Guide to the RA-4: Single Family Residential District in Kissimmee
The RA-4: Single Family Residential District in the City of Kissimmee requires a minimum lot area of 6,000 square feet and a minimum lot width of 50 feet for standard single-family homes. This district allows for a maximum building height of two stories by right, with a third story potentially authorized through the conditional use review process, and it requires at least two off-street parking spaces per unit [Section 14-4-6.A.1, Table 4-3, Table 7-2].
Purpose and General Character
The City of Kissimmee established the RA-4: Single Family Residential District to meet the specific housing needs of the community while implementing the Single Family Medium Density Residential (SF-MDR) future land use designation. The RA-4: Single Family Residential District is particularly suitable for City of Kissimmee redevelopment areas that contain small platted lots [Section 14-4-4.C].
The general character of the RA-4: Single Family Residential District is defined by its role as a transition zone. It is often situated to serve as a buffer between areas with differing intensities of development, helping to protect existing stable single-family neighborhoods while allowing for slightly higher densities than the RA-1 or RA-2 districts [Section 14-4-4.C]. Objectives of this district in Kissimmee include the preservation of open space and the efficient provision of projected public services and facilities [Section 14-4-4.C].
Permitted Land Uses
Land uses in the RA-4: Single Family Residential District are categorized as Permitted (P), which are allowed by right, or Conditional (C), which require a specific review process to ensure compatibility with the surrounding City of Kissimmee neighborhood [Section 14-4-5].
| Use Category | Specific Land Use | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Single family detached dwellings | Permitted (P) |
| Residential | Accessory dwelling unit | Permitted (P) |
| Residential | Family day care homes | Permitted (P) |
| Support Uses | Schools, elementary | Permitted (P) |
| Support Uses | Child care facilities | Conditional (C) |
| Support Uses | Churches | Conditional (C) |
| Support Uses | Civic, social clubs | Conditional (C) |
| Support Uses | Community centers | Conditional (C) |
| Support Uses | Fire stations | Conditional (C) |
| Support Uses | Libraries | Conditional (C) |
| Recreation | Recreation, passive | Conditional (C) |
[Source: Table 4-1]
Dimensional and Site Standards
The City of Kissimmee regulates the intensity and physical form of development in the RA-4: Single Family Residential District through specific lot and setback requirements. These standards ensure adequate light, air, and separation between structures [Section 14-4-6].
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 6,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 50 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 100 feet |
| Maximum Impervious Surface | 50% |
| Minimum Front Setback | 20 feet |
| Minimum Side Setback (Residential) | 5 feet |
| Minimum Street Side Setback | 15 feet |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 25 feet |
| Maximum Structure Height | 2 Stories (3 stories may be authorized via Conditional Use) |
| Minimum Open Space | 25% |
[Source: Table 4-3]
Access and Parking Requirements
Developments within the RA-4: Single Family Residential District in Kissimmee must comply with standard City of Kissimmee parking ratios to prevent on-street congestion [Section 14-7-20].
| Use Type | Minimum Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| Single family detached dwelling | 2 spaces per unit |
| Accessory dwelling unit | 1 space per unit |
| Schools, Elementary | 1 per each 6 auditorium/gym seats OR 2 per classroom/lab/workshop |
[Source: Table 7-2]
In the RA-4: Single Family Residential District, not more than one single-family structure is permitted per lot [Section 14-4-6.A.2]. Additionally, if the lot has multiple frontages (such as a corner lot), the City of Kissimmee Development Services Director determines yard identification based on the orientation of adjacent lots and street hierarchy [Section 14-4-6.A.1].
Sections Cited
- Section 14-4-4. Standard zoning districts—Intent.
- Section 14-4-5. Schedule of uses for standard zoning districts.
- Section 14-4-6. Regulations for zoning districts.
- Section 14-7-20. Off-Street Parking Standards: When required.
- Section 14-7-22. Automobile parking ratios.
- Table 4-1. Schedule of Uses for Residential Standard Districts.
- Table 4-3. Site Standards - Residential Districts.
- Table 7-2. Minimum Parking Ratios.