The City of Sanibel was incorporated in 1974 to protect itself from the massive development schemes which were then being carried out on much of the prime coastal areas of Lee County. After incorporating, the city fathers commissioned a study which led to the development of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. It is one of the most stringent comprehensive land use plans in the United States and has served as a model for other small communities throughout the country. The plan is continuously being updated and reflects the experience and growth of the Island community. In addition, the land use plan assigned every part of Sanibel an ecological zone, which was based primarily on the elevation above sea level.
Most Sanibel inhabitants reside in close-knit condominium neighborhoods.
Architecture, ranging from stilt homes to stucco housing. The town of Sanibel is located on Sanibel Island off the southwest coast of Florida. It is connected by bridge to the mainland and is located SW of Fort Myers. Tranquil beaches washed by the surf gently rolling in from the Gulf of Mexico.