The Sanibel Plan & City Land Development Code

If you aren’t familiar with Sanibel’s complex set of building limitations, then your Realtor should be! Real Estate transactions are as diverse as the people involved in the process. They all come with different situations and circumstances and expectations. Each transaction should be approached with focused attention to detail. Buyers and sellers should always enter into any real estate transaction with all the available information to assure that their needs are met now and in the future. Sanibel’s Land Development Code should always be understood before buying or selling an island property.

While Sanibel and Captiva Islands are thought of as one general area by visitors, these islands differ greatly with respect to building codes. Sanibel building codes and land-use restrictions are a complex set of building limitations that extend not only over the land but into the air and waterways as well. As a Realtor, knowing these restrictions and limitations are essential when helping local owners and buyers evaluate the potential of a property. Entering into any real estate transaction without the knowledge of these codes and restrictions can result in “buyer’s remorse”. A buyer should never purchase a property until they are fully aware of the local Land Development Codes. Captiva does not fall under Sanibel’s land-use restrictions because they governed by Lee County. Sanibel incorporated into an independent City in 1974 so that the island could regulate and limit the extent and amount of development. Consequently, over 60% of the island of Sanibel is now conservation lands providing habitat for hundreds of species of native plants and animals.

If you are considering the purchase of a Sanibel or Captiva property with the intention of building a new home, remodeling an existing structure, or adding a room addition, pool, patio, or dock these land-use restrictions should be understood. I enjoy working with buyers and local property owners to assure them that their expectations of a property can be met. I’m in the Sanibel City Planning Department often addressing these concerns. If you ever have a question about how Sanibel Land Use Restrictions and Building Codes affect your property or one you are interested in purchasing, I am happy to go to the Planning Department and meet with the Sanibel City officials on your behalf.

Eric Pfeifer wrote this article in 2006 and has gone on to be appointed unanimously to the Sanibel Planning Commission by the City Council. He will serve a 4 year term and has been named Vice-Chair of the Planning Commission for 2021 and 2022. This is quite an honor bestowed on a Realtor to protect the island from overdevelopment.