Allowed and Prohibited Uses in Orlando's R-3C Development District
The R-3C Development District in the City of Orlando is designed for medium-intensity residential environments, permitting a diverse range of housing including multi-family units, townhomes, and single-family dwellings with a maximum density of 30 units per acre. While the district primarily supports residential development, it allows for limited non-residential uses such as child care and public assembly, though most commercial, industrial, and intensive service activities are strictly prohibited. Development within the R-3C Development District must adhere to specific site standards, including a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.50 for residential structures and a maximum height of 45 feet within the Traditional City [Figure 1A.LDC].
Purpose of the R-3C Development District
The R-3C Development District is one of the "Medium Intensity Development Districts" established by the City of Orlando to provide flexibility in building and site design [Section 58.240]. Specifically, the R-3C Development District implements the Residential-Medium Intensity category of the City’s Growth Management Plan, focusing on areas where residential redevelopment is encouraged at a medium intensity [Section 58.241].
Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses
The City of Orlando regulates land use in the R-3C Development District through a hierarchy of permissions: Permitted (P), Conditional Use (C), and those requiring Appearance Review (PA/CA).
Residential Uses
| Use Category | Permission Level |
|---|---|
| Single Family | Permitted (P) |
| Multi-Family | Permitted (P) |
| Group Housing (Type C) | Permitted (P) |
| 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) |
| Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) | Permitted with Appearance Review (PA) |
| Townhomes | Permitted with Appearance Review (PA) |
| Duplex or Tandem Dwellings | Permitted with Appearance Review (PA) |
| Transient Care Facilities (Type C) | Conditional Use (C) |
Non-Residential and Public Benefit Uses
| Use Category | Permission Level |
|---|---|
| Conservation Uses | Permitted (P) |
| Child Adult Day Care (6—30 persons) | Permitted (P) |
| Local Assembly | Permitted (P) |
| Communication Towers | Conditional Use with Appearance Review (CA) |
| Child Adult Day Care (31+ persons) | Conditional Use (C) |
| Neighborhood Assembly | Conditional Use (C) |
| Community Assembly | Conditional Use (C) |
| Neighborhood Convenience Store | Conditional Use (C) |
| Golf Courses | Conditional Use (C) |
[Source: Figure 2]
Prohibited Uses in the R-3C District
The City of Orlando explicitly prohibits any use not designated as permitted or conditional. In the R-3C Development District, prohibited uses include, but are not limited to:
- Adult Entertainment: All adult entertainment facilities [Figure 2].
- Commercial/Retail: Bars, nightclubs, restaurants, intensive retailing, and general retail (except for specific neighborhood convenience stores allowed via conditional use) [Figure 2].
- Industrial: Light and heavy manufacturing, warehousing, and wholesale facilities [Figure 2].
- Automotive: Auto service stations, major vehicle services, and automotive dealerships [Figure 2].
- Storage: Personal storage and outside storage facilities [Figure 2].
- Specialized Facilities: Whole blood facilities, vertiports, and shooting ranges [Figure 2].
R-3C Development Standards
All development within the R-3C Development District in the City of Orlando must comply with the following technical requirements:
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Gross Residential Density (units/acre) | Min: 12 / Max: 30 |
| Max. Floor Area Ratio (FAR) - Residential | 0.50 |
| Max. Floor Area Ratio (FAR) - Non-Residential | 0.35 |
| Minimum Lot Area (Single Family) | 3,500 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Area (Non-Residential) | 7,500 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Mean Lot Width (Single Family) | 35 ft. |
| Minimum Mean Lot Width (Non-Residential) | 75 ft. |
| Minimum Mean Lot Depth | 100 ft. |
| Minimum Building Site Frontage | 35 ft. |
| Maximum Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR) | 0.80 |
| Maximum Building Height (Inside Traditional City) | 45 ft. |
Principal Building Setbacks
| Setback Location | Minimum Distance |
|---|---|
| Front Yard | 15 ft. |
| Side Yard | 5 ft. |
| Street Side Yard | 10 ft. |
| Rear Yard | 20 ft. |
[Source: Figure 1A.LDC]
Sections Cited
- Section 58.240 - Relationship to the Growth Management Plan (R-3 districts)
- Section 58.241 - Purpose of the Districts (R-3 districts)
- Section 58.501 - Design Standards for Accessory Dwelling Units
- Section 58.110 - Zoning Tables (Reference to Figure 1A.LDC)
- Figure 1A.LDC - Table of Zoning District Regulations
- Figure 2 - Table of Allowable Uses in Zoning Districts