RA-1: Single Family Residential District Guide for Kissimmee
The RA-1: Single Family Residential District in Kissimmee is designed to preserve stable, low-density single-family neighborhoods with a minimum lot size of 12,000 square feet and a minimum lot width of 80 feet. Development in this district focus on protecting residential character while allowing for essential community support uses like schools and churches, governed by a 50% maximum impervious surface limit and standard 25-foot front and rear setbacks [Section 14-4-4.C].
Purpose and General Character
The RA-1: Single Family Residential District is one of the primary zoning classifications used by the City of Kissimmee to implement the "Single Family Low Density Residential" (SF-LDR) future land use designation [Section 14-4-4.C]. The primary intent of this district is to meet the single-family housing needs of the community while fostering quality neighborhoods in a relatively spacious urban setting.
Key objectives of the RA-1: Single Family Residential District in Kissimmee include:
- The protection of existing stable low-density single-family neighborhoods.
- The preservation of open space.
- The encouragement of residential densities that are compatible with existing and anticipated future developments.
- The integration of natural features and necessary public services and facilities [Section 14-4-4.C].
Permitted and Conditional Land Uses
Land uses in the RA-1: Single Family Residential District are categorized as either Permitted (P), which are allowed by right, or Conditional (C), which require a specific review process to ensure they do not adversely impact the surrounding neighborhood.
Residential Uses
- Single Family Detached Dwellings: Permitted.
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU): Permitted, subject to the standards in Section 14-6-2.
- Family Day Care Homes: Permitted, subject to the standards in Section 14-6-4.
Support and Institutional Uses
- Schools (Elementary and Middle): Permitted.
- Schools (High): Conditional Use.
- Child Care Facilities: Conditional Use, subject to Section 14-6-37.
- Churches: Conditional Use.
- Civic and Social Clubs: Conditional Use.
- Community Centers: Conditional Use.
- Fire Stations: Conditional Use.
- Libraries: Conditional Use.
- Passive Recreation: Conditional Use.
- Minor Utility Facilities: Permitted, subject to Section 14-6-46.
Note: Non-residential uses in the RA-1: Single Family Residential District must have frontage on, or direct access to, a collector or arterial road [Table 4-1, Footnote 5].
Site and Dimensional Standards
The City of Kissimmee imposes specific dimensions on the RA-1: Single Family Residential District to maintain its low-density character. Buildings intended for dwelling use must have a minimum living area of 1,200 square feet [Section 14-4-6.A.8.a].
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 12,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 80 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 120 feet |
| Maximum Impervious Surface Area | 50% |
| Maximum Non-Residential Gross Floor Area | 5,000 square feet |
| Minimum Front Setback | 25 feet |
| Minimum Side Setback (Residential) | 9 feet |
| Minimum Side Setback (Non-Residential) | 10 feet |
| Minimum Street Side Setback | 25 feet |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 25 feet |
| Minimum Open Space | 25% |
| Maximum Structure Height | 35 feet / 2 stories (3 stories via Conditional Use) |
[Source: Table 4-3, Section 14-4-6.A]
Parking and Access Requirements
The City of Kissimmee requires that the RA-1: Single Family Residential District provide sufficient off-street parking to prevent congestion on local residential streets.
| Use Type | Minimum Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| Single Family Detached Dwelling | 2 spaces per unit |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit | 1 space per unit |
| Bed and Breakfast | 2 spaces per unit + 1 space per guestroom |
| Churches | 1 space per 4 seats (including temp seating) |
| Elementary & Junior High Schools | 1 per 6 auditorium seats OR 2 per classroom |
| Senior High Schools | 1 space per 3 high school students |
[Source: Table 7-2]
Additional Character Regulations
- Yard Coverage: No more than 40% of the front and side yards in the RA-1: Single Family Residential District may be covered with impervious materials such as pavers, concrete, or asphalt [Section 14-4-6.A.9].
- Fencing: Fences and walls in front yards are generally limited to a maximum height of three feet and must be no more than 15% opaque [Section 14-6-5.C.1].
- One Building Per Lot: In the RA-1: Single Family Residential District, no more than one single-family structure shall be located on a single lot [Section 14-4-6.A.2].
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 14-6-2: Accessory dwelling units (ADU)
- Section 14-6-4: Family day care homes
- Section 14-6-5: Fences and walls
- Section 14-6-37: Child care facilities
- Section 14-6-46: Utility facilities, minor
- Section 14-7-22: Automobile parking ratios