LDLVAR-2026-39 — Lake Buffum Road Variance
Description
Garcia needs setbacks cut from 35 to 12 feet and 15 to 6 feet to rebuild patio covers on a tiny, awkward corner lot — a redo of a 2023 approval that expired before she pulled permits.
Impact summary
The lot is far too small and oddly shaped for normal rural setbacks, so the variance essentially lets a legal nonconforming home function normally; staff proposed a five-year permit window.
Applicant
- Name
- Melissa Garcia
- Address
- 3825 Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Road, Lake Wales, FLSee this on the map
At a glance
- Hearings
- 1
- Public comments
- 1
- Total mentions
- 1
Recorded in the meeting · Polk County Land Use Hearing Officer
Last discussed Jun 25, 2026.
Meeting timeline (1)
Related issues (3)
Residential setback and height variances
A builder wants to exceed the county's 1,000-square-foot cap on accessory buildings at a home near Indian Creek Park Drive in Lakeland. Neighbors generally only care if the bigger structure affects them — nobody spoke for or against.
After-the-fact construction and permitting integrity
A Mulberry-area family seeks after-the-fact approval to use a 1,200-square-foot garage as a dwelling. A neighbor testified the structure was built without permits as a house from the start, with most of the backyard paved. Staff says full impact fees would apply if approved.
HOA covenants vs. county land-use authority
A neighbor objected to a shed variance on the grounds that it violated homeowners association rules, but the hearing officer made clear that private deed restrictions can't override county ordinances. It's a useful reminder that HOA rules and county permits are separate systems.
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