Please see the Myakka River Protection Zone (MRPZ) graphics for a description and diagram of each zone.

For properties less than 5 acres*

Q. Can I install an above ground pool?

• Yes, you can install an above ground pool provided that it is located at least 50 feet landward of the River Area Buffer and no trees or native habitats will be impacted.

• A county Building Permit may also be required depending on the type of pool.

• If impacts to the River Area Buffer and native vegetation cannot be avoided, contact Resource Protection staff at 941-861-5000 to discuss other options.

Q. Can I have lawn furniture, kiddy pool, or a barbeque grill within 50 feet of the River Area?

• Yes, however, family recreation items must be located in existing cleared areas outside of native habitats and vegetation.

• If there are no existing cleared areas, an area up to a maximum of 144 square feet per lot may be removed with written approval from the county.

• Construction is not permitted within 50 feet of the River Area.

Q. Can I remove trees along the river?

• A county Tree Permit is required to remove any tree within the MRPZ.

Q. Can I trim or remove branches and shrubs?

• Native vegetation may only be removed or trimmed in specific instances with written approval from the county.

• For Zones 1 and 2 - Vegetative removal may be allowed in association with county-approved permits for construction or to create or maintain a fire protection clear zone around the structure.

• The fire protection clear zone for structures in the MRPZ is determined by the Fire Marshal and county staff.

• For Zone 3 and 4 – Vegetation may be removed only after review and written approval from county staff and only for the following purposes:

  1. To create or maintain private nature trails.

  2. To create or maintain a single access to a permitted dock or pier.

  3. To conduct native understory vegetation management, in accordance with a county-approved management plan.

  4. Reasonable selective pruning of side branches to enhance a view from a Principle Structure within or outside the MRPZ.

• For Zone 3 only - Native vegetation removal associated with and limited to exempt Earthmoving activities (see last question for the list of exempt earthmoving activities).

• Earthmoving is prohibited in Zone 4.

Q. Can I trim mangroves along the river?

• Mangrove trimming is regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

• Trimming may be allowed for specific reasons, but in any case, a permit from FDEP is required.

• Contact FDEP at 941-486-2052 for additional information.

Q. Do I need a permit to put in a dock or fishing pier?

• Yes, county Water Navigation Control Authority and FDEP permits must be obtained before the construction of any new dock or fishing pier.

• Permits are also required for new boat lifts on existing docks, repair, expansion, extension etc.

• For specific information, contact Sarasota County Resource Protection at 941-861-5000 and FDEP at 941-486-2052.

Q.The water near my dock is shallow. Can I dredge it to make it deeper?

• No, the Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan prohibits dredging in the Myakka River.

Q. Can I install rip-rap or boulders to stabilize my shoreline?

• No, the Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan prohibits shoreline hardening along the Myakka River.

• However, native plants may be installed to help stabilize the shoreline from erosion.

• Contact Resource Protection staff at 861-5000 for additional information about finding the most helpful and appropriate plants.

Q. Can I remove nuisance/invasive species?

• Yes, any nuisance/invasive plant listed on the Land Development Regulations, Environmental Technical Manual, Section F may be removed from properties within the MRPZ provided that native vegetation is not damaged.

• Click HERE for the list of nuisance/invasive plants.

Q. Can I install a tiki hut or a gazebo in the MRPZ?

• If you have an existing residence, a tiki hut or gazebo must be located outside of the 50-foot River Area Buffer and in areas of the property where native trees and vegetation don’t exist.

• A building permit may be required to construct the tiki hut or gazebo, and if there is no alternative to native vegetation removal in the MRPZ, written approval must be obtained from the county.

Q. Can I build an addition on my house or add on a pool?

• Yes, outside of the 50-foot River Area buffer a building permit for this construction is required.

• If the construction cannot be located outside of the River Area Buffer, see the question below.

Q. Can I build an addition on my house or add on a pool in the 50-foot River Area buffer?

• If your property is constrained, you may be able to encroach up to 25 feet into the River Area Buffer with approval from the Myakka River Standards Relief Review Committee.

• The committee will review the construction during the building permit process and will require that the construction minimizes impacts to the River Area, require that the construction is no closer than 25 feet from the River Area, and that the construction has been sufficiently buffered from the river.

• Buffering may include the installation of native plants, or the removal of nuisance/invasive plants or other activities to reduce visual impacts from the river.

• For more information about this process, contact Resource Protection staff at 941-861-5000.

Q. I own a small vacant lot. Can I build my house in the 50-foot River Area buffer?

• If the property is constrained and the residence cannot be located outside of Zone 4, the River Area Buffer, the owner may seek a variance from the Board of County Commissioners at a public hearing.

• For more information about the variance process, contact Resource Protection staff at 861-5000.

Q. I would like to do some earthmoving on my property, including:

Bringing fill to the property for gardening

Maintaining an existing ditch

Digging a new landscape pond

Is earthmoving allowed in the MRPZ?

• Earthmoving activities described in Section 54-349 (3) (a-g) (i-l) (n-s) are exempt in the MRPZ, and include each of the activities listed above.

• However, no earthmoving activity is permitted in Zone 4, the River Area Buffer.

• Exempted activities outside of Zone 4 can be found HERE .

• Any earthmoving activities not listed (3) (a-g) (i-l) (n-s) are not permitted in the MRPZ.

For properties 5 acres or greater*
The same requirements apply to properties 5 acres or greater with the exception of the following.

Q.  I own a vacant lot. Can I build my new house in the MRPZ?

• Yes, a new residence may be built in the MRPZ provided that it is located a minimum of 150 feet landward of the River Area Buffer.

Q. Is all new construction required to be located outside of the 150 foot setback?

• All new construction, development and earthmoving must be located no closer than 150-feet from the River Area, except as provided below:

  1. Elevated patios, decks and walkways;

  2. Caged or non-caged swimming pools;

  3. Gazebos up to 400 square feet in floor area;

  4. Water dependent structures such as boat docks and piers; and

  5. All structures more than 2,200-feet from the bank of the main stem of the Myakka River.

*Note: FAQs are for informational purposes only. They do not guarantee nor imply that authorization for construction, excavation or vegetation removal in the MRPZ will be granted or are exempt. Site specific conditions will be considered for all requests.