Boat Canopy Covers Return to Planning Board

The Marco Island Planning Board met on July 1 to address the issue of boat canopy covers, once again. This time, the matter was before the board to address city staff’s wording in the revised ordinance, which refers to the protective covers as being “permanent” structures.

In June, city councilors appeared somewhat frustrated when residents came before them seeking redress on the wording, and the subsequent requirements and costs they faced. 

At the July 1 Planning Board meeting, photographs and other evidence of the bolt-on nature of the canopy structure were presented, demonstrating it is a temporary, not permanent, structure. 

Resident Barbara Evans came forward to offer a video demonstrating how quickly the fabric canopy top can be removed (it is attached via bungee cords), folded up and stored in the event of a storm forecast for the area.

Residents again presented an engineering certification that the temporary structure left behind after the fabric canopy is removed is rated for 175 mph winds. The canopy is rated for 70 mph winds.

A competitive product that is also bolted and is considered a temporary structure does not require a permit or expensive survey, which are required for this new product. These boat canopy covers are found throughout Collier and Lee counties and are in use in many other Southwest Florida coastal communities.

“We don’t understand why this has become such an issue. We are just trying to protect our investment in our marine craft. There are literally hundreds of these within a 30-minute to an hour drive from here. It’s beginning to make Marco Island look kind of foolish,” said Barbara Evans.