Estero Builder's Checklist

What is a Rezoning Change, Zoning Variance, Special Exception or Administrative Amendment to Zoning?

Every property has been assigned a specific kind of use, called zoning, by Lee County. If a property owner wishes to use his property in a way that is outside the allowances of the property's existing zoning, he must request a zoning variance,  rezoning, a special exception, or administrative amendment to zoning. For example, if a property is currently zoned agricultural, the owner may not build a residential community on the property unless the new use is approved by the county. For more detail, you can access the Lee County web site zoning section at http://www.lee-county.com/dcd/Zoning/ZoningMain.htm or call Lee County, Zoning: 239-533-8329.

Definitions:

Rezoning:
A rezoning may be requested if a person desires to use property for a use that is not currently allowed. All rezonings must be in conformity with the Lee County Comprehensive Plan and a county zoning application must be completed.

Variance:
A variance is a permit issued to a property owner to allow for departure such as a reduction in setback from regulations that when applied to some EXTRAORDINARY physical characteristic of the property denies the property owner the rights enjoyed by other property owners in the vicinity.

Special Exception 
Use or certain specified departures from the regulations that may not be appropriate generally or without restriction throughout a zoning district, but which, when controlled as to number, area, location or relation to the neighborhood, would promote the public health, safety, welfare, order, comfort, convenience, appearance or prosperity, and may be permitted, in accordance with all applicable regulations. 

Administrative Amendment:
An administrative amendment may be any change to the interior of an approved planned development that does not increase height, density, or intensity (i.e. number of dwelling units or quantity of commercial or industrial floor area). Administrative amendments include deviations to the approved master concept plan or other provisions of the applicable zoning resolution.

Are you requesting a Rezoning, Zoning Variance, Special Exception, or Administrative Amendment to Zoning within the Estero Planning Boundary?