Fort Myers, FL Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design Guide (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Downtown & Midtown Future Land Use districts
- Window glazing
- Clear glass, min. 50% daylight transmission
- Roof pitch
- Min. 4:12 slope (porches 2:12)
- A-Street storefronts
- Min. 70% ground-floor glazing required
- Governing law
- LDC Article 8, the Smart Code
Summary
Fort Myers's Downtown Smart Code sets binding exterior-material, window-glazing and roof-pitch rules for every building in the Downtown and Midtown Future Land Use districts, not just a design suggestion.
Architectural standards in general.a.Exterior materials shall be as specified in the specific zoning districts. Hardiplank or equal may be used as a substitute for wood in all buildings.b.Windows shall be clear glass, and must transmit at least 50 percent of visible daylight.c.Pitched roofs, if provided, shall be symmetrically sloped no less than 4:12, except that porches may have attached shed type roofs with slopes no less than 2:12.d.Roof mounted mechanical equipment shall be screened from ground view by parapet walls.e.Openings above the first story shall not exceed 50 percent of the total building wall area, with each facade being calculated independently.f.The facades on A Streets shall be detailed as storefronts and glazed no less than 70 percent of the sidewalk-level story.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 60).
Full Breakdown
Article 8 of the Land Development Code, the 'Smart Code,' is a form-based code governing new construction in the Downtown and Midtown Future Land Use designations. Section 118.8.5(A)(7) sets citywide architectural standards: exterior materials must match those approved for the specific sub-district, with hardiplank allowed as a wood substitute; windows must be clear glass transmitting at least 50 percent daylight; pitched roofs must slope at least 4:12 (porches 2:12); and A-Street facades must be glazed storefronts covering at least 70 percent of the ground-floor sidewalk-level wall. Additional material and roof rules layer on top by sub-district (Urban General, Urban Center, Urban Core, Midtown General/Center/Core).
Violations & Fines
Community Development Department reviews plans for compliance before permit issuance; noncompliance with any Code provision defaults to a $135-$500 fine or up to 60 days jail under Sec. 1-14.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Fort Myers Smart Code apply to my property?
What exterior materials does the Smart Code allow downtown?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Myers
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Fort Myers to another location·View the Florida zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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