MU-1 Mixed Use District: Allowed and Prohibited Uses in Orlando
The MU-1 Mixed Use District in the City of Orlando is designed to accommodate a blend of residential and office uses primarily along arterial and four-lane collector streets. This district establishes a medium-intensity corridor that prioritizes multi-family housing, professional services, and light retailing while explicitly prohibiting high-intensity industrial activities and standalone single-family homes to maintain the intended urban character [Section 58.271].
General Intent of the MU-1 District
The City of Orlando designates the MU-1 district as a "Medium Intensity Mixed Use Corridor District." Its primary purpose is to provide for areas where mixed residential and office uses can extend along major thoroughfares at intensities that remain compatible with adjacent neighborhoods. The City of Orlando specifically encourages a mixture of land uses in this district and identifies it as a prime location for development where mass transit service is available or programmed [Section 58.271].
Development Standards for MU-1
Land development within the MU-1 district must adhere to specific intensity and density requirements to ensure the corridor functions as a medium-intensity transition zone.
| Standard | MU-1 Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Gross Residential Density | 15 dwelling units per acre |
| Maximum Gross Residential Density | 30 dwelling units per acre |
| Maximum Non-Residential FAR | 0.50 |
| Minimum Lot Area | 7,500 square feet |
| Minimum Mean Lot Width | 75 feet |
Note: Densities and Floor Area Ratios (FAR) may be subject to bonuses if specific criteria for urban design or affordable housing are met [Figure 1B.LDC].
Allowed Uses in the MU-1 District
Uses in the City of Orlando are classified as Permitted (P), Permitted with Appearance Review (PA), or Conditional (C).
Residential Uses
- Multi-Family Housing: Permitted as a primary use [Figure 2].
- Townhomes: Permitted subject to Appearance Review (PA) [Figure 2].
- Duplex or Tandem Dwellings: Permitted subject to Appearance Review (PA) [Figure 2].
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Permitted with Appearance Review (PA) [Figure 2].
- Mobile Homes: Permitted [Figure 2].
- Residential Care Facilities: Types A and B are permitted [Figure 2].
- Intensive and Transient Care Facilities: Types A, B, and C are permitted [Figure 2].
Commercial and Office Uses
- General and Medical Offices: Permitted, including dental laboratories [Figure 2].
- Restaurants: Permitted as a primary use [Figure 2].
- Bars: Permitted as an accessory use at the ground level [Section 58.705].
- Nightclubs: Permitted as a primary use [Figure 2].
- Hotels and Motels: Permitted [Figure 2].
- Light Retailing: Generally permitted, though financial institutions are sometimes excluded from specific ground-floor requirements [Figure 2].
- Personal Services: Permitted, including those requiring local business tax receipts [Figure 2].
- Automotive Services: Permitted [Figure 2].
- Neighborhood Convenience Stores: Permitted [Figure 2].
Institutional and Public Uses
- Child and Adult Day Care: Permitted for both small (6-30 persons) and large (31+ persons) facilities [Figure 2].
- Hospitals and Clinics: Permitted [Figure 2].
- Whole Blood Facilities: Permitted [Figure 2].
- Public Benefit Uses: Generally permitted if they meet the "Light" or "Assembly" criteria [Section 58.810].
- Wholesale and Warehousing: Warehouse showrooms and general wholesale uses are permitted [Figure 2].
Prohibited Uses in the MU-1 District
The City of Orlando prohibits uses that conflict with the medium-intensity, pedestrian-oriented nature of the MU-1 corridor.
- Standalone Single-Family Homes: Not permitted as a new primary use [Figure 2].
- Intensive Retailing: Large-scale or high-intensity retail that exceeds the "Light Retailing" classification is prohibited [Figure 2].
- Intensive Services: Service uses classified as "Intensive" (Class V or VI) are generally not allowed [Figure 2].
- Manufacturing and Industrial: Both light and heavy manufacturing processing are prohibited [Figure 2].
- Major Vehicle Services: Large-scale vehicle repair or salvage operations are prohibited [Figure 2].
- Golf Courses: Not allowed within the MU-1 district [Figure 2].
- Indoor Shooting Ranges: Prohibited [Figure 2].
Conditional Uses
Certain uses require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and additional City of Orlando review to ensure they do not negatively impact the surrounding area.
- Vertiports: Allowed only by Conditional Use Permit [Figure 2].
- Communication Towers: Allowed subject to Conditional Use and Appearance Review (CA) [Figure 2].
Special Plan Overlays
The MU-1 district permissions may be modified if the property is located within a Special Plan area. For example, the Orange Blossom Trail Special Plan allows Auto Service Stations as a permitted use in the MU-1 district, but requires a Conditional Use permit for Eating and Drinking establishments if they are part of a larger mixed-use development [Section 62.406].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.270 (Relationship to Growth Management Plan)
- Section 58.271 (Purpose of Mixed Use Districts)
- Section 58.705 (Alcoholic Beverage Establishments - General Requirements)
- Section 58.810 (Public Benefit Uses - General Requirements)
- Section 62.406 (Orange Blossom Trail Special Plan)
- Figure 1B.LDC (Table of Zoning District Regulations)
- Figure 2 (Table of Allowable Uses)