Sanibel Island, FL
Sanibel Island — Post-Ian Structural Rebuild
Storm Rebuild — City of Sanibel Permits + FEMA Flood Zone Compliance
Project Overview
The Project
A Sanibel Island property with extensive structural damage from Hurricane Ian. The scope here extended well beyond surface repairs — framing damage required a structural engineer assessment and partial framing replacement before any interior work could begin. Sanibel also operates its own permit office, separate from Lee County, with distinct processes and material requirements that reflect the island's environmental regulations.
Brian had worked in the Sanibel permitting environment prior to Ian and knew the process: structural engineer report first, permit application with that report attached, specific sequencing of inspections that the City of Sanibel requires. That prior knowledge eliminated the delays that slowed down many contractors who were working on Sanibel for the first time post-Ian.
The flood zone compliance piece — ensuring the rebuilt structure met current base flood elevation requirements — required direct coordination between Brian, the structural engineer, and the City's building department. From emergency weatherproofing through final City inspection and certificate, Brian managed the full timeline.
Scope of Work
What Was Done
- Structural engineer assessment and written report
- City of Sanibel permit application and coordination
- Emergency weatherproofing — roof tarping and window boarding
- Structural framing repair and partial replacement
- Roof structure repair and complete re-roofing
- Impact window and door installation throughout
- Exterior stucco repair and complete repaint
- Full interior drywall removal, mold treatment, and replacement
- Insulation replacement throughout
- Interior painting
- Flooring replacement throughout
- Electrical system inspection and repairs
- Final City of Sanibel inspection and certificate of occupancy
Brian's Approach
How Brian Managed This Project
Sanibel's permit office operates independently from Lee County — separate process, separate inspectors, and specific requirements around construction materials and methods that reflect the island's environmental context. Brian had worked in that permitting environment before Ian and knew how to sequence the structural engineer report, the permit application, and the inspection schedule correctly the first time. The flood zone compliance component — ensuring the rebuilt structure met current base flood elevation requirements — required coordinating the structural engineer's documentation directly with the City's building review process, not just submitting a standard permit application and hoping for the best.
Have a Similar Project?
Brian is experienced with Sanibel and Lee County storm restoration permits, FEMA flood zone compliance, and structural rebuild coordination. Call or request a free assessment.
More Projects
Related Projects
Full post-Ian restoration in a FEMA VE flood zone — impact windows and CO achieved.
Ground-up 1,840 sq ft 3BR/2BA — permits, foundation through finishes.
380 sq ft family room expansion with vaulted ceiling and roofline tie-in.