Allowed and Prohibited Uses in the Kissimmee Airport Operations (AO) District
The Airport Operations (AO) District in the City of Kissimmee is a highly specialized zone restricted primarily to aircraft operations, airport-dependent services, and specific transportation facilities like heliports and taxi stations. Most traditional land uses, including all forms of residential housing, industrial manufacturing, and general retail sales, are prohibited within this district. Technical requirements such as parking are calculated based on peak hour airplane loads, and building heights are strictly governed by airport hazard regulations [Section 14-4-4.O].
Intent of the AO District
The City of Kissimmee established the AO: Airport Operations District to provide for land uses within the Kissimmee Municipal Airport tract that directly support aircraft operations and associated services. All development and activity within the AO: Airport Operations District must conform to the Kissimmee Airport Master Plan and the specific aviation safety regulations found in Chapter 8 of the City Code [Section 14-4-4.O].
Permitted and Prohibited Land Uses
In the City of Kissimmee, land uses are strictly regulated by the Schedule of Uses for Non-Residential Standard Districts. Uses not expressly listed as permitted (P) or conditional (C) are prohibited [Section 14-4-5].
Aviation and Transportation Uses
The AO: Airport Operations District focuses on transport-related activities.
- Permitted (P):
- Airport-dependent uses (e.g., flight schools, aircraft fuel sales, repair and servicing) [Chapter 14-2].
- Airport-related uses (e.g., air museums, aeronautical training) [Chapter 14-2].
- Heliports (including medical and law enforcement facilities).
- Taxi stations.
- Rail, bus, and taxi stations with no onsite vehicle storage and/or repair.
- Prohibited:
- General bus depots.
- Full-service rail stations.
Commercial and Retail Uses
Commercial activity in the AO: Airport Operations District is extremely limited to prevent interference with primary aviation functions.
- Conditional (C):
- Restaurants.
- Permitted/Conditional (P/C):
- Drive-through facilities, provided they are associated with an otherwise allowed use and are located on a parcel of at least two acres [Table 4-2, Footnote 2].
- Prohibited:
- General retail sales establishments.
- Pawn shops.
- Nurseries and greenhouses.
- Micro-breweries.
Prohibited Categories
The City of Kissimmee prohibits the following entire categories of use within the AO: Airport Operations District:
- Residential Uses: All dwellings (single-family, multi-family, mobile homes) and accessory dwelling units are prohibited.
- Industrial Uses: Light, medium, and heavy manufacturing are prohibited.
- Institutional Uses: Schools (elementary, middle, and high), hospitals, community centers, and places of worship are prohibited.
- Lodging: Hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast establishments are prohibited.
Site Development Standards
Development in the AO: Airport Operations District must adhere to specific dimensional requirements to ensure safe operations near the Kissimmee Municipal Airport.
Dimensional Requirements
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area (All other uses) | 30,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 100 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 200 feet |
| Maximum Impervious Surface Area | 85% |
| Maximum Structure Height | Governed by Chapter 8 (Aviation) |
| Front Setback (Minimum) | 25 feet |
| Side Setback (Minimum) | 10 feet |
| Rear Setback (Minimum) | 15/25 feet (variable based on adjacency) |
[Source: Table 4-5]
Parking Standards
Parking for the AO: Airport Operations District is determined by unique formulas related to aviation demand.
| Use | Number of Spaces Required |
|---|---|
| Airport (General) | 1.5 times the peak hour airplane load |
| Service station, gasoline | 1 space per 2 pumps, plus 3 spaces per service bay |
| Heliports | Review required by Airport Director |
[Source: Table 7-2, Section 14-11-7.A]
AO District Signage Regulations
Signs in the AO: Airport Operations District are subject to additional scrutiny by the Airport Director. Wall signs may face a runway or taxiway, but no more than two sides of a building may contain such signs. The total maximum copy area for wall signs is limited to one foot per linear foot of building frontage. All lighting for signs must be designed to prevent glare or direct light from illuminating any runway or taxiway [Section 14-11-7.A].
Sections Cited
- Section 14-4-4.O, Agriculture and Conservation District (AC).
- Section 14-4-5, Schedule of uses for standard zoning districts.
- Section 14-11-7.A, AO district and AI district signs.
- Chapter 14-2, Terms Defined.
- Table 4-2, Schedule of Uses for Non-Residential Standard Districts.
- Table 4-5, Site Standards - Non-Residential Districts.
- Table 7-2, Minimum Parking Ratios.