Allowed and Prohibited Uses in the MU-2 Mixed Use District of Orlando
The MU-2: Mixed Use District in the City of Orlando is a high-intensity zoning designation primarily intended for concentrated areas of mixed residential and office uses situated along major arterial thoroughfares. In the City of Orlando, this district permits a wide array of multi-family residential and commercial services but strictly prohibits low-density housing such as single-family homes and duplexes [Section 58.271].
Purpose and Intent of the MU-2 Mixed Use District
The City of Orlando has established the MU-2: Mixed Use District to encourage high-intensity development that supports public transit and efficient service delivery. The MU-2 District implements the "Mixed Use Corridor-High Intensity" category of the City of Orlando Future Land Use Map Series [Section 58.270]. It specifically focuses on the integration of residential and office uses at high densities, often functioning as a transition or a focal point within urban corridors [Section 58.271].
Classification of Allowed and Prohibited Uses
The City of Orlando utilizes a standardized table to define use permissions. In the following categories, "Permitted" (P) indicates the use is allowed by right, "Permitted/Appearance Review" (PA) requires additional design review, "Conditional" (C) requires a Conditional Use Permit, and "Prohibited" (Blank) means the use is not allowed within the MU-2 District [Section 58.200, Figure 2].
Residential Uses
| Use Category | Status in MU-2 District |
|---|---|
| Multi-Family Residential | Permitted (P) |
| Townhomes | Permitted with Appearance Review (PA) |
| Single-Family (Detached) | Prohibited |
| Duplex or Tandem Dwellings | Prohibited |
| Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) | Prohibited |
| Mobile Homes | Prohibited |
| Group Housing (Types A, B, and C) | Permitted (P) |
| Residential/Intensive/Transient Care (Types A & B) | Permitted (P) |
| Transient Care Facilities (Type C) | Conditional (C) |
Commercial and Office Uses
| Use Category | Status in MU-2 District |
|---|---|
| General Office and Medical/Dental Labs | Permitted (P) |
| Retailing (Light and Intensive) | Permitted (P) |
| Restaurants and Bars | Permitted (P) |
| Nightclubs | Permitted (P) |
| Hotels and Motels | Permitted (P) |
| Personal Services | Permitted (P) |
| Automotive Service and Repair | Permitted (P) |
| Warehouse Showroom | Permitted (P) |
| Wholesale and Warehouse Facilities | Permitted (P) |
| Parking as a Principal Use | Conditional (C) |
| Personal Storage (Mini-Storage) | Conditional (C) |
| Whole Blood Facilities | Conditional (C) |
| Neighborhood Convenience Store | Prohibited |
Institutional and Other Uses
| Use Category | Status in MU-2 District |
|---|---|
| Public Benefit Use (Assembly - Local to Regional) | Permitted (P) |
| Child/Adult Day Care (All sizes) | Permitted (P) |
| Hospitals and Clinics | Permitted (P) |
| Communication Towers | Conditional/Appearance Review (CA) |
| Vertiports | Conditional (C) |
| Adult Entertainment | Prohibited |
| Agriculture | Prohibited |
| Manufacturing/Processing (Light or Heavy) | Prohibited |
| Golf Courses | Prohibited |
| Recreational Vehicle (RV) Parks | Prohibited |
MU-2 District Development Standards
All development within the City of Orlando MU-2 District must adhere to specific intensity and dimensional requirements. These standards ensure the "High Intensity" character of the mixed-use corridor is maintained [Section 58.110].
| Standard | MU-2 Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Residential Density | 75 dwelling units per acre |
| Minimum Non-Residential Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 0.40 (Traditional City only) |
| Maximum Non-Residential Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 1.00 |
| Maximum Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR) | 0.85 |
| Minimum Lot Area (Non-Residential) | 7,500 square feet |
| Minimum Mean Lot Width (Non-Residential) | 75 feet |
| Maximum Building Height (Inside Traditional City) | 55 feet |
| Maximum Building Height (Outside Traditional City) | 55 feet |
| Maximum Building Height (Conditional) | 100 feet |
Sections Cited
- Sec. 58.110. - Table of Zoning District Regulations.
- Sec. 58.200. - General Requirements.
- Sec. 58.270. - Relationship to the Growth Management Plan.
- Sec. 58.271. - Purpose of the District.
- Figure 1B.LDC - Table of Zoning District Regulations.
- Figure 2 - Table of Allowable Uses in Zoning Districts.