Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

SE-25-11-068 — Scott Gentry for Discovery Church

Request: Special Exception and Variance in the A-1 Zoning District as follows: 1) Special Exception to allow a 45,934 gross sq. ft. religious institution. 2) Variance to allow grass parking in lieu of parking on an improved surface

Decision: Approved

Hearing: Staff presented the proposal, outlined the property's location, site plan, and site photos, and reviewed the six criteria for both requests and explained the reasons for recommending approval of the Special Exception and the Variance. Staff noted that 2 correspondence was received in favor of the request and 43 comments were received in opposition. The applicant who was present discussed existing conditions of the property and the surrounding area. The applicant also discussed the existence of the Lake Avalon Rural Settlement and the process of integrating community concerns into the proposed request. The applicant's legal team spoke about the new church's location replacing the existing location in Winter Garden and how the reduced Floor Area Ration (FAR) would limit the impact of the proposed development. There were 6 people in attendance to speak in favor of the request and 7 people in attendance to speak in opposition to the request. The public attendance in support mainly discussed the church community and the need for local services in the area. The public attendance in opposition mainly discussed concerns regarding the size and intensity of the proposed request regarding the nature and character of the Lake Avalon Rural Settlement. The applicant presented a rebuttal informing the BZA that the proposed request was compatible with those of the surrounding area per the County's Comprehensive Plan and regulations for non-residential development in rural settlements. A representative from the County Transportation Planning Division provided an explanation regarding the conducted traffic analysis of the area. The BZA discussed the intended allowances of the Comprehensive Plan in regard to uses like schools and religious institutions to support communities. Additional discussion was had regarding the traffic impacts on the area and possible future growth with neighboring vacant lots. The BZA recommended approval of the Special Exception request by a 5-0 vote, with

Conditions: 1) Development shall be in accordance with the site plan dated September 9, 2025, landscape plan dated August 26, 2025, and elevations dated September 9, 2025, subject to the conditions of approval, and all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations. Any proposed non-substantial deviations, changes, or modifications will be subject to the Zoning Manager's review and approval. Any proposed substantial deviations, changes, or modifications will be subject to a public hearing before the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) where the BZA makes a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).