RA-3 Single Family Residential District Guidelines for Kissimmee, Florida
The RA-3 Single Family Residential District in Kissimmee is established to provide for medium-density single-family residential neighborhoods, requiring a minimum lot size of 7,000 square feet and a lot width of 60 feet. This district allows for detached single-family dwellings and accessory dwelling units while maintaining a 50% maximum impervious surface ratio to preserve neighborhood character and open space. Kissimmee regulations limit standard building heights in the RA-3 District to two stories, with a third story potentially authorized through a conditional use review.
Purpose and Intent of the RA-3 District
The Single Family Residential Districts, including the RA-3 District, are primarily intended to meet the single-family housing needs of the Kissimmee community. Specifically, the RA-3 District is used to implement the "Single Family Medium Density Residential" (SF-MDR) future land use designation. The objectives of the RA-3 District include the protection of existing stable neighborhoods, the preservation of open space, and the encouragement of residential densities that are compatible with existing and anticipated future developments [Section 14-4-4.C].
The Kissimmee RA-3 District is considered particularly suitable for redevelopment areas that contain small platted lots. It also serves as a transition zone between different areas, helping to accommodate potentially incompatible uses while providing access to projected public services and facilities [Section 14-4-4.C].
Permitted and Conditional Uses
Land uses in the Kissimmee RA-3 District are categorized as either permitted by right (P) or requiring conditional use approval (C). If a cell is blank in the official schedule, that use is prohibited in the RA-3 District [Section 14-4-5].
Residential Uses
- Permitted (P): Single-family detached dwellings, accessory dwelling units, and family day care homes [Table 4-1].
- Conditional (C): Short-term rentals (if the housing type is allowed), and time-share dwellings (if the housing type is allowed) [Table 4-1].
Community Support Uses
- Permitted (P): Elementary schools and middle schools [Table 4-1].
- Conditional (C): Child care facilities, churches, civic/social clubs, community centers, fire stations, libraries, passive recreation, and high schools [Table 4-1].
- Utility Facilities: Minor utility facilities are permitted by right (P) [Table 4-1].
Site and Development Standards
All development within the Kissimmee RA-3 District must adhere to specific dimensional requirements regarding lot size, setbacks, and building mass.
Lot and Density Requirements
| Standard | RA-3 District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area (Square Feet) | 7,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 60 ft. |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 100 ft. |
| Maximum Impervious Surface Area | 50% |
| Minimum Open Space | 25% |
Building Setbacks and Height
| Setback Type | RA-3 District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Front Setback | 20 ft. |
| Minimum Side Setback (Residential) | 7 ft. |
| Minimum Side Setback (Non-residential) | 10 ft. |
| Minimum Street Side Setback (Residential) | 18 ft. |
| Minimum Street Side Setback (Non-residential) | 18 ft. |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 25 ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 2 stories (3 stories via Conditional Use) |
Source: [Table 4-3]
Parking and Access Requirements
In the City of Kissimmee, the RA-3 District must comply with general off-street parking standards to ensure adequate space for residents and visitors without impacting traffic flow on local streets.
| Use Type | Minimum Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| Single-family Detached Dwelling | 2 spaces per unit |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit | 1 space per unit |
| Family Day Care Home | Must meet home occupation standards |
| Elementary & Junior High Schools | 1 per each 6 auditorium/gymnasium seats OR 2 per each classroom/lab |
Source: [Table 7-2]
General District Character and Regulations
- One Building Per Lot: In the RA-3 District, not more than one single-family structure may be located on a single lot [Section 14-4-6.A.2].
- Living Area: Single-family dwellings in the RA-3 District must have a minimum living area of 1,200 square feet [Section 14-4-6.A.8.a].
- Setback Encroachments: Certain architectural features like roof projections may extend up to three feet into a required setback. Stoops and open-sided porches may encroach up to ten feet into the front setback but must remain at least five feet from the front property line [Section 14-4-6.A.3].
- Fences and Walls: Standard residential fences in the side and rear yards are limited to a maximum height of six feet [Section 14-6-5.B].
- Yard Coverage: No more than 40 percent of the front and side yards may be covered with impervious materials such as concrete, pavers, or asphalt [Section 14-4-6.A.9].
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 14-7-22: Automobile parking ratios
- Table 4-1: Schedule of Uses for Residential Standard Districts
- Table 4-3: Site Standards - Residential Districts
- Table 7-2: Minimum Parking Ratios