Allowed and Prohibited Uses in the Orlando R-2B Residential District
The R-2B Residential District in the City of Orlando is designed to accommodate established neighborhoods featuring a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and small multi-family buildings limited to five units. This district permits low-to-medium density residential development alongside specific community-oriented uses, while strictly prohibiting intensive commercial activities, industrial processing, and automotive services. Residential development in the R-2B Residential District is capped at a maximum density of 16 dwelling units per acre with a maximum building height of 30 feet [Sec. 58.231, Figure 1A.LDC].
Residential Use Permissions
The City of Orlando regulates residential uses within the R-2B Residential District to preserve neighborhood character. The document distinguishes between uses permitted as a matter of right and those requiring special review.
Permitted Residential Uses
- Single Family Dwellings: Allowed by right as a primary use [Figure 2A.LDC].
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Permitted on a single-family parcel, provided they do not exceed the next tiered single-family rate for conditioned space [Sec. 56.07, Figure 2A.LDC].
- Multi-Family Dwellings: Permitted up to a maximum of 5 dwellings per building site. If a project proposes more than 5 units, it must seek a Conditional Use Permit [Figure 2A.LDC, Key to Abbreviations].
- Residential Care Facilities (Type A): Permitted for 1–6 residents [Figure 2A.LDC, Sec. 58.540].
Residential Uses Requiring Appearance Review (PA)
- Duplex or Tandem Dwellings: Permitted subject to appearance review standards to ensure compatibility with adjacent single-family homes [Figure 2A.LDC, Sec. 58.514].
- Townhomes: Permitted subject to appearance review [Figure 2A.LDC].
Non-Residential and Community Uses
While primarily residential, the R-2B Residential District in the City of Orlando allows for certain non-residential activities that serve the local population.
Permitted and Limited Uses
- Conservation Uses: Permitted by right [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Golf Courses: Permitted by right [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Local Assembly: Permitted by right [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Public Benefit Uses: Light public benefit uses (such as libraries or parks) are generally permitted, though specific projects may require Master Plan or Conditional Use review [Sec. 58.810].
Conditional Uses (Requires Special Approval)
- Child/Adult Day Care: Both small (6–30 persons) and large (31+ persons) facilities are classified as Conditional Uses in this district [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Neighborhood Convenience Stores: Allowed as a Conditional Use, limited to a maximum of 1,200 square feet of gross floor area and must be located on a collector street [Sec. 62.606, Figure 2B.LDC].
- Residential Care Facilities (Type B): Allowed for 7–14 residents via a Conditional Use Permit [Sec. 58.540].
Prohibited Uses in the R-2B District
The City of Orlando explicitly prohibits any use that would degrade the residential integrity or safety of the R-2B Residential District. Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to:
- Commercial Entertainment: Bars, nightclubs, and adult entertainment facilities [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Industrial/Wholesale: Manufacturing, processing, warehousing, and junkyards [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Automotive: Auto service stations, major vehicle repairs, and car washes [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Lodging: Hotels and motels [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Intensive Retailing: Large-scale retail operations [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Mobile Homes: Not permitted within the R-2B Residential District [Figure 2A.LDC].
Development and Intensity Standards
All allowed uses in the R-2B Residential District must comply with specific dimensional and intensity requirements set by the City of Orlando.
| Standard | Single Family Requirement | Duplex/Tandem Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Max. Residential Density | 16 du/acre | 16 du/acre |
| Max. Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 0.50 | 0.50 |
| Min. Lot Area | 4,000 sq. ft. | 5,000 sq. ft. |
| Min. Mean Lot Width | 40 ft. | 50 ft. |
| Front Yard Setback | 20 ft. | 20 ft. |
| Side Yard Setback | 5 ft. | 5 ft. |
| Street Side Yard Setback | 15 ft. | 15 ft. |
| Rear Yard Setback | 25 ft. | 25 ft. |
| Max. ISR (Impervious Surface) | 0.60 | 0.60 |
| Max. Building Height | 30 ft. | 30 ft. |
[Table data sourced from Figure 1A.LDC]
Sections Cited
- Section 56.07: Transportation Impact Fee Rate Schedule
- Section 58.231: Purpose of the Districts (R-2A, R-2B)
- Section 58.514: Duplex and Tandem Dwelling Development
- Section 58.540: Classification of Congregate Living Facilities
- Section 58.810: General Requirements for Public Benefit Uses
- Section 62.606: Neighborhood Convenience Stores
- Figure 1A.LDC: Table of Zoning District Regulations
- Figure 2A.LDC: Table of Allowable Uses (Residential)
- Figure 2B.LDC: Table of Allowable Uses (Non-Residential)