Guide to the I-C: Industrial-Commercial District in Orlando
The I-C: Industrial-Commercial District in the City of Orlando is designed to facilitate intensive commercial and light-industrial development along major arterial and four-lane collector corridors, emphasizing high design standards and compatibility with neighboring residential zones. This City of Orlando district allows for a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.70 and a high Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR) of 0.85, providing significant flexibility for properties transitioned from former county jurisdictions.
Purpose of the I-C District
The primary purpose of the City of Orlando I-C: Industrial-Commercial District is to provide for the beneficial use of intensive commercial and light-industrial properties. It is specifically intended to accommodate many of the uses that were located on properties zoned C-2, C-3, or Industrial in Orange County prior to their annexation into the City of Orlando [Section 58.499.5].
The City of Orlando encourages the redevelopment of I-C: Industrial-Commercial District properties to higher standards of design than were previously required under county codes. A key goal is to improve the compatibility of these intensive uses with adjacent residential properties while maintaining their function as employment and service hubs [Section 58.499.5].
General Character and Locational Standards
The general character of the I-C: Industrial-Commercial District is defined by its placement along the City of Orlando's major thoroughfare network. To maintain the district's integrity and manage traffic impacts, the following locational standards apply:
- Frontage: Every property in the City of Orlando I-C district must have access to a thoroughfare. This is defined as having frontage on at least one arterial or four-lane collector street as designated in Chapter 61, Part 2B [Section 58.499.6].
- Access: Access to the property may also be provided via a public street that does not pass through or alongside any residential zoning district [Section 58.499.6].
- Traffic Hazards: The City of Orlando prohibits I-C district developments from directing traffic into adjacent residential zoning districts or generating traffic congestion that negatively affects those areas [Section 58.499.6].
Permitted and Conditional Land Uses
The City of Orlando I-C: Industrial-Commercial District permits a wide array of residential, commercial, and light-industrial uses, while prohibiting heavy industrial operations.
Residential Uses
- Permitted: Townhomes, Single Family dwellings, Duplex or Tandem dwellings, and Multi-Family developments [Figure 2].
Non-Residential and Industrial Uses
- Permitted: Bars, Hospitals/Clinics, Hotels/Motels, Light Manufacturing and Processing, Retailing (both Light and Intensive), Personal Services, Major Vehicle Services, Automotive Services, Warehouse Showrooms, and Wholesale/Warehouse facilities [Figure 2].
- Conditional: Adult Entertainment facilities, Child/Adult Day Care (6-30+ persons), and Nightclubs [Figure 2].
- Prohibited: Heavy Manufacturing and Processing is strictly prohibited in the City of Orlando I-C district [Figure 2].
Development Standards
Development within the City of Orlando I-C: Industrial-Commercial District must adhere to specific intensity and setback requirements to ensure orderly growth.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Intensity (Floor Area Ratio) | 0.70 |
| Maximum Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR) | 0.85 |
| Minimum Mean Lot Width (Non-Residential) | 200 feet |
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 30 - 35 feet (Varies by context) |
| Minimum Side Yard Setback | 10 feet |
| Minimum Rear Yard Setback | 25 feet |
| Minimum Building Site Frontage | 100 feet |
Note: Rear and side yard setbacks may be reduced to zero when the property line coincides with a railroad siding; however, no trackage may be located within 300 feet of any residential area [Section 58.499.7].
Specific Accessory and Use Regulations
The City of Orlando imposes additional requirements on certain uses within the I-C: Industrial-Commercial District to mitigate impacts on the community:
- Drive-Through Facilities: These are permitted in the I-C district but must meet general requirements, including not being automated/unstaffed if located within 300 feet of a residential district [Section 58.740].
- Personal Storage Facilities: For I-C properties located within the City of Orlando Traditional City, the Municipal Planning Board may require at least one additional principal use (such as retail or office) to ensure the site remains active [Section 58.774].
- Signage: Freestanding signs in the I-C district are limited to a maximum area of 100 square feet and a maximum height of 30 feet if located outside the Traditional City [Table 1C].
- Enclosed Storage: Within 300 feet of any Activity Center, Office, or Residential district, all storage in the I-C district must be in completely enclosed buildings [Section 58.791].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.210, Establishment of Zoning Districts
- Section 58.499.5, Purpose of the District
- Section 58.499.6, Rezones and Zoning Map Applications
- Section 58.499.7, Additional District Requirements
- Section 58.740, Drive-Through Facilities - General Requirements
- Section 58.774, Personal Storage Facilities - Conditional Use Standards
- Section 58.791, Locations Where Enclosed Storage is Required
- Figure 1C, Table of Zoning District Regulations
- Figure 2, Table of Allowable Uses in Zoning Districts
- Table 1C, Standards for Freestanding Signs