Regulations for Keeping Livestock and Poultry in the City of Kissimmee
In the City of Kissimmee, keeping farm animals—which includes horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and poultry (chickens)—is generally prohibited on standard residential lots. These agricultural uses are only permitted by right in the Agriculture and Conservation (AC) District or as a conditional use in the Residential Estate (RE) District on parcels of two acres or larger. Even where allowed, the City of Kissimmee prohibits any farm animal from being kept within 25 feet of a residentially-zoned property.
Definitions and Classifications
The City of Kissimmee Land Development Code provides specific definitions to categorize animals and their associated land use. Under the code, keeping animals falls under "Agricultural uses," which is defined as the use of land for farms and/or farm animals [Section 14-2].
"Farm animals" are explicitly defined to include the following:
- Horses
- Cattle
- Swine
- Poultry (including chickens)
- Sheep
- Goats [Section 14-2]
The provided documentation for the City of Kissimmee does not contain specific regulations or permissions regarding the keeping of honeybees.
Permitted Zoning Districts
The City of Kissimmee restricts agricultural activities to specific zones designed to accommodate lower densities or conservation efforts. The Agriculture and Conservation (AC) District is primarily intended for agricultural production and the management of natural resources, allowing for large-lot single-family estate development compatible with agricultural activities [Section 14-4-4].
Schedule of Residential Wooded and Agricultural Uses
The following table outlines where the City of Kissimmee allows agricultural uses (keeping farm animals) within residential zoning districts:
| Zoning District | District Name | Permission Status |
|---|---|---|
| AC | Agriculture and Conservation District | Permitted |
| RE | Residential Estate District | Conditional Use (Requires 2+ acres) |
| RA-1 to RA-4 | Single Family Residential Districts | Prohibited |
| RB-1 to RB-2 | Medium Density Residential Districts | Prohibited |
| RC-1 to RC-2 | Multiple Family Residential Districts | Prohibited |
| MH / MHP | Mobile Home / Mobile Home Park Districts | Prohibited |
[Table 4-1]
Mandatory Standards and Restrictions
Even in the Agriculture and Conservation (AC) District or the Residential Estate (RE) District, residents must adhere to strict setback and lot size requirements to protect the integrity of neighboring residential areas.
The 25-Foot Buffer Rule
In all instances where farm animals are permitted, the City of Kissimmee mandates that no farm animal shall be allowed within 25 feet of any residentially-zoned property [Section 14-4-5, Footnote 1].
Conditional Use in RE Districts
For a resident to keep farm animals in a Residential Estate (RE) District, they must meet the following criteria:
- Acreage: The use is only allowed on parcels of two acres or more in size [Section 14-4-5, Footnote 2].
- Approval: The resident must obtain "Conditional Use" approval, which requires a review process to ensure the use does not adversely impact the public health, safety, or general welfare of the City of Kissimmee [Section 14-3-29].
Prohibited Residential Areas
Keeping livestock or poultry is strictly prohibited in the City of Kissimmee's primary single-family and multi-family neighborhoods, including the RA-1, RA-2, RA-3, RA-4, RB-1, RB-2, RC-1, and RC-2 districts [Table 4-1]. These districts are intended for stable residential neighborhoods and quality living areas where agricultural activities are considered incompatible with the intended suburban or urban character [Section 14-4-4].
Sections Cited
- Section 14-2: Terms Defined
- Section 14-3-29: Conditional Uses
- Section 14-4-4: Standard zoning districts—Intent
- Section 14-4-5: Schedule of uses for standard zoning districts
- Table 4-1: Schedule of Uses for Residential Standard Districts