Conservation District Act/Imagine
In 1971, concerned leaders of the Boca Grande community recognized that the tranquility and quality of the island would be challenged by increasing population and external forces. With great foresight, they established the GICIA for the purpose of being a significant influence for conservation, orderly development, and the preservation of the very qualities which have attracted those of us who are here today.
The GICIA introduced the idea of the Gasparilla Island Conservation District Act (see below) and then worked diligently to see that it was enacted by the Florida Legislature in 1980. This landmark Act, by limiting height and density, has protected Gasparilla Island from the high-rise, high-density development that has so negatively impacted other coastal communities. Since its passage, the GICIA has been the guardian of the Act and it will continue to be into the future.
THE GASPARILLA ISLAND CONSERVATION DISTRICT ACT OF 1980
Preservation of the beauty, ambiance and character of Boca Grande is a direct result of the GICIA inspired legislation. The importance of the Act can not be overstated. This state law is implemented and enforced by Lee and Charlotte County. The Act provides the following:
1. No building may exceed a height of 38 feet from the grade of the lot to the peak of the roof (or 42 feet above mean sea level, whichever is lower). This provision protects Gasparilla Island from the worst of the high-rise beachfront developments which have been so devastating to other barrier islands.
2. Density is limited to five dwelling units per acre.
3. No land can be used for commercial, industrial or multi-family purposes unless it was zoned for such use before passage of the Act.
4. Exterior advertising signs are prohibited if they are not on-site and related to the use of the premises. Exterior signs which are banners, beacons, neon, rotating, flashing or animated are altogether prohibited.
5. No local governing body can grant variances to the Act.
