Allowable and Prohibited Uses in the MXD-1: Mixed Residential Office District of Orlando

The MXD-1 Mixed Residential Office District in the City of Orlando is designed as a transitional zone that allows for a variety of residential housing types and limited office developments. Within this district, non-residential office uses are restricted to the first story or 50% of the total gross floor area to ensure the preservation of the neighborhood's residential character [Section 58.253]. Residential densities in the Orlando MXD-1 district typically range from a minimum of 12 to a maximum of 21 dwelling units per acre, though bonuses may allow for higher intensity in specific scenarios [Section 58.1101].

Residential Uses in the MXD-1 District

The City of Orlando permits a broad spectrum of residential living options within the MXD-1 district, ranging from single-family homes to multi-family complexes. Most attached and higher-density residential developments require an appearance review to ensure compatibility with the surrounding environment [Section 58.561].

Residential Use Category	Permission Status
Single Family Dwellings	Permitted (P)
Multi-Family Dwellings	Permitted (P)
Townhomes	Permitted with Appearance Review (PA)
Duplex or Tandem Dwellings	Permitted with Appearance Review (PA)
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)	Permitted with Appearance Review (PA)
Residential Care Facilities (Type A & B)	Permitted (P)
Intensive Care Facilities (Type A, B, & C)	Permitted (P)
Transient Care Facilities (Type A & B)	Permitted (P)
Transient Care Facilities (Type C)	Conditional Use (C)
Group Housing (no care) - Type A	Permitted (P)
Group Housing (no care) - Type B	Conditional Use (C)
Group Housing (no care) - Type C	Conditional Use for Historic Landmarks only (LC)

[Figures 2A.LDC & 2B.LDC]

Non-Residential and Public Benefit Uses

The Orlando MXD-1 district allows for specific professional and community-oriented uses. These uses are intended to provide employment opportunities and public services at a scale that does not interfere with the primary residential function of the district [Section 58.251].

Non-Residential Use Category	Permission Status
General Office	Permitted (P)
Medical Office / Dental Labs	Permitted (P)
Child Adult Day Care (6–30 persons)	Permitted (P)
Child Adult Day Care (31+ persons)	Conditional Use (C)
Local Assembly	Permitted (P)
Neighborhood Assembly	Permitted with Appearance Review (PA)
Community Assembly	Conditional Use (C)
Communication Towers	Conditional Use and Appearance Review (CA)
Conservation Uses	Permitted (P)
Golf Courses	Conditional Use (C)
Neighborhood Convenience Store	Conditional Use (C)
Personal Services	Conditional Use (C)
Dwelling Unit-Commercial	Conditional Use (C)

[Figure 2B.LDC]

Prohibited Uses in the MXD-1 District

Under the City of Orlando land development regulations, any use not explicitly marked as Permitted (P), Conditional (C), or requiring Appearance Review (PA/CA) is considered prohibited. The following is a non-exhaustive list of uses that are prohibited within the MXD-1 district:

Adult Entertainment: All adult entertainment facilities [Section 58.702].
Agriculture: All agricultural activities.
Automotive Services: Auto service stations, major vehicle services, and automotive parts/service retailing [Section 58.754].
Industrial: Heavy manufacturing, intensive manufacturing, and warehousing/wholesale facilities.
Hospitality/Nightlife: Bars, nightclubs, and hotels/motels.
Retail: Large-scale retailing, intensive retailing, and warehouse showrooms.
Recreation: Movie theaters, amusement parks, and indoor/outdoor commercial recreation.
Specialty Services: Junk yards, shooting ranges, and whole blood facilities.

[Figure 2B.LDC]

District Standards and Requirements

The City of Orlando imposes specific structural and site standards for the MXD-1 district to ensure the "Mixed Residential Office" balance is maintained.

Standard	MXD-1 Requirement
Minimum Density	12 dwelling units per acre
Maximum Density (Standard)	21 dwelling units per acre
Maximum Density (with Bonus)	30 dwelling units per acre
Non-Residential Max FAR	0.30
Max Office Floor Area	50% GFA or first story (whichever is less)
Min. Lot Area (Single Family)	4,000 square feet
Min. Lot Area (Duplex/Tandem)	5,000 square feet
Max. ISR (Impervious Surface Ratio)	0.70

[Figures 1B.LDC & 58.1101]

Setback Requirements

For principal buildings in the Orlando MXD-1 district, the following setbacks apply:

Front Yard: 20 feet minimum.
Side Yard: 5 feet minimum.
Street Side Yard: 15 feet minimum.
Rear Yard: 25 feet minimum.
Traditional City Exception: If located within the "Traditional City" overlay, the front yard setback may be reduced to a 10-foot maximum to encourage a pedestrian-oriented streetscape [Figure 1B.LDC].

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