Ready Set Orange

About Ready Set Orange

As part of Orange County’s efforts to increase the inventory of affordable and attainable housing, Ready Set Orange puts pre-designed floorplans at your fingertips. With just a few easy steps, you can build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on your property for loved ones or to lease out to long-term renters as an extra income source. Or you can build a small home on your property that’s perfect for starting a family. The goal is to make the permitting process easier for customers by providing pre-designed plans and step-by-step instructions. People who choose one of the pre-designed plans may be able to cut costs and time associated with the permitting process.

To create lasting, community-based solutions for expanding housing options, improving affordability, and providing access to diverse and vibrant neighborhoods for Orange County residents.Housing For All Taskforce

Product Types

Browse the product types below to see what plan could fit your needs and space. Note that there are two categories, single family residences and accessory dwelling units. Each plan has been given a playful name of a variety of orange. Click on the renderings to see a larger image.

Single Family RESIDENCES

Valencia

This plan is a two level single family residence with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and a wraparound front porch. The first floor is 1,150 square feet of conditioned space and the optional second floor is 260 square feet of conditioned space.

Minneola

This plan is a single level single family residence with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. It has 1,400 square feet of conditioned space and a covered entry.

Tangelo

This plan is a single level single family residence with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. It has 1,483 square feet of conditioned space and a covered entry.

Navel

This plan is a single level single family residence with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. It has 1,476 square feet of conditioned space and a covered entry.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Seville

This plan is a single level ADU with 1 bedroom and 1 bath. It has 700 square feet of conditioned space and an entry patio.

Mandarin

This plan is a single level ADU with 1 bedroom and 1 bath. It has 610 square feet of conditioned space and a covered entry.

Clementine

This plan is a single level ADU with 1 bedroom and 1 bath. It has 531 square feet of conditioned space, a covered entry and a second rear entry.

Tangerine

This plan is a double level ADU with 1 bedroom and 1 bath. It has 708 square feet of conditioned space on the first level, 628 square feet of conditioned space on the second level, a covered balcony and a second rear entry.

How it Works

Ready Set Orange allows applicants to choose one of eight pre-designed attainable housing models. Each product type includes a set of pre-designed plans reviewed by our building division for consistency in meeting Florida Building Code. Currently the program offers four single-family starter homes and four accessory dwelling units to choose from. Check out our home plans and fill out an on-line request form below. Once approved you will receive the set of plans to start the permitting process.

Ready Set Orange is applicable only in unincorporated Orange County. Search on the map to verify where your parcel is located.

Parcel Lookup

Street address only e.g. 201 S Rosalind Ave

Submit a Request Form

Request Form

Ready Set Orange Program FAQs

Updated August 2024

Q: Who is this program for?

A: This is for anyone looking to build housing in Orange County. It’s perfect for people looking for options to construct an ADU on their property for family members. It's an option for homeowners who want to add a small long-term rental unit to their property as an extra income source. It’s also great for young adults or newlyweds interested in building a lower-cost home.

Q: Why is Orange County offering this program?

A: Orange County is hopeful Ready Set Orange encourages more residents and builders to explore these low-cost options amid a housing affordability crisis. The program aligns with the County’s Housing for All initiative and its goal of creating lasting, community-based solutions for expanding housing options, improving affordability, and providing access to diverse and vibrant neighborhoods for Orange County residents.

Q: How does the customer benefit from this program?

A: The goal is to make the permitting process easier for customers by providing pre-designed plans and step-by-step instructions. People who choose one of the pre-designed plans may be able to cut costs and time associated with the permitting process.

Q: What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?

A: An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a separate additional dwelling unit, including kitchen, sleeping, and full bathroom facilities, attached or detached from the primary residential unit, on a single-family lot.

Q: What are the basic guidelines for an ADU?

A: Below are some basic guidelines for ADUs. See design standards (including building minimum setbacks; allowable height; size limit; finish materials) within Code Sec.38-1426.

The maximum living area of an ADU shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the primary dwelling unit living area or one thousand (1,000) square feet.
A one-story detached ADU shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from the rear property line, and a two-story detached ADU shall be set back a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from the rear property line. Both types of ADUs shall meet the minimum side and side street setbacks for a principal structure in the zoning district.
The ADU shall be designed to be similar and compatible with the primary dwelling unit, with the same exterior finish material and similar architectural details.

Q: Does my property need to be homesteaded in order to live in or rent out an ADU?

A: Yes, the primary single-family dwelling unit and the ADU shall remain under single ownership and must be homesteaded. Construction pending permitting outcome may start but the Certificate of Occupancy will be held until the parcel qualifies as a homesteaded property.

Q: Can I rent out my ADU?

A: You can rent out your ADU's for long-term renters. Transient rental or leasing (a period of one hundred eighty (180) days or less) of an ADU shall be prohibited, except as provided in section 38-77 related to the
R-3 zoning district.

Q: What are the requirements to submit an application?

A: General parcel owner information, project location information, and which product type you wish to receive plans for is required for the Ready Set Orange Application.

Q: Can I modify the pre-designed plans?

A: Yes, but any modifications would not take advantage of the lower costs and shorter review time associated with this program.

Q: I have selected my product type. What’s next in the process?

A: Once you select a product type that fits your needs fill out an online application form and if applicable the certified and attainable application form. Once approved you will receive the set of plans to start the permitting process.

Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Choose a Product Type and Submit the Request Form Above

Choose a product type based off of your needs and space available for construction. Fill out as much of the form as you can to help us understand the project.

Step 2: Apply for Certified Affordable/Attainable Housing Status (Optional)

This step is optional and is applicable for applicants seeking Certified Affordable/Attainable Housing Status. Requests for applications may be submitted through Email: AffordableHousing@ocfl.net. Completed applications and questions on how to fill out the forms may be sent to The Housing and Community Development Division:

Phone: 407-836-5150
Email: AffordableHousing@ocfl.net

Below are the incentive and criteria to achieve certified affordable or attainable certification.

Incentive Criteria

Rental & Homeownership
Attainable	Expedited Rezoning, Planning, and Permitting Review Attainable Housing Certification
Affordable	Expedited Rezoning, Planning, and Permitting Review 25% discount on water/wastewater fees Applicant may be eligible for reduced impact fees Affordable Housing Certification

Requirement Criteria

		Rental	Homeownership
Attainable
	General Terms	Serves up to 120% AMI Rents up to 100% AMI Located in Targeted Sector and Established Sector (limited to Neighborhood Center Low, Suburban Neighborhood, Suburban Mixed Neighborhood, and Suburban Corridor)	Serves up to 140% AMI Sales price cannot exceed $405,000 Primary home only, excludes investors, secondary homes, or rented
	Affordability Period	20-years	10-year affordability period
	Enforcement	Developers’ Agreement, LURA	MOU or Agreement from Developer
	Monitoring	Annual Monitoring	Developer to Submit Closing Disclosure (CD)
Affordable
	General Terms	Serves up to 60% AMI, Income averaging using household income up to 80% AMI Rents up to 60% AMI or average of rents at 60% AMI Federal, State, or Local Resources Targeted for Households at or Below 80% AMI Located in Targeted Sector and Established Sector (limited to Neighborhood Center Low, Suburban Neighborhood, Suburban Mixed Neighborhood, and Suburban Corridor)	Serve up to 120% AMI Sales price cannot exceed Orange County’s Down Payment Assistance maximum sales price ($345,000) Primary home only, excludes investors, secondary homes, or rentals Federal, State, or Local Resources
	Affordability Period	20-years	10-year affordability period
	Enforcement	Developers’ Agreement, Deed Restriction, and/or LURA	Mortgage/Deed Restriction, and/or LURA
	Monitoring	Annual Monitoring	Annual Monitoring

Step 3: Receive Plans and Retain a Design Professional

Once approved the Planning Division will electronically send the applicant the selected pre-designed plan set. A potential builder will need to engage the services of a Florida Licensed Architect or Engineer to finalize the plan set and prepare the following documentation required for submittal:

Survey or Site Plan in accordance with Orange County Code Sec. 38-3(m)
Lot grading and drainage plan
Energy Calculations and Duct Layout
A completed Orange County Product Approval Specification Sheet
Digitally signed and sealed Truss Engineering and layout

Step 4: Establish a Fast Track Account and Apply for a Permit.

Create an account by visiting Fast Track Online Services.
Review the Fast Track User Guide and Training Videos prior to applying for a permit. Failure to follow the requirements of the guide will delay the review of the project.
Apply for a permit through Fast Track and upload required plans and supporting documents.

Step 5: Receive the Permit and Begin the Construction Process.

Once all documents are reviewed and approved by Orange County and a permit is issued, construction may begin. A notice of commencement must be filed prior to the first inspection.

Contact Us

Orange County Planning Division
201 South Rosalind Avenue, 2nd Floor
Orlando, FL. 32801
Phone: (407) 836-5600
Email: planning@ocfl.net