by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
Of the 44 distressed Sanibel properties currently under Code Enforcement action:
– 29 have Abatement Plans that have been approved by the City of Sanibel or are in the process of developing an Abatement Plan.
– 15 Distressed Properties will have to apply for an Abatement Plan within 10 days of receiving the Notice of Violation (NOV), or complete repairs within 15 days of receiving the Notice of Violation (NOV). Of the 15 Distressed Properties that do not have approved Abatement Plans, 11 will likely be heard at the March 31, 2025, Code Enforcement Hearing with the goal of gaining compliance at these properties. Dangerous Buildings
– The 13 Dangerous Buildings have been issued a NOV and have been posted as Dangerous Buildings. Property owners will have 60 days to repair or demolish the structure after receiving the NOV, and/or after the City has posted the NOV on the property. Of the 13 building, 11 property owners have received or accepted the NOV, and/or the NOV has been posted on the property. Two properties have not yet been formally notified because one is under new ownership (previously noticed), and one has been added to the list of Dangerous Buildings. If the property owner fails to repair or demolish the Dangerous Building as provided for in Section 14-269, the City may repair or demolish the structure(s) and assess lien to recover all City expenses related to the enforcement, repair, or demolition of a subject property.
There are several highly visible properties that have been issued NOV as a Distressed Property or as a Dangerous Building. The following provides information on the status of these properties.
1067 Bailey Rd. – (Gas station) Distressed Property. This property has changed ownership. The City has formally notified the new property owner of its distressed state.
1048 Periwinkle Way – (Dairy Queen) This property has not been declared a Distressed Property or a Dangerous Building as a Building Permit has been submitted and discussions with the property owner have been ongoing. The property owner has contracted to have another appraisal completed on the building and may pursue dry floodproofing or designation as an historic building (related to FEMA 50% Rule). Should delays continue, the City will issue a NOV for this property.
1223 Periwinkle Way – Dangerous Building. This property has changed ownership. City staff has informally notified the owner of the Dangerous Building status and the owner is actively working on their demolition/repair plan. We anticipate compliance with this property.
1446 Periwinkle Way – (Antique store) Distressed Property. This property is for sale. The property owner has contacted the City concerning the NOV and is planning to replace the boarded up windows with new glass panes.
4819 and 4788 Tradewinds Dr. – Dangerous Buildings. These properties are owned by the same property owner. NOVs have been received, and the property owner is seeking bids to demolish the buildings.
1447 Tahiti Dr. – Dangerous Building. This property is for sale. The NOV (certified letter) remains unclaimed.
1234 Par View Dr. – Distressed Property. This property has an approved Abatement Plan.
The Sanibel Service Station should be considered an historic site, as it was built in 1954 (grand opening January 1955) by Francis and Sam Bailey when they moved and expanded their gas and vehicle service facilities to the “main” road on the corner of Periwinkle and Beach Roads.
What is the status Castaway Cottages check-in building at Blind Pass? It remains in ruins essentially the same as the day after Ian.