by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
On July 8, 2025, the Planning Commission passed a resolution recommending that City Council adopt an ordinance to create an administrative waiver process that would provide an exemption to developed area limitations and impermeable coverage limitations for solar equipment installations.
The recommended ordinance would also rename “Electric Power Generators and HVAC” to “Electrical and Mechanical Equipment” for the purpose of updating Land Development Code regulations to support consistency.
Planning Commission finds the proposed amendment to be consistent with the Sanibel Plan, specifically the section called Other Human Support Systems, by encouraging the efficient use of electrical energy and supporting the adoption of new technologies for energy generation and conservation, thereby furthering the objectives of the Plan.
The key changes include:
• Expanding the scope to include “mechanical equipment” (not just generators), including associated platforms and stairs.
• Clarifying that the short-form application applies to any generator that meets code standards.
• Renaming and broadening rules to apply to all electrical and mechanical equipment, not just emergency generators.
• Providing provisions for general sound compliance.
• Replacing administrative waiver by a more structured “administrative deviation” process, now including solar energy systems and elevated platforms and stairs (this deviation does not require a separate permit application and is not subject to a fee).
The Commission retained the current implementation date of June 7, 2022.
The resolution, which passed 5-0 with commissioners Lyman Welch and Kate Sargeant excused, stated that the Sanibel Plan identifies the reduction of risk to human life and damage to public and private property from natural disasters as a key objective, and also emphasizes the importance of supporting post-hurricane recovery efforts. In addition, it said the City acknowledges that generators and solar energy systems enhance community resilience by enabling residents to remain in their homes during power outages.