RA-3 Single Family Residential District Use and Development Guide for Kissimmee
The RA-3 Single Family Residential District in Kissimmee is established primarily to meet low-density housing needs, permitting single-family detached dwellings and accessory dwelling units on lots with a minimum area of 7,000 square feet. While elementary and middle schools are allowed by right, many community support uses like churches and child care facilities require conditional use approval, and higher-density residential forms such as duplexes or townhouses are strictly prohibited.
Permitted and Prohibited Uses in the RA-3 District
The City of Kissimmee maintains a specific schedule of allowed uses for residential districts. In the RA-3 Single Family Residential District, any use not explicitly marked as Permitted (P) or Conditional (C) is considered prohibited [Section 14-4-5].
Residential Uses
Within the RA-3 Single Family Residential District of Kissimmee, the primary focus is on maintaining a low-density residential character.
- Permitted Uses (P):
- Single-family detached dwellings.
- Accessory dwelling units (subject to standards in Section 14-6-2).
- Family day care homes (subject to standards in Section 14-6-4).
- Prohibited Uses:
- Duplexes, triplexes, and townhouses.
- Multi-family dwellings.
- Community residential homes.
- Rooming houses.
- Short-term rentals and time-share dwellings [Section 14-4-5].
Support and Institutional Uses
Kissimmee allows for certain public and semi-public infrastructure within the RA-3 Single Family Residential District to serve the local population.
- Permitted Uses (P):
- Elementary schools.
- Middle schools.
- Minor utility facilities (subject to standards in Section 14-6-46).
- Conditional Uses (C):
- Child care facilities (subject to standards in Section 14-3-29 and 14-6-37).
- Churches and places of worship.
- Civic or social clubs.
- Community centers.
- Fire stations.
- Libraries.
- Passive recreation area.
- High schools.
- Prohibited Uses:
- Cemeteries.
- Communication service establishments.
- Office establishments.
- Recreational vehicle parks [Section 14-4-5].
Agricultural and Rural Uses
All agricultural and rural uses, including general agricultural activities, kennels, aviaries, and hunting or fishing camps, are prohibited within the RA-3 Single Family Residential District of Kissimmee [Section 14-4-5].
Dimensional and Site Standards
Development in the RA-3 Single Family Residential District must adhere to specific lot size, setback, and density requirements to ensure consistency with Kissimmee’s urban planning goals.
Lot and Building Requirements
| Standard | RA-3 Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 7,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 60 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 100 feet |
| Maximum Impervious Surface Area | 50% |
| Minimum Living Area (Single Family) | 1,200 square feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 2 stories (up to 3 via conditional review) |
Minimum Setback Requirements
| Yard Type | RA-3 Minimum Setback |
|---|---|
| Front Yard | 20 feet |
| Side Yard (Residential) | 7 feet |
| Side Yard (Non-Residential) | 10 feet |
| Street Side Yard (Residential) | 18 feet |
| Street Side Yard (Non-Residential) | 18 feet |
| Rear Yard | 25 feet |
[Table 4-3; Section 14-4-6.A.8]
Parking and Access Requirements
The City of Kissimmee requires that the RA-3 Single Family Residential District provide adequate off-street parking to prevent congestion on residential streets.
| Use Type | Minimum Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| Single Family Detached | 2 spaces per unit |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit | 1 space per unit |
| Elementary & Junior High | 1 per each 6 auditorium/gym seats OR 2 per classroom |
[Table 7-2]
Non-residential uses established within the RA-3 Single Family Residential District must have frontage on, or direct access to, a collector or arterial road as classified by the Kissimmee comprehensive plan [Table 4-1, Footnote 5].
Sections Cited
- 14-3-29 Conditional uses.
- 14-4-4 Standard zoning districts—Intent.
- 14-4-5 Schedule of uses for standard zoning districts.
- 14-4-6 Regulations for zoning districts.
- 14-6-2 Accessory dwelling units (ADU).
- 14-6-4 Family day care homes.
- 14-6-37 Child care facilities.
- 14-6-46 Utility facilities, minor.
- 14-7-22 Automobile parking ratios.