About the Department
Responsibilities
The Sanibel Department of Planning and Code Enforcement has several key responsibilities, including the following:
- Maintain, update, and implement the Sanibel Plan.
- Administer the Land Development Code through consistent and effective education, and enforcement.
- Review and act on development and land use applications in an efficient, uniform, and thorough manner.
- Provide professional and proactive planning services to City Council, the Planning Commission, appointed committees, the City Manager, City Departments, and the community.
- Manage the City's Redevelopment Planning Program consistent with priorities established by City Council.
- Provide short- and long-range transportation planning that emphasizes alternative forms of travel.
- Manage public records consistent with the Florida State Statutes, the Sanibel Code, and the City's policies and procedures.
- Facilitate timely and accurate public notice, open communication, transparent planning and regulatory processes and procedures, effective citizen participation, and innovation in service delivery.
- Provide planning and related services to support and retain local businesses.
- Provide natural hazard mitigation planning services and, in the event of an emergency, provide administrative, permitting, inspection, and support services.
2008 Goals
Current goals of the Sanibel Department of Planning and Code Enforcement include the following:
- Pursue improvements and innovations in service delivery and communication to citizens, property owners, applicants, businesses, and visitors.
- Implementing of the 2006-2007 Sanibel Plan.
- Administering and enforcing the Land Development Code.
- Undertake the Redevelopment Planning Work Program and goals established by City Council.
- Provide professional and proactive planning services to City Council, Planning Commission, appointed committees, City Departments, and the Sanibel community.
- Protect Sanibel's environment through research, analysis, and planning to address the carrying capacity goal established by City Council.
- Provide transportation planning services to support completion and implementation of the Shared Use Path Master Plan update, and facilitate intergovernmental transportation planning necessary to support alternative forms of travel to reduce vehicular trips and mitigate congestion.
2007 Accomplishments
Recent accomplishments of the Department of Planning and Code Enforcement include the following:
- Adopted Evaluation and Appraisal Report-based update of the Sanibel Plan.
- Prepared Land Development Code Amendments.
- Initiated Town Center District Planning Process.
- Initiated Update of Sanibel Plan Economic Analyses.
- Initiated Single-Family Residential Land Use Survey.
- Supported local business initiative and business roundtables.
- Completed mapping and analysis of Federal Emergency Management Agency proposed amendments to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM.)
- Conducted outreach program with resort hotels and inns regarding beach management regulations.
- Initiated final property owner notification of Zones 3 and Zone 4 Brazilian Pepper eradication requirements.
- Completed Periwinkle Restoration Master Plan.
- Recruited Transportation Planner.
- Supported Shared Use Path Master Plan Update.
- Established Planning Department and Code Enforcement access line and website.
- Updated Department's Emergency Response Plan.
- Supported efforts by Community Housing Resources to create below-market-rate housing opportunities.
Upcoming Challenges
The Sanibel Department of Planning and Code Enforcement faces challenges in several areas, such as keeping up with available technology, simplifying processes for greater efficiency, and planning for sustainable transportation, community facilities, economy, and natural systems. An aging commercial and residential building stock pose challenges as do the evolving demands of residential, commercial, and resort redevelopment. The Department must also plan and implement strategies to mitigate potential impacts of flooding, storms, and other natural hazards.
Learn more about the Department (pdf 151.15 kB)
