Hearing Examiner - October 20, 2026

Cape Coral Hearing Examiner land-use hearing, October 20, 2026: The examiner heard zoning, special-exception, and easement-vacation cases. The city’s request to rezone approximately 28.4 acres of city-owned property to industrial and 41.59 acres to preservation was approved. A special exception for an assisted-living facility at 825 Santa Barbara Boulevard was granted with conditions. Several requests to vacate canal rights-of-way and utility/drainage easements were also approved with conditions, including requirements to retain perimeter easements and address utility relocation or damage costs.

The most contested item involved vacating approximately 36,018 square feet of right-of-way on Southwest 32nd Place to support future commercial land assembly. The examiner approved the request with conditions, including a 20-foot public cross-access easement, drainage and utility provisions, and a reported $210,686.94 contribution to the city’s general tree fund. Residents raised concerns about traffic, emergency access, flooding, and neighborhood impacts; the applicant described drainage review and said the access route would remain available. No procurement activity, contract awards, or purchasing decisions were identified.