by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
At its October 6, 2026, meeting, the City Council voted unanimously to advance legislation to second reading and public hearing to add a new section to Sanibel’s Code of Ordinances, making miniature golf courses a conditional use. That hearing will take place at Council’s November 3, 2026, meeting, at 9:05 a.m. The City has declared miniature golf courses to be an amenity, not an attraction.
A “conditional use” is defined as a use permitted in a particular zoning district only upon a showing that such use in a specified location will comply with the conditions and standards for the location or operation of such use, as contained in the zoning ordinance, and only upon the issuance of an authorization therefor by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission would permit Miniature Golf Courses only in the General Commercial District.
“This is a big step, and there’s a lot of concern about potential growth,” said Council member Holly Smith. “I have concerns that this has not been properly vetted.”
The proposed ordinance does the following:
• Adds a definition of “miniature golf.”
• Creates “miniature golf” as a conditional use in the General Commercial District.
• Creates a location standard (not closer than 3.5 miles between courses).
• Regulates vegetation buffers, lighting, noise, and signage, per code.
• Requires an environmental assessment report as part of a request to reduce setbacks to existing open bodies of water and creates a different setback standard to open bodies of water for course elements of 10 feet (rather than 20 feet) and allows the Planning Commission to approve less than 10 feet without requiring a variance.
• Does not require setbacks to “human-made” bodies of water, subject to criteria.
• Prohibits “themed” elements.
• Establishes criteria to analyze traffic generation and parking demand.
• Requires compliance with the required conditions of the General Commercial District (see below).
• Creates a new standard for the calculation of commercial floor area specific to the miniature golf course.
As of September 28, 2026, we have received 13 emails opposing the miniature golf concept and 8 emails in support.
“I ask that you vote NO on recommending adding miniature golf to the Sanibel plan and no to sending it to be voted on by our city council. Adding a mini-golf to our island would degrade the upscale, native, natural, quiet environment that we enjoy. If people want to play mini-golf, they can go to Ft. Myers Beach, where the atmosphere is well suited for such an establishment.”
“If reporting by Gulfshore Business is at all accurate, the Planning Commission is starting us down a very slippery and steep slope. Do we really need touristy kitsch on Sanibel? Does the Sanibel Plan mean anything anymore? We are supposed to be about limited development, nature, and a different lifestyle than off the island. Why do we need to keep changing the rules like South Seas and Lee County?”
“I am in favor of the mini-golf proposal for the former Island Cow property. Good, wholesome family fun is needed, and it either adds to eating out or replaces it. The light pollution issues can be addressed by adhering to the hours of operation. As this was already a commercial property with cars in and out all day, I don’t see why this could not be a popular attraction on the island.”
“Thank you for being open-minded with the very tasteful mini golf Island Cow owners are proposing. So many families on this island would love something like this to do without leaving the island. [The designers] have done a beautiful job designing the mini golf course while still keeping it pleasing to our sanctuary island. I hope this gets passed not only for everyone living here but visitors as well.”
Required Conditions of the General Commercial District
• Maximum floor area ratio – 10 percent
• Height – 45 feet (no more than two stories of commercial)
• Front yard setback – 20 feet
• Side and rear yard setbacks – 15 feet
• Coverage – 45 percent of the lot area
• Developed area/vegetation removal – 50 percent of the gross area
• Environmental performance standards – Per the applicable ecological zone
• Landscaping – Vegetation buffers required – 20 feet adjacent to street, 15 feet side and rear
I am not in favor of adding a mini-golf course.
Will bumping cars be next, etc, etc?
Let’s keep our Island as natural and uncomplicated with things we don’t need which will only commercialize our precious Island!
i’m so tired of the crying and complaining I and whining, and the dumb negative comments between the miniature golf Publix. I think these things would add value to a real estate value to the island. They’re willing to put their hands in their pocket and after Ian, you need some deep pockets need to loosen up your regulatory and allow these people to do what they need to do to run a business and if you disagree, what you need to do is you need to put your hands in your pocket and you open up a business and you take the risk and more important what’s going on with Dairy Queen where we just stopped and what’s going on with the gas station, they said it’s supposed to be kangaroo gas station nothing you guys have a lot of talk. Nothing’s done these people alone and let them keep on moving forward to one of business. Thank you.
A mini golf course at the island cow location would be a welcome addition to a holiday vacation for any family and to full time residents. How can anyone be opposed to having a little harmless fun?
I am writing against this miniature golf proposal. The beauty of Sanibel are the beaches, Ding Darling Sanctuary, the bike paths, CROW, The National Shell Museum, and its simplistic beauty. This is what drew us to Sanibel!! I was thrilled to move here!! No stoplights, streetlights and no commercial kitschy attractions! Why are y’all wanting to yuck up all its glorified beauty? If people aren’t happy with this sweet island as it is, there are plenty of places you can move to with a carnival of activities! I was proud to show my friends and family the serenity of life here and they too fell in love with Sanibel. Too bad people can’t be satisfied just looking around at the vegetation and wildlife. I pray Sanibel stays genuine to its core. This will open our community to God knows what next, should it pass. Don’t cater to the generation of needing “more”.
there they ago again messing with the sanibel plan. a plan which has kept sanibel thr pristine piece of paradise it is. it seems they know more porter goss and the residents. enough leave the plan alone and let sanibel be sanibel.
jim weyant
As with every development plan, it should be evaluated against its alternatives. An existing parking lot restaurant or storefront left to decay after a storm, versus a recreational area that can also provide and increase the natural area footprint of a previously developed site, seems like a no brainer. The NIMBY attitude needs to remain in the past. This is Sanibel, not Orlando, and native vegetation would be required as part of the Sanibel LDC. If it is planned well and managed well, it could become an benefit for the nature and wildlife on the island, and the economy on the island. No plan is perfect, but this isn’t a bad alternative. I would support it, if it is planned and managed well, and stays true to the environment on Sanibel.
I don’t see anyone complaining about the full-size golf courses on the island. Perhaps a little perspective is needed.