Design Review

Building, renovating, adding a sign or opening a business in Downtown Lakeland? Start here.

The LDDA board reviews redevelopment, new construction and signs in the LDDA district. The district surrounds the Munn Park Historic District, where the City of Lakeland’s Historic Preservation Board reviews projects instead.

District Map (PDF)City Historic Design Review

Buildings and Renovations

Projects in the LDDA district follow the LDDA’s design guidelines.

Design Guidelines (PDF)

Signs

A sign must meet the City’s sign rules first, then the LDDA’s sign guidelines. LDDA staff can approve a sign that follows the guidelines. A variance goes to the LDDA board, which meets the third Thursday of each month.

Sign Guidelines (PDF)City Sign Rules (PDF)City Sign Permits

Opening a Business

The district is zoned C-6 (Downtown Commercial) and C-7 (Munn Park Historic District). Before you sign a lease, check the uses table to see whether your type of business is allowed there. Then confirm it in writing with the City’s planning staff at planning@lakelandgov.net.

Uses Table (PDF)

Some uses are conditional: the City Commission decides, and one of the things it weighs is whether the LDDA board supports the use. To ask for the board’s recommendation, fill out the application and ask to be put on the board’s agenda.

Conditional Use Application (PDF)City Planning: How to Apply

Questions?Email Julie Townsend Call 863.683.2783