The Howey-in-the-Hills Planning & Zoning Board has approved an amended plan for the Watermark Planned Unit Development (PUD), significantly expanding its scope. Originally approved in 2022, the PUD, developed by Revels Road Investors, LLC (an affiliate of JTD Land), will now encompass approximately 133 acres, up from 100, and feature 290 single-family homes, an increase of 65 units.
This expansion follows the developer’s acquisition of 33 acres south of the original site, near the Mission Rise community along State Road 19. The revised plan, designed by Halff, offers three lot sizes: 112 homes on 70-by-120-foot lots, 113 homes on 80-by-120-foot lots, and 65 homes on quarter-acre lots. The development will also include parks, a pool and cabana, and a 12-foot walking path.
While the town council recently mandated a quarter-acre minimum lot size for new developments, the Watermark project retains its smaller 70-foot lots due to its prior 2022 approval. However, all new additions adhere to the quarter-acre requirement.
Key changes in the amended PUD include:
- Larger Homes: Quarter-acre lots will have no maximum home size, while smaller lots retain the 3,500 square foot limit.
- Phased Development: The project will be completed in three phases instead of two.
- Increased Open Space: Nearly 44 acres (33%) will be dedicated to open space, up from 30 acres (30%).
- Wider Path: The pedestrian path will be 12 feet wide, increased from 10 feet.
The planning board’s unanimous approval now sends the amended PUD to the town council for two readings, scheduled for March 10 and March 24.
Additional Development News:
- PIB Land developers are seeking approval for a 98-home conservation subdivision on 119 acres outside of Howey-in-the-Hills.
- Construction of Mirror Lake, a gated community with high-value homes near the Clermont National Golf Course, is set to begin later this year.