, to enforce neighborhood quietude.** The substantive limit: City Attorney Langley reminded the board it lacks constitutional authority to inspect interior of homes and rear yards, so zoning can't reach equipment regulation or retroactive compliance. The mechanism that survived: increased setbacks, time restrictions, and (per the August 26 work-session reference) eventually a 150-foot residential setback that effectively prohibits private pickleball courts. This is Winter Park's clearest example of zoning-as-character-defense for a single recreational use class.
**The SOFA District code update (ZTA #25-01) anchors the West Fairbanks density-bonus pool inside the zoning code itself.** The 2023 Comp Plan rewrite created the SOFA framework; this amendment puts the framework into Sec. 58-76 (C-3 District). This is the regulatory infrastructure for the up-to-25-unit/acre density bonus mechanism — codified, queryable, and executable by staff. The earliest projects that test the bonus pool will be the mechanism's first stress test.
**Lakefront approvals continue to clear unanimously — three site plans, three 6-0 votes.** The board's lakefront review criteria (FAR, impervious coverage, setbacks, specimen trees, neighbor views, lake views, stormwater) are being applied with consistency across Lake Killarney, Lake Mizell, Lake Berry, Lake Virginia, etc. Vice-Chair Bornstein's repeated suggestion of moving routine lakefront items to a consent agenda surfaces a rhythm question — these meetings have become disproportionately consumed by single-family-home site plans.

On July 1, 2025, City of Winter Park's Planning & Zoning Board considered 5 agenda items. **The Pickleball ordinance (ZTA #25-03) passed 6-0 even with three opposed speakers — the board is using zoning code, not noise code, to enforce neighborhood quietude.** The substantive limit: City Attorney Langley reminded the board it lacks constitutional authority to inspect interior of homes and rear yards, so zoning can't reach equipment regulation or retroactive compliance. The mechanism that survived: increased setbacks, time restrictions, and (per the August 26 work-session reference) eventually a 150-foot residential setback that effectively prohibits private pickleball courts. This is Winter Park's clearest example of zoning-as-character-defense for a single recreational use class. **The SOFA District code update (ZTA #25-01) anchors the West Fairbanks density-bonus pool inside the zoning code itself.** The 2023 Comp Plan rewrite created the SOFA framework; this amendment puts the framework into Sec. 58-76 (C-3 District). This is the regulatory infrastructure for the up-to-25-unit/acre density bonus mechanism — codified, queryable, and executable by staff. The earliest projects that test the bonus pool will be the mechanism's first stress test. **Lakefront approvals continue to clear unanimously — three site plans, three 6-0 votes.** The board's lakefront review criteria (FAR, impervious coverage, setbacks, specimen trees, neighbor views, lake views, stormwater) are being applied with consistency across Lake Killarney, Lake Mizell, Lake Berry, Lake Virginia, etc. Vice-Chair Bornstein's repeated suggestion of moving routine lakefront items to a consent agenda surfaces a rhythm question — these meetings have become disproportionately consumed by single-family-home site plans.

CHANGE LENS

THE READINGmeeting record

City of Winter Park Planning & Zoning Board — July 1, 2025

Meeting Overview

Type: Regular Meeting Quorum: Yes (6 of 7 members present) Duration: Approximately 1 hour 42 minutes (6:02 PM – 7:44 PM)

Attendance

Present: Alex Stringfellow, David Bornstein, Jason Johnson, Charles Steinberg, Michael Dick, Vashon Sarkisian
Absent: Bill Segal
Staff Present: Director of Planning and Zoning Allison McGillis, Asst. Director of Planning and Zoning/Zoning Official John Harbilas, Planner II Nicholas Lewis, Planner I Corrinna Lundgren, Administrative Coordinator Mary Bush

Agenda Items

Item 1: SPR #25-09 — 2056 Lake Drive New Home (Lake Killarney)

Type: Site Plan Review (Lakefront)
Case Number: SPR #25-09
Location: 2056 Lake Drive, Lake Killarney
Applicant: Charles Clayton
Request: Construct a new two-story 6,791 sq ft single-family home with water on two sides
Current Zoning: R-1A
Staff Recommendation: Approve
Action: Approved
Vote: 6-0 unanimous
Notable Discussion: Lot has a 100-year-flood line cutting through it. Specimen-tree removals limited to one stump and one dead 15-inch maple. No infringement on neighbor or lake views. Multiple swale retention areas along waterfront and front yard meet stormwater. Vice Chair Bornstein reiterated his prior suggestion of placing routine, opposition-free items on a consent agenda for faster approval.

Item 2: SPR #25-08 — 465 Lake Front Boulevard Carport (Lake Killarney)

Type: Site Plan Review (Lakefront)
Case Number: SPR #25-08
Location: 465 Lake Front Boulevard, Lake Killarney
Applicant: Robert Kopperud
Request: Construct a 240-square-foot detached carport
Current Zoning: R-1A
Staff Recommendation: Approve
Action: Approved
Vote: 6-0 unanimous
Notable Discussion: Existing vegetation screens carport from lake and adjacent neighbor. Letters of support from neighbors. Chair Johnson explicitly recorded that PZB approval did not preempt or prejudge any subsequent variance request the applicant might bring to the Board of Adjustments.

Item 3: SPR #25-03 — 884 Audubon Lane Additions (Lake Mizell)

Type: Site Plan Review (Lakefront)
Case Number: SPR #25-03
Location: 884 Audubon Lane, Lake Mizell
Applicant: Matthew Johnson, Winter Park Design
Request: 333-sq-ft additions to existing single-story single-family home on a uniquely shallow triangular lot, plus pool area and detached garage in front
Current Zoning: R-1AAA
Staff Recommendation: Approve with one condition (vegetation along property lines must stay entirely within subject property)
Action: Approved
Vote: 6-0 unanimous
Notable Discussion: No specimen tree removal; no negative impact on neighbor views; stormwater met. No neighbor letters received but staff spoke directly with both adjacent neighbors.

Item 4: ZTA #25-03 — Pickleball / Outdoor Recreation Ordinance

Type: Text Amendment
Case Number: ZTA #25-03
Location: Citywide — Sec. 58-71 (Residential Zoning) and Sec. 58-84 (Non-Residential Zoning)
Applicant: City of Winter Park
Request: Amend the Land Development Code to address private pickleball courts and other outdoor recreational facilities — addressing setbacks, neighborhood character protection, safety, design quality, and community impacts (including noise)
Staff Recommendation: Approve
Action: Approved
Vote: 6-0 unanimous
Notable Discussion: Three opposed speakers from Lake Drive (Edson Campos, Kathleen Brodeur, Chad Love at 2127–2133 Lake Drive). Discussion of mandating noise-softening paddles and retroactive compliance was rejected — McGillis noted zoning addresses court standards, not equipment, and City Attorney Langley concurred citing constitutional limits on home-interior inspection. Staff would not impose retroactivity. Discussion of basketball-hoop / driveway implications, set hours of play, soundproofing of homes, and improvements to the city's noise ordinance ensued.

Item 5: ZTA #25-01 — SOFA District / C-3 Code Update

Type: Text Amendment
Case Number: ZTA #25-01
Location: Citywide C-3 zoning, Sec. 58-76 — relating to the South of Fairbanks Avenue (SOFA) District
Applicant: City of Winter Park
Request: Amend the C-3 District code to align with SOFA District policies established in the 2023 Comprehensive Plan update. Includes provisions specific to the West Fairbanks study area.
Staff Recommendation: Approve
Action: Approved
Vote: 6-0 unanimous
Notable Discussion: SOFA was identified as a distinct district during the 2023 Comp Plan rewrite; the policies were inconsistent with C-3. The amendment moves SOFA-specific language into the zoning code, including West Fairbanks density-bonus pool allowances and certified workforce housing provisions. Murals discussion noted.

Public Hearings Summary

Number of speakers: 3 (all opposed to the pickleball ordinance: Edson Campos, Kathleen Brodeur, Chad Love)
General sentiment: Mixed — opposition focused on pickleball rules being insufficient (or, conversely, on the unfairness of regulating private courts at all)
Key concerns: Equipment regulation (board declined to mandate); retroactivity (declined for constitutional reasons); set hours of play; sound proofing of homes; broader noise ordinance reform

Key Signals

The Pickleball ordinance (ZTA #25-03) passed 6-0 even with three opposed speakers — the board is using zoning code, not noise code, to enforce neighborhood quietude. The substantive limit: City Attorney Langley reminded the board it lacks constitutional authority to inspect interior of homes and rear yards, so zoning can't reach equipment regulation or retroactive compliance. The mechanism that survived: increased setbacks, time restrictions, and (per the August 26 work-session reference) eventually a 150-foot residential setback that effectively prohibits private pickleball courts. This is Winter Park's clearest example of zoning-as-character-defense for a single recreational use class.
The SOFA District code update (ZTA #25-01) anchors the West Fairbanks density-bonus pool inside the zoning code itself. The 2023 Comp Plan rewrite created the SOFA framework; this amendment puts the framework into Sec. 58-76 (C-3 District). This is the regulatory infrastructure for the up-to-25-unit/acre density bonus mechanism — codified, queryable, and executable by staff. The earliest projects that test the bonus pool will be the mechanism's first stress test.
Lakefront approvals continue to clear unanimously — three site plans, three 6-0 votes. The board's lakefront review criteria (FAR, impervious coverage, setbacks, specimen trees, neighbor views, lake views, stormwater) are being applied with consistency across Lake Killarney, Lake Mizell, Lake Berry, Lake Virginia, etc. Vice-Chair Bornstein's repeated suggestion of moving routine lakefront items to a consent agenda surfaces a rhythm question — these meetings have become disproportionately consumed by single-family-home site plans.
Chair Johnson's explicit on-the-record statement that PZB approval doesn't prejudge a Board of Adjustments variance is a procedural discipline marker. Winter Park's two-board structure (PZB, BoA) requires careful boundary-keeping. Johnson's statement preserves the BoA's substantive review authority on any variance the applicant subsequently seeks.
The board changed its meeting start time from 6:00 PM to 5:00 PM by consensus. A small operational shift that signals the board is doing more business than the prior schedule supported. This takes effect for August 5 and onward.

Raw Notes

Vice Chair Bornstein asked for clarification of June work-session discussion regarding his term as Chairman — a follow-up to the June 3 chair-election split.
Minutes of June 3, 2025 were approved 6-0.
These July 1, 2025 minutes were approved by the Board on August 5, 2025.