Letter to Marco Island City Councilors

MICA has reviewed City of Marco Island Staff’s July 11, 2023, Affordable/Workforce Housing Options report to City Council.

Staff has proposed an option to “allow for one accessory unit within a single-family residence so long as the single-family residence shows no outward appearance of the accessory, parking is maintained on site, no off-site parking allowed and deed restricted for workforce housing.”

In the same staff report, the question is asked “What is required to implement this?” As stated in the report, it would require an LDC amendment and a Comprehensive Plan amendment and would not be allowed per MICA Deed Restrictions.

Staff further recommends this option as #3 under Staff Recommendation, that “city council direct staff to research the potential impact of allowing one accessory unit within a single-family residence…” It is further stated that “MICA only allows one dwelling unit in single family zone districts.”

As stated by City of Marco Island Staff, MICA Deed Restrictions only allow one single-family residential house on a single-family residential lot.  

The Deed Restrictions prohibit an accessory unit to be constructed or incorporated on these lots.

The Marco Island Civic Association cannot and will not allow single-family residential houses to have more than one single-family residential house.

It is inappropriate and improper for the City of Marco Island to create more problems and inconsistencies for owners of single-family residential properties by ignoring the Deed Restrictions that are already in place. Should the City of Marco Island proceed in this direction, MICA will follow with litigation to enforce the deed restrictions with which MICA has been entrusted.