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Keeping
our islands free from urban problems which plague some cities takes
planning and an understanding of what makes our area different from
others in Florida. Sanibel Island is divided into nine development
Eco-Zones ranging from those that can never be built on, to those
allowing a maximum of 35 percent coverage.
How
much can be built depends in part on the eco-zone in which the
property is located.
GULF
BEACH: limited to passive recreation and conservation - NO
BUILDING.
BAY
BEACH: limited to passive recreation and conservation - NO
BUILDING.
MANGROVE:
a minimum lot size for construction is 20 acres. Coverage is
limited to 1 percent; developed area to 2 percent.
LOWLAND/WETLANDS:
minimum lot size is 20,000 square feet. Permitted coverage is 15
percent; developed area is 20 percent.
UPLAND/WETLANDS:
minimum lot size is 15,000 square feet. Coverage is limited to 25
percent and developed area to 30 percent.
BLIND
PASS: minimum lot size is 20,000 square feet. Coverage is
permitted to 25 percent and developed are to 30 percent.
ALTERED
LAND: minimum lot size is 10,000 square feet. Permitted
coverage is 35 percent (30 percent for anything more that 10,000
square feet) plus 5 percent for additional developed area.
GULF
BEACH RIDGE: Minimum lot size is 20,000 square feet, coverage is
limited to 25 percent and developed area to 30 percent.
When
clearing a lot for construction, certain species of plants must be
removed including Brazilian Pepper, Maleluca and sometimes,
Australian pines. Other plants must be moved or retained including
all native species 3 feet or taller and cabbage palms.
Buildings
above a certain height must angle in from all edges of the property,
including street and water-front.
Setbacks
from the side lot line 10 feet for all structures, including
overhangs.
From
water, setbacks are 20 feet from the average high water line.
From
the bay, setbacks are 50 feet from the average high water line.
From
the Gulf, all construction must be behind the 1974 Coastal
Construction Setback line per City of Sanibel regulations and behind
the 1991 Coastal Construction Control Line per Florida regulations if
you want to avoid state permitting requirements.
From
the street, construction must be:
50
feet from center line of non-thoroughfare/feeder roads;
75
feet from center line of main roads or arterials;
100
feet from Periwinkle Way and Causeway Road
As
much as 320 square feet of dockage can be built on man-made canals
with a minimum of documentation.
On
natural waterways, 160 square feet of dock space can be built, but
requires extensive permit and survey work.
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