Allowed and Prohibited Uses in the Orlando O-2 Office and Residential District
The O-2 Office and Residential District in the City of Orlando serves as a medium-intensity transitional zone between high-intensity downtown cores and residential areas, allowing for a mix of professional offices and multi-family housing. In this Orlando district, residential densities range from a minimum of 12 to a maximum of 40 units per acre, while non-residential developments must maintain a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) between 0.30 and 0.70 [Figure 1B.LDC]. Technical standards for the O-2 District include a maximum building height of 75 feet and a maximum impervious surface ratio (ISR) of 0.85 to ensure compatibility with surrounding urban environments [Figure 1B.LDC].
Technical Standards for the O-2 District
The City of Orlando regulates the O-2 District with specific bulk and intensity requirements to facilitate a transition from high-intensity districts to residential neighborhoods.
| Standard | O-2 District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Gross Residential Density | 12 to 40 dwelling units per acre |
| Max Single Family/Duplex FAR | 0.50 |
| Non-Residential FAR (Minimum to Maximum) | 0.30 to 0.70 |
| Maximum Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR) | 0.85 |
| Maximum Building Height | 75 feet |
| Minimum Lot Area (Single Family) | 4,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Area (Duplex or Tandem) | 4,500 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Area (Non-residential) | 7,500 square feet |
| Front Yard Setback (Minimum) | 15 feet |
| Side Yard Setback (Minimum) | 5 feet |
| Street Side Yard Setback (Minimum) | 15 feet |
| Rear Yard Setback (Minimum) | 20 feet |
Allowed Residential Uses
The O-2 District in the City of Orlando provides for a variety of housing types, ranging from traditional single-family homes to intensive congregate care facilities.
Permitted (By Right)
- Single Family Dwellings: Traditional one-family homes [Figure 2A.LDC].
- Multi-Family Dwellings: Apartment buildings or complexes [Figure 2A.LDC].
- Residential Care Facilities: Includes Type A and Type B facilities providing a family-like environment with 24-hour care [Figure 2A.LDC].
- Intensive Care Facilities: Including Type A, B, and C nursing homes and assisted living facilities [Figure 2A.LDC].
- Transient Care Facilities: Including Type A and B emergency or homeless shelters [Figure 2A.LDC].
Permitted with Appearance Review (PA)
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Subordinate units like garage apartments or cottages [Section 58.500].
- Townhomes: Attached single-family dwellings [Figure 2A.LDC].
- Duplex or Tandem Dwellings: Two-unit residential structures [Figure 2A.LDC].
Allowed Non-Residential Uses
The O-2 District is primarily intended for professional offices but allows for other public benefit and service-oriented uses.
Permitted (By Right)
- General and Medical Offices: Includes labs and dental offices [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Child/Adult Day Care: Facilities serving 6 to 30+ persons [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Conservation Uses: Preservation of natural land [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Public Benefit Uses (PBUs): Local-level public facilities [Figure 2B.LDC].
Conditional Uses (Subject to MPB/City Council Review)
- Golf Courses: Recreational facilities [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Hospitals and Clinics: Major medical facilities [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Neighborhood and Community PBUs: Mid-level public benefit facilities [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Neighborhood Convenience Stores: Small retail outlets serving the immediate area [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Dwelling Unit - Commercial: Allowed as a conditional use only when located outside the Traditional City [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Communication Towers: Subject to specific height and appearance standards [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Parking as a Principal Use: Subject to a Conditional Use Permit within the Traditional City [Figure 2B.LDC].
Prohibited Uses in the O-2 District
To maintain the professional and residential character of the O-2 District, the City of Orlando prohibits industrial, high-intensity commercial, and most retail activities.
- Retail and Sales: General retailing, intensive retailing, and motor vehicle sales are strictly prohibited [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Industrial and Manufacturing: All light and heavy manufacturing, processing, and warehousing are forbidden [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Entertainment and Hospitality: Nightclubs, bars (unless in a historic landmark), adult entertainment, and hotels/motels are prohibited [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Automotive Services: Auto service stations, car washes, and major vehicle repairs [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Storage: Personal storage and outside storage facilities [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Agriculture: Commercial agricultural operations [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Mobile Homes: Residential mobile home units or parks [Figure 2A.LDC].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.210: General Requirements (Establishment of Districts)
- Section 58.280: Relationship to the Growth Management Plan (Office and Residential)
- Section 58.281: Purpose of the Districts
- Section 58.282: Rezones and Zoning Map Applications
- Section 58.500: Purpose of Accessory Dwelling Unit Requirements
- Figure 1B.LDC: Table of Zoning District Regulations
- Figure 2A.LDC: Table of Allowable Uses (Residential)
- Figure 2B.LDC: Table of Allowable Uses (Non-Residential)