Polk County Zoning Decisions: August 2026

In August 2026, Polk County held 4 public meetings covering zoning matters. 17 zoning decisions had a recorded outcome this month: 14 approved (93% approval rate), 1 denied, 2 deferred. Activity was down 17% compared to July (375 activity items across 4 meetings).

Zoning Decisions This Month

Kennel conditional use at 3656 Caveville Avenue (Cross Paws Pet Rescue)

Denied.

De novo hearing and appeal of the Planning Commission's 3-2 approval of a kennel conditional use for Cross Paws Pet Rescue on approximately 5 acres at 3656 Caveville Avenue, in a residential suburban future land use district. Applicant proposed new kennel buildings set 700 feet back to meet setbacks; existing buildings to become storage. Board voted to deny the application on compatibility grounds. Chair (SPEAKER_9) voted in opposition to the denial. Appellant was neighbor Gary Bozeman.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Small-scale comp plan amendment LDCPA-S 2026-12 at 2925 Pavers Road

Approved.

Small-scale comprehensive plan amendment to change the development area designation on 38.22 acres of a 58.91 acre parcel at 2925 Pavers Road from Rural Development Area to Urban Growth Area. Industrial future land use unchanged; the change increases impervious surface ratio and floor area ratio (from 50% FAR to 75% FAR). Site south of State Road 570 (Polk Parkway), about a mile east of Bartow Road, outside Lakeland city limits. Engineer of record Zachary Thornton (Madrid CPWG) presented; intended use includes storage yard for crane equipment and potential future warehouse buildings. Approved unanimously.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Sokrum Loop West LCC-CPA future land use change (~1.49 acres)

Approved.

Large-scale comprehensive plan amendment (within Green Swamp) changing future land use on ~1.49 acres from Residential Low to Linear Commercial Corridor on Sokrum Loop east of US Highway 98, expanding LCC by one parcel. Board voted to transmit to Florida Commerce.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

US 98 and Peace River ARR future land use change (~116.5 acres)

Approved.

Large-scale comprehensive plan amendment changing ~116.5 acres from Phosphate Mining to Agricultural Residential Rural on the north side of US 98 east of Fort Meade, correcting designation for long-existing residential/agricultural properties. Board voted to transmit to Florida Commerce.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Parrish and Keller ARR future land use change (~66.5 acres)

Approved.

Large-scale comprehensive plan amendment changing ~66.5 acres from Phosphate Mining to Agricultural Residential Rural east of Fort Meade south of US 98, correcting designation for long-existing residential properties. Board voted to transmit to Florida Commerce.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Kathleen Government Center future land use change (~29.62 acres)

Approved.

Small-scale comprehensive plan amendment changing ~29.62 acres from Residential Low to Institutional in the Kathleen area for a future county government center with courtrooms and county services. One resident (James Abercrombie) spoke in opposition; a full staff presentation was given. Adopted by Board.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Continuance of Organic Matters CPA comprehensive plan amendment

Deferred.

Expedited public hearing for a large-scale comprehensive plan map amendment to change 71.26 acres from business park center to industrial. Item continued to next meeting August 18, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at staff's request.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Ad valorem tax exemption for Amaya Solutions, Inc.

Approved.

Board adopted an ordinance granting a 70% ad valorem tax exemption over eight years (2030-2037) and approved a performance agreement with Amaya Solutions, Inc., a company relocating to Polk County. Company will build an approximately 200,000 sq ft headquarters/manufacturing/distribution facility on ~12 acres on the west side of Braddock Road, investing $20 million in construction plus $6.49 million in equipment and creating 50 jobs at average annual wage of $112,116.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Showing the 8 most significant of 17 recorded zoning decisions. See all Polk County meetings →

Zoning Changes

• BPC-2, 71 acres at US 17, just south of Bartow
• Zoning change, 1.49 acres at Sokrum Loop, east of US Highway 98
• Zoning change, 116.5 acres at North side of US 98, east of Fort Meade
• Zoning change, 66.5 acres at South of US 98, east of Fort Meade
• Zoning change, 29.62 acres at Kathleen area, North Lakeland (Polk County)
• Zoning change, 38.22 acres of a 58.91 acre parcel at 2925 Pavers Road, south of State Road 570 (Polk Parkway)
• Zoning change, 71.26 acres at 71.26 acres (Organic Matters CPA)

Top Keywords This Month

• land use: 64 instances
• residential: 49 instances
• industrial: 30 instances
• commercial: 25 instances
• comprehensive plan: 24 instances

What to Watch

• Industrial mentions were up 200% from July.

Stay on Top of Polk County Meetings

Stay in the loop on every Polk County meeting: ZoneWire sends a free email alert with the agenda as soon as a new one is posted.

Get free New Meeting Alerts for Polk County.