The Growth Management Department is responsible for ensuring safe and orderly growth and development of the County through implementation of the County=s Comprehensive Plan and through the enforcement of relevant land development regulations and construction codes.  The Comprehensive Plan, which is mandated by State Law, is a 20 year plan which establishes future land uses for the unincorporated portion of the County and includes policies for various development issues, such as housing, recreation & open space, transportation, water & sewer, drainage, natural resources, etc.

The Growth Management Department is responsible for the following Divisions:   Building, Land Development, and Long-Range Planning.

Building Division  863- 534-6080

The Building Division reviews applications for building/construction permits, reviews construction plans for compliance with applicable building codes, issues permits and conducts inspections to ensure new construction is built according to the building codes.  The Division also registers licensed contractors, investigates complaints regarding workmanship and takes complaints to the Contractor Licensing Board as required by State Law.

"Walk Through" permitting for all types of construction, including all residential and some types of commercial,  is available at the Bartow office 330 West Church Street: (863-534-6080) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

"Walk Through" permitting for one- and two- family residential construction, including mobile home set-up permits is available at the following locations:

Lakeland B 940 East Parker Street; 413-2093; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Winter Haven B 3425 Lake Alfred Road; 401-2441; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Land Development Division 863-534-6792

The Land Development Division processes all applications for subdivision construction and commercial site plans before the Development Review Committee (Level 2 Reviews).  The Division also processes applications, prepares professional staff reports and makes recommendations on Planned Developments and Conditional Uses for the Planning Commission (Level 3 Review); changes to the County's land use map for the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners (Level 4 Review); and request for variances from the Board of Adjustment.  Approvals of subdivision plats by the Board of County Commissioners (Level 5 Review) are also processed by this Division.  The Division includes the Land Development Engineering, Processing, and Current Planning sections.  These sections work together to advise the public regarding the County's Land Development Regulations, including allowable uses of property, development standards, flood plain regulations, and development in selected areas of the County.  The Division is responsible for the coordination of the Development Review Committee, which includes representatives from state and county agencies to ensure that proposed land development projects are processed and reviewed in an efficient and coordinated manner.  The Division processes large land development proposals, known as Developments of Regional Impact, and prepares staff reports and recommendations on these proposals for the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners.  Areas of the County which are established as Community Redevelopment Areas (CRA) are also reviewed and evaluated by the Land Development Division.

This Division provides citizens with available flood management data, floodplain boundaries, minimum flood elevations and flood maps.  The Division also administers the County's Community Rating System (CRS) under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  The CRS enables County residents to receive a reduction on flood insurance rates.  Currently Polk County is rated as a 7, which allows a 15% reduction on the cost of flood insurance.                                                                                                                                                                            

Long-Range Planning  863-534-6486

The Long-Range Planning Division is responsible for the preparation and implementation of the County's Comprehensive Plan.  This includes evaluating proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and developing long-range plans for selected areas of the County. The Division also coordinates planning efforts with other governments, including municipalities and the Polk County School Board.  The Division collects data and performs research regarding growth trends, the need for infrastructure required to support development, coordination of projected growth with the County's Capital Improvements Plan, and the provision of information on census and demographics.  The Division includes the transportation planning staff for the Transportation Planning Organization.

Transportation Planning Organization (TPO)  863- 534-6486

The TPO develops transportation plans and programs for Polk County, including the 2025 Long-Range Transportation Plan. This agency is comprised of a policy board (local elected officials), advisory committees and staff, with representatives from the following member governments:  Polk County, and the cities of Lakeland, Winter Haven, Haines City, Bartow, Lake Wales and Auburndale. It provides a forum for cooperative decision-making regarding countywide transportation issues.

Development FAQ's	Building FAQ's