Setback Requirements for the R-3C Development District in Orlando
For principal buildings in the City of Orlando R-3C Development District, the code requires a minimum front yard setback of 15 feet, a side yard setback of 5 feet, and a rear yard setback of 20 feet. In the case of corner lots within this Orlando jurisdiction, the street side yard must maintain a minimum setback of 10 feet.
Principal Building Setbacks for R-3C
The City of Orlando defines the R-3C zone as a "Medium Intensity Development District" intended to provide flexibility in building and site design [Section 58.241]. Standard dimensional requirements for principal structures in this district are established in the Table of Zoning District Regulations [Figure 1A.LDC].
| Setback Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Yard | 15 feet |
| Side Yard | 5 feet |
| Street Side Yard | 10 feet |
| Rear Yard | 20 feet |
Contextual and Environmental Adjustments
While the standard setbacks apply broadly across the R-3C Development District, the City of Orlando mandates several specific adjustments based on environmental features or the location of the site relative to the "Traditional City" overlay:
- Water and Wetland Buffers: Within the City of Orlando, any principal building must maintain a minimum setback of 50 feet from the normal high-water elevation or boundary of any natural surface water body or retained wetland [Section 58.110, Footnote 10].
- Traditional City Frontage: If the building site is located within the Traditional City, up to 30% of the building's frontage may extend up to 20% into the required front yard (reducing the effective setback) if approved by an Orlando appearance review official under Chapter 62.600 [Section 58.110, Footnote 18].
- Street Centerlines: Increased setbacks may be required depending on the classification of the adjacent street. Developers in the R-3C district should consult Chapter 61, Part 2B of the Orlando City Code to determine if street centerline requirements override standard yard setbacks [Section 58.110, Footnote 15].
Setbacks for Accessory Structures
In the R-3C district, accessory structures (such as detached garages or sheds) are generally prohibited from being placed within the required front or street side yard setbacks [Section 58.901]. Rear setbacks for these structures in Orlando are determined by their height:
| Accessory Structure Height | Minimum Rear Setback |
|---|---|
| 8 feet or less | 0 feet |
| 8 feet to 12 feet | 5 feet |
| Greater than 12 feet | 15 feet |
Setbacks for On-Site Signage
Signs located in the R-3C: Development District must also adhere to specific setback standards to ensure visibility and safety for the public in Orlando [Section 64.105].
| Sign Type | Min. Setback from Right-of-Way | Min. Setback from Property Boundary | Min. Setback from Residential District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Signs | 5 feet | 5 feet | 10 feet |
Sections Cited
- FG-1A.LDC - Table of Zoning District Regulations
- Section 58.110 - Table of Zoning District Regulations Footnotes
- Section 58.241 - Purpose of the Districts
- Section 58.901 - Accessory Structure Location and Zoning Standards
- Section 62.600 - General Requirements (Traditional City)
- Section 64.105 - Table of Allowable Signs