Planning board forwards amendment to let noncommercial docks on bridgeless barrier islands

Jayden Keach, a planner for Charlotte County, told the Planning and Zoning Board the proposed ordinance TLDR‑2506 would add non‑commercial boat docks as a permitted principal use and structure in BBI (Bridgeless Barrier Islands) zoning in Commission District 3. Keach said the change is intended to align BBI rules with other residential zoning districts and reflects that many docks already exist on the islands.

A board member asked whether a principal structure would be required to construct a dock. Keach replied no and explained that a recent appeal had upheld a determination that required a structure; the proposed code changes are intended to address that inconsistency so docks could be placed on vacant lots and on islands that are accessible only by boat.

After opening public comment and receiving no testimony, the board considered a motion to forward TLDR‑2506 to the Board of County Commissioners with a recommendation of approval “based on the findings analysis in the board memo dated 12/12/2025, Charlotte County’s comprehensive plan and the evidence and testimony presented here today.” The motion received a second and was passed by voice vote. Staff noted the item is scheduled for a Board of County Commissioners land‑use meeting on 2026‑02‑25 and an adoption hearing on 2026‑03‑25.

The board’s action forwards the draft code amendment for the next stage of review by the county commission; the record before the Planning and Zoning Board cited the staff memo (12/12/2025) and the county comprehensive plan as the basis for the recommendation.