Dune Protection
The original Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) was set down by the State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in 1974 to limit construction too close to the water as well as to define and facilitate protection of Florida's coastal beaches. This line is used in the Sanibel Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Land Development Code to define the land seaward of the CCCL as our Gulf Beach Zone. The native plant community is extremely important in stabilizing the dynamic area forward of the CCCL. Therefore, human disturbance must be minimized to protect the public interest.
A vegetation permit is required for the removal or trimming of ANY vegetation seaward of the CCCL.
A list of site-specific conditions accompanies each vegetation permit, including, but not limited to, those listed below:
- The removal or permanent destruction of native species is prohibited.
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Trimming for height reduction of the following native species is not permitted:
Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata)
Bay Cedar (Suriana maritima)
Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto)
Joewood (Jaquinia keyensis) -
Trimming shall not reduce the overall height of any individual plant to less than four (4) feet above the substrate.
Stump removal is never permitted as this would loosen the soil and cause erosion. - Before any clearing is done landward of the 1974 line on property abutting or partially within the Gulf Beach Zone, the line must be staked and fenced to prevent intrusion into the zone. The fence must remain in place until all development activity has ceased.
- The only new structures allowed seaward of the CCCL are elevated dune walkways. Their use is encouraged because they lessen the likelihood of disturbing vegetation in this very sensitive area. A building permit is required for construction of a walkway.