Setback Standards for the R-3B: Development District in the City of Orlando
In the City of Orlando, the R-3B: Development District requires principal buildings to maintain a minimum front yard setback of 20 feet and a rear yard setback of 25 feet. To ensure proper spacing between properties, the City of Orlando mandates a side yard setback of 5 feet and a street side yard setback of 15 feet.
Principal Building Setbacks for R-3B: Development District
The City of Orlando identifies the R-3B: Development District as part of its residential development categories intended for medium-intensity housing [Section 58.210]. The following table outlines the standard setbacks for principal structures within this district, applicable both inside and outside the Traditional City overlay [Figure 1A.LDC].
| Setback Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Yard | 20 ft. |
| Side Yard | 5 ft. |
| Street Side Yard | 15 ft. |
| Rear Yard | 25 ft. |
Specific Setback Variations and Conditions
While the standards above provide the baseline for the R-3B: Development District, the City of Orlando zoning code provides for several modifications based on specific site conditions or development types:
Traditional City Projections
For properties located within the Traditional City overlay of the City of Orlando, the Appearance Review Officer may authorize up to 30% of the building frontage to extend up to a maximum of 20% into the required front yard setback [Section 62.600]. This is intended to encourage varied building planes and architectural recesses.
Environmental and Infrastructure Constraints
- Water Bodies: The City of Orlando requires a minimum principal building setback of 50 feet from the normal high-water elevation or boundary of any natural surface water body or retained wetland [Figure 1A.LDC, Footnote 10].
- Street Centerlines: In certain instances, the City of Orlando may require increased setbacks measured from a street centerline rather than the property line [Figure 1A.LDC, Footnote 15].
- Aisles and Parking: In the R-3B: Development District, parking facilities must generally be located at the rear or interior side of the principal structure to maintain the pedestrian-oriented character of the street [Section 62.611].
Alternative Development Types
The City of Orlando allows for specialized setbacks in the R-3B: Development District when specific development patterns are used:
- Zero-Lot-Line Development: For approved zero-lot-line projects, the side yard setback may be reduced to 0 feet, while the rear yard must be either 0 feet or 20 feet [Section 58.604].
- Tandem Single Family Development: When constructing tandem dwellings in the R-3B: Development District, the interior units must maintain a front yard setback of 15 feet and a rear yard setback of 5 feet [Section 58.516].
- Multi-family Separation: For multi-family developments exceeding 8 units, the City of Orlando requires a minimum building separation of 20 feet [Section 58.572].
Accessory Structure Setbacks
Accessory structures in the R-3B: Development District are subject to their own height-based setback requirements. For structures 100 square feet or less and under 8 feet in height, the City of Orlando allows a 0-foot minimum setback from the rear lot line. However, if the accessory structure exceeds 12 feet in height, it must be set back at least 15 feet from the rear lot line [Section 58.901].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.210 - General Requirements (Establishment of Districts)
- Figure 1A.LDC - Table of Zoning District Regulations
- Section 58.516 - Development Site Standards and Principal Building Setbacks for Tandem Single Family Development
- Section 58.572 - Development Standards and Building Site Standards (Multi-family)
- Section 58.604 - Development Site Standards and Principal Building Setbacks (Zero-Lot-Line)
- Section 58.901 - Accessory Structure Location and Zoning Standards
- Section 62.300 - Applicability and Scope of Review
- Section 62.600 - General Requirements (Traditional City Design Standards)
- Section 62.611 - Streetwall and Vehicular Use Areas