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