Establishment of zoning districts.
Cape Coral Land Development Code § 4.1.2
in effectSection 4.1.2. - Establishment of zoning districts.
For regulating and restricting the use of land and the erection, construction, reconstruction, altering, moving, or use of buildings and structures, the City of Cape Coral is divided into zoning districts. The City zoning districts are classified as follows:
A. Residential Zoning Districts.
1. Residential Single Family (R-1). This district is established to encourage and protect single-family development and to permit other uses generally compatible with single-family residential uses.
2. Residential Multi-Family Low (RML). This district is to accommodate multi-family housing to meet the needs of a diverse community, while ensuring that there is a transition to single-family neighborhoods which protects the integrity of those neighborhoods. The RML district acts as a transition zone from lower density residential to higher density residential or non-residential uses or zoning districts. The RML zoning district should only be established where City water and sewer services are available.
3. Residential Multi-Family Medium (RMM). This zoning district is to accommodate multi-family housing at a higher density than RML to meet the needs of a diverse community. The RMM district also acts as a transition zone from lower density residential areas to non-residential land uses or zoning districts.
4. Residential Estate (RE). This district is established to provide areas for single-family dwellings typically on parcels of 40,000 square feet or more in areas of the city that are rural in character. The RE district permits the keeping of some domesticated livestock for use by the occupants.
5. Agriculture (A). This district is to accommodate agricultural activities and operations which may include crop cultivation; the breeding, raising, or keeping of livestock or fur bearing animals; dairy farming; apiculture; and to allow all accessory uses and structures customarily incidental to those activities.
B. Non-Residential Zoning Districts.
1. Commercial (C). This district is designed to encourage and facilitate commercial activities intended to serve a relatively large trade area, appropriate commercial locations on major thoroughfares in developed areas, and is intended to meet the needs of motorists and other consumers through the provision of automobile-oriented commercial activities to meet the needs of several types and varieties of general commercial activities.
2. Professional Office (P). This district is designed to encourage the compatible development of major professional and related office complexes in areas which are suitable for such activities. The P District may serve as a transition between commercial corridors and nearby residential uses.
3. Industrial (I). This district is to accommodate manufacturing, fabrication, warehousing, and other related activities that typically utilize large work forces, generate semi-tractor trailer traffic, and may produce external impacts such as noxious smells, smoke, or noise.
4. Institutional (INST). This district is to allow for development of nonprofit or quasi-public uses such as religious institutions, libraries, public or private schools, hospitals, or government owned or operated structures. Many of these uses provide meeting places for the citizens of Cape Coral and valuable civic engagement opportunities.
5. Preservation (PV). This district is to identify environmental resources or natural features as areas intended to remain in a predominately natural or undeveloped state to provide resource protection and opportunities for passive recreation and environmental education for present and future generations.
C. Mixed Use Zoning Districts.
1. Commercial Corridor (CC). This district is established to implement the recommendations of the Pine Island Road Master Plan and to promote such uses as retail, office, limited warehouse and light manufacturing, multi-family residential and large-scale commercial retail uses.
2. Neighborhood Commercial (NC). This district is intended to create a variety of dynamic walkable, mixed-use environments; provide a range and mix of commercial and housing choices near each other; and to create quality usable public spaces. The NC District utilizes form-based design standards and provides development options based on parcel size.
3. Mixed Use Seven Islands (MX7). This district is intended to implement master plan recommendations for the Seven Islands Area consistent with the Seven Islands Sub District. A further objective is to foster a sense of place and create a destination environment in northwestern Cape Coral. To achieve these objectives, the MX7 district allows a more flexible approach to comprehensive design and coordinated development of a multi-use neighborhood than is possible under other zoning classifications.
4. Mixed Use Bimini (MXB). This district is to promote redevelopment and enhancement of the Bimini Basin area of Cape Coral to create a destination for residents and visitors, consistent with the Downtown Mixed Future Land Use Classification and the Bimini Basin Revitalization and Implementation Plan. This district encourages mixed-use development. Existing commercial and professional buildings will be supplemented with entertainment activities and a wide diversity of housing types to create a vibrant work, live, shop, and play district that serves the entire city and region.
5. This district is intended to implement master plan recommendations for the Bimini Basin Area. A further objective is to foster a sense of place and create a destination environment in southeastern Cape Coral. To achieve these objectives, the MXB district allows a more flexible approach to comprehensive design and coordinated development of a multi-use neighborhood than is possible under other zoning classifications.
6. South Cape (SC). This district is to promote redevelopment and enhancement of the traditional commercial center of Cape Coral into a more compact and walkable form growth and to create a destination for residents and visitors. This district encourages mixed-use development. Existing commercial and professional buildings will be supplemented with entertainment activities and a wide diversity of housing types to create a vibrant work, live, shop, and play district that serves the entire city and region.
It is intended that the South Cape regulations act as a stimulus to development through provisions that permit a flexible approach to infill development on various lot sizes, as well as special provisions related to particular locations within the district. Therefore, many of the provisions contained herein, including uses and dimensional regulations, are regulated by lot size, or the extent of roadway frontage or a combination thereof.
7. Planned Unit Development (PUD). This district is designed for development as a cohesive unit, where uses and innovations in design and layout of the development provide public benefits when compared to standard zoning or uniform lot and block subdivision patterns and design features.
Source: City of Cape Coral, Florida, Code of Ordinances, City Charter and Land Development Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/fl/cape_coral/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=ART4ZODI_CH1GEPR_S4.1.2ESZODIFetched: 11/4/2026