Estero advances building‑code rewrite and new exterior‑wall requirement to second reading

At first reading on March 18 the Village Council advanced Ordinance 2026‑01, which reorganizes building and construction provisions into a new Chapter 7 of the village code and adds a new policy (section 7‑6) that would require concrete/block exterior wall construction on specified structures, including hotels, motels, commercial buildings and multifamily buildings.

The village attorney explained the change began in response to a recent hotel proposal at Coconut Point that sought stick (wood) construction. The ordinance separates building‑code provisions from the land development code and carries over permit‑fee language; the only substantive policy change at this stage is the exterior wall construction requirement in section 7‑6.

Council members expressed support for codifying higher exterior construction standards; no public comment was recorded. The council voted to adopt the ordinance at first reading and set the second reading for April 1.

Staff said the ordinance will provide an additional local regulatory tool to pursue higher durability and safety for certain building types; the ordinance text will be published with the agenda for the second reading.