The Orange County Planning and Zoning Commission has denied a request to change the future land use map and rezoning on a 5.6 acre parcel in the Avalon Rural Settlement. The applicant initially requested to build 2 single family homes and a 3,000 square foot feed & seed store. In the Avalon Rural Settlement, 1 home is required to be on a minimum of 5 acres, and this request would reduce that to 2 acres.

Prior to the hearing, the applicant withdrew their request for the feed & seed store due to opposition from the community.

In discussion on the committee, multiple members voiced concern about not upholding the rural settlement plan, along with the impact of additional septic tanks required for the development. Being in the rural development, the parcel would not have access to wastewater treatment and would require septic. Orange County, and the entire state of Florida, have initiated programs to help convert properties on septic to sewer, or upgrade tanks to include nutrient removal technology.

The Commission voted unanimously to deny the request, finding it inconsistent with the comprehensive plan. With denial, the project will not move forward to the Board of County Commissioners.