FAQ - Comprehensive Plan CategoryReturn to FAQs
Q: What is the Comprehensive Plan and how does it affect what I can do with my property?
A: The Polk County Comprehensive Plan was developed pursuant to the requirements of the "Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulations Act" (LGCPLDRA), and "Minimum Criteria for Review of Local Government Comprehensive Plans and Determination of Compliance", Chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code (FAC).
While the Plan was developed in response to the State's growth-management mandate, it is also premised on Polk County's individual unique characteristics, historical trends, current conditions, and citizen aspirations for a future Polk County with a desirable quality of life. Division 1.200 of this Plan, enumerates the "Basic Principles" that formed the foundation of the planning process which resulted in the Polk County Comprehensive Plan.
The Polk County Comprehensive Plan entails the rules and regulations that one must abide by in the development of property. Every property or piece of land falls under a land use classification and associated with each land use is specific development criteria. One shall abide by this development criteria before development of property can begin.
Q: If I do not agree with what is in the Comprehensive Plan, what are my options?
A: If one does not agree with the Comprehensive Plan one may seek a text amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, or seek a Administrative Determination.
Q: How can I purchase a copy of the Land Development Code or Comprehensive Plan?
A: The Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan are available in the following formats:
- PDF format free of charge:
Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan.
- A hard copy of the Land Development Code is available for $75.00 or the Comprehensive Plan for $45.00 form the Land Development Division 863-534-6792.
- A CD-ROM with a copy of both documents and the Acrobat PDF Reader is available for $25.00.
For all other questions please contact the Growth Management Customer Service Area by email, phone (863-534-6084); or fax (863-534-6021). The office hours are Monday-Friday between 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (excluding holidays).