Winter Garden homeowners just got a big new option for their backyards. The City Commission unanimously signed off on a zoning change that opens the door to in-law suites and other accessory dwelling units across much of the city, including downtown single-family neighborhoods. The new rules come with strict size, placement and parking standards, plus a clear ban on short-term rentals in ADUs, which city officials say is key to adding flexible housing without blowing up neighborhood character.
What the Ordinance Changes
Ordinance 26-17 formally adds accessory dwelling units as a permitted accessory use in the R-1A, R-1, R-1B, R-2, R-4, R-5, R-NC, RNC-2, PUD, UVPUD and CAPUD zoning districts, while also updating definitions for detached garages, front porches and accessory structures. The text calls for detached garages and ADUs to be located behind the main house in most cases, sets setback and height rules, and encourages alley-loaded access to reduce how much the new units stand out from Plant Street and nearby blocks. The fine print is laid out in the city's staff report and ordinance documents posted on OrdinanceWatch.
Design Rules, Density and Sales Restrictions
The ordinance spells out that “Accessory dwelling units shall not be included in a property's density calculations,” which prevents ADUs from being used to boost overall housing density on paper. It also blocks owners from carving off and selling an ADU separately from the main home. While ADUs can be rented through standard residential leases, stays of under 30 days are off-limits, and the new code section layers in rules on unit size, parking and owner-occupancy. The city's City Clerk now lists Ordinance 26-17 among Winter Garden's newly adopted codes.
Who Can Build One and Why Families Say It Matters
Planning Director Kelly Carson told the West Orange Times & Observer that ADUs will be allowed only on homesteaded single-family residential lots and limited to one accessory dwelling unit per property to keep the new option focused on resident homeowners instead of investors. Winter Garden resident Tammy Dacey, whose adult son has autism, told the paper that having the ability to build an in-law suite means families like hers may not have to move loved ones an hour away just to find appropriate housing. Local advocates added that thoughtfully designed ADUs could offer aging-in-place and caregiving solutions without dramatically changing the look and feel of downtown streets.
Money and Next Steps
Alongside the ADU vote, commissioners instructed staff to dig into possible funding tools ahead of any future property-tax reform discussions, including examining a fire assessment fee at its maximum rate as one option. District 4 Commissioner Colin Sharman called the move a prudent step, and City Manager Jon C. Williams described the fire assessment as “a valuable option,” according to the West Orange Times & Observer. Officials stressed that the research is exploratory and that any actual fee changes would have to come back for public review and approval.
How to Apply and What to Expect
Now that the ordinance is on the books, homeowners interested in building an ADU are being urged to study the new code and talk with city planning staff about permits, design review and possible utility impacts. The city's Planning & Zoning Board is responsible for design guidance, and the City Clerk maintains online records of the adopted ordinance and its business-impact estimate for residents who want to read the legal language themselves. Staff plans to roll out application procedures at upcoming planning meetings, and homeowners can find meeting calendars along with staff contact information through the city website.
