RA-2 Single Family Residential District Guide for Kissimmee, Florida
The RA-2 Single Family Residential District in Kissimmee is designed to support stable low-density neighborhoods, requiring a minimum lot size of 9,000 square feet for detached dwellings. This municipality restricts development in the RA-2 District to a maximum of two stories by right, with a third story possible only through conditional use approval, and limits impervious surface coverage to 50% of the lot.
Purpose and General Character
The RA-2 Single Family Residential District is established by the City of Kissimmee to meet the single-family housing needs of the community. Its primary objective is to protect existing stable single-family neighborhoods and encourage development densities that are compatible with the City’s comprehensive plan. Specifically, the RA-2 District is intended to implement the "Single Family Low Density Residential" (SF-LDR) future land use designation [Section 14-4-4.C].
The character of the RA-2 District in Kissimmee is defined by the preservation of open space and the efficient use of existing and projected public services and facilities. It serves as a middle-tier low-density option within the RA-series (RA-1 through RA-4), balancing suburban lot sizes with essential infrastructure [Section 14-4-4.C].
Permitted and Conditional Land Uses
Land use in the RA-2 Single Family Residential District is primarily restricted to residential living and supporting civic uses. The City of Kissimmee categorizes uses as either Permitted (P), which are allowed by right, or Conditional (C), which require a specific review process [Section 14-4-5].
Residential Uses
- Permitted (P): Single-family detached dwellings, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and family day care homes [Table 4-1].
- Prohibited: Duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, multi-family dwellings, and mobile homes [Table 4-1].
Support and Institutional Uses
- Permitted (P): Elementary and middle schools [Table 4-1].
- Conditional (C): Churches, child care facilities, civic or social clubs, community centers, fire stations, libraries, high schools, and passive recreation areas [Table 4-1].
Technical Development Standards
The City of Kissimmee enforces specific dimensional requirements to maintain the low-density character of the RA-2 District. All single-family detached dwellings in this district must have a minimum living area of 1,200 square feet [Section 14-4-6.A.8.a].
Site and Building Requirements
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 9,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 70 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 110 feet |
| Maximum Impervious Surface Area | 50% |
| Maximum Building Height (Stories) | 2 (up to 3 via conditional use) |
| Minimum Front Setback | 25 feet |
| Minimum Side Setback (Residential) | 8 feet |
| Minimum Street Side Setback | 20 feet |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 25 feet |
[Table 4-3, Table 5-2]
Parking and Access
Residential developments in the Kissimmee RA-2 District must provide off-street parking. All parking areas must have durable, all-weather surfaces such as concrete or asphalt [Section 14-7-23.E].
Parking Ratios
| Use Type | Required Number of Spaces |
|---|---|
| Single Family Detached Dwelling | 2 spaces per unit |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) | 1 space per unit |
| Bed and Breakfast (if approved) | 2 spaces per unit + 1 per guestroom |
[Table 7-2]
Additional Regulations
- Yard Encroachments: The City of Kissimmee allows certain structures to project into required setbacks. Roof projections may extend up to three feet, while stoops and open-sided porches may encroach up to ten feet into the front setback, provided they remain at least five feet from the property line [Section 14-4-6.A.3].
- Fences and Walls: In residential districts like RA-2, side and rear yard fences are generally limited to a maximum height of six feet [Section 14-6-5.B].
- Accessory Structures: These must be subordinate to the principal building, occupying less than 50% of the principal structure's square footage, and must be shorter than the principal building [Section 14-6-1.A].
Sections Cited
- Section 14-4-4.C: Standard zoning districts—Intent
- Section 14-4-5: Schedule of uses for standard zoning districts (Table 4-1)
- Section 14-4-6.A: General rules for zoning districts
- Section 14-4-6.B: Schedule of dimensional regulations (Table 4-3)
- Section 14-6-1: General requirements for accessory uses and structures
- Section 14-6-5: Fences and walls
- Section 14-7-22: Automobile parking ratios (Table 7-2)
- Section 14-7-23: Parking facility design standards