Zoning and Land Use FAQs

The Zoning Office’s primary function to assure compliance with zoning regulations.

Zoning helps protect landowners from the impacts of incompatible land uses on adjacent properties. Communities can also use zoning to provide transition between dissimilar land uses such as commercial, industrial, and residential. This helps provide direction for future development and the extension of public services that must accompany that growth.

You may submit a Public Records Request to inquire if we have an existing survey or site plan on file.

Use the steps found here to find your zoning district.

Zoning abbreviations and their meanings can be found in the Land Development Code linked below.

Complete list of Zoning Abbreviations

To find out what uses are allowed in a zoning district, refer to Land Development Code Ch. 3, Article 3.4 Use Regulations.

The Land Development Code will also provide you with the required development standards (setbacks, building height, lot area, density, FAR, etc.) that must be observed.

If you have a question regarding a specific use for your property, please contact our Zoning office directly.

Some zoning districts have both "permitted" and "conditional" uses.

• Conditional Uses are site specific and may or may not be appropriate for a particular location. Conditional Uses must be approved through a public hearing process. Site Development Plans and Building Permits may also be required for a Conditional Use. Application forms for Conditional Uses are available in the Zoning Applications section.
• Permitted Uses are allowed without further public hearing approvals by the County as long as the use complies with the standards outlined in the Land Development Code and any other applicable regulations, codes, and ordinances. Site Development Plans and Building Permits may be required for a Permitted Use.

We recommend that you discuss with the Zoning Office the feasibility of a change to a zoning district that will achieve your desired outcome.

Our office will assist you in determining conformity with the County’s future land use designation and compliance with other zoning districts within the neighborhood. If the results of this research are positive, you may submit a Zoning Map Amendment (ZMA).

You will need:

• The property’s tax ID number and its complete legal description
• A copy of the last recorded deed
• Written authorization from the property owner
• Applicable fee

Please contact The Zoning Office for specific information regarding applicable fees.

While your presence at the hearings is not required, it is highly recommended.

Please Note: It is your responsibility at the hearing to represent the application and answer any questions that may arise.

You can find descriptions of the zoning districts within section 3.1.3 of the Land Development Code.

In compliance with Chapter 163 of the Florida Statutes, the Land Development Code is a compilation of all land development regulations. This document includes a description of all zoning districts, district development standards, property performance standards, use regulations, siting standards, Planned Development requirements, and Special Purpose District and Overlay Standards.

You can find this information in article 3.17 Outdoor Sign Standards of the Land Development Code. Additional sign standards are addressed in Article 3.15 – East U.S. 192 Community Redevelopment Area.

If you are looking for the adopted Alternative Sign Standards for a site, please reach out to our Zoning Office and we will provide you with the document.

Zoning variances are hardships that prevent compliance with the development standards established by ordinance for your property. They are hardships that were not self-imposed by the property owner but are limited by dimensions and structural setbacks.

In this case, a Dimensional Variance Application may be completed. Variances are considered by the Board of Adjustment through a public hearing. Please contact the Zoning Office for additional information.

The answer to this question will most likely require your consultation with a licensed civil engineer or development consultant of your choice.

Please note: When determining whether your property can be legally subdivided, there are a number of County Standards to take into account, including:

• The Zoning District Designation
• Land Use Classification
• Proposed Configuration
• Adjacency to Developed Roadways

It is suggested that you contact both the Building Office and Zoning Office before you begin any use, activity, construction, additions, or renovations to determine the need for a permit.

Typically, a permit is required for the following:

Construction Activities:

• New Construction
• Accessory Structures
• Construction in Wetlands
• Permanent and Temporary Signs
• Additions and Residential and Non-Residential Properties
• Renovations to Residential and Non-Residential Properties
• Other Structural or Signage Improvements

Special Events and Other Activities:

• Tents
• Liquor Licenses
• Removal of Trees
• Home Occupations
• Mobile Food Truck Sales

If you have questions, please email:

• SpecialPermits@osceola.org – Home Occupation questions, Temporary Signs, Special Events, Seasonal Sales Lots, Tent Permits, Temporary Noise Permits, alcohol licenses.
• Zoning@osceola.org – Any other questions or applications related to zoning.