Council asks staff to study electronic boat canopies and hurricane performance before changing code

PUNTA GORDA — Councilors debated whether to reopen code language that currently prohibits certain boat canopies after staff learned some property owners bought electronic lifting systems without permits.

Staff said the specific electronic canopies are not allowed under current city code. Council asked staff to gather engineering and permitting information, including wind-speed ratings, how quickly frames can be taken down before storms and photos showing installed examples. Staff reported reaching out to the vendor and asking that promotion stop while the city evaluates code implications; staff also suggested working with property owners who bought units without permits to seek refunds or replacements with permitted alternatives.

Councilors emphasized hurricane safety as the central concern and asked staff to provide clear permitting guidance before reconsidering code changes. One councilor suggested the matter be researched and emailed to council prior to returning to the agenda to avoid an informal poll of council members outside a public meeting.

Next steps: Staff will compile wind-speed and design specifications, photos, permitting implications and options for residents who have already purchased equipment and will provide that material before deciding whether to place the item back on a public agenda.