727 Park St Lakeland, FL 33803-1339

Duplexes are not allowed in the Single-family residential zoning districts (RA-1, RA-2, RA-3 or RA-4). Duplexes (called Two-Family in the City’s Land Development Code, which can be found here: https://library.municode.com/fl/lakeland/codes/land_development_code?nodeId=15775 ) are permitted by right in the RB zoning districts and are Conditional Uses in the MF and O-1 zoning districts. Conditional Uses require Concept Plan review by the Development Review Committee (for more information click here .) Once Concept Plan is done, you will have to apply for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), which requires a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Board and two hearings before the City Commission. If the City Commission approves the CUP application for the duplex, your next step is to apply for a building permit. The fees for a Conditional Use Permit application can be found here: https://www.lakelandgov.net/departments/community-economic-development/planning-zoning/zoningfees/ Duplexes must meet the city’s design criteria (see the “What are the design criteria for a home?” FAQ). I want to split my property into two lots. How do I do that? OR I want to combine my property with another. How do I do that? Subdividing (splitting) and combining property is done by the Polk County Property Appraiser located at 225 N Wilson Avenue in Bartow or at 930 E Parker Street, Suite 272 in Lakeland. You can call them at 863-534-4777 to find out their application process. The City will review your application to make sure everything is legal in regards to the current rules and regulations for lot size, width, etc. I want to build a mother-in-law suite separate from my house. How do I do that? Accessory Dwelling Units (commonly called mother-in-law suites) can only be constructed in the Urban areas of the City of Lakeland. To find out whether your property is in the Urban area, contact the Planner on Demand at 863-834-7526. Section 4.3.2.1 of the Land Development Code has rules and restrictions regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), including limits on the size and location. You can find the Land Development Code here: https://library.municode.com/fl/lakeland/codes/land_development_code?nodeId=15775 . ADUs require compatibility approval by the Planning and Zoning Board, and approval by the Historic Preservation Board if the property is located within a Historic District. Section 4.3.2.3of the Land Development Code outlines the approval process for ADUs both inside and outside of Historic Districts.