🧡 The Ultimate Guide to Orange County’s Ready Set Orange Program

Everything Homeowners, Builders, and DIYers Need to Know to Build Smarter with Pre-Approved ADU & Home Plans

🏗️ What Is Ready Set Orange?

Ready Set Orange is a forward-thinking program launched by Orange County, Florida to simplify the permitting process and reduce housing costs. The county offers a library of pre-designed, code-reviewed housing plans—available for free upon request—to qualified property owners.

It’s part of Orange County’s Housing for All initiative, which aims to combat the housing affordability crisis by expanding access to smaller, more efficient living spaces.

These pre-designed plans include:

4 Single-Family Residences (SFRs)
4 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Each design is named after a citrus variety and has been pre-reviewed by the County’s Building Division for baseline compliance with the Florida Building Code.

However, in order to use one of these plans for construction, you still need a licensed engineer (like Oasis Engineering) to complete and certify them for your specific site.

📚 Ready Set Orange Floorplan Library

🍊 Single-Family Residences (SFR)

Model	Description	Sq. Ft.
Valencia	Two-level home with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a wraparound front porch. Optional 2nd floor.	1,150 + 260
Minneola	Single-level with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a covered entry.	1,400
Tangelo	Single-level with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, and a covered entry.	1,483
Navel	Single-level with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a covered entry.	1,476

🍊 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Model	Description	Sq. Ft.
Seville	Single-level ADU with 1 bedroom, 1 bath, and an entry patio.	700
Mandarin	Single-level ADU with 1 bedroom, 1 bath, and a covered entry.	610
Clementine	Single-level ADU with 1 bedroom, 1 bath, a covered entry, and a second rear entry.	531
Tangerine	Two-level ADU with 1 bedroom, 1 bath, a covered balcony, and dual rear entry.	708 + 628

📍 Where Can You Build?

The Ready Set Orange program applies only to properties located in unincorporated Orange County. You can verify eligibility using the county’s Parcel Lookup Tool (scroll to “Parcel Lookup”).

✅ Enter your street address only — no unit numbers, city, or zip code.

📄 What’s Included in the Plan Set?

Once approved, you’ll receive a PDF & CAD package containing:

Architectural floor plans
Elevations
Sections
Baseline code review (already performed by the County Building Division)

🚫 NOT INCLUDED: Engineering seal, site plan, grading/drainage, energy calcs, product approvals, truss layout.

👷 Required Next Step: Engineering Finalization

Oasis Engineering provides site-specific engineering services to make your Ready Set Orange plan permit-ready.

🧩 Our Services Include:

✅ Site Plan (based on survey)
✅ Grading & Drainage Plan
✅ Structural Review & PE Stamp (digitally signed)
✅ Energy Calculations (Manual J, H, D or Florida Energy Code)
✅ Product Approval Sheet (Florida product compliance)

📌 We do not provide the boundary survey or truss design package—but we coordinate closely with your surveyor or truss manufacturer to integrate them into the final set.

🚦 Step-by-Step: From Idea to Construction

1️⃣ Submit County Intake Form

Go to the official Ready Set Orange Request Form and submit your property details.
🔒 Only the property owner can submit this form.

2️⃣ County Performs Zoning Review

They’ll check:

Zoning & setbacks
Compatibility with main residence (roof pitch, materials)
Whether your selected model meets the 50% ADU size rule

3️⃣ Receive Unsealed Plan Set

Once approved, you’ll receive PDF links to the applicable plans. These are design only (not stamped).

4️⃣ Engage Oasis Engineering

Send us your PDF package and survey. We’ll provide:

Site plan
Grading
Engineer sign & seal
Energy calcs
Permit-ready deliverable

5️⃣ Submit for Permit

Upload your complete set to the Orange County Fast Track permitting portal. If needed, we can assist your contractor or expeditor during review.

6️⃣ Begin Construction

Once your permit is issued and inspection schedule is confirmed, you’re ready to build.

📏 Key ADU Rules to Know

Max ADU Size:
Must be ≤ 50% of the main home’s living area or ≤ 1,000 sq. ft. (whichever is smaller)
Setbacks:
- 1-story ADU: ≥ 5 ft. from rear
- 2-story ADU: ≥ 15 ft. from rear
- Must meet side setbacks per zoning
Homestead Requirement:
The property must be homesteaded. Certificate of Occupancy may be withheld if homestead status isn’t finalized.
Rental Restrictions:
Long-term rentals are allowed.
Short-term/transient rentals (<180 days) are prohibited, unless in R-3 zoning per [Code Sec. 38-77].
Architectural Compatibility:
ADU must match the main residence in exterior finish, roof pitch, and architectural detail.

🧠 Expert Tips from Our Engineering Team

✔ Model too big?
Consider the Clementine (531 sq. ft.)—easiest to fit under the 50% rule.

✔ Roof conflict?
Match shed-style ADUs with flatter-roof homes for compatibility.

✔ Want faster permit approval?
Avoid modifying the plan too much. The more you alter it, the more likely it will go through a full plan review cycle.

✔ Want to speed things up?
Have your survey ready up front. We can’t finalize your site plan without it.

✔ Need truss design?
Ask your builder or truss supplier to provide sealed layout and calcs. We’ll coordinate from there.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is Ready Set Orange available in my city?
No. It’s only for unincorporated Orange County. Check here to confirm.

Q: How long does the engineering process take?
Generally 5–10 business days after we receive your full info and survey.

Q: Do I have to use one of the county’s engineers?
No. You may use any Florida-licensed PE. Oasis Engineering is fully qualified to finalize and stamp Ready Set Orange plans.

Q: Can I change the floorplan?
Yes—but modifying the design may remove the time/cost savings of the program. We’ll advise you on the tradeoffs.

Q: Can you help me apply for homestead or get a survey?
While we don’t offer these services in-house, we’re happy to refer you to trusted professionals.

🚀 Ready to Get Started?

Oasis Engineering helps homeowners and builders turn these pre-engineered county plans into permit-ready projects. Whether you’re building for family, rental income, or housing security, we offer simple, cost-effective support to bring your Ready Set Orange project to life.

👉 Visit OasisEngineering.com
📩 Email: info@oasisengineering.com
📞 Call: 813-694-8989
📍 Serving all of unincorporated Orange County, Florida

🧾 Bonus Resources

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🏡 Ready Set Orange Home & ADU Models

🍊 Single-Family Residences

✔ Valencia – A two-level home with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a wraparound front porch. (1,150 sq. ft. first floor + optional 260 sq. ft. second floor)

✔ Minneola – A single-level home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1,400 sq. ft. of conditioned space with a covered entry.

✔ Tangelo – A single-level home with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, and 1,483 sq. ft. of conditioned space with a covered entry.

✔ Navel – A single-level home with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1,476 sq. ft. of conditioned space with a covered entry.

🏠 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

✔ Seville – A single-level ADU with 1 bedroom, 1 bath, and 700 sq. ft. of conditioned space with an entry patio.

✔ Mandarin – A single-level ADU with 1 bedroom, 1 bath, and 610 sq. ft. of conditioned space with a covered entry.

✔ Clementine – A single-level ADU with 1 bedroom, 1 bath, and 531 sq. ft. of conditioned space with both a covered and rear entry.

✔ Tangerine – A two-level ADU with 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 708 sq. ft. on the first floor, 628 sq. ft. on the second floor, a covered balcony, and a rear entry.

Learn more here.