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LPA approves Sunset Condominium special exception to replace two tiki huts and related walkways
Summary
The Local Planning Agency approved a special exception allowing Sunset Condominium (6400 Estero Boulevard) to rebuild two tiki huts, paver pathways and a foot-wash station seaward of the 1978 coastal construction control line; staff described the proposal as like‑for‑like and noted FDEP review for utilities.
The Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency unanimously approved a special-exception request for Sunset Condominium (referred to as 6400 Estero Boulevard in staff materials) to replace two tiki huts, associated paver pathways and a foot-wash station seaward of the 1978 coastal construction control line.
Senior planner Jason Smiley told the board staff had verified aerial imagery back to 1998 showing tiki-hut structures of similar size and said the proposed plan "looks very, very similar to what existed before." Staff indicated the replacement would be treated as like‑for‑like and recommended conditions to protect dunes and turtle habitat, with coordination required for any dune plantings.
Applicant representative Greg DeCerio, a registered landscape architect, told the board the team had obtained a Local Development Order and a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) permit for the tiki structures; he said the proposed foot wash is located behind an existing rock wall rather than directly on the sandy beach. Board members asked technical questions about drainage and whether the foot wash would require a separate permit; Smiley and the applicant said FDEP permitting and any required drainage details would be addressed during the FDEP/submittal process.
A motion to approve the special exception, subject to the staff conditions described in the staff report, passed on a unanimous roll-call vote. The moderator noted that because staff characterized the submittal as like‑for‑like, it will not proceed to town council if there are no challenges within the standard review window.
