Summerplace Improvement Association, Inc. (SIA)
Architectural Review Guidelines
Architectural Standards + Review Process + Construction Requirements
Revised November 2026
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Role of the SIA Architectural Review Committee (ARC)
Chapter 2: Architectural Design and Site Planning
Chapter 3: Construction Site Requirements
Chapter 4: Exterior Improvements and Property Standards
Chapter 5: Landscape & Outdoor Living, Sea Turtle Considerations
Appendix: Helpful Links
Chapter 1: Role of the SIA Architectural Review Committee
1.1 Purpose: Architectural Review Committee
SIA shall maintain an Architectural Review Committee (ARC) for the purpose of serving the Community by reviewing and making recommendations to the Board on construction projects in order to preserve and enhance the architectural character, appearance, quality, and value of the SIA homes. Owners are strongly encouraged to discuss plans with the ARC committee prior to proposal submission. In exercising its review, the ARC shall apply the Architectural Guidelines and other applicable standards reasonably and equitably to similarly situated Lots and Owners. The ARC may consider the location, size, design, materials, appearance, visibility, landscaping, relationship to neighboring Lots, relationship to the street view and compatibility with the overall character of the SIA to the extent authorized the Architectural Guidelines.
Our founding Declarations state that “Refusal of approval of plans and specifications…may be based upon any ground, including purely esthetic grounds.. “.
The Board has final authority to approve, conditionally approve, or deny an Owner’s proposal.
1.2 How the Review Process Works:
• Property Owner submits proposal to the Board
• Board forwards the proposal to the ARC for review and recommendation
• Note: ARC and Board members must disclose any affiliation or biases toward/against property
owner/proposal and recuse themselves from any conflict of interest.
• ARC reviews the proposal and makes recommendation(s) to the Board as quickly as reasonable, but within 30 days, including the need to request additional information or have the Owner resubmit.
• Board provides its decision in writing within 30 days of receipt of the ARC’s recommendation.
• Property Owner may appeal a decision in writing and discuss it at an Open Board meeting
• Do not begin work until submitted plan has been approved.
1.3 When Proposal Review is Required
All new exterior construction and renovation projects are subject to architectural review and must
comply with the SIA “Amendment to Declaration of Restrictions, Limitations, Conditions, and
Agreements” (aka SIA Deed Restrictions) on the Summerplace website, these ARC Guidelines and
applicable Indian River County and State Requirements. Where SIA requirements are more
restrictive than applicable building codes, SIA requirements shall govern as permitted by law.
All plans and proposals must be submitted to the ARC for review and Board decision prior to
project initiation.
After Board decision, any changes to the original plans must be submitted for re-review. Owner is
strongly encouraged to work with the ARC committee prior to submitting proposal and if the Arc and Board deems it necessary to hire an outside consultant to review the submittal, Owner applicant will be charged additional direct costs.
1.4 What to Submit in Construction Proposal
Five (5) complete, professional, readable copies (to scale) of the plans for construction are to be
provided to the Board, which will share the proposal with the ARC. The ARC will
review within 30 days of an acceptable submittal and then move the plans forward with a
recommendation to the Board. Three (3) copies will be returned to Owner after final evaluation by the
Board. These complete home construction plans must include:
▪ Tree survey for existing lot, with particular attention to live oaks
▪ Drainage plan (ref. 2.5)
▪ Site plan survey including specific measurements of setbacks and open space (ref 2.2 and 2.3)
▪ Floor plans, elevations, building profile of the house and exterior materials and finishes
▪ Location of septic tanks, wells, gutters, downspouts and drywells
▪ Driveway location and materials
▪ Added fill requirements and justification of need
▪ Locations of any retaining walls, privacy walls, gates and proposed fencing
▪ Final house peak height above the crown of the deeded road
▪ Landscaping plan
▪ Construction schedule with estimated start and end dates
Board approval is required before plans are submitted to Indian River County Building
Department for permitting. Board denial may be final or may allow for revision and resubmission.
Prior to construction: For projects which require ARC review, Board approval and County permits, Owner shall also provide:
• Security bond equal to 5% of the construction cost shown on the County building permit to
insure against SIA Deed Restriction violations and/or SIA Architectural Guidelines violations.
o The bond will be returned within 30 days of Owner receiving a Certificate of Occupancy
from the County and review from the Board confirming conformity with original plans.
• $1000 road damage deposit to ensure the road is returned to its pre-construction state. If not,
road deposit will be retained, and additional fees may be collected as necessary.
• Copy of the Indian River County building permit.
• Contractor certificates of workmen’s compensation, liability and other applicable insurances
• Applicable contractor licenses
All insurances must name “Summerplace Improvement Association, Inc.” as an additional
insured on these insurance policies.
During construction, dated copies of subsequent stem wall surveys, associated construction surveys,
final site survey, final house peak height survey, and Certificate of Occupancy are to be provided to
the Board as they become available.
1.5 Written Decisions and Records
Both ARC recommendations and Board decisions will be documented in writing and maintained within
the Association’s internal official records. For continuity and fairness, any denial shall be documented
to identify the specific guideline, deed restriction, or other governing provision relied upon and the
specific aspect of the proposal that does not conform, and this shall be shared with the Owner.
1.6 Construction Schedule and Extensions
Once approved, Owner will provide start and completion dates to the Board. Requests for extension
shall be submitted to the Board before the approved completion date and shall include the reason for
the delay and the anticipated new completion date.
Chapter 2: Architectural Design and Site Planning
Summerplace was founded in 1960 as an informal seaside community of modest cottages, shell
roads, mature oaks and tropical vegetation. From the beginning, its character came from simplicity,
informality, a relaxed coastal lifestyle, and architecture that complemented rather than dominated the
natural landscape.
These Design Guidelines carry that philosophy forward. They are not intended to recreate the original
cottages or prescribe a particular house plan, but to provide architectural suggestions that allow
homes to evolve while remaining compatible with the character and scale of Summerplace.
Two design concepts are particularly well suited to Summerplace, and examples of these home styles
may be found in a separate Design Suggestions document.
2a. Coastal Cottage design concept is not intended to replicate the original Summerplace
cottages, but to carry their spirit forward. Inspired by timeless coastal architecture, new homes
should favor welcoming front porches, pitched roofs, well-proportioned windows and openings,
durable materials, thoughtful craftsmanship and an easy relationship between indoor and
outdoor living.
2b. Mid-Century Modern reflects the architectural roots of many of Summerplace’s original
homes, emphasizing simple forms, generous overhangs, expansive windows and a strong
connection to the surrounding landscape.
The remaining original cottages are an important part of Summerplace’s architectural heritage and
historic character. Their preservation, restoration, and continued stewardship are highly encouraged
as they embody the design principles and lifestyle upon which Summerplace was founded.
New home builds and substantive renovations may draw inspiration from these design concepts.
Individuality is encouraged, and homes should be thoughtfully designed, responsive to their site and
compatible with the surrounding landscape and neighborhood character. As Summerplace evolves,
new homes should feel distinctive and should age gracefully to help preserve the character that has
long distinguished Summerplace along Florida’s Atlantic Coast.
General standards include the following, and specific standards listed below:
▪ Homes/cottages must be designed for single family occupancy.
▪ Homes must have an exterior finish of wood or wood-like texture on the surface area of the primary street facing side.
▪ Entrance and exit private driveways must enter SIA streets to preserve the integrity of the
Association boundaries.
▪ Landscaping plans that maximize vegetation, ideally creating “living green screens” to enhance
privacy and retain the longstanding character of the Community.
▪ For homes along the oceanfront, no attachments shall be made to the seawall, for safety and
integrity reasons. Repairs to any aspect of the seawall must be approved unanimously by the owners of the seawall within SIA, which are the SIA Board and the eight ocean from properties.
THE HOME SITE:
2.1 House Height
No house may exceed two (2) stories and a height of 35 feet measured from the minimum floor
elevation required for an approved septic tank and the maximum height of 35 feet must include all
architectural embellishments.
Lot fill must be substantiated by a legal requirement which must be submitted with the
original plans to the Board for review.
2.2 Housing Setbacks
Deed Restrictions must be followed regarding front setback lines (at least twenty-five (25) feet from
the deeded road which is more restrictive than the County’s twenty (20) foot setback), and side
setbacks at least ten (10) feet from the deeded Lot line. Because of beach erosion and associated
loss of Lot size, all Lots bordering the seawall and facing the cul-de-sacs are subject to individual
ARC review and Board decision for possible waiver of the 25-foot front setback requirement.
2.3 Lot Coverage and Open Space
A minimum of 40% of the Lot coverage must be open space as per Indian River County Building
Code (RS-6 zoning district). Open space per SIA definition excludes the house footprint, pools,
patios, driveways or any other impervious surfaces. All calculations must be included on the
site plan.
2.4 Tree Preservation and Replacement
Preservation of the existing oak tree canopy is an important consideration in plan review.
▪ When/If the removal of a tree, particularly a live oak, has been approved by the Board, a
replacement live oak, or approved equal, may be required to be planted on the property as replacement. The replacement tree shall be identified as part of the landscape plan submitted for review. It shall have at least a two (2) inch caliper and four (4) foot clearly visible trunk. Moving mature live oaks rather than replacement is highly encouraged.
▪ Owners shall consult with the Board regarding tree maintenance for any trees on the property
that are part of the street canopy.
▪ Indian River County explicitly bans these 5 tree species, and they must be removed from the
Lot: Brazilian Pepper, Australian Pine, Melaleuca, Ear-pod tree and Chinaberry. A listing of
invasive species is provided in the Appendix.
▪ Retaining the character of a subtropical landscape is important once construction is complete.
Addition of trees and other greenery to screen the property will help neighboring properties,
enhance privacy and retain the character of Summerplace.
2.5 Drainage and Stormwater Management
When property elevation with fill is required by law or is raised by construction with fill for any reason,
an engineering report is required to be submitted to the ARC with plans and calculations confirming
that post development runoff from the site plan as proposed will not exceed the pre-development
runoff and that the development of the site does not adversely affect neighboring properties and
roads. This is due to the unique character of Summerplace and the fact that water must be absorbed
into the ground after rainfall, creating an important ecosystem between neighboring houses.
The outside perimeter of the roof must be completely guttered. All gutters must empty to downspouts
at each corner of the roof and in turn each downspout must empty into individual drywells.
BUILDING DESIGN:
2.6 Roof Forms, Colors and Materials
Roof forms, colors, and materials shall be compatible with the residence and the overall character of
the Summerplace community.
Approved Roofing Materials:
▪ Standing seam aluminum metal roofing
▪ Cedar shakes or shingles
▪ Architectural dimensional asphalt shingles
2.7 Exterior Walls
All homes must feature a wood or wood-like texture on the street facing side.
2.8 Windows, Doors, Shutters, Awnings, and Openings
Exterior windows, doors, shutters, awnings, and architectural openings should match the scale,
proportion, materials, and character of the residence.
2.9 Exterior Color Guidelines
Exterior colors should complement the home’s architecture and the natural setting of Summerplace.
Color suggestions may be found in the Design Suggestions document.
2.10 Garages, Accessory Structures, and Attached Outbuildings
Garages, porte-cocheres, storage areas, greenhouses, workshops, tool and similar accessory
structures must comply with the SIA Deed Restrictions and be submitted to the ARC for review and
then for Board decision. Where the governing documents require attached structures, they must be designed as part of a unified architectural layout and no more than 2 stories high and 35’ in height. Prefabricated, pre-engineered or kit-built metal buildings/garages are prohibited unless it can be shown that they match the existing lot structure appearance.
2.11 Mechanical Equipment, Utilities and Screening
Air-conditioning and pool equipment, generators, propane tanks, trash bins, utilities and similar
service elements must be located and screened to minimize visual and noise impacts on neighboring
properties and streets. Landscaping and hurricane remediation around such equipment is highly encouraged.
Septic system installations must be reviewed by the ARC and Board approved.
2.12 Hurricane Protection and Resiliency Measures
Hurricane shutters, impact-rated doors and windows, emergency generators, roof attachments, and
other resiliency measures must be reviewed for consistency with the governing Summerplace
documents, applicable law, building codes, and the Community’s architectural character.
Chapter 3: Construction Site Requirements
▪ Temporary Power: Prior to commencement of construction, temporary FPL electrical power
must be established. The use of a generator is not permitted for construction.
▪ Trash and Debris: A commercial dumpster shall be provided as needed on site for building
materials and personal trash and must be emptied as needed to prevent overflow.
Construction and food waste shall be contained and the site kept free of loose debris.
▪ Work Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday unless otherwise approved by Board.
▪ Parking and Traffic: Construction and delivery vehicles shall be parked off SIA roads
whenever possible and may not obstruct or create hazardous conditions for traffic. The ten (10) MPH maximum speed limit must be observed by all workers, contractors and delivery trucks. Loading and unloading of materials where large equipment restricts traffic is limited to a 30 minute time frame. The Board must be notified ahead of time if the street is going to be blocked for any time.
▪ Overnight Parking: Construction vehicles may not be parked in the Community overnight.
▪ Site Maintenance and Storm Preparation: The work site shall be cleaned and secured at the
end of each workday. In advance of severe weather and during hurricane season, materials
and equipment shall be secured to prevent flying debris and other hazards.
▪ Oversized Vehicles: Oversized construction and delivery vehicles shall be operated with care
to protect roadside trees, canopy trees and SIA streets.
Chapter 4: Exterior Improvements and Property Standards
4.1 Perimeter Fencing Guidelines
All new fencing, including temporary fencing, requires ARC and Board approval review prior to project initiation.Fencing shall be evaluated for location, height, materials, visibility, landscape integration, and consistency with the open residential character of the Community. Fencing plan submissions shall be professional, to scale, and include multiple viewpoints and designation of property boundaries.
Fencing shall remain visually subordinate to the landscape and shall not create the
appearance of enclosed individual compounds within SIA. Landscaping along fence lines is encouraged. All fences must be properly installed with concrete footings.
▪ Fence Location: Perimeter fences shall not extend beyond the front building corner or front
building line toward the street. Fencing along the front of a property is prohibited unless deemed necessary for safety or security..
▪ Fencing Location on Oceanfront Lots: Fencing along oceanfront property lines, or between
the residence and the ocean, is strongly discouraged and may be approved only when site
conditions or circumstances demonstrate a compelling need. The convenience of tenants,
renters, guests, or other temporary occupants is insufficient justification for fencing. Attaching
fencing to the seawall is prohibited.
▪ Fence Height: Fence height shall not exceed six (6) feet, and lower height fencing is strongly
encouraged. The Board may require a lower height where appropriate to preserve views,
landscape character, or compatibility with adjoining properties.
▪ Fence Materials and Design: Fencing shall maintain visual openness and blend into the
surrounding landscape. Appropriate materials may include open-style wood fencing, dark
anodized aluminum fencing with spaced posts and rails, or dark chain-link fencing when
substantially screened by vegetation. Vinyl fencing may be used around non-perimeter areas or where they fit aesthetically into the existing features.
▪ Wood Fencing: Where wood fencing is approved, the finished or more attractive side shall
face the adjoining property or public right-of-way.
▪ Landscape Screening: Additional planting may be required to soften the appearance of
fencing and maintain Summerplace’s natural, landscape-dominant character.
▪ Temporary Fencing: Temporary fencing is subject to the same location, height, visual-impact,
and landscape-integration standards as permanent fencing and require ARC review and Board approval.
All fences must be properly installed.
4.2 Driveways and Parking Areas
Driveways and parking areas shall be designed to provide safe, functional access while maintaining
appropriate lot coverage, supporting drainage and landscape compatibility. Permeable materials are
required.
Driveways and parking areas shall remain visually subordinate to the landscape and shall not
transform front yards into predominantly paved or hardscaped areas.
▪ Driveway Plan Submission and Board Approval: Driveway and parking-area plans,
including location, dimensions, configuration, and surface materials shall be submitted to the
ARC for new exterior construction or renovation. Any subsequent change in driveway
configuration/materials requires approval prior to installation.
▪ Existing Driveway Modifications: Any proposed modification to an existing Board-approved
driveway or parking area – including lengthening, widening and or creation of a new parking
area – requires ARC review and Board approval before work begins.
▪ Drainage: Driveways shall use natural, permeable or porous materials and shall be designed
to minimize runoff onto deeded roads or neighboring properties. Where runoff may be an
issue, appropriate drainage measures, such as a French drain, may be required.
▪ Preferred Driveway Materials: Shell or stabilized shell, pea gravel, sand-set pavers,
permeable paving systems including grass/turf block and grass-joint pavers are preferred.
Large expanses of concrete or asphalt are prohibited. Driveway materials are excluded from
open space calculations requirement (ref 2.3)
▪ Size, Configuration, and Landscape Integration: Driveways and parking areas shall be no
wider or larger than reasonably necessary to access garage and parking area. New or
expanded approved driveways and parking areas should be integrated into the landscape
through thoughtful siting, planting and natural materials. Fixed materials (e.g. pavers) shall
note extend beyond the deeded Lot line.
▪ Circular Driveways and Secondary Curb Cuts: Circular driveways and secondary curb cuts
require specific Board review and will be approved only where Lot size and the existing
landscape can accommodate them without creating an overly hardscaped appearance (ref 2.3)
4.3 Swimming Pools, Soaking Tubs and Spas
Pools and spas enhance Summerplace’s tradition of outdoor living. Through thoughtful site design
and layered planting, pools should be naturally integrated with the home and landscape.
Pools and associated mandatory pool fencing require Board review and approval. All applicable State
and Indian River County Building Codes and safety features must be implemented.
Pools located near or adjacent to the seawall shall require an engineering report confirming that the
proposed location and associated construction will not compromise seawall structure and integrity.
Plans shall address routine overflow and drainage, including provisions for emergency management
and rapid release of tropical storm and hurricane overflow.
Pools and Spas
▪ Location: Pools and spas should be located within the rear yard when possible and designed to minimize visibility from neighboring properties and public rights-of-way.
▪ Decks and Hardscape: Pool decks, patios, and surrounding hardscape shall complement the
architecture of the residence and the natural character of the site. Natural stone, shell,
permeable pavers, and other landscape-appropriate materials are encouraged. Water runoff
from pool decking must not impact neighboring properties.
▪ Equipment and Screening: Pumps, heaters, filters, utilities, and other pool equipment shall
be integrated into the site through architectural or landscape screening to minimize visual and
noise impacts. Living green screens around such equipment is strongly encouraged.
▪ Lighting: Pool and spa lighting shall minimize light spill onto neighboring properties and
preserve Summerplace’s tranquil evening character.
▪ Development Standards: Proposals shall comply with applicable lot coverage, setback,
drainage, and all other applicable development standards (ref Chapter 2). All applicable
building codes, permitting requirements, and safety regulations shall be met.
Pool Design and Landscape Integration
Landscape plans shall be submitted with pool proposals and shall demonstrate how the pool design
and its associated elements contribute to and preserve Summerplace’s historically lush landscape.
Layered planting shall be used to soften and screen required pool fencing, equipment, utilities,
associated structures and neighboring properties.
4.4 Other Exterior Improvements Requiring ARC Review:
▪ Hot Tubs: Exterior hot tub installations require Board review and decision.
▪ Alternative Energy Sources: All permanent alternative energy additions to any structure must
be reviewed by the Board. Including solar panels, wind electrical generators or propane/gas
generators intended to power any part of the home as a permanent installation.
▪ Temporary portable generators used during power outages do not require Board approval.
▪ Other: Gas firepits and other structural modifications to the exterior require Board consultation.
Chapter 5: Landscape and Outdoor Living, Sea Turtle Considerations
Landscape standards are intended to preserve existing mature vegetation, support drainage and
stormwater management, maintain compatibility with neighboring Lots, and ensure that exterior
improvements remain consistent with the natural setting of Summerplace.
5.1 Preservation of Existing Landscape
Preservation of mature trees and significant vegetation is a primary consideration of ARC
review and Board approval. New exterior construction, renovations and site improvements shall be designed to preserve existing natural features to the greatest extent practicable.
Existing Landscape Guidelines
▪ Homes, additions, pools, driveways, fences and other site improvements shall be designed to
preserve existing trees and vegetation to the greatest extent practicable. Replenishment plans
post construction are important Board considerations.
▪ Proposed removal of mature or significant trees must be reviewed by the ARC.
▪ When live oak tree removal is approved, Owner may be required to plant one or more
replacement trees to reinforce Summerplace’s long-term canopy and landscape character.
Replacement tree(s) shall have at least a 2” caliper and 4’ clearly visible trunk. Moving mature
live oaks rather than replacement is highly encouraged.
5.2 Layered Planting for Privacy
Layered planting creates privacy, softens architecture, and strengthens the relationship between
homes and the surrounding landscape. Owners are encouraged to bolster landscape planting.
▪ Landscape design beyond the natural original vegetation should incorporate layers of native
trees, shrubs, palms, and ground covers (see Appendix for Native Plant resources)
▪ Foundation planting shall visually connect home to the surrounding landscape.
▪ Plantings shall create privacy naturally rather than relying on fences or walls.
▪ Landscaping frames views while maintaining the open, welcoming character of the Community.
▪ Landscape lights and uplighting should complement the subtropical character and must not
interfere or cast light to neighboring properties.
5.3 Plant Selection
Plant selections shall reinforce Summerplace’s lush subtropical character through the use of
native, Florida-adapted, and historically appropriate plant material.
▪ Native and Florida-adapted species are strongly encouraged. Resources in the Appendix.
▪ Existing mature and historically appropriate plantings shall be preserved whenever possible.
▪ Plant additions post construction are part of a complete proposal for ARC review.
▪ Invasive plant species must not be introduced and must be removed from Lot (ref 2.4)
▪ Expanses of manicured turf require ARC review and Board approval.
▪ Ground surfaces and plant selection shall support stormwater infiltration whenever feasible.
5.4 Pergolas and Gazebos
Pergolas and gazebos should complement the architecture of the home and enhance Summerplace’s
tradition of outdoor living. Their design, placement, scale, and materials shall reinforce the
relationship between the home, landscape, and surrounding neighborhood while remaining
subordinate to the primary residence. Optimally, pergolas and gazebos will be placed in the rear yard,
and adequately landscaped. ARC review and Board approval required.
Pergola and Gazebo Guidelines
▪ Pergolas and gazebos are integral elements of the site and architecture rather than
freestanding focal points. Design should complement the primary residence.
▪ Structures shall be appropriately scaled to the residence and surrounding landscape.
▪ Placement shall preserve existing mature vegetation whenever practical and minimize impacts
on neighboring properties.
▪ Enhanced landscaping post installation is encouraged to soften and integrate structure into the
surrounding site.
▪ Open designs are encouraged; oversized or visually dominant structures are discouraged.
▪ Lighting associated with structure shall be designed to minimize light spill onto neighboring
properties and preserve Summerplace’s tranquil evening character.
▪ All applicable building codes and permitting requirements shall be met.
5.5 Screened Porches
Screened porches have long been an important part of Summerplace’s architectural character and
outdoor lifestyle, providing comfortable outdoor living spaces while preserving the open, informal
relationship between homes and the surrounding landscape. Existing screened porches should be
preserved whenever practical, and new or modified attached screened porches should complement
the scale, proportions, and character of the residence while maintaining the open, welcoming
relationship between the home and its landscape.
Screened Porch General Guidelines
▪ Screened porches are encouraged where they complement the architectural character of the
home and appear as a natural extension of the original architecture.
▪ Screening systems should be simple, with framing that complements the home’s style.
▪ Landscape design should be considered an integral component of screened porch design.
Existing mature native vegetation shall be preserved where possible and planting should be
used to soften new construction and reinforce Summerplace’s character.
Screened Porch Design Review
▪ Repair of Existing Screened Porch: Existing historic screened porches are encouraged to be
preserved and repaired. If Owner is only replacing screen, no Board review is required.
▪ Converting Screened Porch: Enclosing or otherwise altering existing screened porches
requires proposal submission and Board review.
▪ New Screened Porch: New screened porches require proposal submission and Board review,
including plantings for post construction.
▪ Porch Lighting: Lighting shall be designed to minimize light spill onto neighboring properties
and preserve Summerplace’s tranquil evening character.
▪ Permitting: All applicable building codes and permitting requirements shall be met.
Outdoor lighting shall be designed for reasonable property use while minimizing glare, light spill, and
impacts on neighboring properties, streets, wildlife, and the night sky. Lighting shall be useful,
targeted, low-level, controlled, and warm-colored.
Lighting Guidelines
▪ Exterior home lighting shall be shielded and directed downward.
▪ Lighting shall only have an intensity for safe functioning.
▪ Lighting shall be limited to the minimum intensity necessary for safety and functionality.
▪ Decorative and landscape lighting shall complement the home and surrounding landscape.
▪ Seasonal or temporary lighting shall be removed promptly following the applicable holiday.
Sea Turtle Lighting
Beachfront properties and any exterior lighting visible from the beach must comply with applicable
federal, state, and local sea turtle lighting requirements.
▪ Beachfront properties shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local sea turtle lighting
regulations. (See Appendix).
▪ Lighting visible from the beach shall be shielded and designed, installed, and maintained to
minimize impacts on nesting sea turtles and hatchlings.
▪ Turtle-friendly fixtures, shielding, and approved light sources shall be used.
▪ Owners shall ensure exterior lighting remains in compliance with all applicable federal, state
and local regulations.
▪ The Board may require documentation demonstrating compliance for new construction or
renovations for exterior lighting modifications on beachfront properties.
▪ Violations to sea turtle lighting guidelines are will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
About Our Sea Turtles
Sea turtle nesting season runs from March 1 through October 31. Summerplace lies within the 20-
mile Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, one of the world’s most important nesting areas for
loggerhead sea turtles and a significant nesting area for green sea turtles.