Allowed and Prohibited Land Uses in the Orlando AC-N: Neighborhood Activity Center District
The AC-N Neighborhood Activity Center District in Orlando is designed for neighborhood-serving commercial and residential uses that are compatible with nearby housing. While single-family and multi-family dwellings are generally permitted, more intensive uses like nightclubs, heavy manufacturing, and adult entertainment are strictly prohibited within the AC-N district. Development in this district is subject to a maximum density of 30 dwelling units per acre and a standard height limit of 35 feet, although certain special plans and density bonuses may allow for increased intensity [Section 58.341].
Purpose of the AC-N District
The City of Orlando designates the AC-N district to provide for concentrated areas of neighborhood-serving commercial, office, residential, recreational, and cultural facilities. These centers are intended to be located where arterials and collectors are available, providing convenient access to the surrounding neighborhood at intensities that do not disrupt the residential character [Section 58.341].
Allowed Land Uses
Land uses in the City of Orlando AC-N district are categorized as Permitted (P), Permitted with Appearance Review (PA), or Conditional (C).
Residential Uses
The City of Orlando permits a variety of residential densities within the AC-N district to encourage a mixture of housing types [Figure 2].
| Use Category | Permission Level |
|---|---|
| Single Family | Permitted (P) |
| Multi-Family | Permitted (P) |
| Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) | Permitted with Appearance Review (PA) |
| Townhomes | Permitted with Appearance Review (PA) |
| Duplex or Tandem Dwellings | Permitted with Appearance Review (PA) |
| Group Housing (Type A & B) | Permitted (P) |
| Residential Care Facilities (Type A & B) | Permitted (P) |
Non-Residential and Public Uses
Neighborhood-scale commercial and professional services are favored in the AC-N district to serve the local community [Figure 2].
| Use Category | Permission Level |
|---|---|
| Office, Medical Office, and Labs | Permitted (P) |
| Light Retailing | Permitted (P) |
| Neighborhood Convenience Store | Permitted (P) |
| Personal Services | Permitted (P) |
| Conservation Uses | Permitted (P) |
| Local Assembly | Permitted (P) |
| Child/Adult Day Care (6–30 persons) | Permitted with Appearance Review (PA) |
| Communication Towers | Conditional Use and Appearance Review (CA) |
Conditional Uses
Certain uses are permitted in the AC-N district only if they meet specific criteria and receive a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the City of Orlando [Figure 2].
- Commercial/Residential Mix: Dwelling Unit-Commercial.
- Recreation: Golf Courses and general outdoor recreational facilities.
- Medical: Hospitals and Clinics.
- Infrastructure: Parking as a principal use.
- Community Assembly: Larger assembly facilities serving the neighborhood.
- Indoor Recreation: Light indoor recreational uses.
Prohibited Uses
The City of Orlando explicitly prohibits more intensive or industrial-scale uses in the AC-N district to protect neighborhood integrity. The following uses are prohibited (noted as blank in the City's use table) [Figure 2]:
- Intensive Commercial: Nightclubs, Adult Entertainment, and Intensive Retailing.
- Automotive: Automotive Services, Major Vehicle Services, and Gas Stations (except where permitted by special plan).
- Industrial: Manufacturing, Warehousing, Wholesale, and Whole Blood Facilities.
- Specialty: Agriculture, Shooting Ranges (Indoor), and Vertiports.
Technical Development Standards
Development within the City of Orlando AC-N district must adhere to specific intensity and setback requirements [Figure 1C].
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Gross Residential Density | Min: 15 du/ac / Max: 30 du/ac |
| Non-Residential FAR | Max: 0.30 |
| Max. Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR) | 0.70 (0.85 inside Traditional City) |
| Maximum Building Height | 35 feet |
| Min. Lot Area (Non-Residential) | 7,500 sq. ft. |
Principal Building Setbacks
Setbacks in the AC-N district vary depending on whether the site is located inside the City of Orlando "Traditional City" overlay [Figure 1C].
| Setback Type | Outside Traditional City | Inside Traditional City |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 20 ft. (Minimum) | 10 ft. (Maximum) |
| Side Yard | 5 ft. (Minimum) | 25 ft. (Maximum) |
| Street Side Yard | 15 ft. (Minimum) | 10 ft. (Maximum) |
| Rear Yard | 25 ft. | 25 ft. |
Special Plan Modifications (Lake Underhill)
Within the Lake Underhill Special Plan area, the City of Orlando modifies the standard AC-N district requirements [Section 62.404]:
- Additional Permitted Uses: Office/warehouse.
- Additional Conditional Uses: Hotels/motels, light manufacturing and processing, passenger vehicle services, and warehouse/showrooms.
- Specific Prohibitions: Billboards, outside storage of any kind, and parking as a principal use.
Sections Cited
- Section 58.341: Purpose of Activity Center Districts.
- Figure 1C: Table of Zoning District Regulations (AC-N).
- Figure 2: Table of Allowable Uses in Zoning Districts.
- Section 62.404: Lake Underhill Special Plan.
- Section 64.270: Billboard Signs Prohibited.