ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — New rules could soon help determine where new homes and businesses can be built across Orange County, after the state blocked the county’s first attempt to put those changes in place.
The county is trying again with its long-term growth plan, known as Vision 2050.
The plan is designed to guide new development toward areas that can support it, expand housing options and protect established neighborhoods and rural land.
For residents, the changes could have a direct impact on what gets built down the street — and what businesses can do with their property.
One example can be seen along Curry Ford Road, where properties are governed by different rules depending on whether they are inside the City of Orlando or in unincorporated Orange County.
Orange County wants to modernize those development rules through Vision 2050.
But after county commissioners approved the plan last year, the state declared it null and void. That came after a new state law blocked certain development regulations considered more restrictive or burdensome.
Rather than rewriting Vision 2050, the county is now changing how the plan would take effect.
Under the proposed approach, Vision 2050 would become the county’s new development rule book. However, for a limited period, some projects could opt out and continue under the existing rules.
That could mean different development possibilities for properties along roads such as Curry Ford, while some projects already moving through the county process could temporarily remain under the old regulations.
The county’s Planning Board has recommended moving forward with the approach.
County commissioners are expected to discuss the issue Sept. 29.
If the plan is found to comply with state law, Vision 2050 could take effect Dec. 21.
For homeowners, developers and business owners, the outcome could ultimately determine what can be built, where it can be built and how properties across Orange County can be used in the years ahead.
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