Chapter 1.3
Other Existing Regulations
On this page, there are three key elements:
- Summary
- Full text for this section of the Neighborhood Plan
- Short survey
Summary:
In addition to land use rules already discussed, the Island is also protected by several other county and state regulations. These rules limit building height and density, control how close construction can be to the shoreline, and encourage preserving open space and natural areas. We recommend these stay as they are today.
We recommend:
- Keeping current building regulations and zoning codes in place, while allowing for future consideration of ideas like more space between homes and natural areas
- Improving notification and communication, so residents are informed when new development could affect nearby homes or natural areas
Full Version:
We encourage everyone to read the full version. While we did our best to summarize above, this full version offers much more nuance.
Development on the Island is governed by multiple regulations that collectively shape its character, density, and safety standards. In addition to those already discussed, there are a few additional existing regulations that address coastal hazards, waterfront development, and density transfers:
- Coastal High Hazard Area designation: The entire Island is classified as a Coastal High Hazard Area, limiting residential development density to ensure safety during hurricanes and promoting primarily single-family dwellings.
- Waterfront Ordinance restrictions: This ordinance caps building heights at 35 feet above base flood elevation and enforces setbacks and development standards within 1,200 feet of the shoreline, applying to all Island properties.
- Transfer of Density Units (TDU) Ordinance: Island property owners can send density units off-island with financial incentives through the County to preserve green space. Density units cannot be transferred to the Island.
- Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL): A line designating an area established by the FDEP to regulate construction activities close to the Gulf coastline.
- Erosion Control Line (ECL): A state-established boundary on renourished beaches that divides private and public property. This is typically set at the mean high water line in effect at the time of the original beach renourishment in 2004.
Issues regarding Other Existing Regulations: None
Recommendations regarding the Other Existing Regulations: Keep the regulations as they are.
Survey
Each head of household (up to two per household) may submit the form once. If you submit it more than once, only your most recent submission will count. This also means you can update your response later if you change your mind.
