MA: Major Attraction Overlay District Standards in the City of Orlando
The MA: Major Attraction Overlay District modifies City of Orlando base zoning by allowing massive identification signs up to 1,100 square feet and altering setback requirements for large-scale entertainment facilities. To qualify for this overlay, a development must attract at least 750,000 annual visitors and be located within the AC-3 or AC-3A zoning districts.
Purpose and Application of the MA: Major Attraction Overlay District
The City of Orlando established the MA: Major Attraction Overlay District to support and regulate major tourist-oriented entertainment facilities. This overlay provides increased flexibility for high-intensity uses, ensuring aesthetic consistency across large entertainment complexes while maintaining visibility to the tourist population [Section 58.410; Section 58.411].
To qualify for the MA: Major Attraction Overlay District, a facility must meet strict minimum criteria established by the City of Orlando:
| Criteria Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| State Classification | Must be an entertainment or lodging complex as defined by the State of Florida |
| Visitor Volume | Minimum of 750,000 annual visitors paying admission fees |
| Meeting Facilities | Capacity for at least 250 persons |
| Restaurant Size | At least one restaurant with 4,000+ square feet of service area |
| Management | Unified ownership, management, or a single approved master plan |
| Base Location | Must be within AC-3A (Downtown Core) or AC-3 (Metropolitan) districts |
[Section 58.413; Section 58.414]
Modifications to Base Site Development Standards
The MA: Major Attraction Overlay District alters the standard dimensional and landscaping requirements of the underlying City of Orlando zoning.
Setbacks and Building Review
The intensity of the development determines the specific modification applied. For facilities within the MA: Major Attraction Overlay District that are less than 10 acres, every boundary fronting a street is considered a front yard for the purposes of calculating setbacks. Conversely, complexes larger than 10 acres are required to undergo a comprehensive Master Plan Review to ensure the major attraction remains compatible with the surrounding City of Orlando neighborhood [Section 58.414].
Parking Garage Landscaping
The MA: Major Attraction Overlay District provides an exemption to standard City of Orlando perimeter landscaping requirements. If a parking garage structure abuts a lot line, perimeter landscaping is not required for any portion of the frontage that incorporates "active uses" (such as retail or dining) on the ground floor [Section 58.414(b)].
Modifications to Signage Standards
One of the most significant ways the MA: Major Attraction Overlay District modifies base standards is through the City of Orlando sign code. All signs within this district are reviewed by the Appearance Review Board to ensure they conform to the complex’s overall design theme [Section 64.230].
Allowable Sign Area and Identification
The City of Orlando permits a generous sign area calculation for the MA: Major Attraction Overlay District:
| Sign Standard | MA: Major Attraction Overlay Regulation |
|---|---|
| Total Sign Area | 2 sq. ft. per each linear foot of building frontage on any roadway |
| MAIS Maximum Area | One Major Attraction Identification Sign (MAIS) up to 1,100 sq. ft. |
| MAIS Height (Roof) | No higher than 30 ft. above the highest point of the roof |
| MAIS Height (Pole) | No higher than 85 ft. above ground level |
| Electronic Message Center | Allowed as part of MAIS; max 35% of total sign area |
| Message Frequency | Maximum of one (1) change per hour; no flashing or running |
[Section 64.230]
Specialized Sign Exemptions
The MA: Major Attraction Overlay District further relaxes City of Orlando standards by allowing the following:
- Incidental Signage: Signs located on table umbrellas or awnings are permitted and do not count toward the maximum allowable sign area for the site [Section 64.230(c)].
- Vehicle Signs: Signs on vehicles are permitted as permanent signage, provided they are consistent with the design theme of the complex [Section 64.230(d)].
- Digital Numeric Signs: The MA: Major Attraction Overlay District allows digital numeric signs to change messages every 8 seconds, provided they are internally illuminated [Section 64.253].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.410, Relationship to the Growth Management Plan.
- Section 58.411, Purpose of the District.
- Section 58.412, Zoning Map Application.
- Section 58.413, Minimum Criteria.
- Section 58.414, District Standards.
- Section 64.230, Signs in the MA Overlay District.
- Section 64.253, Digital Numeric Signs.