RE: Residential Estate District Regulations in Kissimmee
The Residential Estate (RE) District in the City of Kissimmee is intended for single-family detached residential development in a spacious urban setting with a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet. While single-family homes and elementary schools are permitted by right, most support uses such as churches and community centers require conditional use approval, and all higher-density residential types like duplexes or multi-family dwellings are strictly prohibited.
Purpose of the RE District
The Residential Estate (RE) District is established by the City of Kissimmee to encourage and protect stable, low-density single-family neighborhoods. The City of Kissimmee designed the RE District to provide a spacious residential environment characterized by large lots, significant open space, and the preservation of natural features and existing public services [Section 14-4-4.B].
Allowed and Conditional Uses
In the City of Kissimmee, uses within the RE: Residential Estate District are categorized as either "Permitted" (allowed by right) or "Conditional" (requiring specific review and approval). Any use not explicitly listed as permitted or conditional in the City of Kissimmee code is considered prohibited [Section 14-4-5].
Residential and Agricultural Uses
| Use Type | Status | Supplemental Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family detached dwellings | Permitted | [Section 14-4-5, Table 4-1] |
| Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) | Permitted | [Section 14-6-2] |
| Family day care homes | Permitted | [Section 14-6-4] |
| Agricultural uses | Conditional | Limited to parcels of 2 acres or more [Section 14-4-5, Footnote 2] |
Support and Institutional Uses
| Use Type | Status | Supplemental Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Schools, elementary | Permitted | [Section 14-4-5, Table 4-1] |
| Cemeteries | Conditional | [Section 14-4-5, Table 4-1] |
| Child care facilities | Conditional | [Section 14-6-37] |
| Churches | Conditional | [Section 14-4-5, Table 4-1] |
| Civic, social clubs | Conditional | [Section 14-4-5, Table 4-1] |
| Community centers | Conditional | [Section 14-4-5, Table 4-1] |
| Fire stations | Conditional | [Section 14-4-5, Table 4-1] |
| Libraries | Conditional | [Section 14-4-5, Table 4-1] |
| Recreation, passive | Conditional | [Section 14-4-5, Table 4-1] |
| Schools, high | Conditional | [Section 14-4-5, Table 4-1] |
| Utility facilities, minor | Permitted | [Section 14-6-46] |
Prohibited Uses in the RE District
The City of Kissimmee prohibits any use in the RE District that is not specifically listed as Permitted or Conditional. Notable prohibited uses include:
- Higher Density Housing: Duplexes, townhouses, triplexes, multi-family dwellings, and rooming houses are all prohibited [Section 14-4-5, Table 4-1].
- Mobile Homes: Mobile home parks and individual mobile homes are not allowed in the RE District [Section 14-4-5, Table 4-1].
- Commercial and Industrial: Office establishments, retail stores, restaurants, and manufacturing uses are prohibited [Section 14-4-5, Table 4-2].
- Transient Uses: Short-term rentals and time-share dwellings are prohibited in the RE: Residential Estate District [Section 14-4-5, Table 4-1].
Dimensional and Site Standards
The City of Kissimmee enforces strict dimensional requirements for the RE: Residential Estate District to ensure the intended "estate" character of the neighborhood is maintained.
| Standard Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 20,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 100 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 150 feet |
| Maximum Impervious Surface | 50% |
| Minimum Front Setback | 35 feet |
| Minimum Side Setback | 15 feet |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 35 feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 2 Stories |
| Minimum Living Area | 1,200 square feet per unit |
[Section 14-4-6, Table 4-3]
Additional RE District Restrictions
- Building Limit: The City of Kissimmee restricts development to one principal building per lot in the RE District [Section 14-4-6.A.2].
- Yard Coverage: No more than 40 percent of the front and side yards in the RE District may be covered with impervious materials such as pavers, concrete, or asphalt [Section 14-4-6.A.9].
- Outdoor Activities: No outdoor business activities are permitted in the RE District [Section 14-4-5, Footnote 12].
- Farm Animals: No farm animals are allowed within 25 feet of a residentially zoned property in the City of Kissimmee [Section 14-4-5, Footnote 1].
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)
- Section 14-6-4 (Family day care homes)
- Section 14-6-37 (Child care facilities)
- Section 14-6-46 (Utility facilities, minor)