Overview of Orlando’s ASD-1: Airport Support District (Medium Intensity)
The ASD-1 district in Orlando is a medium-intensity zone primarily established to serve as a major employment hub within the Southeast Orlando Sector Plan area. While it permits large-scale "big box" retail, it strictly prohibits heavy manufacturing and conventional grocery-anchored strip centers. Residential development is not allowed by right in the City of Orlando ASD-1 and must instead be approved as a component of a Planned Development (PD).
Purpose of the ASD-1 District in Orlando
The City of Orlando established the ASD-1 (Airport Support District - Medium Intensity) to implement the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of the Growth Management Plan (GMP), specifically those guiding development in the Southeast Orlando Sector Plan area [Section 58.460].
The primary intent of the ASD-1 district is to provide a location for medium-intensity employment and supporting commercial activities that benefit from proximity to the airport infrastructure [Section 58.461]. It acts as one of two distinct levels of intensity within the Airport Support category, with ASD-1 representing the "Medium Intensity" tier [Section 58.461].
Permitted and Prohibited Land Uses
Land use in the Orlando ASD-1 district is highly specialized to prevent conflicts with airport operations and to maintain the intended economic character of the Southeast Sector.
| Use Category | ASD-1 Permission Status |
|---|---|
| Employment/Industrial | Primary focus; however, heavy manufacturing is specifically prohibited [Section 58.461]. |
| Big Box Retail | Expressly considered an appropriate and permitted use [Section 58.461]. |
| Conventional Shopping Centers | Prohibited (specifically grocery stores and strip centers) [Section 58.461]. |
| Residential | Prohibited by right; may only be permitted as a component of a Planned Development (PD) [Section 58.461]. |
| Airport Support Services | Permitted as part of the district's primary employment function [Section 58.461]. |
General Character and Design Standards
The general character of the ASD-1 district in Orlando is defined by its role as an employment center that balances commercial utility with specific urban design requirements. Unlike standard industrial zones, the City of Orlando requires development in the ASD-1 district to adhere to "Traditional Design" standards when certain density and intensity thresholds are met [Section 58.463].
Key characteristics of the district include:
- Sector Plan Alignment: All development must be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Southeast Orlando Sector Plan as adopted in the Orlando Growth Management Plan [Section 58.462].
- Infrastructure Sensitivity: The district is mapped to ensure that land uses are compatible with the unique operational needs of the nearby airport facilities [Section 58.461].
- Design Guidance: Development is subject to the Southeast Orlando Sector Plan Development Guidelines and Standards, which emphasize a cohesive aesthetic and functional layout for the district [Section 58.463].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.460, Relationship to the Growth Management Plan.
- Section 58.461, Purpose of the District.
- Section 58.462, Rezones and Zoning Map Applications.
- Section 58.463, Additional District Requirements.