Historic Preservation Standards and Modifications in the City of Orlando
The City of Orlando HP: Historic Preservation Overlay District requires a mandatory Certificate of Appropriateness for any exterior alteration, demolition, or new construction, ensuring all work remains compatible with the established historic character of the neighborhood. This overlay specifically restricts the maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for residential units to 0.40 and prohibits certain materials, such as chain link fencing, when visible from a public right-of-way. It further mandates that new construction and additions must match the height, scale, and massing of the existing "contributing" structures within the district.
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
In the City of Orlando, the primary modification to base zoning standards within the HP: Historic Preservation Overlay District is the requirement for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). No exterior portion of any building or structure (except those owned by tax-exempt religious institutions) may be erected, altered, restored, moved, or demolished until a COA has been approved by the Historic Preservation Board [Section 62.200]. This process applies in addition to standard building permits and ensures that any modifications adhere to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's "Standards for Rehabilitation" [Section 62.201].
Residential Density and FAR Modifications
The HP: Historic Preservation Overlay District imposes stricter limitations on building bulk than many base zoning districts to preserve the rhythm and scale of historic neighborhoods.
HP Overlay Technical Standards
| Standard Type | General City Requirement | HP Overlay District Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Max Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | Varies (often 0.50) | 0.40 for single-family, tandem, and duplex [Section 58.1111] |
| Attic/Basement Space | Generally counted toward FAR | Not counted toward FAR unless it is a habitable floor [Section 58.1111] |
| Max ADU Size | Varies by lot size (e.g., 500 sq. ft.) | Up to 700 sq. ft. regardless of zoning district [Section 62.706] |
| New Construction Height | Per base district | Must match the permitted height of the base zoning district [Section 62.706] |
Architectural and Material Standards
The HP: Historic Preservation Overlay District strictly regulates materials and architectural features. Base zoning standards that might allow modern materials (like vinyl or aluminum) are often superseded by requirements for historically accurate materials.
- Wood Facades: Existing wood siding and trim must be retained. If replacement is necessary, the new material must match the original in size, shape, and texture. Sandblasting wood is strictly prohibited [Section 62.704].
- Masonry: Original masonry must be retained. Repointing of mortar joints must duplicate the original joints in size, composition, texture, and color [Section 62.704].
- Roofing: The original roof shape must be preserved. Architectural features such as dormers, cornices, and towers must be retained or replicated. New features like skylights must be placed on roofs not visible from the public right-of-way [Section 62.704].
- Windows and Doors: Replacement windows on principal facades must match the original in material, size, and muntin/mullion proportion. Tinted or reflective glass is prohibited on principal facades of residential buildings [Section 62.704].
- Fencing: Within the City of Orlando HP: Historic Preservation Overlay District, chain link fences are prohibited if they are visible from a public right-of-way or park [Section 62.706].
Standards for Additions and New Construction
Additions to existing structures in the HP: Historic Preservation Overlay District must have a similar scale, massing, and height to the existing structure. They must be located at the rear of the building if they use a different roof pitch [Section 62.705].
For new construction, the City of Orlando requires that storefront openings and heights match the "contributing" buildings in the district. New residential structures must provide a minimum of 15% transparency (windows/doors) on front and street side exterior walls [Section 62.706].
Signage in the HP District
The HP: Historic Preservation Overlay District modifies the City of Orlando’s general sign code by requiring an additional layer of review.
- Review Process: All signs in the HP: Historic Preservation Overlay District require review and approval by the Historic Preservation Board [Section 64.101].
- Prohibited Signs: Backlit awning signs are prohibited in O-1 and MXD-1 districts within the HP overlay [Section 64.232].
- Sign Character: Signs must be in character with the structure and the district's historical context [Section 62.706].
Non-Contributing Structures
Structures within the HP: Historic Preservation Overlay District that are deemed "non-contributing" (not historically significant) are still subject to review. While they may be modernized, they cannot be redesigned to create a "false historical appearance" [Section 62.702].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.200 (General Requirements)
- Section 58.210 (Establishment of Zoning Districts)
- Section 58.400 (Relationship to the Growth Management Plan)
- Section 58.401 (Purpose of the District)
- Section 58.1111 (Floor Area Ratio in HP Districts)
- Section 62.200 (Certificate of Appropriateness Required)
- Section 62.201 (Standards for Historic Landmarks)
- Section 62.702 (Non-Contributing Structures)
- Section 62.704 (Facades)
- Section 62.705 (Standards for Additions to Existing Structures)
- Section 62.706 (Standards for New Construction)
- Section 64.101 (Administration of Chapter)
- Section 64.232 (Backlit Awnings)