Allowed and Prohibited Uses in the Kissimmee OS: Open Space District
The OS: Open Space District in the City of Kissimmee is established to protect environmentally sensitive natural systems and preserve major open spaces for low-intensity recreational needs. Within this district, public uses and passive recreation are permitted by right, while agricultural activities require conditional approval and must be located at least 25 feet from any residentially zoned property. Development in the OS: Open Space District is strictly limited by a 30% maximum impervious surface ratio and a building height limit of 35 feet.
Intent of the OS: Open Space District
The primary intent of the OS: Open Space District within the City of Kissimmee is the preservation of natural resources and the provision of areas for outdoor recreation that do not negatively impact the environment. The City of Kissimmee regulates this district to ensure that any permitted activities are consistent with the low-intensity nature of the land [Section 14-4-4.T].
Allowed and Conditional Uses
Uses in the OS: Open Space District are categorized as either Permitted (P), which are allowed by right, or Conditional (C), which require specific review and approval according to the procedures in the City of Kissimmee land development regulations.
Permitted Uses (Allowed by Right)
The following uses are expressly permitted within the OS: Open Space District:
- Passive Recreation Areas: Such as walking trails and nature observation points [Table 4-2].
- Public Uses: General public facilities and lands owned by government entities [Table 4-2].
- Water Dependent Uses in Lake Tohopekaliga: Specific activities related to the lake [Table 4-2].
- Minor Utility Facilities: Essential services like sewer lift stations or telephone switching boxes [Table 4-2].
Conditional Uses
The following uses may be allowed within the OS: Open Space District subject to conditional use approval:
- Agricultural Uses: Must comply with the City of Kissimmee's supplemental standards, including a requirement that no farm animals be kept within 25 feet of a residentially zoned property [Table 4-2; Footnote 1].
Activities Exempt from Prohibition
The City of Kissimmee does not prohibit or regulate the following specific activities within the OS: Open Space District, provided they are associated with a permitted use or temporary permit:
- Filling and dredging.
- Dredged material disposal.
- Bankline or stream alteration.
- Construction and repair of dikes, mosquito control structures, and shoreline stabilization.
- Installation of navigational structures.
- Construction of public streets [Section 14-4-4.T].
Prohibited Uses
In the City of Kissimmee, any use not explicitly listed as permitted or conditional in the OS: Open Space District is prohibited [Section 14-4-5]. Examples of prohibited uses include, but are not limited to:
- Residential Uses: Accessory dwelling units, single-family dwellings, multi-family dwellings, and mobile homes [Table 4-2].
- Commercial and Retail Uses: Restaurants, retail stores, pawn shops, and drive-through facilities [Table 4-2].
- Industrial Uses: Any manufacturing (light, medium, or heavy) or wholesale trade establishments [Table 4-2].
- Institutional Uses: Hospitals, schools (elementary, middle, and high), and churches [Table 4-2].
- Lodging: Hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast establishments [Table 4-2].
Technical Site Standards
The City of Kissimmee enforces the following dimensional and development standards for any structures or improvements within the OS: Open Space District to maintain its open character.
| Standard Type | Requirement for OS: Open Space District |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 20,000 square feet [Table 4-5] |
| Minimum Lot Width | 100 feet [Table 4-5] |
| Maximum Impervious Surface Area | 30% [Table 4-5] |
| Maximum Structure Height | 35 feet [Table 4-5] |
| Minimum Front Setback | 25 feet [Table 4-5] |
| Minimum Side Setback | 25 feet [Table 4-5] |
| Minimum Street Side Setback | 25 feet [Table 4-5] |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 25 feet [Table 4-5] |
Sections Cited
- Section 14-4-4 Standard zoning districts—Intent
- Section 14-4-5 Schedule of uses for standard zoning districts
- Table 4-2 Schedule of Uses for Non-Residential Standard Districts
- Table 4-5 Site Standards - Non-Residential Districts
- Section 14-5-2 Regulating plan