Polk County adopts Greenleaf land‑use changes, creates CDD and signs interlocal agreement

Polk County commissioners on Jan. 7, 2025 approved a package of land‑use and implementation measures to redevelop the former Greenleaf resort into a largely residential community, adopting comprehensive plan and land development code amendments, establishing a community development district (CDD) and approving an interlocal/enhancement agreement that lays out buffer, amenity and infrastructure commitments.

County planners and the developer said the plan reduces the previously approved development intensity, adds new open‑space and amenity requirements, and ties construction and traffic‑study standards to a village map and limiting table placed in the land development code. "We do have capacity to serve both the what's being proposed today, also including the existing residents and Smoky Groves," said Bart Allen, land‑use attorney for the applicant, citing upgrades and permit changes to water and wastewater systems.

Staff told commissioners the package replaces an older PD (planned development) entitlement with a set of fixed village densities and design…