by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
By unanimous vote, with Chair Nichols excused, the Sanibel Planning Commission at its August 26, 2025, meeting approved the architectural design and site plan for a residence at 6408 Pine Avenue in the Del Saga established neighborhood on the west end of the island.
The Commission imposed three conditions, however.
First, the approval is for the architectural design and site plan only. A Building Permit application must be submitted that addresses all other code requirements, including vegetation and wildlife standards, stormwater management standards, flood zone requirements, and the Florida Building Code. Revisions to the architectural design may only be done if required to meet flood zone requirements and/or the Florida Building Code.
Second, site work and construction may not commence until a Building Permit is issued. Third, separate permits are required to construct the pool and dock depicted on the site plan.
The owner sought the Planning Commission’s review of the proposed design at this time to ensure compliance with the Sanibel Code requirements regarding appearance of structures; and size and mass of structures. The residence will be 4,159 square feet on a 20,402-square-foot lot.
The purpose of the Sanibel Code in this regard is to maintain the character of Sanibel through ensuring the appearance and mass of new houses are compatible with the neighborhood and community and do not interrupt the rhythm, harmony, and character of an established neighborhood – that is, ensure a new house will not interrupt the rhythm of existing structures in the established neighborhood, and that the size, bulk, mass, height, or location or orientation on the lot of a new house will not unreasonably infringe upon the adjoining property owner’s enjoyment of his/her property in terms of air circulation and access to natural light.
City Planning Staff found the proposed single-family residence at 6408 Pine Avenue meets the objectives of the Sanibel Plan and recommended approval of the application. The property owner agreed to the three conditions that were established.