Orlando, FL: SP Specially Planned Area Overlay District Guide
The SP: Specially Planned Area Overlay District in the City of Orlando serves as a regulatory mechanism to create localized urban design plans, guidelines, and standards through a special plan adopted as a Code amendment. These districts ensure that the City of Orlando only issues development permits if a proposal conforms to specific requirements regarding site dimensions, structure siting, and infrastructure within the designated neighborhood.
Relationship to the Growth Management Plan
The SP: Specially Planned Area Overlay District is designed to implement the objectives and policies of the City of Orlando Growth Management Plan, specifically those related to the Urban Design and Future Land Use Elements [Section 58.430]. The district provides a structured framework for public participation in the planning process to ensure the enhancement of specifically defined areas while protecting the established character of existing neighborhoods [Section 58.431].
Required Components of a Special Plan
When the City of Orlando designates an SP: Specially Planned Area Overlay District, a unique "Special Plan" must be adopted as an amendment to the City Code. This plan must contain detailed provisions tailored to the specific area.
| Category | Required Provisions in an Orlando SP Special Plan |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure & Streetscape | Location and characteristics of streets, rights-of-way, sidewalks, utilities, parkways, trees, landscaping, and signage. |
| Site Development | Dimensions and grading of building sites; dimensions and siting of structures. |
| Permitted Development | Location, type, and characteristics of allowable uses and development. |
| Environmental & Safety | Factors deemed relevant to privacy, safety, preservation, protection, or welfare of lands within or surrounding the designated area. |
Development Conformity and Permitting
The SP: Specially Planned Area Overlay District operates in conjunction with the underlying zoning district regulations for the area. However, it imposes an additional layer of control: no development permit may be approved by the City of Orlando unless the application is in strict conformance with the adopted Special Plan for that specific overlay [Section 58.432].
Communication Tower Regulations
The City of Orlando imposes specific review requirements for communication towers located within an SP: Specially Planned Area Overlay District. Any such tower requires an Urban Design review as part of the Engineering permit process [Section 58.840].
Signage Standards
The SP: Specially Planned Area Overlay District is recognized as a Zoning Overlay District for the purpose of sign regulations. Specific signage standards are dictated by the individual Special Plan adopted for the area. Notable examples of existing Special Plans in the City of Orlando include:
- International Drive (Sec. 62.496)
- Semoran Boulevard (Sec. 62.408)
- SODO (Sec. 62.499)
Procedures for Amendment
A property owner within a designated SP: Specially Planned Area Overlay District may apply for an amendment to the adopted special plan. These applications are subject to the review requirements contained in Chapter 65 of the City of Orlando Code and must follow the same standards and procedures as the original plan adoption [Section 58.432].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.210 - General Requirements (Establishment of Zoning Districts)
- Section 58.430 - Relationship to the Growth Management Plan
- Section 58.431 - Purpose of the District
- Section 58.432 - Rezones and Zoning Map Applications (Adoption of the Special Plan)
- Section 58.840 - General Requirements (Communication Towers)
- Table 1A - General Standards for Building and Freestanding Signs