What are Rural Settlements?
Areas designated on the Future Land Use Map that recognize existing “semi-rural” development patterns. These currently include the Bithlo, Bridle Path, Christmas, Clarcona, Gotha, Lake Hart/Lake Whippoorwill, Lake Mary Jane, North Apopka/Wekiva, North Christmas, Otter Lake, Paradise Heights, Sunflower Trail/Seaward Plantation, Tangerine, Tildenville, Wedgefield, West Windermere, Zellwood and Zellwood Station Rural Settlements. Future Land Use Element policies relating to Rural Settlements provide additional protections to these areas. Rural Settlements may be designated as Preservation Districts. See also the Rural Settlement Study (PDF – 355 KB).