Heavy Manufacturing and Industrial Zoning in Kissimmee
In the City of Kissimmee, heavy manufacturing and industrial activities are primarily categorized as conditional uses within the Business Park District (BP), Industrial Business District (IB), and Airport Industrial District (AI). These operations are subject to strict performance standards, including requirements that any manufacturing conducted within 300 feet of a residential district must occur inside completely enclosed buildings [Table 4-2, Footnote 6].
Industrial Zoning Districts in the City of Kissimmee
The City of Kissimmee utilizes several specific zoning districts to manage industrial and manufacturing growth while protecting the health and safety of the community.
Business Park District (BP)
The Business Park District (BP) is intended to provide a protective zone for park-like development of industrial and related uses that have limited objectionable external effects. This district is characterized by unified planning, controlled ingress and egress, and extensive screening and landscaping [Section 14-4-4.M].
Industrial Business District (IB)
The Industrial Business District (IB) is designated for properties suitable for industrial development where proximity to residential or commercial zones makes it desirable to limit the manner and extent of operations. It allows for various commercial uses compatible with typical industrial uses [Section 14-4-4.N].
Airport Industrial District (AI)
The Airport Industrial District (AI) is intended for activities predominantly connected with typical industrial uses that support the non-industrial needs of the area surrounding the Kissimmee Municipal Airport. This district must conform to the Kissimmee Airport Master Plan [Section 14-4-4.P].
Permitted and Conditional Industrial Uses
The City of Kissimmee distinguishes between light, medium, and heavy manufacturing. Heavy manufacturing involves mechanical or chemical transformation of substances, including bulk storage of raw materials, which may emit noise, vibration, dust, or odors [Chapter 14-2].
| Use Type | BP District | IB District | AI District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing, Light | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted |
| Manufacturing, Medium | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted |
| Manufacturing, Heavy | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional |
| Wholesale Trade | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted |
| Airport-Dependent Use | Prohibited | Prohibited | Conditional |
| Airport-Related Use | Prohibited | Prohibited | Conditional |
Note: Conditional uses (C) require specific approval and may be subject to additional City of Kissimmee review procedures [Section 14-4-5].
Development Standards for Industrial Districts
All industrial construction in the City of Kissimmee must adhere to the following site and dimensional requirements to ensure proper buffering and infrastructure support.
| Standard | BP District | IB District | AI District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Tract Size | 5 acres | N/A | N/A |
| Minimum Lot Area | 80,000 sq. ft. | 20,000 sq. ft. | 40,000 sq. ft. |
| Front Setback | 40 feet | 25 feet | 25 feet |
| Side Setback | 25 feet | 10 feet | 10 feet |
| Rear Setback | 40 feet | 15/25 feet | 25 feet |
| Max. Height | 45 feet | Refer to Ch. 8 | Refer to Ch. 8 |
| Max. Impervious Surface | 85% | 80% | 85% |
[Table 4-5]
Performance and Environmental Standards
The City of Kissimmee enforces specific performance standards for industrial uses to mitigate impacts on neighboring properties, particularly residential areas.
- Enclosure Requirement: Any manufacturing or repair activities conducted within 300 feet of a residential district must be in completely enclosed buildings. If the process is located at a greater distance, it may be outdoors if approved as a conditional use and enclosed by a solid wall or fence at least six feet high [Section 14-6-15.B].
- Vibration Limits: In the Industrial Business District (IB), the maximum ground-transmitted vibration is limited to a particle velocity of 0.20 inches per second at the adjacent lot line [Table 6-1].
- Explosive materials: Activities involving materials that decompose by detonation are strictly regulated within the IB District. Storage or utilization of such materials in excess of five pounds may be allowed only as a conditional use [Section 14-6-53.A.2].
- Outdoor Storage: In the IB and AI districts, permanent outdoor storage of merchandise or equipment is permitted but must not be located in a front yard unless the area is not visible from residential districts or arterial/collector roads [Section 14-6-12.A].
Sections Cited
- Chapter 14-2: TERMS DEFINED
- 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 14-6-12: Outdoor storage
- Section 14-6-15: Repair and manufacturing accessory to permitted uses
- Table 6-1: Maximum Ground Transmitted Vibration
- Section 14-6-53: Fire and explosion hazards