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Neighbors urge denial of after-the-fact Linedale pole‑barn variance as staff recommends approval
Summary
Neighbors told the Polk County land use hearing officer that a 2,400-sq-ft pole barn on Linedale Road was built without permits and is being used in ways that harm drainage and neighborhood character; staff recommended approval with conditions limiting the structure to residential storage. The hearing officer will issue a written order within 14 calendar days.
Seth Claytor, Polk County land use hearing officer, heard testimony July 14 on a variance request to allow a 2,400-square-foot accessory structure at 2111 Limedale (Linedale) Road, about 208% larger than the primary residence.
Kyle Rogos of Land Development presented the application and told the hearing officer that staff recommends approval, noting the site is screened, setbacks meet code, and comparable large accessory structures exist nearby. "Staff recommends approval," Rogos said.
Multiple neighbors urged denial. Janice Hicks said approving the structure after construction would “undermine the integrity of the permitting process” and risk creating a precedent for post‑construction forgiveness rather than prior review. "Approving an already built structure of this magnitude after the fact undermines the integrity of the permitting process," Hicks said.
Travis Hicks and Sabrina Cruz told the hearing officer that the structure was constructed without permits, that piled wood on the property has altered water flow into the Green Swamp Preserve, and that activities there have increased traffic and parties. Travis Hicks said the building “has been built” and described increased traffic and parties at the site. The hearing officer noted those concerns could be referred to code enforcement but emphasized that today's matter is limited to the variance request.
Applicant Andrew Pring disputed commercial use allegations and said the structure protects his personal motorhome and boat. "The building was built. The persons that were talking about the parties out there, it was my children's wedding and a Christmas party," Pring said. He also stated he owns multiple adjacent parcels and said, if conjoined, the combined acreage would meet size thresholds that would allow the structure administratively.
Staff acknowledged an existing code-enforcement reference (CMA 2026-326) and an active building permit (BR20262604). Because the property lies within the Green Swamp Area of Critical State Concern, Rogos said the building permit will be sent to the Florida Department of Commerce for state review. Claytor emphasized his final order will be based only on testimony and evidence presented today; he will issue a written final order within 14 calendar days.
The hearing was closed on the variance; there was no vote at the hearing and no immediate ruling.
