Want to build on Sanibel? This is only a broad overview – Always check with the City of Sanibel first Restrictions on Building – Set Backs and Height If you are going to buy property near the Gulf of Mexico, among other things, you must first understand the Coastal Construction Control Line. The first line was set by Floridian 1974 to enhance beach conservation efforts; construction between the line and the beach had to be permitted by the state to ensure environmental protection. Sanibel took its effort to retain the island's beauty a step further and banned all construction between the 1974 line and the beach. That action made our island different from the crowded, built up areas visitors see throughout the state.  In 1991, Floridar addressed the issue, moving the CCC line further inland. Sanibel's City Council decided not to extend its construction ban to include property within the new area because so many resorts and homes were already in place. City officials decided to keep the ban on building within the 1974 line and let the state regulate construction for the new line.  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. Sanibel’s nine Eco-Zones were defined to protect habitat for wildlife and to retain Sanibel’s natural beauty to be enjoyed by all. How much can be built depends in part by 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 area to 30 percent. Altered Land - Minimum lot size is 10,000 square feet. Permitted coverage is 35 percent (30 percent for anything more than 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 waterfront. Height Restrictions - 35 feet above pre-development grade or the crown of the road, whichever is higher. Condominiums - 45 feet above pre-development grade Setbacks From a side lot line - 10 feet for all structures, including overhangs. From Water - 20 feet from the average high water line. From the Bay - 50 feet from the average high water line. From the Gulf - all construction must be behind the 1974 Coastal Construction Control Line per Florida regulations if you want to avoid state permitting requirements. From the Street - construction must be: 50 feet from the center line of all non-thoroughfare or feeder roads. 75 feet from the center line of main roads or arterials. 100 feet from Periwinkle Way and the Causeway Road Dockage - As much as 320 square feet of dockage can be built on man-made canals with a minimum of documentation. New dockage is prohibited on Sanibel’s East End canals. On natural waterways 160 square feet of dock space can be built, but requires extensive permitting and survey work. New dockage is prohibited east of Woodring. Redevelopment of non-conforming structures (such as ground level homes) is permitted, with the following guidelines. Improvement may not cost more than 50 percent of the appraised value of the structure. Improvements may not add more than 50 percent of the square footage of the house (excluding garage). Further improvement can be made after five years. Always check with the City of Sanibel before making any improvements or planning to build new. City  Forms