Winter Park May Cut Impact Fees to Boost West Fairbanks Development

October 30, 2025

Quick Highlights

• Winter Park is considering reducing impact fees in the SOFA District to encourage more development.
• High impact fees have been a barrier to projects compared to neighboring Orlando and Orange County.
• The city has invested over $30 million in infrastructure improvements along West Fairbanks Avenue.
• Proposed changes could attract mixed-use developments with residential, retail, and office space.
• City staff will return with formal recommendations on fee reductions, incentives, and redevelopment strategies.

Could Lower Fees Jumpstart West Fairbanks? Winter Park Thinks So.

Winter Park might finally be cracking the code to bring fresh life to the West Fairbanks corridor, and locals — especially small business owners and developers — should be paying attention.

At a recent City Commission work session, city leaders tossed around some big ideas: cutting steep impact fees, offering new developer incentives, and potentially unlocking higher-density development in the underused SOFA District (that’s South of Fairbanks Avenue, for the uninitiated).

Let’s break down what this could mean for the area, and why Winter Park is ready to level the playing field.

What’s the Deal With West Fairbanks?

If you’ve driven West Fairbanks Avenue lately, you know it’s got potential — but it’s not quite there yet. Despite $30 million in city upgrades over the last 15 years (think underground utilities and better stormwater systems), development has been slow.

Why? The parcel sizes are small, some property owners are just sitting on land, and — here’s the big one — impact fees in Winter Park are way higher than neighboring Orlando or unincorporated Orange County.

Example: Want to build medical offices? That’ll cost you $27,101 per 1,000 sq. ft. in Winter Park. Compare that to $12,446 in Orange County. Yikes.

Developers are Interested — But Hesitant

There’s no shortage of ideas or interest. Two projects — Fairbanks Exchange and a proposed medical office at Clay Street — looked promising but have since stalled. Rising construction costs, leasing hurdles, and those hefty fees pushed them into limbo.

According to city staff, developers might return to the table if fees are reduced or financial tools like “gap” incentives are introduced. That could mean assistance with land acquisition, flexible financing, or perks like density bonuses in exchange for public improvements.

The SOFA District Could Be the Next Hot Spot

City leaders see the SOFA District — stretching from Orlando Ave to I-4 — as a prime target for a mixed-use revival, with apartments, shops, and office space working together to create an “urban village” feel.

And it makes sense: People living upstairs, walking downstairs to grab coffee or dinner, and building foot traffic that keeps the area buzzing. The city’s comprehensive plan even allows buildings up to 8 stories near I-4 — setting the stage for a bold new gateway into Winter Park.

What’s Next? Winter Park Weighs Its Options

No formal vote or timeline yet, but City Commissioners are onboard with exploring reduced fees and new incentives. Staff will return with solid proposals on fee adjustments, redevelopment ideas, and developer incentives.

This is a major opportunity to make West Fairbanks a true extension of Winter Park’s charm — with all the cool factor and community vibe locals already love in places like Park Avenue and Hannibal Square.

Frequently Asked Questions About West Fairbanks Development

What are impact fees, and why do they matter?
Impact fees are costs charged to developers to cover infrastructure improvements. High fees can make projects less financially feasible.

Where exactly is the SOFA District?
It’s the area south of W. Fairbanks Ave., between Orlando Ave. and I-4, covering parts of Winter Park, Orlando, and Orange County.

Why haven’t more projects been built already?
Challenges include small property parcels, lack of project champions, high fees, and rising construction costs.

Could this bring more restaurants and shops to West Fairbanks?
Absolutely! The city’s mixed-use vision includes walkable retail and dining alongside residential and office space.

When will changes take effect?
There’s no set timeline yet. The city is currently in the planning phase and will review proposals at a future date.

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