Off-Street Parking Standards for the R-1A One Family Residential District
In the City of Orlando’s R-1A One Family Residential District, every residential building site is required to maintain at least one compliant parking space and driveway. Specific additional requirements apply to secondary uses, such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), which require an extra parking space if the unit exceeds 500 square feet, and Home Occupations, which are prohibited from utilizing unimproved surfaces or the public right-of-way for business-related vehicles.
Residential Parking Requirements
Residential projects within the City of Orlando R-1A district must adhere to specific location and quantity standards based on the type of dwelling and the size of any accessory structures.
Standard One-Family Dwellings
Each building site in the R-1A district must provide at least one off-street parking space and a driveway that complied with the Land Development Code at the time the principal structure was constructed [Section 58.501].
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
The City of Orlando regulates parking for ADUs in the R-1A district based on the square footage of the accessory unit to balance housing density with neighborhood parking capacity.
| ADU Size | Parking Requirement | Location/Access Standard |
|---|---|---|
| 500 sq. ft. or smaller | No additional space required | Must use the existing principal structure parking [Section 58.501]. |
| Greater than 500 sq. ft. | 1 additional space required | Must be located behind the front yard setback and at least 20 feet from the street side lot line; must be independently accessible and not enclosed [Section 58.501]. |
Caretakers Quarters
Where Caretakers Quarters are permitted as an accessory use in the City of Orlando, off-street parking must be provided in accordance with the standards for one-family dwellings as found in Chapter 61 of the City Code [Section 58.924].
Commercial and Non-Residential Activities in R-1A
While the R-1A district is primarily for one-family homes, the City of Orlando permits limited non-residential activities, such as Home Occupations and Public Benefit Uses, subject to strict parking controls.
Home Occupations
Home occupations are allowed as an accessory use in R-1A residential units provided they do not negatively impact the residential character of the neighborhood.
- Traffic Limit: The occupation shall not generate vehicular traffic in excess of two vehicles concurrently [Section 58.938].
- Prohibited Parking Locations: Business-related vehicles and trailers may not be parked in the right-of-way, on a public sidewalk, or on any unimproved surfaces at the residence [Section 58.938].
- Heavy Equipment: Any equipment or machinery associated with the home occupation must be parked and stored so it is not visible from the street or neighboring properties [Section 58.938].
Public Benefit Uses (PBUs)
For assembly-type public benefit uses located in the R-1A district, the City of Orlando requires that parking areas be designed and located specifically to minimize conflict with pedestrian and bicycle pathways [Section 58.812].
Design and Setback Standards for Parking
The City of Orlando imposes specific architectural and site design requirements for garages and parking areas in the R-1A district to maintain the aesthetic integrity of the neighborhood.
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Facade Ratio (Traditional City) | No more than 50% of the lineal ground floor principal facade may be dedicated to a garage or carport [Section 62.600]. |
| Garage Alignment | All garages or carports must be flush with or recessed from the ground floor principal facade [Section 62.600]. |
| Non-Conforming Lots | Parking spaces and garage doors must be set back at least five (5) feet from the principal facade of the building [Section 58.1153]. |
| Corner Visibility | No parking spaces may be located within a designated Street Corner Visibility Area if the foliage is maintained at a height of at least eight feet [Section 60.143]. |
Sections Cited
- Section 58.501, Design Standards for Accessory Dwelling Units
- Section 58.812, Assembly PBUs: Development and Design Criteria
- Section 58.924, Parking (Caretakers Quarters)
- Section 58.938, Performance and Design Requirements (Home Occupations)
- Section 58.1153, Development of Nonconforming Residential Lots
- Section 60.143, Development Restrictions (Street Corner Visibility)
- Section 62.600, General Requirements (Traditional City Design Standards)