Regulation of Churches and Places of Religious Assembly in Kissimmee
In the City of Kissimmee, churches and places of religious assembly are primarily designated as "Civic Uses" and are permitted by right in the B-3 (General Commercial), HC (Highway Commercial), and T5-U (Mixed-Use Urban Corridor) districts. In most other districts, including all residential zones (AC, RE, RA, RB, RC, and MH), these facilities are allowed only through a Conditional Use approval process. Regardless of the district, the City of Kissimmee Land Development Code (LDC) generally mandates a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet for these institutions.
Permitted and Conditional Zoning Districts
The City of Kissimmee classifies churches, temples, synagogues, and mosques under the category of "Civic Use." The following tables detail where these uses are permitted (P), where they require Conditional Use (C) approval, and where they are prohibited (N or blank cell).
Residential Districts
In the following residential districts within the City of Kissimmee, churches are allowed only as a Conditional Use.
| District Type | District Name | Permission |
|---|---|---|
| AC | Agriculture and Conservation District | Conditional Use (C) |
| RE | Residential Estate District | Conditional Use (C) |
| RA-1 to RA-4 | Single Family Residential Districts | Conditional Use (C) |
| RB-1 to RB-2 | Medium Density Residential Districts | Conditional Use (C) |
| RC-1 to RC-2 | Multiple Family Medium/High Density Districts | Conditional Use (C) |
| MH | Mobile Home District | Conditional Use (C) |
| MHP | Mobile Home Park District | Prohibited |
Non-Residential Districts
Signage and location standards for churches in non-residential areas of the City of Kissimmee vary significantly between general commercial and specialized industrial zones.
| District Type | District Name | Permission |
|---|---|---|
| RPB | Residential Professional Business District | Conditional Use (C) |
| B-2 | Neighborhood Commercial District | Conditional Use (C) |
| B-3 | General Commercial District | Permitted (P) |
| B-5 | Office Commercial District | Conditional Use (C) |
| HC | Highway Commercial District | Permitted (P) |
| BP, IB, AO, AI | Business Park and Industrial/Airport Districts | Prohibited |
| CF, HF, UT, OS | Community/Hospital/Utility/Open Space | Prohibited |
Form-Based Code (Transect) Zones
The City of Kissimmee uses a Regulating Plan for its urban core, which utilizes transect zones.
| Zone | Name | Permission |
|---|---|---|
| T1, T3 | Natural and Edge Zones | Not Permitted (N) |
| T4-R, T4-O | Neighborhood Restricted and Open | Not Permitted (N) |
| T5-M | Mixed-Use Center | Permitted (P)¹ |
| T5-U | Mixed-Use Urban Corridor | Permitted (P) |
| T6 | Waterfront | Not Permitted (N) |
| SD | Special District | Not Permitted (N) |
¹ Note: In the T5-M zone, this use is only permitted if the facility existed prior to August 31, 2020 [Table 5-1].
Technical Development Standards
The City of Kissimmee imposes specific technical requirements on religious institutions to ensure they are compatible with surrounding land uses, particularly when located near residential neighborhoods.
Minimum Site and Parking Requirements
Churches and places of religious assembly must adhere to the following standards regardless of the specific zoning district:
| Standard Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Size | 20,000 square feet (unless a larger area is required for the use) |
| Parking Ratio | 1 space per 4 seats, plus 1 space per 25 sq. ft. of temporary seating/standing area |
| Building Height (Standard) | Maximum 35 feet (District dependent) |
| Rooftop Features | Spires/belfries may exceed height by 20% or 20ft above top floor |
Setbacks and Buffers in Residential Districts
When a church is approved as a Conditional Use in a residential district, the City of Kissimmee requires a minimum perimeter landscape area of 25 feet and a six-foot masonry wall if it is adjacent to single-family, duplex, triplex, or townhouse uses [Section 14-8-16].
Conditional Use Criteria
For the majority of districts where churches are allowed as a Conditional Use (C), the City of Kissimmee Planning Advisory Board (PAB) and City Commission review the application based on several criteria:
- Adequate Space: The site must provide sufficient area for buffers, yards, and parking [Section 14-3-29.F].
- Public Facility Impacts: The use must not place an excessive burden on public transportation, utilities, or drainage [Section 14-3-29.F].
- Compatibility: The facility must not unreasonably impact the character of the surrounding area, particularly concerning noise and traffic intensity [Section 14-3-29.F].
Sections Cited
- Chapter 14-2 (Terms Defined)
- Section 14-3-29 (Conditional Uses)
- Section 14-4-5 (Schedule of Uses for Standard Zoning Districts)
- Section 14-4-6 (Regulations for Zoning Districts)
- Section 14-5-6 (Form-Based Code Site Standards)
- Section 14-7-22 (Automobile Parking Ratios)
- Section 14-8-16 (Perimeter Landscaping and Buffers Between Uses)