Kissimmee Agriculture and Conservation District (AC)
The Agriculture and Conservation District (AC) in Kissimmee requires a minimum lot area of five acres and is designed to preserve land for agricultural production and environmental management. This district allows for large-lot single-family estate development and frequently serves as a holding zone for newly annexed territories, maintaining a maximum building height of two stories and a 50% limit on impervious surface area [Section 14-4-4.A].
Purpose and Intent
The Agriculture and Conservation District (AC) is established by the City of Kissimmee to facilitate agricultural production and the preservation of open spaces. The Agriculture and Conservation District focuses on the management of natural resources, including soil, water, air, and game. Beyond conservation, the Agriculture and Conservation District is intended for large-lot single-family estate developments that remain compatible with adjacent agricultural activities [Section 14-4-4.A.1].
In many instances, the City of Kissimmee utilizes the Agriculture and Conservation District as a "holding zone" for land recently annexed into the city limits. This designation is applied to areas designated for various future land uses (such as Low, Medium, or High-Density Residential, Commercial, or Industrial) in the comprehensive plan until such time as urban development becomes appropriate and the land is rezoned [Section 14-4-4.A.2-3].
Permitted and Conditional Uses
Land uses in the Kissimmee Agriculture and Conservation District are categorized as either Permitted (P), which are allowed by right, or Conditional (C), which require a specific review process [Section 14-4-5].
Agricultural and Rural Uses
- Agricultural Uses: Permitted (P). Note that no farm animals are allowed within 25 feet of a residentially-zoned property [Section 14-4-5, Table 4-1].
- Kennels and Aviaries: Conditional (C).
- Hunting Camps and Fishing Camps: Conditional (C).
Residential and Support Uses
- Single-Family Detached Dwellings: Permitted (P) [Section 14-4-5, Table 4-1].
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU): Permitted/Conditional (P/C). New ADUs in the Agriculture and Conservation District may only be allowed if incidental to a single-family dwelling and are reviewed through the conditional use process [Section 14-6-2.E.2].
- Family Day Care Homes: Permitted (P).
- Utility Facilities (Minor): Permitted (P).
Development Standards
The Agriculture and Conservation District maintains the most restrictive lot size requirements in the City of Kissimmee to preserve its rural character.
Site and Dimensional Requirements
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 5 acres |
| Minimum Lot Width | 200 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 200 feet |
| Maximum Impervious Surface Area | 50% |
| Minimum Front Setback | 35 feet |
| Minimum Side Setback | 25 feet |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 35 feet |
| Maximum Structure Height | 2 stories |
| Required Open Space | 25% |
Reference: [Section 14-4-6, Table 4-3]
Parking Requirements
| Use | Minimum Number of Spaces |
|---|---|
| Single-family dwelling | 2 spaces per unit |
| Accessory dwelling unit | 1 space per unit |
Reference: [Section 14-7-22, Table 7-2]
General Character and Special Regulations
The Agriculture and Conservation District has unique allowances and restrictions that distinguish it from urbanized Kissimmee districts:
- Fencing: Unlike most other districts in the City of Kissimmee, the Agriculture and Conservation District allows the use of barbed wire and electric fences, provided they are used specifically for agricultural purposes [Section 14-6-5.D.5].
- Ground Cover: While the City of Kissimmee generally requires pervious areas to be entirely sodded or plugged, the Agriculture and Conservation District is the only zone where sprigged, weeded, or seeded ground covers are permitted [Section 14-8-23.C].
- Nonconforming Lots: Nonconforming lots of record in the Agriculture and Conservation District may be built upon without a variance if all yard and dimensional standards are met [Section 14-1-10.A].
- Signage: General residential district permanent sign standards apply, allowing for identification signs at development entries with a maximum height of four feet (or six feet if attached to a perimeter wall) [Section 14-11-4].
Sections Cited
- Section 14-1-10.A (Nonconforming Lots)
- Section 14-4-4.A (Agriculture and Conservation District Intent)
- Section 14-4-5 (Schedule of Uses)
- Table 4-1 (Schedule of Uses for Residential Standard Districts)
- Section 14-4-6 (Regulations for Zoning Districts)
- Table 4-3 (Site Standards - Residential Districts)
- Section 14-6-2.E (ADUs in AC)
- Section 14-6-5.D.5 (Fences and Walls)
- Section 14-7-22 (Automobile Parking Ratios)
- Table 7-2 (Minimum Parking Ratios)
- Section 14-8-23.C (Ground Cover)
- Section 14-11-4 (General residential district permanent signs)