Heavy Manufacturing and Industrial Zoning in the City of Orlando
Under the City of Orlando Code of Ordinances, heavy industrial and manufacturing uses are primarily concentrated in the I-G (General Industrial) District and the ASD-2 (Airport Support District - High Intensity) within the Southeast Orlando Sector. While light industrial and manufacturing activities are permitted more broadly in the I-P (Industrial Park) and I-C (Industrial-Commercial) districts, the City of Orlando strictly regulates intensive operations to ensure they have adequate access to major thoroughfares and maintain substantial buffers from residential zones [Section 58.301, Section 58.461].
Primary Districts for Heavy Industrial and Manufacturing
I-G General Industrial District
The City of Orlando designates the I-G district specifically for existing industrial properties and areas where a range of "general and heavy industrial uses" are desirable [Section 58.301]. To minimize community impact, the City of Orlando requires these facilities to be located away from established residential areas. All I-G developments must have direct access to an arterial or four-lane collector street as designated in the City of Orlando's Major Thoroughfare Plan [Section 58.302].
ASD-2 Airport Support District (High Intensity)
Located within the Southeast Orlando Sector Plan area, the ASD-2 district is intended as a primary employment location. The City of Orlando allows a wide range of high-intensity land uses in this district, including "heavy manufacturing" and automobile/truck rental [Section 58.461]. Notably, residential uses are strictly prohibited within the ASD-2 district due to aircraft noise and land use incompatibility [Section 58.461].
Districts for Light Industrial and Manufacturing
I-P Industrial Park District
The I-P district is intended by the City of Orlando to provide high standards of design for industrial development and related business services. While it supports manufacturing, it is not intended for retail or personal service uses that serve non-commercial customers. Like the I-G district, the I-P district requires direct access to arterials or four-lane collectors to prevent traffic hazards in residential neighborhoods [Section 58.291, Section 58.292].
I-C Industrial-Commercial District
The City of Orlando utilize the I-C district to accommodate "intensive commercial and light-industrial properties" that cannot be easily integrated into pedestrian-oriented mixed-use centers. This district is often applied to properties annexed into the City of Orlando that were previously zoned for industrial use by Orange County [Section 58.499.5].
Activity Center and Special Plan Districts
- AC-2 and AC-3: These Activity Center districts are designed to serve major subregions or the entire metropolitan area and may include industrial facilities at a commensurate scale [Section 58.341].
- SODO T-6 Urban Core Transect: Within the SODO Special Plan, the T-6 zone allows manufacturing and processing as a conditional use, provided the site's Future Land Use designation is Industrial [Section 62.499, Figure 2].
Technical Development Standards
The City of Orlando applies the following site development standards to the primary industrial districts to ensure proper buffering and intensity control.
| Standard | I-P (Industrial Park) | I-G (General Industrial) | I-C (Industrial-Commercial) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | 0.70 | 0.70 | 0.70 |
| Max. Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR) | 0.90 | 0.90 | 0.85 |
| Min. Front Yard Setback | 35 ft. | 0 ft. (6)(20) | 0 ft. (6)(20) |
| Min. Side Yard Setback | 10 ft. | 0 or 3 ft. | 30 ft. |
| Min. Rear Yard Setback | 20 ft. | 10 ft. | 30 ft. |
| Max. Building Height | 75 ft. (2) | 75 ft. (2) | 35 ft. |
(6) Standard applies when not located in the Traditional City; (20) See specific setback rules for street side yards; (2) Height may be increased via conditional use or bonuses in specific areas [Figure 1C.LDC].
Performance and Buffering Requirements
The City of Orlando requires all industrial and manufacturing uses to implement screening and buffering, especially when adjacent to non-industrial zones.
- Enclosed Storage: Within 300 feet of a residential or office district, all industrial storage must be in completely enclosed buildings [Section 58.791].
- Vibration and Noise: For all new or expanding industrial establishments within 300 feet of a residential district, the City of Orlando requires a Zoning Official Determination to ensure the business does not emit excessive sounds, vibrations, or odors [Section 58.705].
- Landscape Buffers: Industrial uses (Intensity Class VI) typically require a "D" level bufferyard—the most intensive requirement—when abutting residential or low-intensity office uses [Figure 8. Table of Bufferyard Requirements].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.210 - General Requirements (Establishment of Districts)
- Section 58.291 - Purpose of the I-P District
- Section 58.292 - Rezones and Zoning Map Applications (I-P)
- Section 58.301 - Purpose of the I-G District
- Section 58.302 - Rezones and Zoning Map Applications (I-G)
- Section 58.341 - Purpose of Activity Center Districts
- Section 58.461 - Purpose of the ASD-1 and ASD-2 Districts
- Section 58.499.5 - Purpose of the I-C District
- Section 58.705 - General Requirements (Alcoholic Beverage Establishments)
- Section 58.791 - Locations Where Enclosed Storage is Required
- Section 62.499 - SODO Special Plan
- Figure 1C.LDC - Table of Zoning District Regulations
- Figure 8 - Table of Bufferyard Requirements