Sec. 58.501. - Design Standards for Accessory Dwelling Units.
Accessory dwelling units shall conform to all of the general requirements for accessory uses set forth in Part 5 of Chapter 58, the zoning district and use regulations set forth in Figures 1-2, and the following requirements:
A. Location and Number.
1. In the O-1 and O-2 zoning districts, only one accessory dwelling unit is permitted on any single family residential building site or an on-site office site, providing it meets the minimum development standards for area shown in the table below.
2. In the R-2A zoning district, a maximum of two units (a duplex or tandem development) are allowed per Building Site. Accessory Dwelling Units are prohibited on any building site in the R-2A zoning district where there is an existing duplex or tandem dwelling, or in connection with any new duplex or tandem dwelling development.
3. In the R-2B zoning district, multifamily development (to include ADUs) is permitted if in compliance with Part 3H of Chapter 58.
B. Conversion to tandem dwelling. On any building site in an R-2A or R-2B district, any new accessory dwelling over 500 sq. ft. and built in connection with a one family dwelling must conform to the standards for tandem dwellings in Part 3C of this Chapter. An existing or new accessory dwelling unit may not be split into a separate lot for purposes of creating a tandem dwelling unless the tandem dwelling standards are met.
C. Development Standards for ADUs. The following are the development standards for all ADUs.
Development Standards
Minimum Lot Size for an ADU up to 500 sq. ft. * † | Minimum Lot Size for an ADU up to 1,000 sq. ft.*
R-1AA | 10,000 | 15,000
R-1A | 7,700 | 11,550
R-1 | 6,000 | 9,000
R-1N | 5,500 | 8,250
R-2A | 5,500 | **
R-2B | 5,000 | **
R-3A | 5,500 | **
R-3B | 5,000 | **
R-3C | 4,500 | **
R-3D | 4,500 | **
MXD-1 | 5,000 | **
MXD-2 | 4,500 | **
O-1 | 5,500 | **
O-2 | 4,500 | **
* All accessory dwelling units must be smaller than the principal structure. Also, see "Lots of Record" subpart below for ADUs on non-conforming lots of record.
† For ADUs in Historic Preservation districts, refer to Sec. 62.706.
** Must comply with Tandem Code - Part 3C of Chapter 58
1. Maximum Floor Area. Unless limited elsewhere in this Chapter, the maximum floor area ratio for the single family unit plus the ADU cannot exceed 0.50 Floor Area Ratio or the maximum FAR of the principal structure of the zoning district whichever is less. No ADU may be larger than 1,000 sq. ft.
2. Setbacks. Subject to Modification of Standards (see Sec. 65.302(9)), the setbacks for accessory dwelling units are as follows:
a. Connected to the principal structure: the same as for the principal structure.
b. Detached in an accessory building: the same as for all accessory structures. (ADUs that are greater than 500 sq. ft. in all R-2, R-3, MXD, and in Office districts must comply with the setbacks of tandem development - See Part 3C of Chapter 58).
D. Appearance. ADUs must be designed to appear to be part of a one family dwelling unit. An ADU structure must have the same exterior finish as the principal structure on the same building site and must emulate the architectural style and details of the principal structure into its design. Examples of similar architectural details include, but are not limited to, windows, doors, roof style, cornice detailing, vents, and dormers. An Appearance Review is required prior to approval of building permits. As an alternative to emulating the architecture and finish materials of the principal structure, such design may be approved by the Appearance Review Official (in consultation with the Planning Official) when evidence is provided that demonstrates the architecture of the ADU complements the primary structure and will not be out of character with the surrounding neighborhood.
E. Building Code. Must comply with the Florida Building Code as well as Section 30A.24 of the City Code.
F. Parking.
1. Principal Structure - Each building site must have one parking space and driveway that complied with the Land Development Code at the time the principal structure was constructed.
2. Larger ADUs - If the ADU is greater than 500 sq. ft. in size, an additional parking space located behind the front yard setback and at least 20 feet from the street side lot line is required. The second required parking space must be in independently accessible to the street and not enclosed within the principal structure.
3. Smaller ADU Parking Exception - ADUs that are 500 sq. ft. or smaller that have code compliant parking for the principal structure at the time the principal structure was constructed are not required to have an additional parking space for the ADU.
G. Impact fees. See Chapter 56.
H. Non-Conforming Lots of Record. Lots of Record that are non-conforming in minimum size may apply for a variance for the addition of an ADU. If approved, the maximum size of the ADU cannot exceed 500 square feet, and the FAR for the principal structure and ADU cannot exceed 0.50.
I. Compliance with the GMP. Conformance with this Code will be considered compliance with the City of Orlando's Growth Management Plan.
(Ord. of 9-16-1991, Doc. #25094; Ord. 5-20-1996, Doc. #29361; Ord. of 8-6-2007, § 6, Doc. #0708061002; Ord. No. 2018-44, § 4, 9-4-2018, Doc. #1809041202; Ord. No. 2022-29, § 1, 5-16-2022, Doc. #2205161203)
