by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
Planning Commission at its May 26, 2026, meeting discussed the possible addition of “miniature golf” as an allowable conditional use in the General Commercial District within the Land Development Code. This request was made on behalf of the owners of the Island Cow, who are interested in developing a miniature golf course to serve both Sanibel residents and visitors.
Sanibel citizens writing to the City about this were eight in favor of the change that would allow the mini golf course, and seven against. See a sample of these messages in the separate article.
Raychel Thomas of the Pavese Law Firm, representing the Island Cow as applicant, said, “We will want to add something else if this is approved and will come before the Planning Commission again.”
There are 69 properties in the General Commercial District – 67 would qualify for this conditional use based on the maximum parcel size (five acres) included in the draft amendment language.
The restaurant owner is proposing to add “miniature golf” as a conditional use in the General Commercial District to ultimately facilitate a “unique and family-friendly amenity” for Sanibel’s residents and vacationers, saying the proposed use provides an alternative golfing experience limited to putting that accommodates the broad range of ages and experience levels across the island community.
The proposal to permit “miniature golf” through the conditional use approval process ensures a thorough review, with conditions requiring the project to serve the purpose of the commercial district, conform to the Land Development Code, and be consistent with the Sanibel Plan.
Conditions include that it be limited to commercial zoning for compatibility with designated locations. It must:
• Use substantial native vegetation in the buffering and thoughtful landscaping of the development to reflect Sanibel’s nature and character as a sanctuary and barrier island.
• Provide sufficient buffering from the street and neighboring residential areas.
• Promote alternative forms of travel and accessibility, including pedestrian and bicycle access.
• Use permeable and ecologically friendly materials for the custom course.
There can also be no “themed” components, such as windmills, statues, or blinking lights. Applicants must provide a traffic study demonstrating that traffic flow will not be adversely affected, and must also provide sufficient off-street parking for vehicles and bicycles.
Benjamin Hofland of Haley Ward, an engineering and environmental consulting firm working for the Island Cow, said it will be more like a traditional golf course “shrunken down” than the mini golf courses people usually think of. “It will be uniquely mini golf,” he added, “and will harmonize with the natural character of Sanibel.”
The course is planned to be five acres or less and could be much smaller, Hofland said. It is designed to maintain the sanctuary nature of the island and be a recreational facility in the heart of the island, family friendly, meandering through vegetation,” he concluded.
Planning Commissioner Paul Nichols said, “If done the right way, it could be a great attraction for Sanibel.”
Commissioner Lyman Welch added, “I say that it would be nice to have an amenity on the island for people on the island. I think it fits with the Sanibel Plan.”
“I believe this is an attraction, but this one seems to me to fit in with Sanibel,” said Commissioner Larry Schopp. “If this catches on, we could wind up with multiple mini golf courses. The purpose of the commercial district is to have restaurants and retail. I think it would not be unreasonable to impose a limit on the number of mini golf courses.”
Hofland said the course “lends itself to residents and people staying on the island. Others would go to courses off the island.”
The Planning Commission will send it back to City staff for further discussion.