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Residents and planning staff challenge requests for two 50-foot boat canopies in Cape Coral
Summary
Two separate applicants sought 10-foot deviations to install 50-foot boat canopies; planning staff recommended denial in both cases and neighbors testified that larger canopies would harm navigation, views and safety. Hearing examiner took testimony and will issue decisions later.
Two Cape Coral property owners requested 10-foot deviations to install 50-foot boat canopies over existing docks at 5355 Colonnade Court and 150 Southwest 50th Street, and planning staff recommended denial in both hearings on March 4.
Candace Ford, planner with the Cape Coral Planning Division, told the hearing the proposed canopies would extend farther into the canals than staff finds reasonable and that, for the first property, “the proposed 50 feet length of the canopy appears excessive, to protect a boat that has a length of currently about 45.1 feet.” Staff found the extensions would create overhangs that are larger than necessary and could pose navigation issues.
Neighbors at both hearings urged denial. Alan Weckerlein, who lives directly across the canal from 5355 Colonnade Court, said the larger canopy would reduce room for boats to maneuver and recalled a separate incident in which a boat struck a concrete dock edge. Barbara Hockey, another adjacent neighbor, described the local pattern of “parallel parking” on 80-foot lots and said a 50-foot canopy would leave too little turning room and could set an undesirable precedent. Cathy Warkerling echoed concerns about navigation, channel dredging and damage during storms.
Applicants’ representatives, both from Waterway Boat Lift Covers, argued the canopies would comply with riparian setbacks and waterway protrusion limits and cited manufacturer boat lengths plus engines as justification for the larger cover. Sherry Gaston, the company representative, said the boats’ published hull lengths do not include motors and that motors can add roughly five feet, so a 50-foot canopy would fully cover hull and propulsion.
Staff and several speakers referenced Land Development Code standards that limit marine improvements and require that canopies not present navigational hazards. The hearing examiner closed public comment and said she would take testimony under advisement and issue decisions as quickly as possible; no final determinations were announced at the hearing.
Both cases remain under review; the hearing examiner indicated written recommendations or orders will follow.
