Guide to the RE: Residential Estate District in Kissimmee, Florida
The RE: Residential Estate District in Kissimmee is established to facilitate high-quality, low-density single-family neighborhoods characterized by a spacious urban setting and large property sizes. Development in this district requires a significant minimum lot area of 20,000 square feet and strictly limits building height to a maximum of two stories to preserve the established residential character.
Purpose and General Character
The primary intent of the RE: Residential Estate District is to provide for single-family detached residential development within Kissimmee that maintains a relatively spacious feel compared to other residential zones. According to the City of Kissimmee Land Development Code, the objectives of this district include the protection of stable, low-density neighborhoods and the preservation of natural features and open space [Section 14-4-4.B].
The character of the RE: Residential Estate District is defined by its low intensity, with a maximum impervious surface ratio of 50%, ensuring that half of the lot remains pervious or landscaped [Table 4-3]. Furthermore, Kissimmee regulations generally permit only one principal building per lot in this district [Section 14-4-6.A.2].
Permitted and Conditional Land Uses
The RE: Residential Estate District is primarily reserved for single-family living, though certain support and agricultural uses are permitted under specific conditions.
| Use Category | Use Type | Permission Level |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Single-family detached dwellings | Permitted (P) |
| Residential | Accessory dwelling unit | Permitted (P) |
| Residential | Family day care homes | Permitted (P) |
| Agricultural | Agricultural uses | Conditional (C) |
| Support | Child care facilities | Conditional (C) |
| Support | Churches | Conditional (C) |
| Support | Civic and social clubs | Conditional (C) |
| Support | Community centers | Conditional (C) |
| Support | Fire stations | Conditional (C) |
| Support | Libraries | Conditional (C) |
| Support | Schools (High) | Conditional (C) |
| Utilities | Utility facilities, minor | Permitted (P) |
Note: Agricultural uses in the RE: Residential Estate District are restricted to parcels of two acres or more [Table 4-1, Footnote 2].
Dimensional and Development Standards
The City of Kissimmee enforces strict dimensional requirements for the RE: Residential Estate District to ensure the preservation of its spacious character. These standards dictate the minimum size of lots and the necessary distance between structures and property lines.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 20,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 100 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 150 feet |
| Maximum Impervious Surface Area | 50% |
| Maximum Structure Height | 2 Stories |
| Minimum Open Space | 25% |
| Minimum Front Setback | 35 feet |
| Minimum Side Setback (Residential) | 15 feet |
| Minimum Street Side Setback | 25 feet |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 35 feet |
[Table 4-3]
Living Area and Parking
For single-family dwellings in the RE: Residential Estate District, the City of Kissimmee requires a minimum living area of 1,200 square feet [Section 14-4-6.A.8]. Additionally, the municipality requires a minimum of two parking spaces per single-family unit [Table 7-2].
Sections Cited
- Section 14-4-4.B: Standard zoning districts—Intent (Residential Estate District).
- Section 14-4-5: Schedule of uses for standard zoning districts (Table 4-1).
- Section 14-4-6.A: Regulations for zoning districts; General rules.
- Table 4-3: Site Standards - Residential Districts.
- Table 7-2: Minimum Parking Ratios.