Boat Cover Ordinance Under Review

One of the great attractions for those looking to buy Southwest Florida real estate is the ease of access many canal-front homes have from their back door to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico waters.

Whether you love fishing or any other water sport, those activities are never far away. Having a boat sitting on a lift in your backyard is as popular as a second car in the driveway, and it will open an entirely new world for residents to explore.

Boats are a huge investment for Southwest Floridians, who face the challenge of maintaining and protecting them from the ravages of the sun’s rays while they sit by the dock or lift.

Prior to Marco Island’s incorporation, boat houses could be found scattered throughout the island. However, after April of 2000, they were prohibited.

The current restrictions may be found in the City’s Code of Ordinances, Section 54-116:

The city shall not permit the construction of new boathouses, boat covers, gazebos or similar covered structures extending over navigable waterways in any zoning district. The city may approve through the conditional use process, where authorized, nautical garages with cut-in boat slips.

The City of Marco Island did, however, make provisions for the rebuilding of those structures that were legally permitted prior to incorporation. In 2018, the city began issuing permits for “nautical garages,” which require a cut-in on the seawall to allow boat storage under the home.

The subject of revising the existing Code of Ordinances regarding boathouses is on the agenda for the January 7, 2022 Planning Board meeting. 

This time, the issue is being brought forward following a request at the December City Council Meeting by resident Bill Palladino. Palladino asked council to consider a change to the Marco Island Code of Ordinances which would allow the addition of a covering design that has already been approved in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties, the City of Punta Gorda, and throughout the State of Florida.

The canopy structure of the covering is engineered to withstand 180 mph winds. The product’s manufacturer recommends that the fabric structure should be removed in the event that winds exceed 70 mph. The canopy may be removed or reinstalled in only 30 minutes, and this can be accomplished by a single person.

Presently, only a mooring cover assist system is approved. That style of system is directly attached to the vessel and does not provide protection when not attached.

The Marco Island Planning Board will meet in council chambers beginning at 9 AM on Friday, January 7, with a relatively light agenda. The meeting is open to the public.