Orlando Zoning Guide: RN - Residential Neighborhood District
In the City of Orlando, the RN: Residential Neighborhood District is a specific designation within the Southeast Orlando Sector Plan area designed for low-to-medium density housing. The primary allowed uses include pedestrian-scaled residential dwellings, schools, and community parks, while general commercial and business activities are strictly prohibited to maintain neighborhood integrity [Section 58.499, Section 58.1202].
Overview of the RN District
The RN Residential Neighborhood District was established to implement the City of Orlando’s Growth Management Plan (GMP) specifically for the Southeast Orlando Sector Plan area. The district focuses on creating residential areas scaled to the needs of pedestrians, ensuring that local destinations are within comfortable walking distance [Section 58.498, Section 58.499].
Allowed Land Uses
The Orlando Code of Ordinances designates the RN district for residential life and supporting public facilities. While specific use tables for this district are contained in Chapter 68 (which is referenced as the primary guide for the district), the provided document identifies several key permissions:
Primary Allowed Uses
- Housing: The core function of the RN district is to provide the majority of housing for the Southeast Orlando Sector. This includes low-to-medium density residential developments [Section 58.499].
- Schools: Educational facilities are identified as vital local destinations intended to be located within comfortable walking distance of residents [Section 58.499].
- Community Parks: Both active and passive parks owned or operated by the City of Orlando are permitted to serve the neighborhood [Section 58.499, Section 56.32].
Accessory and Secondary Uses
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): ADUs, such as garage apartments or cottages, are permitted throughout the City of Orlando, provided they are located on a single-family parcel and are smaller than the principal structure [Section 58.500, Section 58.501].
- Home Occupations: These are permitted as an accessory use within residential dwellings, subject to strict performance standards to ensure no negative impact on the neighborhood [Section 58.937].
- Family Day Care Homes: These are permitted in all residential zoning districts within the City of Orlando [Section 58.700].
| Use Type | Category | Permission Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Primary | Low-to-Medium Density Housing [Sec. 58.499] |
| Public Schools | Primary | Local pedestrian-scaled destination [Sec. 58.499] |
| City Parks | Primary | Active and passive recreational facilities [Sec. 58.499] |
| ADUs | Accessory | Garage apartments and cottages [Sec. 58.501] |
| Home Occupations | Accessory | Limited business activity within a home [Sec. 58.937] |
Prohibited Land Uses
To protect the residential character of the RN district, the City of Orlando enforces several city-wide and district-specific prohibitions.
Commercial and Industrial Prohibitions
- General Business Activity: The conduct of business or commercial activity in residential districts is prohibited and declared unlawful, with the exception of permitted Home Occupations [Section 58.1202].
- Adult Entertainment: Adult entertainment facilities are prohibited within 1,000 feet of any residential zoning district in the City of Orlando [Section 58.702].
- Medical Marijuana Dispensaries: These facilities are prohibited within 200 feet of a residential zoning district [Section 58.874].
- Junk Yards: Prohibited in residential areas and specifically banned in primary groundwater recharge areas [Section 58.761].
Restricted Activities and Structures
- Commercial Vehicles: Parking commercial vehicles on public streets or within residential driveways is prohibited, except when parked within a completely enclosed private garage [Section 58.926].
- Security Fences: Electrified fences and those incorporating broken glass or razor wire are prohibited in residential districts [Section 58.930].
- Outdoor Display: The outdoor display of merchandise is prohibited in residential areas, except for specific items like swimming pools or landscaping materials being sold at a valid retail location [Section 58.946].
| Prohibited Use | Buffer / Restriction | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Entertainment | 1,000-foot buffer from district | Sec. 58.702 |
| Marijuana Dispensaries | 200-foot buffer from district | Sec. 58.874 |
| Commercial Business | Prohibited in residential zones | Sec. 58.1202 |
| Electrified Fencing | Prohibited | Sec. 58.930 |
| Commercial Parking | Prohibited on streets/driveways | Sec. 58.926 |
Sections Cited
- Section 56.32 - Definitions (Impact Fees)
- Section 58.498 - RN Residential Neighborhood District
- Section 58.499 - Purpose of the District
- Section 58.499.1 - Rezones and Zoning Map Applications
- Section 58.499.2 - Additional District Requirements
- Section 58.500 - Purpose of Accessory Dwelling Unit Requirements
- Section 58.501 - Design Standards for Accessory Dwelling Units
- Section 58.702 - Dispersal of Facilities (Adult Entertainment)
- Section 58.761 - Groundwater Contamination (Junk Yards)
- Section 58.874 - Special Location Regulations (Medical Marijuana)
- Section 58.926 - General Requirement (Parking)
- Section 58.930 - Security Fences
- Section 58.937 - General Requirements (Home Occupations)
- Section 58.946 - Use Restrictions (Outdoor Display)
- Section 58.1202 - General Requirements (Commercial Activity Prohibited)