City provides guidance on outdoor lighting
The city of Sanibel reported that it is committed to protecting the island’s native wildlife and small-town character with Dark Sky lighting. In addition, Code Enforcement continues nightly inspections for Dark Sky lighting compliance
It provided the following “Owner’s Guide” to outdoor lighting on Sanibel:
– Full cutoff fixtures are required, unless the fixture is recessed under a porch or roof overhang.
– Full cutoff fixtures for landscaping and pathway lighting under 3 feet tall are recommended but not required.
– Fixtures must be downward facing.
– Motion detected security lighting using a full cutoff fixture is encouraged.
– Mercury vapor lighting is not allowed.
– Parking areas and roadways, including any paved or unpaved areas upon which motorized vehicles will park or operate, shall be designed and located to prevent vehicular headlights from directly or indirectly illuminating the beach.
The city noted that permits are needed for outdoor lighting in some cases:
– A permit is required for outdoor lighting on properties or structures located in the Bay Beach, Gulf Beach and Gulf Beach Ridge zones and must comply with marine turtle lighting standards.
– Know your zone! The city’s Future Land Use Map Series is available online at https://sanibel.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3da5033bdad449bfa348961f97080358.
– A permit is required for pole mounted fixtures greater than 10 feet tall.
– Apply for a permit using Sanibel Online and select the “Accessory” permit type at https://sanibelfl-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/SelfService#/home.
To review outdoor lighting standards in the Land Development Code, visit https://library.municode.com/fl/sanibel/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=SPBLADECO_CH126ZO_ARTXIVSUDIRE_DIV4OULI.