Collier County Commissioners Opt to Maintain Golf Course Conversion Rules
In a unanimous decision, Collier County commissioners voted to keep existing regulations for converting golf courses into residential developments. The decision came after county staff attempted to revise the rules to make them more legally defensible against Bert Harris property rights claims from developers and landowners, according to a recent article by Laura Layden on Naples Daily News.
The proposed changes, which aimed to streamline the rules from nine pages to two, were sent back by the Collier Planning Commission last year. Planning commissioners felt the revisions were too drastic, favoring developers over nearby homeowners. Instead of reworking the proposal, county staff sought direction from commissioners on whether to proceed with modifications.
During Tuesday’s meeting, officials briefly considered eliminating the golf course conversion process altogether but ultimately decided against it. The board expressed a strong preference for keeping the existing rules, emphasizing their role in protecting homeowners. Commissioner Dan Kowal pointed out that, despite legal challenges, the county had not suffered significant losses. Questioning the need for further discussion, he made the motion to maintain the current regulations, which was seconded by Commission Chairman Burt Saunders.
Saunders had initially suggested an alternative motion that included flexibility in buffer requirements, but it failed to gain majority support. County Attorney Jeffrey Klatzkow warned that the mandated 100-foot buffer might render some golf courses undevelopable. However, most commissioners believed they already had the discretion to adjust buffer requirements without revising the ordinance.
The rules, originally adopted in 2017, introduced stricter application procedures, design standards, and community outreach requirements to minimize negative impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.
Homeowners Advocate for Keeping the Regulations
Residents opposing changes to the rules attended the meeting, including Peter Osinski, a board director for Riviera Golf Estates. Speaking on behalf of his community, which is engaged in an ongoing legal battle over a nearby golf course, Osinski argued that the regulations help reduce conflicts and lawsuits. He also pointed out that any weakening of these protections could result in legal claims from homeowners who purchased their properties based on the existing rules.
Following the vote, Osinski expressed gratitude to commissioners for upholding the regulations, calling it a victory for homeowners. Riviera Golf Estates recently won a separate legal battle when a judge ruled that a local golf course must remain in operation until 2030. While the ruling may only delay future development, the community remains committed to opposing it.
Proposal to Legalize Guesthouse Rentals Rejected
In another decision on Tuesday, commissioners rejected a proposal to allow the rental of guesthouses in the urban Estates area west of Collier Boulevard. Commissioner Bill McDaniel suggested the change as a way to provide affordable housing for essential workers such as teachers and firefighters.
Currently, county regulations limit guesthouses to use by family members or caregivers, prohibiting commercial rentals. To allow rentals, the county would need to amend its land development code.
Despite some discussion, commissioners opted not to move forward with the proposal. Chairman Saunders expressed concern that permitting guesthouse rentals could lead to an influx of short-term Airbnb-style rentals, ultimately affecting traffic and residents’ quality of life. He also feared that if allowed in the urban estates, the policy could expand to the rural estates, leading to greater disruption.
Commissioner Chris Hall agreed, noting frequent complaints from his constituents about vacation rentals in single-family homes and condos. He described issues with short-term renters from Miami and other areas overcrowding properties, generating excessive trash, and causing disturbances.
Given the lack of control over rental frequency and duration due to state laws, commissioners felt the potential drawbacks outweighed any benefits. Hall summed up the general sentiment by stating, “The juice isn’t worth the squeeze.”
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News