The Planning Division focuses on community development; regulating and enforcing the vast number of codes, laws, acts, regulations and ordinances related to development and construction within the City of Winter Haven; and maintains high standards throughout and after the development process.
Additionally, the following entities are managed by the Planning Division:
- Planning Commission
- Development Review Committee (DRC)
- Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
- CDBG/SHIP
- Development Special Magistrate
- Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC)
Zoning & Future Land Use Maps
Planning Documents
Planning Meetings & Deadlines Schedules
Note: The April Planning Commission, April Development Special Magistrate, and May Planning Commission meetings are postponed to a date uncertain.
Development Special Magistrate Agenda & Action Taken
Typically, the agenda is posted one week prior to the Development Special Magistrate meeting date. The action taken is posted on the day of a Development Special Magistrate meeting. Below are the most recent Development Special Magistrate agendas and actions. For past agenda and actions, contact the Planning Division to request a copy.
Site Plans and Plats
All applications and plans should be submitted to Sean Byers.
Planning Fee Schedule
Planning Applications
- Application for a Planned Unit Development
- Application for a Sidewalk Cafe
- Application for a Variance
- Application for a Zoning Change
- Application for Appeal of Special Use Approval Decision
- Application for Communication Tower Special Use Approval
- Application for Development Review Committee
- Application for Mobile Food Vending
- Application for Site Plan Approval
- Application for Special Approval
- Application for Subdivision Plat
- Application for Vacating Streets Alleys and Public Ways and Redirecting Traffic
- Application to Amend a Planned Unit Development
- Application to Amend Future Land Use Map
- Application to Vacate a Plat
- Application to Petition/Consent for Annexation
- Application for Vacating Public Easements
City of Winter Haven’s Unified Land Development Code
The City’s Unified Land Development Code (ULDC), which includes the zoning and the land development regulations for properties located within Winter Haven can be accessed in Winter Haven’s Code of Ordinances. The ULDC is located in Chapter 21. If you have any questions or have trouble accessing the Code provisions, please contact staff and we can assist you.
CDBG and SHIP Programs
The Planning Division manages the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and State Housing Initiative (SHIP) programs. These are federally- and State-funded programs serving very low-, low- and moderate-income families through affordable housing improvements, public services, and community development projects.
CDBG Program
The CDBG program was established in 1974 through the Housing and Community Development Act. It is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program adheres to national objectives of targeting low and moderate income persons, preventing or eliminating slum or blight and addressing other urgent community development needs. The City’s CDBG funding is used for infrastructure projects, public services, and other improvements in the City.
SHIP Program
The SHIP program is intended to increase housing opportunities for very low-, low- and moderate-income households. Activities include the following:
- Owner Occupied Rehabilitation
- Purchase Assistance with or without Rehabilitation*
- Emergency Repair
- Disaster Mitigation
- New Construction
*Current Strategy
CDBG & SHIP References
Planning References
County
State
- Department of Transportation
- Florida Chapter of American Planning Association
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection
- Florida Department of State
- Florida Division of Historical Resources
- Florida League of Cities
- Florida Legislature
- Florida Planning and Zoning Association
- Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
- Southwest Florida Water Management District
- State of Florida
- University of Florida: Bureau of Economic & Business Research (BEBR)
National
- American Planning Association (APA)
- Geographical Information Systems
- International City/County Management Association
- National Arbor Day Foundation
- National Trust for Historic Preservation
- Planners Web (Planning Commissioners Journal)
- United States Census Bureau
Regional
Staff
Eric Labbe, AICP | Economic Opportunity and Community Investment Director | elabbe@mywinterhaven.com |
Sean Byers, AICP | Planning Manager | sbyers@mywinterhaven.com |
Heather Reuter | Planner II | hreuter@mywinterhaven.com |
Kim Tangree | Planning Assistant | ktangree@mywinterhaven.com |