Orlando R-2B Residential District Zoning Guide
The Orlando R-2B Residential District is a medium-intensity zone primarily intended for established neighborhoods consisting of one-family to five-family dwellings. The district permits a maximum residential density of 16 units per acre and a maximum building height of 30 feet, with specific requirements for maintaining the architectural character of the City of Orlando’s Traditional City area.
Purpose and General Character
The R-2B Residential District is officially designated as the "1—5 Family District." Its primary intent is to conserve the character of established neighborhoods that have evolved over time into a mixture of housing types. Within the City of Orlando, the R-2B Residential District serves as a medium-intensity residential category that encourages new development to maintain the prevailing bulk, height, setbacks, and general design of surrounding structures [Section 58.231].
This district is specifically utilized to implement the "Residential-Medium Intensity" category of the Future Land Use Map Series, particularly focusing on protecting the design elements of the Traditional City [Section 58.230].
Permitted Land Uses
The R-2B Residential District allows for a variety of residential structures and limited non-residential uses that are compatible with a neighborhood setting.
Residential Uses
- Single-Family Dwellings: Permitted by right [Figure 2].
- Duplexes and Tandem Dwellings: Permitted subject to an Appearance Review (PA) [Figure 2].
- Townhomes: Permitted subject to an Appearance Review (PA) [Figure 2].
- Multi-Family Units (Multiplex): Permitted for up to 5 dwellings per building site (P5). Development exceeding 5 units on a single site requires a Conditional Use Permit [Section 58.562 and Figure 2].
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Permitted, provided they meet specific size and lot requirements [Section 58.501].
- Community Residential Homes: Permitted for 1—14 residents [Figure 3].
Non-Residential and Civic Uses
- Child Adult Day Care: Permitted for 6—30 persons; requires a Conditional Use Permit for 31+ persons [Figure 2].
- Conservation Uses: Permitted by right [Figure 2].
- Golf Courses: Allowed via Conditional Use Permit [Figure 2].
- Public Benefit Uses: Certain light public benefit uses may be allowed subject to specific standards [Section 58.810].
Dimensional and Development Standards
All development in the R-2B Residential District must adhere to strict intensity and setback standards to ensure compatibility with the existing neighborhood fabric.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Gross Residential Density | 16 units per acre |
| Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) - Residential | 0.50 |
| Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) - Non-Residential | 0.30 |
| Minimum Lot Area (Single-Family) | 4,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Area (Duplex/Tandem) | 5,000 square feet |
| Minimum Mean Lot Width (Single-Family) | 40 feet |
| Minimum Mean Lot Width (Duplex/Tandem) | 50 feet |
| Minimum Mean Lot Depth | 100 feet |
| Maximum Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR) | 0.60 |
| Maximum Building Height | 30 feet |
Minimum Building Setbacks
- Front Yard: 20 feet [Figure 1A.LDC].
- Side Yard: 5 feet [Figure 1A.LDC].
- Street Side Yard: 15 feet [Figure 1A.LDC].
- Rear Yard: 25 feet [Figure 1A.LDC].
Special Regulations
Development within the R-2B Residential District is subject to additional layers of the City of Orlando Code, particularly regarding landscaping and architectural transitions:
- Landscaping: Residential sites must meet the one-family and two-family residential landscaping standards, including limits on turfgrass (max 60%) and requirements for canopy trees [Section 60.223].
- Appearance Review: Because the district often overlaps with the Traditional City area, many building types (like duplexes and townhomes) require a formal Appearance Review to ensure they do not diminish the "boxy" shape and instead include projections, recesses, and compatible roof shapes [Section 58.513 and Section 58.517].
- Multiplex Standards: For buildings with 3—5 units, the front door must face the primary street frontage, and a pedestrian path must be provided from the public sidewalk to the primary entrance [Section 58.562].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.230 - Relationship to the Growth Management Plan (R-2A, R-2B)
- Section 58.231 - Purpose of the Districts (R-2A, R-2B)
- Section 58.501 - Design Standards for Accessory Dwelling Units
- Section 58.513 - Appearance Review Standards for Townhomes
- Section 58.517 - Appearance Review (Duplex and Tandem)
- Section 58.562 - Development Standards and Building Site Standards (Multiplex)
- Section 58.810 - General Requirements for Public Benefit Uses
- Section 60.223 - One-Family and Two-Family Residential Development Standards
- Figure 1A.LDC - Table of Zoning District Regulations
- Figure 2 - Table of Allowable Uses in Zoning Districts
- Figure 3 - Land Use Intensity Table