Does part of an Orlando screen enclosure have a solid roof? Mark that portion before checking a setback. Section 58.963 applies principal-structure setbacks to any portion containing a solid roof. It does not let the entire project use the other enclosure minimums simply because most of the roof is screening.
The section applies to screen enclosures with or without a pool, hot tub or spa. Removing the pool from a proposal does not remove this enclosure rule. Orlando enclosure code
Start with the roof, then the boundary
A solid-roof portion: identify the property’s zoning district and ask the City which principal-structure setbacks apply. Section 58.963 does not supply one universal principal-structure distance.
Other enclosure portions: the same section states minimums of 5 feet from side, rear and alley property lines; 15 feet from a street-side property line; and 10 feet behind the principal structure’s front facade. That last measurement is behind a building face, not simply 10 feet from the front lot line.
Water or wetland nearby: section 58.963 also distinguishes enclosure heights of 12 feet or less from heights above 12 feet, with 15-foot versus 50-foot minimum distances from normal high water. Do not treat that sentence as a complete waterfront review: the City checklist separately points solid-roof readers to additional provisions.
The section also prohibits encroachment into an easement unless authorized. A drawing that fits the lot-line minimums can still present an easement problem.
Three annotations that make a zoning question answerable
LSL suggests adding these annotations to a copy of the proposed layout before contacting the City. This is a discussion aid, not a replacement for required plans or a survey.
- Roof areas: shade the solid-roof portion separately from the screened portion. If a proposal mixes both, identify the junction instead of giving the whole enclosure one “soft top” label.
- Measurement endpoints: mark the relevant lot line or front facade beside each proposed distance. Identify the enclosure height and any nearby normal-high-water boundary that needs professional confirmation.
- Unresolved constraints: mark known easements and write down the zoning district or the fact that it is not yet confirmed. Ask which additional standards apply rather than leaving an unknown field looking approved.
For example, a mostly screened enclosure with a solid covered seating area needs that covered area identified. The relevant question is which principal-structure setbacks govern that portion—not whether the proposal contains enough screening overall. No area percentage in section 58.963 replaces that distinction.
Use the checklist as a route into the code
The City’s pool/spa checklist explicitly dates its summary to the 2022 code update. It also warns of additional requirements, including Planned Development standards and historic-overlay review where applicable. LSL followed its link and read the complete enclosure subsection in the displayed code on September 13, 2026; we did not establish a private parcel’s requirements or independently check uncodified amendments.
For a layout question, the checklist lists the Planner on Call at cityplanning@orlando.gov or 407-246-2269. Send the roof distinction and measurement question, not just a request for “the screen-room setback.”
Corrective review
This AI-assisted code comparison replaces the former generic interior-finish article, now redirected to this Guides URL. Its original publication and approval history remain preserved. We removed unsupported drywall/paint implications; no property measurement, engineering review, permit submission or approval is claimed.