Environmental & Extension Services Department - Natural Resources Division

Natural Resources reviews all development activity proposed within Charlotte County for potential impacts to the soil, water, vegetation communities, and state or federally listed wildlife. These potential impacts are reviewed in conjunction with the Charlotte County codes and applicable state and federal laws. The codes associated with development review are as follows:

Fines and violations are defined at the end of each County code and are enforceable by the Charlotte County Code Compliance Section.

All Charlotte County Codes and Ordinances are available on-line.

Coastal Construction

All proposed development within the coastal building zone and coastal barrier islands is must adhere to the design standards and provisions set forth within this code. Any questions pertaining to this code should be addressed to Charlotte County Building Plans Examiners (941) 743-1201.

This code provides the minimum standards for design and Construction of buildings to reduce the harmful effects of hurricanes. These standards are intended to address design features that affect the structural stability of the beach dunes and topography. See Code for definitions and construction requirements.

  • Exemptions include, but are not limited to:
  • beach cleaning and debris removal
  • -existing structures prior to the effective date of the code
  • -construction extending seaward of the seasonal high water line which is
  • regulated by the provisions of section 161.041 of the Florida Statutes (seawalls, piers, revetments).
  • -registered historical structures
  • -construction for improvement of a major structure to comply with state and federal codes to assure safe living conditions
  • Requires building permits and review for compliance with criteria established by this coastal code. See Chapter 3-5, Article VIII for design conditions, definitions and other requirements

Sea Turtle Protection

This code protects threatened and endangered sea turtles, which nest on Charlotte County beaches. This code addresses construction within the sea turtle nesting zones in Charlotte County. State permits are required for any construction in the nesting zone. Construction during the nesting season (May through October) is regulated with this code. Proposed beach front lighting is reviewed by the state. Both new and existing beach front lighting is regulated to prevent the direct, indirect, or cumulative artificial illumination of the nesting zone from sunset to sunrise. See Chapter 3-5, Article XII for definitions and other requirements. Proposed development is reviewed by the building department and the state of Florida. Contact the Natural Resources Planning Section at (941) 743-1239. More information on Sea Turtles.

Shoreline Protection

All development is prohibited seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line. This code regulates the operation of motorized vehicles on shorelines, dune walkover structures, artificial shoreline stabilization structures, and dune restoration and stabilization projects. Any proposed development must comply prior to the issuance of building permits.

See Chapter 3-5, Article XIII for definitions and other requirements.

For more information
Charlotte County Environmental & Extension Services
25550 Harbor View Road, Unit 2, Port Charlotte, FL  33980
941.764.4360