W: Wekiva Overlay District Regulations in the City of Orlando
The W: Wekiva Overlay District in the City of Orlando mandates a minimum 20% open space ratio for development sites of five acres or more and strictly prohibits the use of density or intensity bonuses. These regulations protect high-recharge areas and sensitive karst features within the Wekiva Study Area by requiring comprehensive environmental assessments and the maintenance of pre-development groundwater recharge levels [Section 58.499.11].
Purpose and Applicability
The City of Orlando established the W: Wekiva Overlay District to implement the Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act. The primary purpose of this overlay is to protect effective recharge areas, karst features, and sensitive natural habitats within the Wekiva Study Area [Section 58.499.8]. These standards apply to all development sites within the City of Orlando that comprise five acres or more [Section 58.499.11].
Development and Density Standards
The W: Wekiva Overlay District modifies the underlying base zoning by placing strict limits on development intensity and the use of impervious surfaces. Unlike many other districts in the City of Orlando, the W: Wekiva Overlay District does not permit any increase in the base Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR) through the adoption of Planned Development (PD) zoning [Section 58.499.11(e)].
Technical Development Standards
| Standard Category | W: Wekiva Overlay District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Open Space Ratio | 20% of gross land area [Section 58.499.11(a)] |
| Density/Intensity Bonuses | Prohibited [Section 58.499.11(f)] |
| Groundwater Recharge | Maintain or improve pre-development flow rates and volumes [Section 58.499.11(h)] |
| Max Density Increase (Transfer) | 40% maximum increase on the receiving portion of a site [Section 58.499.11(g)] |
| Stormwater Area Limit | Max 50% of required open space may be stormwater retention [Section 58.499.11(b)] |
Open Space Requirements
The City of Orlando requires that open space in the W: Wekiva Overlay District be located to protect sensitive natural habitats and minimize impervious surfaces within Resource Protection Overlay designations [Section 58.499.11(b)].
Permitted and Prohibited Open Space Uses
| Permitted Uses in Open Space | Prohibited Uses in Open Space |
|---|---|
| Natural water bodies and wetlands | Required building setback areas |
| Wetland buffers | Privately owned yards on single family lots |
| Protected wildlife corridors | Street rights-of-way and parking lots |
| Passive parks | Active recreation areas and golf courses |
| Stormwater retention (as natural amenities) | Impervious surfaces (except approved paths) |
Environmental Protection and Infrastructure
All development within this district must adhere to the best practices identified in the "Protecting Florida's Springs Manual" [Section 58.499.11(d)]. Stormwater retention areas must be designed as natural amenities and landscaped with native vegetation. Furthermore, these areas must be located outside of protected wetland buffer areas [Section 58.499.11(c)].
Environmental Assessment Requirements
For any development site of five acres or more, the City of Orlando requires a detailed Environmental Assessment. This report must include:
- Soil Analysis: Conducted by a qualified professional to find effective recharge areas.
- Geological Analysis: Identification of sinkholes and other karst features by a licensed professional geologist.
- Biological Analysis: Mapping of flora, fauna, and state/federal listed species.
- Habitat Identification: Specific identification of Longleaf Pine, Sand Hill, Sand Pine, and Xeric Oak Scrub habitats [Section 58.499.12].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.499.8 - Relationship to the Growth Management Plan.
- Section 58.499.9 - Purpose of the District.
- Section 58.499.11 - District Standards.
- Section 58.499.12 - Environmental Assessment.