LPA unanimously approves larger storefront signs for Santini Plaza at Estero Boulevard

The Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency on Feb. 11 unanimously approved a variance allowing larger signage at Santini Plaza, a multi‑unit complex on Estero Boulevard.

The decision allows each tenant unit at 7205 Estero Boulevard to display up to 32 square feet of signage instead of the 16 square feet now allowed for multi‑unit complexes, and preserves a 32‑square‑foot ground sign for the complex name and branding.

The variance matters because Santini Plaza’s buildings sit far back from Estero Boulevard — staff said between about 98 and 270 feet — and owners argued larger signs are necessary for visibility. Jason Smalling, planning staff, told the LPA, “the variance before you today is a request to expand that, for each unit to allow for each unit to have a 32 square foot sign.” He also noted staff’s recommended condition to cap total signage per unit so the entire building façade would not become a continuous sign if units are later split.

Applicant representative Kara Stewart said the owner wants flexibility to respond to changing tenant needs and asked the LPA to raise staff’s suggested square‑footage cap from 750 to 800 to allow for potential future unit splits. “We are actually looking for 800 square feet,” Stewart said, explaining the request would help accommodate tenants and potential future reconfigurations.

Neighbors and tenants spoke in favor. Carrie Smith, owner of the long‑running Leoni’s restaurant in Santini Plaza, told the LPA she supported the change and said the larger signs could improve wayfinding for visitors. “Leoni’s has been there since 1977… Full support,” Smith said.

After discussion about uniformity, lighting standards and whether multiple signs per tenant would be allowed (the code allows a tenant to split its allocated square footage into multiple signs), an LPA member moved to approve the variance with three conditions and to change condition 3 from the staff‑proposed 750 square feet to 800 square feet. The motion carried unanimously by the eligible voting members. The chair reminded the public that a unanimous approval by eligible voting members constitutes final agency action subject to a request to the town clerk for further review within 10 days.

The vote and conditions: the LPA approved the variance with three staff‑recommended conditions (the text of the conditions appears in the staff report) and with condition 3 amended to set the aggregate cap at 800 square feet as requested by the applicant. The conditions include measures to limit sign size per unit, ensure compliance with sight‑triangle and safety requirements for any ground sign, and to hold illuminated signs to the town’s photometric standards.

The action affects current tenants and future leasing at Santini Plaza; staff said the change is intended to respond to the plaza’s older development pattern and significant setbacks from Estero Boulevard.

No appeals or requests for rehearing were filed at the meeting; the chair noted the 10‑day window during which any interested party may request the matter be placed before the Town Council for additional review.