Orlando Zoning Districts for Single-Family Residential Development
Single-family residential homes are permitted within a wide range of zoning districts in the City of Orlando, primarily concentrated in the R-1, R-1A, R-1AA, and R-1N One Family Residential Districts. Additionally, the Orlando City Code allows single-family dwellings in more intensive residential, development, mixed-use, and office districts including the R-2 series, R-3 series, MXD-1, MXD-2, O-1, and O-2 classifications.
Permitted Zoning Districts for Single-Family Homes
According to the Orlando City Code, the following districts specifically allow the development of single-family (detached) dwellings:
One-Family Residential Districts
The City of Orlando has established several districts dedicated to one-family neighborhoods to conserve their character and provide areas for low to moderate-density development [Section 58.221]. These include:
- R-1AA, R-1A, R-1, and R-1N: These are the primary "One Family Residential Districts" [Section 58.210].
Multi-Family and General Residential Districts
Single-family homes are also permitted as a matter of right in districts typically associated with higher densities [Figure 2]:
- R-2A and R-2B: Classified as "Residential Districts," these allow a mixture of single-family homes, duplexes, and small apartment buildings [Section 58.231].
- R-3A, R-3B, R-3C, and R-3D: Classified as "Development Districts," these provide flexibility for various residential intensities, including single-family dwellings [Section 58.241].
Mixed-Use and Office Districts
Selected districts intended for professional and mixed-use environments also permit single-family residential uses:
- MXD-1 and MXD-2: These "Mixed Residential-Office Districts" allow for a mixture of residential and office uses [Section 58.250, 58.260].
- O-1 and O-2: These "Office and Residential Districts" allow single-family homes to coexist with low-intensity offices [Section 58.280, 58.281].
Specialized and Overlay Districts
Single-family homes are permitted in broad-use or protective districts, including the -H- Holding District and the -C- Conservation District [Figure 2]. In specific special plan areas, single-family homes are designated within "Suburban Transects" (T-3), such as in the SODO Special Plan and the Washington Shores Special Plan [Section 62.499, 62.407].
Technical Standards for Single-Family Development
Development of single-family homes in the City of Orlando must adhere to specific lot size, setback, and intensity requirements that vary by district.
| District | Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.) | Minimum Mean Lot Width (ft.) | Front Yard Setback (ft.) | Side Yard Setback (ft.) | Street Side Yard Setback (ft.) | Maximum ISR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-1AA | 10,000 | 85 | 30 | 7.5 | 15 | 0.55 |
| R-1A | 7,700 | 70 | 25 | 7.5 | 15 | 0.55 |
| R-1 | 6,000 | 55 | 25 | 6 | 15 | 0.55 |
| R-1N | 5,500 | 45 | 25 | 5 | 15 | 0.55 |
| R-2A | 4,400 | 40 | 25 | 5 | 15 | 0.55 |
| R-2B | 4,000 | 40 | 20 | 5 | 15 | 0.60 |
| R-3A | 4,400 | 40 | 25 | 5 | 15 | 0.60 |
| R-3B | 4,000 | 40 | 20 | 5 | 15 | 0.70 |
| R-3C | 3,500 | 35 | 15 | 5 | 10 | 0.80 |
[Source: Figure 1A.LDC]
Development Requirements for Non-Conforming Lots
The Orlando City Code allows for the use of "Lots of Record" that do not meet current width or area requirements. A lot determined to be non-conforming may still be used for a single-family dwelling if it was of record prior to the adoption of the current code [Section 58.1150, 58.1152]. For these lots, the maximum building height is generally limited to two stories, and the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) shall be 0.50 [Section 58.1153].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.210 - General Requirements (Establishment of Districts)
- Section 58.221 - Purpose of the Districts (R-1 series)
- Section 58.231 - Purpose of the Districts (R-2 series)
- Section 58.241 - Purpose of the Districts (R-3 series)
- Section 58.250 - Relationship to the Growth Management Plan (MXD-1)
- Section 58.260 - Relationship to the Growth Management Plan (MXD-2)
- Section 58.280 - Relationship to the Growth Management Plan (O series)
- Section 58.281 - Purpose of the Districts (O series)
- Section 58.1150 - Status as a Nonconforming Lot
- Section 58.1152 - Permitted Uses of Nonconforming Lots
- Section 58.1153 - Development of Nonconforming Residential Lots
- Section 62.407 - Washington Shores Special Plan
- Section 62.499 - SODO Special Plan
- Figure 1A.LDC - Table of Zoning District Regulations
- Figure 2 - Table of Allowable Uses in Zoning Districts