Micromobility restrictions on roadways, construction noise limitations and traffic data studies in anticipation of an Orange Avenue Overlay were among the topics discussed in Monday’s City Commission meeting.

The popularity of motorized “micro” vehicles, including scooters and skateboards, continues to grow nationwide. The Florida legislature recently expanded the of rights of micromobility operators, allowing them the same roadway and operation rights as bicycles. Here in Winter Park, however, motorized scooters and the like are prohibited in the Central Business District, as they add increased risk of traffic related injuries and collisions. Our brick streets, narrow sidewalks and high pedestrian traffic create hazards not seen in most cities. The Commission has the authority to create zoning classifications limiting operation rights despite Florida law. The Commission and City staff will continue to discuss clarifying local guidelines and will ask Winter Park’s City Transportation Advisory Board to examine micromobility issues emerging on our roadways, neighborhoods and trails.

Construction noise prohibitions for residential properties were reconsidered in Monday’s City Commission meeting due to a recent complaint. After lengthy discussion including comparisons to guidelines in neighboring communities, the Commission will pursue shortening construction noise allowances Monday through Saturday in Winter Park. The Commission will hear public input again before a final vote. Winter Park’s Noise Ordinance currently limits construction-generated noise to 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and prohibits it Sundays and on six annual holidays. The Commission will consider limiting construction noise to:

• Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

Restrictions on Sunday and holiday construction noise in Winter Park will remain unchanged.

After lengthy discussion of the proposed scope of work, the Commission voted 3-2 to commission traffic studies by Kimley-Horn for data and analysis of future effects should the Orange Avenue Overlay be adopted. The work will include measuring traffic on several roadways in the proposed district at their peak hours, both morning and afternoon, and will result in an analysis of multiple traffic flow scenarios.

The Commission has met on the first and fourth Monday of each month, however Commissioners agreed that Wednesday meetings may be more convenient for them, City staff and residents. The start time of their meetings, 3:30 p.m., was not a subject they were interested in changing. However, as the Commission meetings progress back to an in-person rather than virtual format in July, some residents are interested in maintaining the option to participate virtually. City staff will look into the matter. Were they to maintain the virtual option in tandem with live participation, it would allow citizen comments to be delivered remotely, a change that would most likely help those who are unable to physically observe the meetings.

The Commission unanimously favored Mayor Leary’s request for an examination of Winter Park’s Police Policies and Procedures by the Civil Service Board review. It will be an open process and the results will be presented for public consideration.