MU-1: Mixed Use District Regulations in Orlando
The MU-1: Mixed Use District in the City of Orlando is established as a medium-intensity corridor primarily intended for a blend of residential and office uses oriented along arterials and four-lane collectors. In the City of Orlando, this district allows for a maximum base intensity of 0.70 Floor Area Ratio (FAR), building heights up to 75 feet, and a maximum Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR) of 0.85 [Figure 1C, Section 62.505].
Purpose and Relationship to the Growth Management Plan
The MU-1: Mixed Use District is designed to implement the City of Orlando’s Growth Management Plan (GMP) by supporting the "Mixed Use Corridor-Medium Intensity" land use category [Section 58.270]. The City of Orlando utilizes this district to provide for areas where mixed residential and office uses can exist at intensities that remain compatible with adjacent neighborhoods [Section 58.271]. Furthermore, the City of Orlando specifically encourages the MU-1: Mixed Use District for locations where mass transit service is either currently available or programmed for the future [Section 58.271].
General Character and Development Standards
The general character of the MU-1: Mixed Use District is defined by its placement along major transportation routes. Development in the City of Orlando under this classification must meet specific site metrics to ensure consistency with the urban fabric.
| Standard | Requirement in MU-1 District |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | N/A |
| Minimum Mean Lot Width | 50 feet |
| Maximum Non-Residential FAR | 0.70 (Base) |
| Maximum Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR) | 0.85 |
| Maximum Height (Permitted) | 75 feet |
| Minimum Building Separation | 10 feet |
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 0 or 20 feet (standard varies by context) |
| Minimum Side Yard Setback | 0 or 3 feet |
| Minimum Rear Yard Setback | 10 feet |
[Source: Figure 1C, Figure 1 (Cont.)]
Permitted and Conditional Land Uses
The City of Orlando allows a broad range of both residential and non-residential activities within the MU-1: Mixed Use District.
Residential Uses
Residential development in the MU-1: Mixed Use District includes various intensities:
- Permitted (P): Single Family dwellings and Multi-Family developments [Figure 2A].
- Permitted with Appearance Review (PA): Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Townhomes, and Duplex or Tandem dwellings [Figure 2A].
Non-Residential Uses
The City of Orlando permits several commercial and institutional uses to support the corridor's mixed-use nature:
- Permitted (P): General Offices, Medical Offices, Dental Labs, Restaurants, and Light Retailing [Figure 2B].
- Conditional (C): Child or Adult Day Care (31+ persons), Hospitals and Clinics, and Manufacturing/Processing (Light) [Figure 2B].
Density and Intensity Bonuses
Under the City of Orlando's incentive programs, the MU-1: Mixed Use District is eligible for density and intensity bonuses to encourage superior urban design and affordable housing [Section 58.1100].
| MU-1 Bonus Standards | Max Allowed by District | Max Bonus | Max with Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (Units per Acre) | 30 | 30 | 60 |
| Intensity (F.A.R.) | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.0 |
[Source: Section 58.1101]
To qualify for these bonuses in the City of Orlando, a development must provide at least two types of specific uses (such as residential and office) and include design enhancements like improved streetscape treatments or enhanced environmental sustainability [Section 58.1103, Section 58.1104].
Traditional City Overlay (MU-1t)
When the MU-1: Mixed Use District is located within the "Traditional City" area of Orlando, it is designated as MU-1t. This overlay requires more stringent pedestrian-oriented design, such as placing buildings close to the street and locating parking to the side or rear of structures [Section 62.608]. In these areas, the City of Orlando may allow for a reduction in required minimum intensity in exchange for contributions to the Trust Fund for Alternative Transportation [Section 58.1118].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.210 - General Requirements (Establishment of Zoning Districts)
- Section 58.270 - Relationship to the Growth Management Plan
- Section 58.271 - Purpose of the District
- Section 58.272 - Rezones and Zoning Map Applications
- Section 58.1100 - General Requirements (Bonuses)
- Section 58.1101 - Maximum Available Bonus
- Section 58.1103 - Criteria for Approval of a Bonus
- Section 58.1104 - Design Enhancements
- Section 58.1118 - Availability of Reductions
- Section 62.505 - Street-Level Commercial Use
- Section 62.608 - Designation of Streets in Mixed Use Corridor Districts
- Figure 1C - Table of Zoning District Regulations
- Figure 2A - Table of Allowable Uses (Residential)
- Figure 2B - Table of Allowable Uses (Non-Residential)