Fort Myers Land Development Code: Proposed Changes and Their Impact

On November 20, 2023, the Fort Myers City Council took a major step towards amending the town’s Land Improvement Code. The proposed modifications, offered through the council’s assembly, cowl a variety of points—from new zoning classes to meals truck laws.

Beneath are a number of key highlights and potential implications of those proposed revisions.

• New zoning classes. One of many main matters concerned the creation of recent zoning classes; specializing in each residential and industrial developments. For residential areas, the Council contemplated the introduction of a high-density multifamily zoning district permitting 25 models per acre. This district is predicted to use to Conventional Group and Hall Business Future Land Use classifications.
• New industrial zoning district. On the industrial entrance, a brand new zoning district—“Business Intensive Non-Residential”—is being thought-about. This district would exclude residential makes use of and a few industrial actions from the record of permitted and conditional makes use of. The purpose right here is to streamline industrial growth by offering a transparent distinction between tasks with and with out residential parts.
• Meals truck laws. One other noteworthy proposal addresses meals truck laws. Right here, the proposal seeks to switch the spatial atmosphere adjoining to every truck by requiring new meals vans to take care of a distance of 300 ft from different meals merchandising autos. This doubles the prevailing requirement. Current meals vans are exempt and will stay at a distance of 150 ft from different autos, however new ones should adhere to the 300-foot rule after the ordinance turns into efficient. You will need to notice that this transformation doesn’t apply to meals truck parks—solely particular person operators.
• Web site screening. In an effort to reinforce the aesthetic attraction and performance of the town, a proposal for citywide development website screening necessities was supplied. This could require the set up of a 6-foot, screened-in fence. The intention is to create a extra visually interesting cityscape whereas minimizing any potential disturbances related to development websites. Web site screening necessities are usually not supposed to be retroactive.
• Fence peak necessities. To make sure readability and consistency, the proposed amendments additionally embody a clarification of most fence heights. For residential makes use of, the utmost fence peak is 6 ft; whereas industrial and industrial makes use of could have a most fence peak of 10 ft. This small change supplies clear tips for property house owners and builders.

As proposed amendments to the Improvement Code transfer ahead, it’s important for residents, builders, and stakeholders to remain knowledgeable. The second public listening to, scheduled for December 4, 2023, will play a essential function in shaping the longer term growth panorama of Fort Myers.