Orlando RP: Resource Protection Overlay District Regulations

The RP: Resource Protection Overlay District in the City of Orlando identifies and protects environmentally sensitive lands such as floodways and wetlands by directing development toward less critical areas of a site. In specific scenarios, the City of Orlando allows for a density transfer of up to 40% from protected RP areas to non-protected portions of a development site, while requiring specialized Tree Encroachment Permits for any construction activities within designated undisturbed zones.

Overview and Purpose of the RP Overlay

The RP: Resource Protection Overlay District is established by the City of Orlando to assist in the implementation of conservation objectives and policies. It is designed to regulate development activity in areas identified as natural hazards or natural resource areas and to designate these locations as potential conservation areas [Sec. 58.420].

The district serves as an informational tool for property owners and City officials, identifying the approximate locations of major environmental features that may restrict development. The City of Orlando requires that development within the RP: Resource Protection Overlay District adhere to standards found in the Conservation (C) District and the Orlando Urban Stormwater Management Manual (OUSWMM) [Sec. 58.421].

Identified Environmental Features

The City of Orlando maps specific features within the RP: Resource Protection Overlay District. These mapped boundaries may be adjusted administratively upon the submission of approved permits from agencies such as the Water Management District (WMD) or the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) [Sec. 58.422].

Protected Natural Resources

Feature Category	Specific Environmental Features
Water Features	Floodways, Lakes, Rivers, and Natural Creeks
Wetland Types	Freshwater marshes, Wet prairies, Cypress bayheads, Domes and strands, Hydric hammocks, and Wetland hardwood swamps
Other Areas	Environmentally sensitive lands as determined by the City

Development Standards and Restrictions

The City of Orlando imposes specific limitations on how land within the RP: Resource Protection Overlay District can be utilized, particularly for larger development sites.

Site and Density Requirements

For development sites comprising 5 acres or more, the City of Orlando enforces the following standards within the RP: Resource Protection Overlay District:

Standard Type	Requirement
Impervious Surface	Must be minimized on property within the RP designation [Sec. 58.499.11].
Density Transfer	Development may be transferred from the RP area to a non-RP area on the same site [Sec. 58.499.11].
Transfer Limit	The total net density of development outside the RP area shall not increase by more than 40% [Sec. 58.499.11].
Groundwater Recharge	New development must maintain surface and groundwater flow rates at pre-development levels [Sec. 58.499.11].
Bonus Eligibility	Density and Intensity bonuses may be allowed on property within the district [Sec. 58.499.11].

Tree Protection and Encroachment

The City of Orlando protects existing trees with a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 10 inches or larger. It is unlawful to encroach into the minimum undisturbed area of these trees within the RP: Resource Protection Overlay District without obtaining a Tree Encroachment Permit from the Parks Official [Sec. 60.207].

When protecting off-site trees, the City of Orlando requires undisturbed areas to be provided from the centers of trees located within 10 feet of the property line. However, this required undisturbed area is restricted and cannot extend beyond the building site's Building Restriction Line [Sec. 60.211].

Sections Cited

Sec. 58.210 - General Requirements
Sec. 58.420 - Relationship to the Growth Management Plan
Sec. 58.421 - Purpose of the District
Sec. 58.422 - Rezones and Zoning Map Applications
Sec. 58.499.11 - District Standards
Sec. 60.207 - Trees Protected by this Part
Sec. 60.211 - Minimum Undisturbed Areas