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Residents urge town to review Miramar setback, drilling and parking after three‑lot development begins
Summary
Neighbors of Miramar Street told the council they are alarmed after an investor began drilling and site work for three new houses that residents say use a reduced front setback. Town staff said building‑code and plan review staff are inspecting the property and will follow up if plans do not comply.
Neighbors of three vacant lots on Miramar Street raised safety and setback concerns during public comment at the Feb. 18 Fort Myers Beach Town Council meeting, saying recent site work appears to rely on a changed front‑setback line that reduces parking and narrows the public way.
Becky Knight, a Miramar Street homeowner, told councilors an investor hired Everglades Construction to build three new houses and that the developer’s site layout shows a dotted line she believes reduces the front setback by one foot on a 50‑by‑100 lot. She said one recently drilled foundation reached 10.4 feet, and that under the new interpretation the lot could permit a 12.6‑foot clearance — she told councilors that leaves little or no room for on‑street parking and could block emergency vehicle access.
Her husband, Gary Knight, spoke for several neighbors and said the town halted construction while staff review the plans but that residents have been left “in the dark” about how the plans were approved. He said the drainage plan and site plan in the permit records did not match.
Town staff and councilors responded at the meeting that Community Development Director Judith Franco and Building Official Joe Spector were reviewing the site in person that morning. Judith Franco confirmed the condominium and Code/land‑use expert staff were examining whether the work matches the approved permit documents and plan set.“Joe’s out at the property this morning, taking a look at these properties personally, and then he’s gonna come back in and we’re gonna review those plans,” Franco said. Town staff said they would bring contractors or permit holders in to discuss any non‑compliant work and would follow standard enforcement steps if the plans or construction violate the town’s land development code.
Why it matters: Residents said the reduced front setbacks could eliminate on‑street parking on a narrow street and create emergency‑access hazards. The council and staff said they will verify compliance with the approved permit documents and take action if they find deviations.
Council next steps: Town staff will complete the site inspection, compare the as‑built drilling and foundation work to the permit plans and communicate findings to the neighbors. If construction is inconsistent with approved plans, staff said they will pursue corrective steps, which could include requiring revised plans or enforcing setback/permit requirements.
Ending: Mayor and staff assured residents the town had received multiple emails and was taking the complaints seriously; staff asked residents to meet with planning and building staff for further details.
