RA-1: Single Family Residential District Regulations in Kissimmee
The RA-1: Single Family Residential District in the City of Kissimmee is established to protect stable, low-density neighborhoods primarily consisting of single-family detached dwellings. Development in the RA-1: Single Family Residential District requires a minimum lot size of 12,000 square feet and limits building height to a maximum of two stories. While community facilities like elementary schools are permitted by right, many other non-residential uses such as churches or high schools require conditional use approval.
Purpose of the RA-1 District
In the City of Kissimmee, the RA-1: Single Family Residential District is primarily intended to meet the single-family housing needs of the community. The district is used to implement the Single Family Low Density Residential (SF-LDR) future land use designation as defined by the City of Kissimmee Comprehensive Plan. Key objectives of this district include the protection of existing low-density neighborhoods, the preservation of open space, and the encouragement of residential densities compatible with projected public services and facilities [Section 14-4-4].
Allowed and Prohibited Uses
The City of Kissimmee utilizes a Schedule of Uses to determine which activities are permitted within the RA-1: Single Family Residential District. Per the Land Development Code, any use not expressly listed as permitted (P) or conditional (C) is prohibited (N/Blank) [Section 14-4-5].
Permitted Uses (Allowed by Right)
The following uses are permitted in the RA-1: Single Family Residential District:
- Residential Dwellings: Single-family detached dwellings [Table 4-1].
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU): Permitted subject to standards in Section 14-6-2 [Table 4-1].
- Family Day Care Homes: Permitted subject to standards in Section 14-6-4 [Table 4-1].
- Educational Facilities: Public elementary and middle schools [Table 4-1].
- Utilities: Minor utility facilities [Table 4-1].
Conditional Uses
The following uses may be allowed in the RA-1: Single Family Residential District only after receiving conditional use approval from the City of Kissimmee:
- Child Care Facilities: Subject to Section 14-6-37 [Table 4-1].
- Community Support: Churches, civic/social clubs, community centers, fire stations, and libraries [Table 4-1].
- Educational Facilities: High schools [Table 4-1].
- Recreation: Passive recreation areas [Table 4-1].
Prohibited Uses
The following uses are explicitly prohibited within the RA-1: Single Family Residential District in Kissimmee:
- Agricultural/Rural: Agricultural uses, kennels, aviaries, and hunting or fishing camps [Table 4-1].
- Higher Density Residential: Duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, and multi-family dwellings [Table 4-1].
- Transient Lodging: Short-term rentals, time-share dwellings, and rooming houses [Table 4-1].
- Commercial/Industrial: Office establishments, cemeteries, and communication service establishments [Table 4-1].
- Mobile/RV: Individual mobile homes, mobile home parks, and recreational vehicle parks [Table 4-1].
Development Standards
All development within the RA-1: Single Family Residential District must adhere to the following dimensional and site standards established by the City of Kissimmee:
| Standard | RA-1: Single Family Residential District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 12,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 80 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 120 feet |
| Maximum Impervious Surface Area | 50% |
| Minimum Front Setback | 25 feet |
| Minimum Side Setback (Residential) | 9 feet |
| Minimum Street Side Setback | 25 feet |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 25 feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 2 stories |
| Max Non-Residential Gross Floor Area | 5,000 square feet (may be exceeded via conditional use) |
[Table 4-3, Table 4-1]
Additional Regulations
- One Building Per Lot: In the RA-1: Single Family Residential District, not more than one single-family structure shall be located on a single lot [Section 14-4-6].
- Living Area: Single-family dwellings in the City of Kissimmee must have a minimum living area of 1,200 square feet [Section 14-4-6].
- Front/Side Yard Coverage: No more than 40 percent of the front and side yards may be covered with pavers, concrete, or other types of pavement [Section 14-4-6].
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 14-6-37: Child care facilities
- Section 14-6-46: Utility facilities, minor