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Community development reports inspection surge; council begins 2026 legislative‑priority discussion
Summary
Community Development Director John Dolmer reported a higher volume of site inspections and discussed steps toward electronic plan submittal; council opened discussion on 2026 legislative priorities and suggested resiliency, roads and other projects for consideration.
John Dolmer, director of community development, told council the department is seeing a surge in inspections driven by site work and development orders and that review timelines have changed because state statutes now limit some review periods.
Dolmer said staff has upgraded phone and app systems to allow inspectors to receive inspection notifications on cell phones and that the department is exploring expanded electronic plan submittal capabilities. He told council that inspection volume is likely to remain elevated for two to four months as projects progress through phases.
Council used the time to begin a conversation about the city’s 2026 legislative priorities. Staff said the legislative‑delegation meeting for Southwest Florida will be earlier than in prior years, likely in October, and recommended the council identify shovel‑ready CIP projects to pursue—projects further along the process historically have had more success in securing legislative attention or funding.
Council members suggested several items for consideration as legislative priorities or future CIP focus: reuse or reconstruction of the old library for resiliency and emergency services; acceleration and potential funding for Paradise Road improvements to address traffic and safety for new residential areas; funding for BERC (purchase or construction monies); and support for the aquatic complex. Staff said they will convene a CIP workshop in early November and coordinate with the lobbyist and the legislative delegation process.
The community development team also said staff are coordinating with DOT and parks and recreation on beach access permitting; construction is expected to start in January and temporary restroom trailers are anticipated at the main beach access.
