Regulations for the R-1: One Family Residential District in Orlando
The R-1: One Family Residential District in the City of Orlando is established to conserve the character of low and moderate-density neighborhoods, primarily permitting single-family detached dwellings with a maximum density of 7.0 units per acre. In the City of Orlando, the R-1: One Family Residential District requires a minimum lot area of 6,000 square feet and strictly limits non-residential activities to maintain a quiet, residential environment [Section 58.221]. Development within this district must adhere to specific bulk and height requirements, including a maximum building height of 30 to 35 feet depending on the location relative to the Traditional City [Figure 1A.LDC].
Purpose of the R-1: One Family Residential District
The City of Orlando has designated the R-1: One Family Residential District to protect the integrity of established one-family neighborhoods. The primary goal is to ensure that new development or redevelopment is consistent with the predominant one-family character of these areas [Section 58.221].
Allowed and Prohibited Uses
In the City of Orlando, the R-1: One Family Residential District uses are categorized as Permitted (P), Permitted with Appearance Review (PA), Conditional (C), or Prohibited (indicated by a blank in the code tables). The R-1 designation is part of the "R-1S" group in the Orlando use tables, which encompasses R-1, R-1N, R-1A, and R-1AA districts [Figure 2A.LDC].
Permitted Residential Uses
The following residential uses are allowed by right in the City of Orlando R-1: One Family Residential District:
- Single Family Dwellings: Detached one-family homes [Figure 2A.LDC].
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Allowed on any single-family residential building site, provided they meet specific design and size standards [Section 58.501].
- Residential Care Facilities (Type A): Facilities providing a residential environment for 1-6 residents [Figure 2A.LDC].
- Transient Care Facilities (Type A): Short-term housing facilities for 1-6 beds [Figure 2A.LDC].
Allowed Non-Residential and Public Uses
- Conservation Uses: Preservation of natural areas [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Public Benefit Uses (Local): Small-scale civic or community facilities [Figure 2B.LDC].
Conditional Uses (Requires Special Approval)
The City of Orlando allows the following uses in the R-1: One Family Residential District only after a public hearing and the granting of a Conditional Use Permit:
- Child or Adult Day Care: Facilities serving 6–30 persons [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Golf Courses: Including associated clubhouses [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Neighborhood Convenience Stores: Allowed only on collector streets and subject to strict floor area and parking limits [Section 62.606].
- Communication Towers: Subject to distance and height regulations [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Hospitals and Clinics: Specific medical facilities as reviewed by the City [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Group Housing (Type A): Congregate living without professional care provided [Figure 2A.LDC].
Prohibited Uses
To protect the residential nature of the district, the City of Orlando prohibits the following in the R-1: One Family Residential District:
- Multi-Family Housing: Apartments and multi-unit complexes [Figure 2A.LDC].
- Duplex and Tandem Dwellings: Generally prohibited unless part of a specific allowed development type [Figure 2A.LDC].
- Mobile Homes: Prohibited as a standard residential use [Figure 2A.LDC].
- Commercial and Industrial Uses: Including nightclubs, bars, adult entertainment, manufacturing, and heavy retailing [Figure 2B.LDC].
- Automotive Services: Including gas stations and repair shops (unless classified as a neighborhood convenience store under specific conditions) [Figure 2B.LDC].
R-1 Technical Development Standards
All construction within the R-1: One Family Residential District in the City of Orlando must meet the following dimensional requirements:
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Gross Residential Density | 7.0 units/acre |
| Minimum Lot Area (Single Family) | 6,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Mean Lot Width | 55 ft. |
| Minimum Mean Lot Depth | 110 ft. |
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 25 ft. |
| Minimum Side Yard Setback | 6 ft. |
| Minimum Street Side Yard Setback | 15 ft. |
| Minimum Rear Yard Setback | 25 ft. |
| Maximum Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR) | 0.55 |
| Max Building Height (Inside Traditional City) | 30 ft. |
| Max Building Height (Outside Traditional City) | 35 ft. |
[Figure 1A.LDC]
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Standards
In the City of Orlando R-1: One Family Residential District, one accessory dwelling unit is permitted per single-family lot. For an ADU up to 500 square feet, the minimum lot size remains 6,000 square feet. However, if the ADU is between 501 and 1,000 square feet, the minimum lot size for the R-1 district increases to 9,000 square feet [Section 58.501]. ADUs must be smaller than the principal structure and must match its architectural style and exterior finishes [Section 58.501].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.221 - Purpose of the Districts (R-1, R-1N, R-1A, R-1AA)
- Section 58.501 - Design Standards for Accessory Dwelling Units
- Section 62.606 - Neighborhood Convenience Stores in Residential Districts
- Figure 1A.LDC - Table of Zoning District Regulations
- Figure 2A.LDC - Table of Allowable Uses (Residential)
- Figure 2B.LDC - Table of Allowable Uses (Non-Residential)