Public Use District (-P-) Zoning in Orlando
In the City of Orlando, the -P-: Public Use District is a specialized zoning classification exclusively reserved for properties owned by public bodies to accommodate public facilities and services. The City of Orlando requires a mandatory rezoning of these parcels to a different classification if the property is sold or donated to a private entity, ensuring the district remains restricted to its specific public service mission [Section 58.322].
Purpose and Character of the District
The primary intent of the -P-: Public Use District is to clearly identify and dedicate land for "Public Benefit Uses" (PBUs) owned by governmental or public entities. By segregating these lands into a specific district, the City of Orlando aims to coordinate future growth with the necessary availability of facilities and services while eliminating confusion on the Official Zoning Map regarding the status of these properties [Section 58.321].
The general character of the -P-: Public Use District is highly variable, as it must accommodate diverse infrastructure ranging from football stadiums and water treatment plants to transit stations and public schools [Section 58.323]. Because of the unique nature of these sites, development standards are often evaluated on a case-by-case basis through the Master Plan or Conditional Use permit process to minimize negative impacts on surrounding neighborhoods and the environment [Section 58.320].
Permitted and Conditional Land Uses
The -P-: Public Use District serves as the primary location for three categories of Public Benefit Uses: Assembly, Light, and Intensive [Section 58.810].
Permitted Uses
- Residential: Single-family dwellings (at a very low density of 1 unit per 5 acres) [Figure 1C.LDC, Figure 2].
- Public Facilities: Hospitals, clinics, and public safety facilities like police and fire stations [Figure 2, Section 58.814].
- Parks and Recreation: Publicly owned parks (active or passive) and associated recreational buildings [Section 58.32].
- Commercial/Industrial: Dwelling units located within commercial structures, light retailing, and wholesale/warehousing operations [Figure 2].
- Infrastructure: Public utilities, substations, and wastewater treatment facilities [Section 58.810].
Conditional Uses
Certain uses require higher levels of review and may be permitted subject to specific conditions:
- Golf courses.
- Vertiports.
- Warehouse showrooms.
- Intensive Public Benefit Uses such as correctional facilities (jails/prisons) or cogeneration facilities [Figure 2, Section 58.815].
Technical Development Standards
The City of Orlando applies strict low-intensity standards to the -P-: Public Use District to maintain compatibility with the surrounding urban fabric. These standards apply to all new construction and substantial enlargements.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 5 acres (for Single Family) |
| Maximum Non-Residential FAR | 0.05 |
| Maximum Density | 1 unit per 5 acres |
| Maximum Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR) | 0.85 |
| Maximum Height (Permitted) | 35 feet |
| Maximum Height (Conditional) | 75 feet |
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 75 feet |
| Minimum Side Yard Setback | 25 feet |
| Minimum Street Side Yard Setback | 25 feet |
| Minimum Rear Yard Setback | 25 feet |
| Minimum Building Site Frontage | 100 feet |
[Source: Figure 1C.LDC]
Design and Development Criteria
Development within the -P-: Public Use District must follow specific criteria to ensure these large-scale public projects do not detract from the City’s aesthetic or environmental quality.
- Conditional Use Review: For unique projects like stadiums or treatment plants, the City may require a Conditional Use application to address specific site-related design issues [Section 58.323].
- Exemptions: Interior renovations, improvements consistent with an approved Master Plan, and uses qualifying as "light public benefit uses" are generally exempt from the Conditional Use review process [Section 58.323].
- Signage: In the -P-: Public Use District, signage is generally restricted. Where the district shares a block face with a residential zone, sign area is limited to 36 square feet and may not be internally illuminated [Section 64.243].
- Fencing: Security fences are permitted for Intensive PBUs. However, in most instances, electrified fences are prohibited unless a special exception is granted, and they are strictly forbidden near schools [Section 58.930].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.32: Definitions (City Park)
- Section 58.320: Relationship to the Growth Management Plan
- Section 58.321: Purpose of the District
- Section 58.322: Rezones and Zoning Map Applications
- Section 58.323: Development Standards
- Section 58.810: General Requirements for Public Benefit Uses
- Section 58.814: Light Public Benefit Uses
- Section 58.815: Intensive Public Benefit Uses
- Section 58.930: Security Fences
- Section 64.243: Public Benefit Use Signs
- Figure 1C.LDC: Table of Zoning District Regulations
- Figure 2: Table of Allowable Uses in Zoning Districts