Accessory Dwelling Unit Size and Development Standards in Kissimmee
In the City of Kissimmee, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) must have a minimum living area of 500 square feet and is capped at a maximum of 800 square feet or 40 percent of the gross floor area of the principal structure, whichever is less. Additionally, the City of Kissimmee requires that detached ADUs be situated on lots at least 1.5 times the minimum size required for the underlying zoning district. These units must also provide one off-street parking space in addition to the parking required for the primary residence.
Size and Construction Requirements
The Kissimmee Land Development Code establishes specific dimensional thresholds for the creation of an ADU, whether it is attached to or detached from the primary single-family structure. These standards are intended to maintain the character of Kissimmee’s residential neighborhoods while increasing housing diversity [Section 14-6-2].
ADU Dimensional and Parking Standards
The following table outlines the technical requirements for ADU development within the City of Kissimmee:
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Living Area | 500 square feet |
| Maximum Living Area | 800 square feet OR 40% of the principal structure's gross floor area, whichever is less |
| Minimum Lot Size (Attached) | Standard minimum for the respective zoning district |
| Minimum Lot Size (Detached) | 1.5 times the minimum for the respective zoning district |
| Required Parking | 1 off-street space per unit |
| Minimum Setback (Rear) | 6 feet (for structures 12 feet in height or less) |
Placement and Design Standards
The City of Kissimmee mandates that all ADUs be compatible with the existing principal structure in both materials and design. Construction must follow these specific placement rules:
- Entrances: An ADU may not have its own main entrance on the front façade of the principal structure unless it is a shared entryway. Any exterior stairway serving an ADU cannot be constructed on the front or street side of the principal dwelling [Section 14-6-2.D.3].
- Foundation: All ADUs must be permanently founded in accordance with applicable building codes [Section 14-6-2.D.2].
- Subordination: Generally, accessory structures in the City of Kissimmee must be subordinate to the principal structure, meaning they must be smaller in height and occupy less than 50 percent of the size of the principal structure [Section 14-6-1.A].
Occupancy and Zoning Restrictions
The City of Kissimmee permits ADUs as an incidental use to single-family dwellings. Under the Kissimmee Land Development Code, the principal structure must be owner-occupied, and the owner must maintain a valid homestead exemption for the property [Section 14-6-2.C].
In Agriculture and Conservation Districts (AC) within the City of Kissimmee, new ADUs are only permitted if they are incidental to a single-family dwelling, have a "Single Family Low Density Residential" future land use designation, and receive approval through the conditional use process [Section 14-6-2.E.2].
Sections Cited
- Section 14-2 (Terms Defined)
- Section 14-6-1 (General requirements for accessory uses and structures)
- Section 14-6-2 (Accessory dwelling units (ADU))
- Section 14-7-22 (Automobile parking ratios)