ADU rules in Orlando

ADU standards apply citywide; detached ADUs get accessory-structure setbacks. City guide adds a detached ADU may not be in front of the main house. In R-2, R-3, MXD, and Office districts, detached ADUs over 500 sq. ft. must meet tandem single-family development standards (Part 3C). Lot must meet a per-zone minimum size (see caveats).

ADUs connected to the principal structure use the same setbacks as the principal structure. City guide confirms attached, garage-conversion, above-garage, and internal ADUs. Per the guide, attached ADUs over 500 sq. ft. in R-2, R-3, MXD, and O districts must meet duplex development standards.

Two lot-size tiers per zone: a smaller minimum lot allows an ADU up to 500 sq. ft., a larger lot (R-1 districts only) allows up to 1,000 sq. ft. Non-conforming lots of record approved by variance are capped at 500 sq. ft. City guide: 700 sq. ft. cap in Historic Preservation districts (ordinance cross-references Sec. 62.706), and Lake Nona PD lots may have one 1,000 sq. ft. ADU regardless of lot size, exempt from FAR.

Ordinance Part 3A imposes no owner-occupancy requirement, and the city's official ADU guide states explicitly that both the main house and the ADU may each be owner-occupied or rented to a long-term tenant. The same person or entity must own both units; the ADU cannot be sold separately.

The additional space for a larger ADU must be behind the front yard setback, at least 20 feet from the street side lot line, independently accessible from the street, and not enclosed within the principal structure.

ADUs are permitted by right (no conditional use permit) on eligible lots in R-1AA, R-1A, R-1, R-1N, R-2A, R-2B, R-3A-D, MXD-1/2, O-1, and O-2, subject to development standards; PD zones (including Lake Nona) depend on the PD ordinance. Ordinance requires an Appearance Review prior to building permit approval; the ADU must match the principal structure's exterior finish and architectural style, with an alternative-design path via the Appearance Review Official. City guide notes appearance is reviewed within the building permit application, with a separate Appearance Review Determination required before permits for corner lots or alternative designs.

Ordinance Part 3A is silent on rentals. The city's official ADU guide states an ADU may be rented via a standard residential lease, that short-term rentals of less than 30 days require a separate registration under the city's home sharing rules, and that the same person or entity must own both the main house and the ADU.