Marco Island Planning Board Backs Pilot Program

At its meeting on Friday, January 9, 2026, the Marco Island Planning Board unanimously voted to recommend that City Council approve a pilot program that would shift many city public notices away from newspaper publication and toward online posting, with optional mailed or emailed notices for residents who request them.

The recommendation comes as part of a broader proposed ordinance that would eliminate city code requirements for publishing certain notices in newspapers, except in cases where Florida law specifically mandates newspaper publication. Notices still required by state law would continue to be published as they are now.

Under the proposed ordinance, newspaper publication requirements would be removed from several sections of the city code. These include provisions related to site development plans, variance requests, appeals, environmental regulations, the Hideaway Beach District, certain waterfront and dock rules, portions of the Land Development Code, subdivision approvals, sign permits, and other city actions that require public notification.

Instead, the pilot program would test a new notification system in which notices would be posted on the Collier County website. Residents would also have the option to sign up to receive notices by email or traditional mail.

Planning Board members engaged in an in-depth discussion about accessibility, cost, and public awareness during the meeting. City staff explained that the pilot is intended to evaluate whether online posting, combined with optional email and mailed notices, is effective and well-received by residents.

Cost was a central factor in the discussion. City staff explained that if as few as 50 residents choose to receive notices by traditional mail, the expense of printing and postage would exceed the anticipated benefits of the new system. Ultimately, Planning Board members unanimously agreed to recommend that City Council direct staff to implement the pilot program as soon as practicable, continue it through the end of the calendar year, and then request that the city clerk provide an evaluation of its effectiveness. That assessment would be used to determine whether the city should proceed with removing the requirement for notices in the newspaper.

The Planning Board’s vote is advisory. The proposed ordinance and pilot program will now move on to the Marco Island City Council for consideration and a final decision.