Oviedo’s possible zoning changes allow new business types

À La Cart, an Orlando taproom with food trucks flanking its open-air property to provide dining options, wants to come to Oviedo’s historical downtown district. Because the food trucks are not actually part of their business, it’s primarily a bar, which the city currently only allows in Oviedo on the Park.
The business’s application, which is in the very early stages, triggered the Oviedo City Council to consider expanding the types of businesses that can be in Oviedo’s commercial areas. On Aug. 16, the council held the first public hearing on adding a light industrial use in its land development code. The second hearing is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9 at City Hall.
Light industrial would include arts, crafts, apparel, technology and medical manufacturing businesses but limits activity that creates a nuisance, such as smoke and odors. The new zoning category would also include entertainment uses, allowing playhouses, concert halls, bars and video arcades. Oviedo’s development services director Teresa Correa said this will provide more flexibility as the city plans the redevelopment of the historical downtown district. Light industrial would be allowed anywhere that’s zoned C2, which includes businesses such as restaurants and drive throughs.
Deputy Mayor Bob Pollack said he’d like to add a special exception for bars and restaurants applying for light industrial near residential property so that city council has the final say.
Mayor Megan Sladek also recommended that parking minimums for these properties be waived so that market demand dictates how many spaces are allotted.