City of Orlando 'exploring' citywide changes to duplex development code

The City of Orlando has announced an upcoming public meeting regarding proposed changes to duplex and tandem development. City staff has drafted a preliminary set of recommendations, which you can read here, and will present a "community workshop" seeking public input at City Hall Wednesday, Sept. 21.

The city's stated goal is "to ensure redevelopment helps to uplift our neighborhoods while protecting their special character and complementing it." One of the new recommendations that is getting the attention of Colonialtown and Milk District dwellers is to lift the restriction on tandem dwellings in lots zoned R-2A & R-2B (currently, tandems are allowed only on corner lots).  

Other suggested recommendations include "design goals that help to reduce the visual impact of larger homes, allow for needed parking while protecting street access, ensuring front porches, front yards and landscaping help blend new homes into the neighborhoods and promoting architectural detail and variety." 

Reading between the lines: How much "architectural detail and variety" do you see in the townhouses that have popped up along Ferncreek in the last year? In the new duplexes in the Milk District? A developer would no doubt claim that Baldwin Park is rife with architectural variety; would you? 

Whether you answer yes or no to that question, if you care and want to share your opinion, you should attend this meeting. As Commissioner Patty Sheehan noted publicly on Facebook today, "Many of my friends have expressed concerns about overdevelopment in neighborhoods. This is your chance to have your voice heard!" (Sheehan went on to say, "What usually happens at these meetings is the developers show up, the public does not, and we get more bad infill development.")

Duplex and Tandem Development
City-wide Community Workshop
6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21
City Council Chambers, second floor
Orlando City Hall
400 S. Orange Ave.
cityoforlando.net