Polk County's Land Development Code requires new non-residential and multifamily development to use water-efficient, Florida-friendly landscaping, with native trees making up at least 60% of required trees. Invasive Category 1 and 2 species are banned from required plantings.
Section 720.E of the Polk County LDC adopts Florida-friendly landscape and irrigation principles right plant, right place to reduce irrigation, fertilizer and maintenance. Required plants must be adapted to on-site soil and light conditions, grouped by water-use zone, and at least Florida Grade No. 1. Native trees must comprise at least 60% of all required trees in a site's landscape areas. Class 1 and Class 2 invasive species (per the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council) may not be used to meet requirements. These rules apply to new development, not to existing single-family homes, though Florida-friendly landscaping is encouraged everywhere.
Landscape plans that fail these standards will not pass Level 2 site-plan review; non-compliant installed landscaping must be corrected to approved plans.
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Polk County, FL
Polk County addresses hoarding through its nuisance-numbers and animal-care provisions plus Florida's cruelty law. Keeping animals in numbers or conditions t...
Polk County, FL
Polk County follows state law: intentionally feeding bears, alligators, and certain other wildlife is prohibited by Florida's FWC. Penalties under FS 379.412...
Polk County, FL
Polk County Code Section 10.6-16(12) sets park hours: parks are open 365 days a year during designated hours posted at each park entrance, and no one may rem...
Polk County, FL
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Polk County, FL
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Polk County, FL
Garage-sale and yard-sale signs in unincorporated Polk County are temporary signs under LDC Section 760.F. On-premises signs need no permit but must keep a 5...
See how Polk County's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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