by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
At its February 24, 2026, meeting, the Sanibel Planning Commission considered an application for a variance to install a boat lift at 661 Anchor Drive that would extend into a man-made canal by more than 33 percent of the canal’s width (the request is for 36 percent). This would result in a navigable channel that is less than the required 20 feet wide.
City staff determined there were no potential impacts to mangroves and that the proposed variance meets the recommended conditions. They therefore recommended approval of the application with several conditions, including that the lift not occupy more than 36 percent of the canal’s width and that reflectors be installed on the outer pilings.
The code specifies that the width of the navigable channel be measured based on the property on the opposite side of the canal that is installing a dock and boat lift at the same waterward extension as the proposed project. The actual navigable channel would be 19-feet-10-inches (less than the required 20 inches) if the same boat lift were added to the existing dock on the opposite side of the canal.
Kim Ruiz, Principal Planner, said it’s a very narrow canal with other existing docks. There have been multiple variances on docks and boat lifts, she said. “There was a time the city was allowing boat lifts right up against the mangroves. We have since learned better.”
Commissioner Kate Sergeant commented that there was a boat lift when the owners bought the house in 2022. It was destroyed by Hurricane Ian.
One public commenter said this variance could lead to a problem at low tide.
“This is the third time this [issue] has come before us,” said Commissioner Ken Colton. “It would be a good time to stand down and determine what the long-term effect would be on mangroves. Is that not something we should look at?”
This is a public canal that may never have been dredged. It’s possible that granting this variance could impair navigability at low tide.
Planning Director Paula McMichael said, “We do recommend that this meets the requirements.”
Ruiz said, “If we approve this, where does it stop? There’s got to be a place where it stops, and I think that was what we did – we said 20 feet, now 18 feet, why not 16 feet? They are applying for 18 feet.”
City Attorney John Agnew said granting this variance does not vest rights in another applicant. There are no vesting rights on the opposite side.
“We believe the proposal will not negatively affect navigation in the canal,” McMichael concluded.
The variance was unanimously approved.