Orange Village Planning Commission Approves Townhomes, Settles Vinyl Siding Debate, Tables Walnut Hills Development

Brainard Road Construction Project Approved A site plan revision for 4689 Brainard Road received approval from the architectural review board. The project involves elevation and site plan changes to a previously approved plan, including the addition of a basement walk-out that is consistent with the original site plan but required board approval due to alterations to the originally approved plans.

Commercial Signage Updates Two signage projects at 27520 Shagrin Boulevard received approval. The first involved new building signage for an urgent care facility, compliant with sign regulations and consistent with corporate colors. The second was a replacement sign for Lakeshore Learning, updating from the original red signage to comply with corporate colors featuring white channel letters on a blue background.

Major Development Projects Move Forward The commission approved a four-lot split for the Omni Senior Living project at permanent property number 901-039, subject to final engineering review and utility company approvals. However, the final development plan was tabled due to outstanding engineering concerns.

The Canyons North project received final development plan approval for 15 townhome units on parcel A4, with approval conditional on addressing final engineering comments.

Vinyl Siding Controversy Resolved After significant discussion, the commission approved the use of 5-inch lap vinyl siding with .042 gauge thickness for Canyon model units 13-16, along with black window frames and accent colors on sidewalls.

Major Development Presentation

Walnut Hills Residential Project Tabled The evening’s main event involved a comprehensive presentation for the Walnut Hills Residential preliminary development plan. The project includes two seven-story apartment buildings with 159 units each (318 total) and 75 for-sale townhomes and villas. The commission tabled the item until the August 19 meeting to allow more time for review and consideration of concerns raised about density, traffic, and fire access.

Landscaping Requirements

The Lakes of Orange Phase 8 landscaping plan received approval with conditions including raising sign panels to allow additional planting space, adding ornamental grasses along the fence, and incorporating two more trees along the highway area.