The Sanibel Planning Commission met on May 13 to consider multiple resolutions that would benefit the resilience of our island. Two resolutions were of particular interest to SCCF, and Environmental Policy Director Matt DePaolis attended to give comments in support.  

The first was a resolution that would consider solar energy systems and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The aim of the proposed resolution is to “establish clear, consistent standards for the installation and integration of solar panels and EV charging infrastructure.”

“With this resolution, City staff and the Planning Commission hope to support the adoption of clean energy technologies, while ensuring that any installations remain consistent with the Sanibel Plan and Land Development Code,” DePaolis said. “After some discussion, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to adopt the resolution and pass it along to City Council.”

The second resolution of note addressed living shorelines and was the end result of an in-depth evaluation by staff and the Land Development Code Subcommittee to determine how best to allow for permitting of living shoreline projects. The proposed resolution states that living shoreline projects on manmade bodies of water can be permitted through an administrative review process, allowing staff to sign off on those projects, while projects that abut natural bodies of water would still require further public review through a conditional use permit. 

“This resolution would bring the installation of living shorelines in line with other projects modifying shorelines on manmade bodies of water, with the goal of not disincentivizing homeowners who would like to improve their properties resilience with nature based solutions,” DePaolis said. “The Planning Commission raised some concerns about public notification with such projects and voted to send the resolution back to staff for further evaluation.”