RN: Residential Neighborhood District Overview (Orlando, FL)
The RN: Residential Neighborhood District is the primary residential designation within the Southeast Orlando Sector Plan area of the City of Orlando. This district focuses on low to medium density housing designed specifically to a pedestrian scale, ensuring that residential units are located within a comfortable walking distance of schools, parks, and neighborhood centers [Sec. 58.499]. All development within the RN: Residential Neighborhood District must comply with the Traditional Design standards established for the Southeast Orlando Sector [Sec. 58.499.2].
Purpose of the RN District
The City of Orlando established the RN: Residential Neighborhood District to implement the Growth Management Plan (GMP) Future Land Use Goal 4, which specifically governs the Southeast Orlando Sector Plan area [Sec. 58.498]. The intent of the City of Orlando is to concentrate the majority of the Southeast Sector's housing within these districts while maintaining a specific urban form [Sec. 58.499].
General Character and Pedestrian Orientation
The RN: Residential Neighborhood District is characterized by its integration with the surrounding community infrastructure. The City of Orlando requires these neighborhoods to be scaled to the needs of pedestrians rather than automobiles.
Residents within the RN: Residential Neighborhood District are intended to have walking-distance access to several local destinations, including:
- Village Centers/Urban Transit Centers (VC/UTC)
- Neighborhood Centers (NC)
- Residential Centers
- Public schools
- Community parks [Sec. 58.499]
Permitted Land Uses
The RN: Residential Neighborhood District is designated for low to medium density residential development. While the district primarily accommodates various forms of housing, it also allows for specific accessory uses permitted across the City of Orlando.
Residential Uses
- Primary Housing: The district accommodates the majority of housing within the Southeast Orlando Sector Plan area [Sec. 58.499].
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Per the City of Orlando code, ADU standards apply throughout the city. In residential districts, one accessory dwelling unit may be permitted on a single-family residential building site, subject to minimum lot size requirements [Sec. 58.500, Sec. 58.501].
- Townhomes: The City of Orlando Townhome Development standards apply city-wide, allowing for fee-simple townhome construction within the RN: Residential Neighborhood District [Sec. 58.510].
Community and Public Uses
The district is designed to work in tandem with:
- Public Schools
- Community Parks [Sec. 58.499]
Development and Design Standards
Development in the RN: Residential Neighborhood District is governed by a combination of general residential standards and sector-specific requirements.
| Category | Requirement / Standard |
|---|---|
| Zoning Context | Southeast Orlando Sector Plan [Sec. 58.498] |
| Density Type | Low to Medium Density [Sec. 58.499] |
| Design Methodology | Pedestrian-scaled and walkable [Sec. 58.499] |
| Primary Design Authority | Traditional Design standards (Chapter 68) [Sec. 58.499.2] |
| Walkability Target | Residents should be within walking distance of VC/UTC and NC districts [Sec. 58.499] |
Zoning Map Applications
The RN: Residential Neighborhood District designation may be applied to the Official Zoning Map only for properties located within the Southeast Orlando Sector Plan area [Sec. 58.499.1].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.498 - Relationship to the Growth Management Plan
- 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 58.510 - Applicability and Conflicts (Townhome Development)