Planning board approves ADU for applicant’s mother after neighbors seek landscaping buffer

The Winter Springs Planning Board voted to approve CADU-2026-0002, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) proposed by an applicant to house her 78-year-old mother, following public comment about the unit’s placement and an amendment adding a landscaping buffer.

The applicant told the board the ADU was intended for her mother, Jeanne Summers, who attended the meeting. "The ADU is for my mom who's here today, Jeanne Summers," the applicant said, and staff confirmed the proposed unit meets the applicable Winter Springs code requirements for ADUs.

Staff told the board that Winter Springs code section 6-85 allows ADUs to be attached or detached and located in rear or side yards but not in front of a principal building facade, and that the proposal meets setback and design requirements. Staff said the proposed living area is 676 square feet, under the local cap (the code uses the lesser of 800 square feet or 30% of the primary dwelling’s livable area), and clarified that living area counts only air-conditioned space — the screened porch is not included.

Neighbors objected to the ADU’s placement and visual impact. "This is basically subdividing the lot and putting a tiny house that's facing the street," said Rob Bushey of 1217 Northern Way, who cited the city’s residential compatibility and harmony standards and questioned enforcement. Merdaut Tartibi of 1218 Northern Way said the objection was to location rather than to the family and suggested alternatives — such as bringing the ADU closer to the primary house or a circular driveway — while saying neighbors would welcome the applicant’s mother.

Board members discussed that "harmony" is a subjective standard and noted similar driveway arrangements exist elsewhere in the neighborhood. Staff provided measurements for context, saying the ADU would be roughly 75–80 feet from the primary house and about 205 feet from the rear property line, and confirmed that the city does not impose a minimum distance between an ADU and the primary residence. The applicant said the lot is heavily wooded to the rear and that the ADU would preserve mature trees; she also said proposed materials and colors will match the principal structure and that hedges and additional live oaks are planned for screening.

A board member moved to approve CADU-2026-0002, citing conformity with applicable standards and listing conditions including execution of a declaration of restrictions. Staff summarized that declaration’s key elements: the ADU may not be sold separately from the primary residence; the ADU is restricted to the approved size; the use permit is valid only while either the primary residence or the ADU is occupied by the owner of record as a principal residence; and the ADU is not permitted for short-term rentals (any lease must be at least six months).

After a board member proposed and the board seconded an amendment to require the neighbor-proposed landscaping buffer, the board voted on the original motion as amended. The roll-call produced only affirmative votes and the board approved the application as amended.

The meeting record shows item 405 was later pulled from the agenda at the applicant’s request; during final public input Michael Sands of 1122 Duncan Drive asked why it was removed and reiterated general concerns about setbacks affecting rear neighbors. The board closed public input and adjourned.

The action taken was approval of CADU-2026-0002 with the condition that the applicant execute the declaration of restrictions and add a landscaping buffer as discussed; no variances were requested or granted.