LAKELAND, Fla. -- Lakeland may see more tall buildings in its future after commissioners voted to change city rules to allow taller buildings in what it calls "urban corridors."

  • Lakeland raises height limit for buildings in some downtown areas
  • Mayor, commissioners want to attract more people downtown
  • In 2 weeks, they'll take up raising limit even more in some locations

The current limit of 35 feet in those areas will be increased to 55 feet.

"We want to go taller so we can bring more density downtown," Mayor Bill Mutz said. "We need more people in the downtown district. It's the desire of millennials and many others."

City commissioners said they will also decide in two weeks whether to allow 70-foot-tall buildings in more specific locations.

They'll also take up whether to allow 55-foot buildings in more traditional residential neighborhoods.

Lake Morton historic district resident Michael Maguire spoke out against that idea.

"I don't want a 55-foot building next to my own two-story bungalow, let alone 70," he said.

"We want to go taller so we can bring more density downtown," Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz said.
"We want to go taller so we can bring more density downtown," Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz said.