The City of Naples is considering changes to the rules related to lot coverage, setbacks and impervious areas, such as pool decks and outdoor living spaces, in single-family residential neighborhoods throughout the city. If implemented, these changes will shrink the buildable area of your lot, resulting in a significant drop in your property values.
The proposed changes include:
- Increasing the rear yard setback for garages loaded from the alley from 15 feet to 20 feet.
- Changing the code to include covered exterior living spaces in lot coverage calculations.
- Increasing the rear yard pool and pool deck setbacks from 15 feet to 25 feet from the property line, which in some cases will hinder your ability to have a pool.
- Changing the code to require that the pool and pool deck areas be constructed at the natural grade of the house, requiring steps down to the pool area from the house.
A study by the local architectural community found these changes will shrink a potential home by 25% to 30%, leading to a proportional decrease in property values.
Here’s what that means for you: Property owners who haven’t recently improved their properties will ultimately see a 30% reduction in property values. Properties that have been redeveloped will likely become an existing non-conformity, leading to significant uncertainty and a reduction in property values when the owner decides to sell.
It’s critical that Naples City Council and City of Naples staff hear from residents, property owners and community leaders like you as they consider changing the rules. These changes impact every property owner in the city – and you deserve a say.
The City of Naples is holding two listening sessions regarding these changes. Attend a listening session and let your voice be heard!
5:30 p.m., March 9 – River Park Community Center, 301 11th St. N
9 a.m., March 10 – Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S.
If you are unable to attend one of these listening sessions, please send an email to Naples City Council or attend a future Naples City Council meeting to let your voice be heard!