RC-1 Multiple Family Medium Density Residential District Guide for Kissimmee
The RC-1: Multiple Family Medium Density Residential District in Kissimmee is designed to accommodate a variety of medium-density housing types, including townhouses, triplexes, and multi-family apartments. This Kissimmee district primarily serves as a transitional buffer between established residential neighborhoods and non-residential land uses, permitting structures up to four stories in height with a maximum impervious surface coverage of 75 percent.
Purpose and Intent
The RC-1: Multiple Family Medium Density Residential District is established by the City of Kissimmee to manage areas where medium-density housing currently exists or is deemed appropriate for future development. A significant role of the RC-1 district is to facilitate a transition between lower-density residential neighborhoods and higher-intensity non-residential zones [Section 14-4-4.E].
Permitted Land Uses
The City of Kissimmee allows for a range of residential and supporting uses within the RC-1 district to ensure a balanced community environment.
Residential Uses
The primary function of the RC-1 district is residential habitation. Permitted uses include:
- Single-family detached dwellings
- Duplexes, triplexes, and townhouses
- Multi-family dwellings (apartments)
- Accessory dwelling units (permitted or conditional depending on specifics)
- Community residential homes
- Family day care homes [Table 4-1].
Support and Institutional Uses
To support the residents of the RC-1 district, Kissimmee allows several non-residential uses, often with specific conditions:
- Permitted: Passive recreation, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
- Conditional: Child care facilities, churches, civic or social clubs, communication service establishments, communication towers, community centers, fire stations, and libraries [Table 4-1].
Development Standards
Development within the RC-1: Multiple Family Medium Density Residential District must adhere to specific dimensional requirements to maintain the intended medium-density character of Kissimmee.
| Standard | Multi-Family (MF) | Duplex/Triplex (DP/TP) | Townhouse (TH) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min. Lot Area | 10,000 sq. ft. | 4,000 sq. ft. per unit | N/A |
| Min. Lot Width | 70 ft. | 50 ft. | 20 ft. |
| Min. Lot Depth | 100 ft. | 100 ft. | 100 ft. |
| Max. Impervious Surface | 75% | 75% | 75% |
| Max. Building Height | 4 stories | 4 stories | 4 stories |
[Table 4-3, Table 4-1]
Setback Requirements
The RC-1 district in Kissimmee implements a "build-to" or maximum setback range for the front yard to ensure buildings are oriented toward the street.
| Setback Type | Minimum Requirement | Maximum Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Front Setback | 10 ft. | 20 ft. |
| Side Setback | 10 ft. | N/A |
| Street Side Setback | 10 ft. | N/A |
| Rear Setback | 20 ft. | N/A |
| Building Separation | 15 ft. | N/A |
[Table 4-3]
Parking Requirements
The City of Kissimmee requires off-street parking for all residential developments within the RC-1: Multiple Family Medium Density Residential District.
| Use Type | Minimum Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| Single family, Duplex, Triplex, Townhouse | 2 spaces per unit |
| MF (Efficiency or 1 Bedroom) | 1.5 spaces per unit + 0.5 per unit for guest parking |
| MF (2 or more Bedrooms) | 2 spaces per unit + 0.5 per unit for guest parking |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit | 1 space per unit |
| Community Residential Home | 0.5 spaces per bed |
[Table 7-2]
General Character and Design Standards
In Kissimmee, the RC-1: Multiple Family Medium Density Residential District is characterized by its "human-scale" design. All residential dwellings in this district must be raised at least 18 inches above the finished exterior grade [Section 14-6-43.P]. To prevent monotonous streetscapes, Kissimmee code requires a variation of building designs and architectural styles when developing more than four separate buildings [Section 14-6-43.G].
Furthermore, architectural features such as gables, dormers, and entranceways must be emphasized to accommodate the seating and privacy needs of occupants [Section 14-6-43.K]. For townhouses and multi-family structures, if front-loading garages are used, the garage door must be recessed at least one foot behind the front face of the building wall or be covered by an overhead architectural feature like a trellis or arbor [Section 14-6-43.Q].
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 14-6-43. Residential development.
- 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.