by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
Sanibel Planning Commissioners discuss flood protection measures at the May 27 meeting. SC photo by Emilie Alfino
City staff on May 27, 2025, advised the Planning Commission that there is no need to amend the Sanibel Code on flood protection measures.
The city took into consideration the unintended consequences of flood protection measures, including:
• Distracting homeowners from implementing safe evacuation plans
• Possible visual blight (sandbags that become loose and wind-blown), life safety concerns (flood barriers that prohibit emergency response), or unintended damage to a structure
• Disruption to wildlife returning to nests, burrows, and habitats
• Disruption to functionality of stormwater drainage infrastructure
“The intent is to provide clear guidance on temporary flood protection measures, as well as realistic measures to promote proper use, duration, and location regulations that align with the Sanibel Plan and the community’s shared interest in resiliency,” according to an agenda memorandum from Jessica McNulty, Floodplain Manager; and Craig Chandler, Deputy Planning Director.
City staff concluded that the use of temporary flood barriers, including sand bags, will not be subject to a temporary use permit. A building permit will be required for any barriers proposed to be installed on, or attached to, any nonresidential structure. If the installation of a barrier results in the installation of a permanent, rather than temporary, structure, a development permit would be required.
If proper approvals are not obtained, the Sanibel Code specified enforcement parameters for work without permit, environmental disturbance, lack of property maintenance, or life safety concerns.
Planning Commissioner Kate Sargent asked if the city will be relying on neighbors to report problems. The city will, in fact, be monitoring. Sargent also wanted to know what happens if, for example, a neighbor uses trash bags for sand bags and it is unsightly. What can be done? McNulty said it is acceptable to use trash bags, but if a neighbor has a problem, they should refer it to Code Enforcement.
Educational documents will be prepared by the city and will include research into various products. These educational documents will not be ready for the Hurricane Seminar but should be out within a couple of weeks.
There are a spectrum of products available to property owners, including AquaFence, FLEX Seal, “Garrison” panels, and interior floor protection product “Floodgate” Quick Dam.
In conclusion, the conditions under which staff concluded that a building or development permit would be required are already covered by existing ordinances, McNulty said. Since there was agreement that a temporary use permit should not be required to allow a homeowner to use temporary flood protection measures, the Planning Department staff recommended no amendment to the Sanibel Code.
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