Planning Department

The Lakeland Planning Department serves the City's residents, development community, and other stakeholders by coordinating development processes and advocating for a built environment that enhances quality of life and conserves natural resources. The Planning Department is responsible for maintaining the City's Comprehensive Plan, issuing certain types of permits, enforcing the City's property maintenance and zoning codes, and reviewing development plans in accordance with the City's Land Development Regulations and other regulatory documents such as the Sign Ordinance.

The Planning Department serves as staff for the Municipal Planning and Design Review Commission and the Board of Appeals and makes recommendations to both of those bodies. Additionally, the Planning Department provides support to the Board of Commissioners, the Economic Development Commission, and the Industrial Development Board as needed. Planning staff works closely with other City departments, including the Engineering Department, to ensure efficiency in development review processes.

Comprehensive Plan Update

The City of Lakeland has engaged Kimley Horn to guide the City's Comprehensive Planning process. The process began in May 2022 and will continue through late summer 2023. Public events will be listed on the City's Agenda Center site. For more information on the Comprehensive Plan, click here.