by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
The Sanibel Planning Commission recommended that the City Council extend the remaining time left for conditional uses to be approved administratively, rather than going through the Planning Commission.
The new deadline is December 31, 2027, while the state of local emergency remains in effect, and up to 30 days thereafter. The City remains under a state of local emergency for Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The vote was 6-0, with Chair Paul Nichols excused.
Planning Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution recommending that City Council adopt an ordinance extending the deadline to reestablish a nonconforming use or nonconforming structure destroyed by Hurricane Ian to December 31, 2027. Nonconforming uses are those that were lawful when established but are no longer permitted within the zone in which they are located (example: a commercial use not located within a commercial district).
The Planning Commission also approved a resolution recommending that the City Council extend the deadline to December 31, 2027, to temporarily allow staff review rather than requiring Planning Commission approval for waivers to Lawfully Existing Nonconforming Structures and Properties Located in the General, Town Center General, and Town Center Limited Commercial Districts. The waiver process was established in 2015 to encourage reinvestment in nonconforming commercial properties and reinvigorate the commercial districts.
Planning Commission recommended that City Council extend the deadline for reestablishing a nonconforming use or nonconforming structure destroyed by Hurricane Ian to December 31, 2027.
The Planning Commissioners discussed making these changes permanent rather than just extending the deadlines, but they had to follow City Council’s instructions.
Commissioner Larry Schopp expressed concern that the Planning Commission is giving up oversight.
These matters will be referred to the Land Development Code Subcommittee for discussion.
Comment here