-C-: Conservation District Regulations in the City of Orlando
The -C-: Conservation District in the City of Orlando is a highly restrictive zoning designation dedicated to the identification, protection, and preservation of environmentally sensitive lands and natural resources. Within this district, land use is primarily limited to conservation activities by right, while a narrow selection of other uses, such as golf courses and communication towers, may be allowed only through conditional approval. Most forms of residential, commercial, and industrial development are strictly prohibited in the Orlando -C-: Conservation District to prevent environmental degradation [Sec. 58.311].
Allowed and Prohibited Uses
The City of Orlando regulates land use within the -C-: Conservation District through a specific schedule of permitted and conditional uses. As defined by the City Code, "Permitted" (P) uses are allowed by right, while "Conditional" (C) uses require specific approval processes, often including an "Appearance Review" (CA) [Sec. 58.110, Figure 2; Sec. 58.830].
Table: Land Use Designations for the Orlando -C-: Conservation District
| Use Category | Permission Status in -C-: Conservation District |
|---|---|
| Conservation Uses | Permitted (P) |
| Golf Courses | Conditional Use (C) |
| Communication Towers | Conditional Use & Appearance Review (CA) |
| Single Family and Multi-Family Residential | Prohibited (Blank) |
| Commercial and Retail Uses | Prohibited (Blank) |
| Industrial and Manufacturing Uses | Prohibited (Blank) |
| Adult Entertainment and Nightclubs | Prohibited (Blank) |
| Hospitals and Clinics | Prohibited (Blank) |
| Professional Offices | Prohibited (Blank) |
| Automotive Services and Gas Stations | Prohibited (Blank) |
| Wholesaling and Warehousing | Prohibited (Blank) |
[Sec. 58.110, Figure 2]
Purpose and Intent of the Designation
The City of Orlando established the -C-: Conservation District as a "terminal category" for lands that must remain in a primarily natural state to benefit the public. The primary objectives of this district include:
- Resource Protection: Safeguarding the natural resources of the City of Orlando, specifically environmentally sensitive lands along stream and lake shores [Sec. 58.311].
- Nuisance and Erosion Control: Protecting areas subject to erosion and preventing development that would be environmentally detrimental to adjacent lands [Sec. 58.311].
- Passive Recreation: Conserving space for passive parks, recreational areas, open space, and floodplains [Sec. 58.311].
Development Standards and Special Requirements
Due to the sensitive nature of the land within the -C-: Conservation District, the City of Orlando imposes rigorous requirements on any activity or proposed conditional use.
Environmental Documentation and Easements
Any property in the City of Orlando containing wetlands, an upland buffer, or other environmentally sensitive areas must clearly indicate these features on the face of a Master Plan, development order, or plat. Furthermore, the City of Orlando requires the establishment of conservation easements for these areas. All activities must also satisfy the requirements of relevant County, State, and Federal permits [Sec. 58.313].
Standard Setbacks from Water Features
In the City of Orlando, there is a general requirement for a minimum principal building setback of 50 feet from the normal high water elevation or boundary of any natural surface water body or retained wetland [Chapter 58, Figure 1, Footnote 10].
Determination in Cases of Uncertainty
If a specific use is not clearly listed in the Orlando land use tables, the Zoning Official of the City of Orlando has the authority to determine the appropriate classification by comparing the proposed use to those with the most similar characteristics [Sec. 58.200].
Sections Cited
- Sec. 58.110 - Zoning District Regulations (Table of Allowable Uses)
- Sec. 58.200 - General Requirements (Determinations in Cases of Uncertainty)
- Sec. 58.310 - Relationship to the Growth Management Plan
- Sec. 58.311 - Purpose of the District
- Sec. 58.313 - Additional Requirements
- Sec. 58.830 - General Requirements (Temporary Uses)