by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
The ordinance granting a limited exception for height and elevating existing structures was on the agenda for discussion and first reading at the Sanibel City Council’s May 5, 2026, meeting.
The purpose of this ordinance is to allow ground-level homes to elevate up to 10 feet above grade without regard to height limitations, for purposes of resiliency in the event of floods, as recommended by the Planning Commission.
The Land Development Code regulates height in residential districts in two ways: (1) overall height and (2) angle of light. Following Hurricane Ian, height standards in all residential districts were amended, effectively increasing allowable building height. Properties undertaking new construction or redevelopment must comply with these updated standards.
At the February 24, 2026, Land Development Code Review Subcommittee meeting, City staff explained that homeowners are pursuing permits to elevate ground-level homes that were not substantially damaged by a natural disaster but wish to elevate for resiliency purposes and to comply with FEMA regulations and the Florida Building Code. Some of these structures are proposed to be elevated above the required flood elevation, which may result in nonconformance with applicable height standards, including angle-of-light requirements.
City staff recommended allowing up to 10 feet above grade for nonconforming structures, even where that height exceeds the required design flood elevation, and allowing height limitations to be exceeded proportionally, including angle-of-light requirements. Allowing these elevations furthers the City’s resiliency goals, provided that the elevations meet the required FEMA flood elevation and comply with the Florida Building Code.
The public hearing for this ordinance is scheduled for the June 2, 2026, City Council meeting.
I wish the city or FEMA would/could help seniors citizens that can’t afford to raise there homes at a cost of $150K. Not everyone who lives on this Island is rich.
any exception rule shoud be clear in its wording.
EXISTING HOMES OR STRUCTURES ONY and they can be raised only the amount necessary to satisfy the 10 foot rule.
no additional floors may be added.
i I don’t have a problem with raising the height limit for those ground level structures that need 10 foot underneath fothem to be somewhat safe from flooding. Actually, I think it’s long overdue. But I take issue with who is passing these ordinances who?has the power to override the popular vote? These questions never seem to be properly answered. I thought it was written in stone that once something was put in a code it could only be changed by Popular vote.that the way it was written but yet you are changing density and height codes aone could say roundabout is a can to a red light. There are there are popular vote codes against these things and I keep reading an ordinance os passed someone that overrules the code that was put in place by popular vote. Please just give me an explanation as to what this is all about. Who has the authority to overrule the popular vote of the Citizens?
Thanks Jim WEYANT
So now neighboring homes value will be less because huge 2 story homes can be built. Trust .e, once height requirements are changed anything can happen