UR: Urban Reserve District Regulations in the City of Orlando
The UR: Urban Reserve District in the City of Orlando is designed as a long-term holding zone for land that is intended for future urban use but currently lacks necessary municipal infrastructure or accessibility. Land use within the UR: Urban Reserve District is strictly limited to low-intensity activities including residential, public, agriculture, and conservation, with a maximum density of one dwelling unit per ten acres.
Overview of the UR: Urban Reserve District
The City of Orlando established the UR: Urban Reserve District to facilitate the proper timing and phasing of growth within the City Planning Area. This district differs from the Holding (-H-) district in that it is intended for a longer term, specifically for properties not currently needed for urban-zoned land or those with poor accessibility that cannot be served in an economical or efficient manner [Section 58.451].
The City of Orlando uses this designation to hold land in reserve until adequate infrastructure is made available to the site and market conditions indicate a genuine need for additional urban land [Section 58.452].
Allowed Uses within the UR District
In the City of Orlando, the UR: Urban Reserve District restricts land use to a limited number of low-intensity categories to preserve the land for future planning. According to the Orlando City Code, the only allowable uses in this district are:
- Residential: Very low-density housing.
- Public: Land used for governmental or public purposes.
- Agriculture: Farming and related agricultural activities.
- Conservation: Preservation of natural systems and environmentally sensitive lands [Section 58.452].
Prohibited Uses within the UR District
The City of Orlando explicitly prohibits more intensive developments and specific public facilities within the UR: Urban Reserve District to prevent premature urban sprawl.
Assembly Public Benefit Uses
The following Assembly Public Benefit Uses (PBUs) are strictly prohibited from being located within the UR: Urban Reserve District:
- Civic Clubs
- Libraries
- Museums
- Religious Institutions
- Stadiums
- Performing Arts Centers
- Community Centers
- Public, Private, and Charter Schools (Elementary, Middle, and High)
- Vocational Schools
- Colleges [Section 58.811]
Commercial and Industrial Activities
By omission from the allowable use list in the City Code, all intensive commercial, industrial, and high-density residential uses are prohibited. The district is intended to remain in a primarily undeveloped or rural state [Section 58.451].
Development Standards for the UR District
Development in the UR: Urban Reserve District must comply with specific standards regarding density, lot size, and setbacks to maintain its character as a reserve area. These standards are codified in the City of Orlando’s technical tables [Figure 1C].
| Standard | UR: Urban Reserve District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Gross Residential Density | 1 unit per 10 acres |
| Minimum Lot Area | 10 acres |
| Minimum Mean Lot Width | 200 feet |
| Minimum Building Site Frontage | 100 feet |
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 30 feet |
| Minimum Side Yard Setback | 15 feet |
| Minimum Street Side Yard Setback | 25 feet |
| Minimum Rear Yard Setback | 25 feet |
Rezoning and Future Application
The City of Orlando may apply the UR: Urban Reserve District to any lands it finds appropriate for future urban use. However, the district may only be applied to properties specifically designated as "Urban Reserve" on the City's Future Land Use Map Series or for properties currently undergoing a Growth Management Plan (GMP) amendment to that designation [Section 58.452].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.210 - General Requirements
- Section 58.450 - Relationship to the Growth Management Plan
- Section 58.451 - Purpose of the District
- Section 58.452 - Rezones and Zoning Map Applications
- Section 58.811 - Assembly Public Benefit Uses: Classification, Where Permitted
- Figure 1C - Table of Zoning District Regulations