Everything you need to know whenstarting a business in Lakeland This guide is provided by the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency and The SBDC at Central Florida Development Council, Polk County

Let’s Get Started

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

SMALLBUSINESSDEVELOPMENTGUIDEDIXIELAND &

DOWNTOWN

?

2

Introduction 3

Process Chart 4-5

Overview 6

Obtaining a Business Tax Receipt 7

Finding the Right Location for Your Business 8

Zoning Approvals 9

Site Plan Review and Development Review Team (DRT) 11

Common Issues Which Come Up During Site Plan Review 12-13

Architectural Design Standards and Historic Preservation 14-16

Signs 17-18

Obtaining Building Permits 19

Utilities, Garbage Collection and Recycling 20

Other Interesting Tidbits 21

Development Incentives and Technical Assistance 22

Committees 23

References 24

3

IntroductionCongratulations on deciding to establish or expand your business in the City of Lakeland! The City of Lakeland is committed to taking an active

role in supporting and growing our business and development community. We believe that it is necessary to foster and facilitate the creation

of a self-sustaining local environment to grow, attract and retain a creative, talented and educated workforce. We aim to balance private sector

needs with neighborhood and quality of life issues to encourage economic opportunities for all Lakeland residents.

The City of Lakeland offers many economic incentives for business and development interests through our Enterprise Zone and the Lakeland

Community Redevelopment Agency, as well as through our partnerships with the Lakeland Economic Development Council, the Lakeland

Downtown Development Authority and the Small Business Development Council.

Our City staff is organized and willing to assist you in navigating the process of getting your business or project up and running.

This guide is intended to help property owners and/or tenants in existing buildings in Downtown and Dixieland to navigate the permitting

and licensing process and to answer many common questions. It will provide an overview of the process and the most frequently-asked

questions. While we have attempted to cover most issues, there may be something that is still unclear. As a result, we have included phone

numbers and contact information in order to help make the process easier.

This guide is intended

to help property

owners and/or tenants

in existing buildings

in Downtown and

Dixieland to navigate

the permitting and

licensing process.

The City of Lakeland has established a number of standards and regulations to ensure a quality environment and to protect your future investment.

In general, the required City approvals for most new businesses include:

• BusinessTaxReceipt–Allbusinesseslocatedand/oroperatinginsidecitylimitsofLakelandarerequiredtopayanannualbusinesstaxtotheCityofLakelandANDPolk

County. A receipt for payment of the Business Tax is commonly referred to as a Business Tax “Receipt”.

• ZoningApprovals–Requiredtoensurethatthetypeofbusinessandthebuildingareappropriatetotheneighborhood.Otherpermitsmayberequiredforspecific

business types.

• BuildingPermits–Requiredtoassureconformancewithbuildingcodesandlife-safetyrequirements.

THE BASICS

Start EndID Location

Speak toplanner

Allowed byzoning?

DRT or siteplan review

Archreview

Buildingpermit

Zoningor CU

Certi�cate of occupancy

Changein use?

Exteriorimprovements

(signage)

Businesstax license

(County and City)Yes

No

Could beallowed? Yes

No

Approved

Denied

No

Yes

No

Yes

90-120 Days

30Days

7-60Days

Process Chart*

Need more informationon a specific topic?

Go directly to the corresponding page Business Tax Receipt | Location | Zoning | Site Plan Review | Architectural Design Standards and Historic Preservation Signs | Permits | Utilities, Garbage Collection and Recycling | Development Incentives or and Technical Assistance | Committees | References7 8 9 11 14 17 19 20 22 23 24

Start EndID Location

Speak toplanner

Allowed byzoning?

DRT or siteplan review

Archreview

Buildingpermit

Zoningor CU

Certi�cate of occupancy

Changein use?

Exteriorimprovements

(signage)

Businesstax license

(County and City)Yes

No

Could beallowed? Yes

No

Approved

Denied

No

Yes

No

Yes

90-120 Days

30Days

7-60Days

Business Tax Receipt | Location | Zoning | Site Plan Review | Architectural Design Standards and Historic Preservation Signs | Permits | Utilities, Garbage Collection and Recycling | Development Incentives or and Technical Assistance | Committees | References7 8 9 11 14 17 19 20 22 23 24

* Pleasenotethatmanyofthesereviewsmaybedoneconcurrently.We recommend that you contact (863) 834-6011 for a consultation.

6

OverviewThere are seven primary steps to receive approval for a new business in the City of Lakeland.1. Determine the Business Entity–Therequirementsforbusinessregistrationdependonthetypeofbusinessownership.Themostcommon formsofbusinessentitiesare:SoleProprietorship,GeneralPartnership,LimitedPartnership,LimitedLiabilityPartnership,LimitedLiability Company, and a Corporation. Consult an attorney or research yourself by contacting the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations at http://sunbiz.org and click on “Starting a Business”.

2. Obtain a Federal Employee Identification Number–Ifyouhaveemployeesorareacorporation,youwillneedaFederalEmployer IdentificationNumber(FEIN)fromtheFederalInternalRevenueService(IRS).IfanEINisrequired,applicationscanbecompletedand submitted electronically at www.irs.gov/business/small/ or by calling the IRS’s Business & Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933.

3. Name the Business –Youmustselectanameforyourbusiness,andthenfileafictitiousnamestatementinalocalnewspaper(Legal Noticemustrun3days).Youmustalsoopenabankaccountforthebusiness.

4. Register Your Business with the State–BusinessesincorporatedinFloridaaretypicallyrequiredtoregisterwiththeState’sDivisionof Corporations,whilemanyprofessionsarerequiredtoregisterwiththeDepartmentofBusinessandProfessionalRegulation.Goto myflorida.com and click on Business and Starting a Business in Florida for a general overview.

5. Apply for County and City Business Tax Receipts–Allbusinessesmusthaveavalidbusinesstaxreceiptfromthecityandthecounty in order to do business within the City limits.

6. Obtain City Zoning Approval–AllbusinessesmustcomplywithzoningrequirementsbeforeconductingbusinessintheCityofLakeland. Dependingonthelocationandtypeofbusiness,thetypesofapprovalsmayinclude:verificationthattheuseispermittedinthatlocation, ConditionalUse,SitePlanReview,HistoricPreservationBoardDesignReviewCommittee,and/orLakelandDowntownDevelopment Authority Design Review.

7. Obtain Building Permits–Allbusinessesmustobtainbuildingpermitsforconstructionandinteriorimprovements.Examplesofwork that require a permit include: additions, demolition, new plumbing, new electrical wiring, and signage. Finish work that does not require a permit includes carpeting, wall papering and painting.

Other Permits–Dependinguponyourtypeofbusiness,permitsfromotheragenciesmayberequired.Forexample,anybusinessstoring, handling,sellingorservingfoodordrinkmustobtainapermitfromtheDepartmentofBusinessandProfessionalRegulation(DBPR)or the PolkCountyHealthDepartment. Any business selling or serving alcoholic beverages must obtain a license from the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco.

Just starting a business?

Contact the Small

Business Development

Council (SBDC)

for help. They can

provide free technical

assistance

and support.

(863) 534-5915

www.polksbdc.org

7

Obtaining a Business Tax ReceiptThe City of Lakeland requires all businesses located and/or operating inside the Lakeland City limits to pay an annual business tax and in

turn, be in possession of a business tax receipt. Most business tax fees are based on square footage, number of workers and/or a category

of profession. Your business tax fee canbe determined after completion of the applicationwith the BusinessTaxOffice. Not-for-profit

organizationsareencouragedtoapplyforano-feebusinesslicense.PleasenotethatBusinessTaxReceiptApplicationsmustbefilledoutin

personatCityHall.

YoumustalsoobtainabusinesstaxreceiptfromPolkCountybeforeyoucanapplyforyourcitybusinesstaxreceipt.PolkCounty has

administrativeofficesconvenientlylocatedinBartowandLakeland.Theirbusinesstaxreceiptinformationisalsoavailableonline.

You must obtain a

business tax receipt

from Polk County

before you can apply

for your city business

tax receipt.

Forbusinesseswithafixedplaceofbusiness intheCity, theapplicationmustbesubmitted inpersonbytheowner,proprietor,officerof

the corporation, or an authorized agent with a letter signed by the business owner. Copies of other regulatory permits or licenses from the

StateofFloridaorPolkCountyshouldbesubmittedwithyourbusinesstaxreceiptapplication.Theseincluderestaurants(Florida Division of

HotelsandRestaurants); daycare and mobile home parks (PolkCountyHealthUnit); retail food services (Florida Department of Agriculture

& Consumer Services);andanyofthefollowingprofessions:attorneys,automobilerepair/sales,banking/finance,contractors,cosmetology,

engineering, food/lodging, health occupations, pest control and real estate (FloridaDepartmentofBusinessandProfessionalRegulations).

Is there a fee?Yes.Businesstaxfeesareadoptedbythelocalgovernment.PleasecalltheBusinessTaxOfficeforthemostcurrentinformationaboutfees

specifictoyourbusiness.(863)834-6025

There are a number of pieces of information that you should have in order to apply for your business tax receipt. These include:

WHAT WILL I NEED IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT? ?• Businessnameandentitytype

• SocialSecurityNumberorFederalTaxIDnumber

• FictitiousnamenumberfromtheFloridaDepartmentofState(forDBA)

• Businesslocation

• StateSalesTaxnumber

8

Finding the Right Location for Your BusinessDetermine your type of businessThis should include all of the functions of your business in order to ensure the location is appropriate for performing all of your business’ operations. An example would be an auto parts retail store that also rebuilds engines: a retail location may be appropriate for parts sales, but notforautorepair.Youmusthaveabusinessaddresstoapplyforabusinesstaxreceipt.

Factors to considerMany factors must be considered in the selection of the appropriate location for your business. For retail businesses, this includes proximity to customers, cost to buy vs. lease, visibility, access to parking, proximity to complimentary businesses, etc. For a manufacturer, other factors maybemoreimportantsuchastheavailabilityofskilledlaborandconvenienttruckaccess.Thekeyisfindingalocationthatsatisfiesallofthese criteria and is properly zoned for your business.

Whom should I speak to first?TheCity’sPlanningDivisioncanverifythataparticularlocationisproperly“zoned”orallowedforyourbusiness.“Zoning”referstothedivisionof the city into various districts. The rules for each zoning district are outlined in the Land Development Regulations (the “zoning code”). It is recommended that you check with the Planning Division before entering into any lease or contract to purchase. Zoning regulations vary from city to city, so don’t assume that your business will be appropriate in a zone by the same name in a different community.

A written description of your proposed business operation is recommended in order to determine proper zoning. A complete description woulddefinethenatureofyourbusiness,size(squarefootage/numberofemployees)andhoursofoperation.Pleasebepreparedtoprovidethe location’s address.

StaffforthePlanningDivisioncanbereachedat(863)834-6011.

How can I find locations?AftermeetingwiththePlanningDivisiontodeterminetheappropriatezoneswhichpermityourtypeofbusiness,youcanusetheCityofLakeland’s online Address Lookup tool to determine if potential locations are zoned for your business type. Another method is to work with a commercialrealestatebrokerwhocanassistwithfindinganappropriatelocation.

Home based businessesCertain types of businesses may be allowed to be run out of your residence. This option is often very cost effective and may offer the easiest way to start a business. This topic will be covered in the next section.

Use the City of

Lakeland’s online

Address Lookup tool to

determine if potential

locations are zoned for

your business type.

9

Regulatory ConsiderationsNowthatyouhavedefinedyourtypeofbusinessandfoundsomepotentiallocations,youarereadytoseekzoningapprovals.

ZoningAplannerinthePlanningDivisioncanprovideafreeconsultationforyouindeterminingifyourbusinessispermittedatthelocationyou

desire. The planner will also review with you any zoning conditions, parking requirements or other types of approvals which may be required.

Conditional Use (CU)Some uses in certain zoning districts require review and approval of a Conditional Use (CU). The purpose of the CU is to ensure businesses

arecompatiblewiththesurroundinguses.Typically,aCUisrequiredforbusinessesthathavethepotentialtocreatenoise,odors,orspecific

parkingortrafficimpacts.TheCUprocessisdesignedtoinsurethatpotentiallyimpactedneighborsarebothinformedofandprovidedan

opportunity to comment on the proposed business.

IfthePlanningDivisiondeterminesthatyourbusinessrequiresaCU,aplannerwillbeassignedtoassistyou.Applications and information

about fees and meeting schedules areavailableonlineandatthePlanningDivision.Asiteplanandawrittenbusinessdescriptionare

required.YourapplicationwillbereviewedatapublichearingofthePlanningandZoningBoardandnoticeswillbemailedtoallsurrounding

property owners prior to the meeting.

ParkingThe amount of parking required by the City of Lakeland is determined by the type of business and geographic locations and is outlined in

theLandDevelopmentRegulations.SomeportionsofDowntownLakelandareclassifiedas“parkingexempt”,meaningthattheprovisionof

off-site parking is not required by the business or owner. Alternative parking options may be explored to achieve required parking spaces. The

PlanningDivisioncanassistyouindeterminingthespecificparkingstandardforyourbusiness.

What happens if I buy or take over a business with a CU?TheCUapprovalisforthebenefitoftheapplicantonly.Thecharacterorbenefitoftheconditionaluseshallnotbechangedortransferred

withoutanewconditionaluseapprovalorwithoutCityCommissionapprovalbyresolution.ThePlanningDivisioncanassistyouwith

this process.

The City of Lakeland’s

Planning Division

can assist you in

determining the

specific parking

requirement for your

business.

10

Home Based Businesses“Homeoccupations” or home based businesses are permitted in RA-4 single family and all two family (RB) and multi-family (MF) zoning districtsonly.Typical examplesofhomeoccupations arehomeoffices andbusinesseswhichprovide services atother locations, suchasconsultants. The following regulations must be met:

1. There shall be no external advertising, external display of goods or any other external evidence of any home occupation with the exception of a small non-illuminated building sign not exceeding one (1) square foot in area, as permitted in the sign regulation section of the Land Development Regulations.

2. Such occupation shall be carried on by the resident in his or her own private residence (no employees).

3. Such occupation shall not occupy more than 1/3 of the floor area of the residence and may not be within an accessory or secondary building.

“Business mail and phone addresses” are permitted in all single family (RA) and two family (RB) zoning districts. Similar to home occupations, the following regulations must be met:

1. Thereshallbenoevidenceofbusinessactivityatanytimeincluding,butnotlimitedtosigns,displays,customerorbusinesstrafficto and from the property.

2. There shall be no evidence of business within the residence other than single desk and phone.

3. There shall be no storage of goods, materials or business equipment on the premises.

Typical examples

of home occupations

are home offices and

businesses which

provide services at

other locations, such as

consultants.

11

Site Plan Review and Development Review Team (DRT)Many times businesses are permitted in zoning districts on properties which were previously used for different types of commercial or even

sometimes residential activities. In these instances, while your business may be allowed under the existing zoning, the site must be reviewed

tomakesurethatitcanaccommodateyourcommercialactivities.ThePlanningDivisionstaffreferstothisasa“ChangeinUse”whichrequires

a“SitePlanReview”.SitePlanReviewmayalsobetriggeredwhentheestimatedcostofproposedimprovementstoasiteexceedstwenty-five

(25)percentoftheproperty’scurrentassessedvalue(land+improvements)accordingtothePolkCountyPropertyAppraiser’sOffice.

Inordertoassistinidentifyingsiteplanissuesinadvance,itisrecommendedthatallsiteplansfirstbesubmittedfor Concept Review.

What is Concept Review?AnyrequestfordevelopmentapprovalthatinvolvesasiteplandrawingrequiresConceptPlanReviewpriortomakingaformalapplication

or submittal. This involves attending a meeting with the City’s Development Review Team (DRT) to go over the proposed project at the

conceptuallevelbeforeyouproducefinalplans.ThiswillalsohelpyoumorefullyunderstandtheCity’srequirementsandwillidentifythe

need for additional information and/or required studies.

What do I need to submit in order to complete a Concept Review?YoumustfilloutaProjectInformationForm, as well as provide a location map of the property and any of the following: commercial site plan,

site development plan for conditional use, or map or sketch plan for any other project. There is a $230 fee; however, this amount will be

appliedasacreditagainstanyfinalsiteplanreviewfeesubmittedwithinone(1)yearofconceptreview.Theconceptualreviewfeeiswaived

for conditional use and planned unit development applications.

Any request for

development approval

that involves a site

plan drawing requires

Concept Plan Review.

TheDRTismadeupofstaffrepresentativesfromCommunityDevelopment,PublicWorks,WaterUtilities,ParksandRecreation,LakelandElectricand the Lakeland Fire Department. The review includes but is not necessarily limited to the following:

WHO IS REPRESENTED ON THE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW TEAM (DRT)? ?• ConsistencywithComprehensivePlan

• Adherencetozoningregulations

• Compatibilitywithsurroundinglandusesandzoning

• Infrastructuresystems (roads, water, wastewater, electric)

• Drainageandstormwatermanagement

• Vehicleandpedestrianaccessandcirculation

• Parking

• Landscapingandirrigation

• Parksandopenspace

• Environmentalimpacts(lakes,wetlandsetc.)

12

Common Issues Which Come Up During Site Plan ReviewBackflow PreventerA backflow prevention assembly is required on all non-residential water services or services with a risk of contamination through cross-connection. Florida Statutes require all public water system operators to ensure the safety of the water they provide to their customers. Backflowpreventersarespecificallyreferencedtopreventthebackfloworback-siphonageofwaterofquestionablequalityfromenteringinto the public supply. Each service location’s backflow risk is assessed based upon the Water Utilities’ Cross-Connection Control program specifications.Customerclassification,wateruseswithinthelocation,connectedplumbingdevices,andotherfactorsareconsidered,aswell as determining the proper location for the assembly. Often with older buildings or multiple tenant situations, site constraints prevent conventional assembly installations. In these instances, the Water Utility can work with you to determine the most acceptable installation. The City of Lakeland’s Water Utilities Engineering group can be reached at (863) 834-8316.

Grease Interceptor/Sand Oil FilterAll commercial sites which provide open food service or have the potential to release oil or grease with their wastewater discharge are required to

trap,containandproperlydisposeoftheoilandgreaseandnottodischargeoilorgreasetotheCityofLakeland’ssanitarysewersystem.Grease

interceptor(a.k.a.greasetrap)requirementsaresetforthinthestateplumbingcodeandtheCityofLakeland’sPretreatmentOrdinance.

Automotive facilities or facilities that ultimately discharge sand or oil into the City’s sanitary sewer system are required to install a sand oil separator.

Each location and business activity is evaluated with regard to the size, location and proper device for the customer’s wastewater discharge.

When remodeling site constraints preclude the use of a conventional exterior grease interceptor, interior grease interceptors (of proper size and

acceptablemanufacture)maybeallowedinareaslistedintheCityofLakelandWastewaterOperationsDivisionGreaseInterceptorPolicy.The

WaterUtilitiesandtheBuildingInspectionandPermittingDivisionwillworkwithyoutodeterminetherequireddevice.

Monitoring ManholeAllcommercialusersarerequiredtoprovideanacceptablemonitoringpointfortheirwastewaterdischarge.TheCityofLakeland’sPre-treatment

OrdinanceandLakelandCityCodeChapter102(StateCodeChapter62)specificallyrequireaccesspointstoenablesamplingandtestingfor

conformance with discharge limits. All new commercial development sites that are required to install a grease interceptor or sand oil separator

should be designed to include a monitoring manhole. When remodeling site constraints and business activities warrant, as determined by Water

Utilities, a customer may be able to substitute a 6-inch sewer cleanout for the traditional monitoring manhole. The Water Utility Department can

work with you to evaluate whether or not the constraints of your project will warrant the conditioned approval of a sewer cleanout as a substitute

for a monitoring manhole.

All commercial

users are required

to provide an

acceptable

monitoring point

for their wastewater

discharge.

13

Common Issues Which Come Up During Site Plan Review continued

ParkingThe amount of parking required by the City of Lakeland is determined by the type of business and geographic location and is outlined in the

LandDevelopmentRegulations.SomeportionsofDowntownLakelandareclassifiedas“parkingexempt”,meaningthattheprovisionofoff-site

parkingisnotrequiredbythebusinessorowner.ThePlanningDivisioncanassistyouindeterminingthespecificparkingstandardforyour

business.TheCity’sParkingDivisioncanalsoassistyouwithleasedparkingspacesinanumberofCity-ownedparkinglotsandstructures.

(863) 834-6303

Solid Waste CollectionMany of our commercial sites have existing garbage “can collection” rather than more traditional commercial dumpsters. Where space permits, the City’s preference is to require commercial users to include a dumpster enclosure and dumpster pad in any new development. Depending upon the size and use, you may be eligible for a waiver to allow for continuation of “can collection”. Depending on the size and use, you may also be able to share dumpster space with a neighboring business.

Stormwater ManagementTheCity’sPublicWorksDepartmentisresponsiblefortheoverallcapacityandfunctionoftheCity’sstormwatersystem.Asaresult,duringsite

plan review, all projects are evaluated for the quantity of stormwater runoff which may be generated. The City of Lakeland may consider a

stormwater permitting variance for up to 1,500 square feet of increased impervious area through an administrative variance.

Electric ServiceLakeland Electric provides electric service to any customer within its service territory. Many times this service can be provided, at no cost to the

Customer/Developer. It should be noted however, that for underground services, the customer is responsible for installing the conduit system,

including pull boxes and concrete foundations (pads) for any necessary transformers or other equipment, as well as their own “Service Entrance

Conductor”, from the transformer to the meter.

Beyond that, depending on how much line construction is required to provide service to a customer, there may also be “Contribution in Aide of

Construction”(CIAC)chargestotheCustomer/Developer.ForfurtherinformationpleasecontacttheSupervisorofNewDevelopmentEngineering,

Lakeland Electric, at (863) 834-8865 and or reference Lakeland Electric’s “Standard Electric Service Requirements” guidelines, located at the

following web address:

http://www.lakelandelectric.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=KcMsoJ%2bjsuA%3d&tabid=117&mid=446

The City of

Lakeland may

consider a

stormwater

permitting

variance for up

to 1,500 square

feet of increased

impervious area

through an

administrative

variance.

14

Architectural Design Standards and Historic PreservationCertain parts of the City have higher design standards which govern architectural detailing, placement of structures and overall exterior property improvements. These standards are part of Lakeland’s historic preservation program, which is dedicated to protecting the unique architectural, cultural, and historical character of our community. The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation are used as the basisandreferencefortheCity’svariousDesignGuidelines.TheseStandardsandGuidelinesareusedbytheHistoricPreservationBoardtoevaluate all exterior alterations, demolitions, and new construction within the City’s seven historic districts.

What is the Historic Preservation Board?In1980theCityCommissionadoptedOrdinance#2203(amended#3841)relatingtohistoricpreservation.ThisordinanceestablishedtheHistoric

PreservationBoard,theDesignReviewCommittee,thecompositionanddutiesoftheBoardandotherrelatedprocedures.

TheHistoricPreservationBoardDesignReviewCommitteereviewselementsofdevelopment,redevelopmentandpreservationthataffectthe

continued existence of and visual quality, in historic districts. Any property owner interested in constructing a building, renovating the exterior

ofabuilding(includinganaccessorystructureordemolishingaprincipaloraccessorystructure)mustsubmitanapplicationforaCertificateof

Review/Appropriateness.ItisimportanttospeakwithaPlanningstaffmemberpriortocompletinganapplicationforaCertificateofReview/

Appropriateness.

What is a Certificate of Review/Appropriateness?Onceyourprojecthasbeenreviewedbystaffand/orbytheHistoricPreservationBoard’sDesignReviewCommitteeandhasbeendeterminedto

beinconformancewiththeDesignStandards,theprojectwillreceiveaCertificateofReview/Appropriateness.ThisisCertificatemustbeissued

in order to receive a building permit.

How do I know if my business is in a location which has Design Standards?The easiest way to do this is to use the City’s Address Lookup function. This is an online tool which can indicate whether or not you are within a

designatedhistoricdistrictoraredevelopmentarea.YoucanalsocontactthePlanningDivisionat(863)834-6011forassistance.

What if my business is outside of a Historic District, but is still within the Downtown Development Authority? Due to the City’s interest in maintaining a high quality of design within the Downtown area, it has given the Lakeland Downtown Development

Authority, LDDA, the ability to review and enforce Design Standards for exterior improvements to properties within Downtown Lakeland, and

outsideofthedesignatedHistoricDistricts.ReviewiscompletedbytheLDDA’sDesignReviewCommitteewithsupportfromLDDAandCitystaff.

The City’s Address Look-Up tool can assist you in determining whether or not your business location requires LDDA review.

Any property owner

interested in

constructing a

building,

renovating the

exterior of a

building including an

accessory structure

or demolishing a

principal or accessory

structure must submit

an application for a

Certificate of Review/

Appropriateness.

15

Architectural Design Standards and Historic Preservation continued

Where can I find the Design Standards?TheHistoricDistrictDesignStandardsorGuidelinesareavailableonline.PropertiesalongSouthFloridaAvenueintheDixielandCommunityRedevelopment Area (CRA) are subject to the standards as outlined in the DixielandCRACommercialCorridorGuidelines.PropertieswithinDowntownLakeland’sMunnParkHistoricDistrictfollowtheU.S.DepartmentoftheInterior’s“TheSecretaryoftheInterior’sStandardsforRehabilitation”.Inaddition,propertieswithinDowntownLakeland,butoutsideoftheMunnParkHistoricDistrict,arestillsubjecttoDesign Standards of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA) www.ldda.org. And all properties within the residential historic districts ofBeaconHill,LakeHunterTerrace,Dixieland,SouthandEastLakeMortonandBiltmore/Cumberland,aresubjecttotheResidentialHistoricDesignGuidelines.

Questions about

exterior

improvements

or alterations?

Feel free to call us

at (863) 834-6011.

As a rule of thumb, any improvements or alterations made to the exterior of a property within a historic district or Downtown are subject to design review. Depending upon the scope of work, some items can be approved administratively by staff and are not required to go before the HistoricPreservationBoard.Theseitemsarepredominantly“repair”or“replacement”innatureandinclude:

What needs to be reviewed? ?

• ExteriorWalls Repair of original wall material with “in-kind” materials and design, including exterior paint colors on

residential buildings (colors should not obscure architectural detail and should not be incompatible

with other neighborhood colors).

• Windows,AwningsandDoors Repair of existing windows and doors where type, style, size and arrangement remain

the same as the original.

• Roofs,Soffits,FasciaandChimneys Repair of original shingles or tiles, with “in-kind” materials and design.

• OrdinaryMaintenanceandRepair Duplicating original materials and features.

AllotherexteriorimprovementsoralterationsmayneedtogobeforetheHistoricPreservationBoard.Ifyouhavequestions,feelfreetocallusat(863)834-6011.

16

Architectural Design Standards and Historic Preservation continued

Is there a fee for a Certificate of Review/Appropriateness?Foraproject costing less than$10,000 there isno fee.ForallotherCertificateofReview/Appropriatenesswork, includingdemolitions, the

feeis$170duewhentheapplicationissubmittedtoCommunityDevelopment. A$350feeforworkbegunwithoutaCertificateofReview/

Appropriateness is due when the application is submitted to Community Development.

How long will the review process take?ThelengthoftimebetweentheApplicationbeingsubmittedandreceivingaCertificateofReview/Appropriatenesswillvarydependingupon

thecomplexityoftheproject.ItisimportanttospeakwithaPlanningstaffmemberpriortocompletinganapplicationforaCertificateofReview/

Appropriateness.

The length of time

between the

Application being

submitted and

receiving a

Certificate of Review/

Appropriateness will

vary depending upon

the complexity

of the project.

It is important to speak

with a Planning staff

member prior to

completing an

application for a

Certificate of Review/

Appropriateness.

17

SignsDo I need a sign permit?Yes.Yourbusinesswillneedasignpermitfornewpermanentsignsorforchangingthefaceofexistingsigns.AllsignsarereviewedbytheBuilding Inspection Division. It is a good idea to check with the Building Inspection Division about what the regulations are before designing your sign.

In some of our redevelopment districts there are more choices in sign types including sidewalk signs which are self-supporting, portable signs, as well as projecting signs, which extend perpendicular to the building face. The Building Inspection Division can assist in determining the types of signs allowed. (863) 834-6012

Can I have a sidewalk sign?Sidewalk signs are only allowed in Downtown zoning districts and are subject to permitting and design standards as outlined in the Land DevelopmentRegulations.Generalregulationsincludetheallowanceofone(1)sidewalksignpergroundfloorretailbusinesstobeplacedinfront of the business premises during business hours. Signs are only allowed where the sidewalk or pedestrian walkway is a minimum of ten (10)feetinwidthandmaynotinterferewithexits,firehydrants,parkingmeters,bikeracks,sidewalkorwheelchairramps,etc.PleasecallthePlanningDivisionformoreinformation.(863)834-6011

All signs must have

permits.

Allowable sign types and sizes are based upon zoning districts. Off-premises signage is prohibited. The following sign types are those which are generally allowed within the City:

What types of signs are permitted? ?

• Wallsign A sign applied or attached to a wall. The display surface is parallel to the wall.

• Groundsign A sign which is supported by structures or supports in or upon the ground and

independent of support from any building.

• ProjectingSign A building sign projecting perpendicular from and supported by a wall of a building.

These signs may not extend more than forty-two (42) inches from the face of the wall.

• Windowsign A sign which is attached to the interior or exterior of the window.

• Directionalsign A sign located at the exit of entrance of a premise that had two or more driveways.

• Hangingsign A sign attached to and hanging vertically from an overhang, awning, arcade, or

structural canopy of a building

18

Signs continued

How do I design a sign?Typically, you will hire a sign company to design and manufacture your business signs. The Land Development Regulations contain the basic

regulations for location and maximum size for each permanent sign type.

Some areas of the City, like Downtown and the Dixieland Community Redevelopment Area, include design standards which must be considered

whendesigningsignage.Intheseareas,DesignAssistanceorSignageGrantsmaybeavailabletoprovideaccesstoadesignprofessionalaswell

asmatchinggrantfundsforsignfabricationandinstallation.AplannerwiththePlanningDivisioncanassistyouinidentifyingwhetherornot

your business is in one of these areas.

Do I need a Building Permit?Yes.Mostsignsrequireabuildingpermit.Plansandspecifications,usuallypreparedbythesigncompany,mustbesubmittedforplancheckwith

theCity’sBuildingPermitDivision.Buildingcoderegulationswillgovernthepropermethodofattachingthesigntothebuildingaswellasany

electrical wiring which may be required for sign illumination.

Can I have a Temporary Sign?No.

Can I have a sidewalk sign?Sidewalk signs are only allowed in Downtown zoning districts and are subject to permitting and design standards as outlined in the Land

DevelopmentRegulations.Generalregulationsincludetheallowanceofone(1)sidewalksignpergroundfloorretailbusinesstobeplacedin

front of the business premises during business hours. Signs are only allowed where the sidewalk or pedestrian walkway is a minimum of ten

(10)feetinwidthandmaynotinterferewithexits,firehydrants,parkingmeters,bikeracks,sidewalkorwheelchairramps,etc.Pleasecallthe

PlanningDivisionformoreinformation(863)834-6011.

Some areas of the

City, like Downtown

and the Dixieland

Community

Redevelopment

Area, include design

standards which must

be considered when

designing signage.

In these areas, Design

Assistance or Signage

Grants may be

available to provide

access to a design

professional as well as

matching grant funds

for sign fabrication

and installation.

19

Obtaining Building PermitsWhat activities require a building permit?All businesses must obtain building permits for construction and interior improvements. Examples of work that requires a permit include additions,demolition,interiorwalls,dropceilings,newplumbing,newelectricalwiringorlightfixtureinstallation.Finishworkwhichdoesnot require a permit includes carpeting, painting, and wall papering. If you have questions about whether or not your project needs a permit, please email buildinginspection@lakelandgov.net

How do I apply?Toobtainyourbuildingpermit(s),youoryourcontractormustsubmitplansandpaythefeesforplancheckwiththeCity’sBuildingPermittingDivision. The types of plans required, and the level of detail, will depend upon the scope of work proposed. When plans are required, it may be advisabletohaveanexperienceddesignprofessionalassistyou.Plansfornon-structuralalterations,suchasdoorandwindowreplacements,canbedrawnbyanyone.Forprojectsinvolvingstructuralmodifications,plansandcalculationsaretypicallyrequiredandmustbeprepared,signed and sealed by a registered architect or engineer licensed in the State of Florida.

Are there certain permits or approvals which must be acquired before the building permit?Yes.Thereareinstanceswhereyoumustalreadyhaveapprovalsbeforeapplyingforyourbuildingpermit.Theseinclude:

• IfyouneedzoningoraConditionalUse

• IfyouneedArchitecturalDesignReviewfromEITHERtheLakelandDowntownDevelopmentAuthorityortheHistoricPreservationBoard Design Review Committee

• Ifyouintendonapplyingforageographicpropertyownerincentive,suchastheFaçadeImprovementMatchingGrant,DesignAssistance Grant,SignageGrantorFoodServiceMatchingGrant.

Why do I need inspections and how do I request them?TheCitywillrequireperiodicinspectionstoensurethatyourprojectisbeingconstructedpertheapprovedplansandspecificationsassociatedwith your building permit. The building inspector acts on your behalf and that of the City to ensure the safety of your business and building.

When you obtain a permit for any work the required inspections for that job will be included. Most inspections when called in are completed within24hours.InspectionsaretobecalledinontheInteractionVoiceResponse(IVR)systembythecontractor.TheAutomatedInspectionResponseSystemisanInteractionVoiceResponse(IVR)systemforcallerstouseatouch-tonetelephonetoschedule,inquire,orcancelinspections.TheIVRsystemisavailable7daysaweek,24hoursaday.Inspectionsrequestmadebefore7AMwillbescheduledforthecurrentworkingday.Whenyouobtainapermit,instructionsforIVRusewillbeincluded.

When you obtain

a permit for any

work the required

inspections for that

job will be included.

Most inspections

when called in are

completed within

24 hours.

20

Utilities, Garbage Collection and RecyclingElectric ServiceLakeland Electric provides electric service to any customer within our service territory. Many times this service can be provided, at no cost to the

Customer/Developer. It should be noted however, that for underground services, the Customer is responsible for installing the conduit system,

including pull boxes and concrete foundations (pads) for any necessary transformers or other equipment, as well as their own “Service Entrance

Conductor”,fromthetransformertothemeter.ForfurtherinformationpleasecontacttheSupervisorofNewDevelopmentEngineering,

Lakeland Electric, at (863) 834-8865 and or reference Lakeland Electric’s “Standard Electric Service Requirements” guidelines, located at the

following web address.

http://www.lakelandelectric.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=KcMsoJ%2bjsuA%3d&tabid=117&mid=446

Water & WastewaterCity of Lakeland Water Utilities, a municipal-owned utility, may provide water and wastewater service for your project, as determined by avail-

ability of infrastructure in your area.

Commercial customers shall be required to pay for extensions and infrastructure needed above that which is already available, as well as meters

and impacts fees to provide service. A formal request for water and wastewater capacity should be made to Water Utilities prior to the start of your

project.AcapacityapplicationcanbeobtainedfromtheWaterUtilitiesEngineeringNewDevelopmentGroup.

DepositsforservicemayberequiredandwillbesetbyLakelandElectricCustomerService.PleasecontactWaterUtilitiesdirectlyforquestions

other than those related to deposits. For more information about water and wastewater service, call City of Lakeland Water Utilities Engineering

NewDevelopmentGroupat(863)834-8316.Refer to solid waste #13

RecyclingCommercialrecyclingservicesareprovidedinDowntownLakelandaspartoftheCityofLakeland’sCommercialRecyclingPilotProgram.The

program,whichbeganinJanuary2010,offerspaperproducts(officepaper,newspaper,magazines,junkmail,andotherpaperboardproducts),

glass (clear and colored), steel cans, plastic (#1 & #2) and aluminum collection at centralized locations throughout Downtown Lakeland at no cost

tocustomers.Pick-upisonceaweek.Binsarelocked,andkeysaredistributedthroughtheLakelandDowntownDevelopmentAuthority.Please

contact (863) 687-8910 for more information and assistance.

Commercial

recycling services

are provided in

Downtown

Lakeland as part

of the City

of Lakeland’s

Commercial

Recycling Pilot

Program.

21

Other Interesting TidbitsCan I have a Sidewalk Café?Yes.Sidewalkcafes,bydefinitionintheCity’sLandDevelopmentRegulations,arerestaurantsorfoodservicesestablishmentswithseatingwithin the public right-of-way. They are only allowed within the boundaries of Downtown and are permitted through the Community DevelopmentDepartmentandrenewedannually throughtheCity’sBusinessTaxOffice. Sidewalkcafesareonlypermittedadjacent toarestaurantor food serviceestablishment (nobarsor lounges)where there is sufficient sidewalkwidth toaccommodatea4’.0”minimumwalkwayclearance.Sidewalkcaféfurniturewillbesubjecttoreviewandminimumstandards.Permitsare$100annually.

Can I open a bar or lounge?Yes.Bars,loungesandotherentertainmentusesaredefinedbytheStateofFloridaAlcoholBeverageLicensetypeandareallowedsubjecttozoning.MostofthezoninginDixielandallowstheseuses“byright”orwithoutspecialapprovalbythePlanningandZoningBoard.However,it should be noted that Alcoholic Beverage Establishments are subject to minimum separation distance requirements from schools, churches, synagogues and other houses of worship. It is possible to be granted relief from the distance requirements by petitioning the Zoning Board ofAdjustmentsandAppeals.PleasecallthePlanningDivisionforassistance.

In Downtown, bars, lounges and related entertainment uses may be considered through the Conditional Use process. In evaluating a conditionaluserequest,thePlanningandZoningBoardwillconsider:proximitytoothersensitiveuses,concentrationsofestablishmentswhich could be seen as detrimental to Downtown, size or scale of the proposed establishment, experience/professionalism of the management and approval or support of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority. Minimum distance requirements from schools and houses ofworshipalsoapplyinDowntown.Moreover,conditionalusepermitsofthistypemayberevokediftheestablishmentexceedsfive(5)CodeEnforcementviolationsorfive(5)LakelandPoliceDepartmentincidentreportsinacalendaryear.PleasecallthePlanningDivisionfor assistance.

Sidewalk signs are

only allowed in

Downtown zoning

districts and are

subject to permitting

and design standards

as outlined in the

Land Development

Regulations.

22

Development Incentives or and Technical AssistanceWerecognizethatnavigatingthedevelopmentprocessisresourceintensiveandoftentimesithelpstohavesomefinancialandtechnicalassistance. In Downtown Lakeland and Dixieland, we have a number of resources to assist you in getting your business opened.

Core Improvement AreaThe Core Improvement Area allows for the exemption of all County and City impact fees, excluding water and wastewater. The “Core” includes all

designatedHistoricDistricts,theDowntownCommunityRedevelopmentArea,andsomeportionsoftheMidTownCommunityRedevelopment

Area including the Medical District. For more information and maps of these areas, check out www.lakelandcra.net

Dixieland Design Assistance Grants

Propertyownersandbusinessownersareabletoworkwithpreselectedlocalarchitectstodevelopconceptualdesignsforexteriorimprovements

to properties within the Dixieland Community Redevelopment Area.

Façade Improvement Matching Grants

Propertyownersandbusinessownersareabletoworkwithpreselectedlocalarchitectstodevelopconceptualdesignsforexteriorimprovements

to properties within the Dixieland Community Redevelopment Area.

Food-Related Services Incentive

Offers up to $15,000 in dollar-for-dollar matching funds to assist in establishing food-related businesses in eligible properties within the Dixieland

Community Redevelopment Area. Matching funds are a grant that can be used to offset the cost of eligible lease-hold improvements necessary

to establish and operate a food service or restaurant business.

DowntownTax Increment Reimbursement

Qualifiedpropertyownersortenants(withownerapproval)areeligibletoreceivetaxincrementreimbursementonaslidingscaleforamaximum

often(10)years. Therenovation/improvementmustbeat least50%ofthethencurrentassessedvalueofthepropertyandmustbringthe

property into compliance with all building codes. The applicant must apply for consideration prior to receiving a building permit for construction.

Downtown Sign Grant

TheintentofthegrantprogramistoimproveandcreateinterestingandinnovativesignageaffixedtobuildingsintheLakelandDowntown

Development Authority (LDDA) district that enhance and aesthetically improves the district.

The Core

Improvement Area

allows for the

exemption of all

County and City

impact fees,

excluding water

and wastewater.

23

Committees In this guide we have referenced a number of different groups and committees which may be involved in the review of your project. To recap,

here’s a comprehensive list and a quick description of their purview as it relates to topics mentioned in this guide :

City Commission (863-834-6005)1stand3rdMondayofeachmonth–9:00AM,CityCommissionChambers,3rdFloorFinal approval of zoning and conditional use recommendations

Development Review Team (863-834-5000)1stand3rdWednesdayofeachmonth–8:45AM,BuildingInspectionConferenceRoom,1stFloorConcept review for site plans

Dixieland Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Board (863-834-6011)3rdTuesdayofeachmonth–4:00PM,BuildingInspectionConferenceRoom,1stFloorReviewandapprovalofDesignAssistance,FaçadeImprovementandFoodServiceEstablishmentMatchingGrants

Downtown Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Board (863-834-6011)1stThursdayofeachmonth–8:00AM,CityCommissionConferenceRoom,3rdFloorReview, approval of tax increment reimbursement

Historic Preservation Design Review Committee (863-834-6011)4thThursdayofeachmonth–7:30AM,BuildingInspectionConferenceRoom,1stFloorCertificatesofReview/AppropriatenessforexteriorimprovementsinHistoricDistricts

Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (863-687-8910)3rdThursdayofeachmonth–8:00AM,CityCommissionConferenceRoom,3rdFloorCertificatesofReview/AppropriatenessforexteriorimprovementsinC6district,signgrants

Planning and Zoning Board (863-834-6011)3rdTuesdayofeachmonth–8:30AM,CityCommissionChambers,3rdFloorZoning and conditional use recommendations

ZoningBoardofAdjustmentsandAppeals(863-834-6011)1stTuesdayofeachmonth–9:00AM,CityCommissionChambers,3rdFloorVariances(setbacks,distancerequirementsforAlcoholicBeverageEstablishments)

Don’t forget that all

of this information is

available on the City

of Lakeland’s website:

www.lakelandgov.net

References

City of Lakeland228 South Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801(863)834-6000www.lakelandgov.net City of Lakeland Building Inspection (863) 834-6012 buildinginspection@lakelandgov.net

CityofLakelandBusinessTaxOffice(863) 834-6025

CityofLakelandParkingDivision(863) 834-6303

CityofLakelandPlanningDivision(863) 834-6011

City of Lakeland Solid Waste Division (863) 834-8279

CityofLakelandPropertyInformation/Addressing(863) 834-8279

City of Lakeland Water Utilities EngineeringNewDevelopmentGroup863-834-8316WaterUtilitiesNewDev@LakelandGov.net

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation1940NorthMonroeStreet,Tallahassee,FL32399(850) 487-1395www.myfloridalicense.com

Florida Department of State Division of Corporations, Division of Corporations, Corporate FilingsP.O.Box6327,Tallahassee,FL32314corphelp@dos.state.fl.us www.sunbiz.org

Internal Revenue Servicewww.irs.gov

Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency228 South Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801(863) 834-6011lcra@lakelandgov.net www.lakelandcra.net

Lakeland Downtown Development Authority228 South Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801(863) 687-8910www.ldda.org

Lakeland Electric(863) 834-9535www.lakelandelectric.com

Polk County Tax Collector (Business Tax), Lakeland Customer Service Center930EastParkerStreet,Suite261,Lakeland,FL33801(863) 534-4700www.polktaxes.com

Polk County Health Department, Administrative Services1290GolfviewAvenue,Bartow,FL33830(863) 519-7900www.mypolkchd.org

Small Business Development Council (SBDC) at the Central Florida Development Council (CFDC)330 W. Church Street, Bartow, FL 33830(863) 534-5915www.polksbdc.org

The Small Business Development Center at the Central Florida Development Council is a team of certified professionals who are dedicated to providing management advice to potential and existing business owners in Polk County. With this assistance, clients can become more successful and, in turn, contribute to the economic growth and stability of Polk County. Areas of business assistance include business research assistance, marketing and advertising, loan assistance, business plans, government contracting, disaster planning, finance and accounting, and more.

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