Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-00-03-015 — Adrenaline Heights

Request: Variance in C-2 zone to allow helium balloon up to 185 ft. in height in lieu of 50 ft.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: The applicant is proposing a balloon ride for visitors/tourists in the International Drive area. The site already contains a hotel. The ride consists of a person being harnessed to the bottom of a helium ballon. The balloon floats up and down up to 185 feet in height. Staff presented its concerns as it relates to safety and distractions for I-4 traffic. One person spoke in opposition. He is the general manager of the Quality Inn adjacent to the site. He cited safety concerns. Staff received two (2) commentaries in opposition to this request. One was from the North International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce. They too are concerned about distractions on I-4. The BZA felt this request was compatible in this area. They wanted to give the applicant an opportunity to prove how harmless this use is to the I-drive area. They granted a temporary approval.