According to village administrator Guillermo Olmedillo, the municipality enforces a rigid set of Land Development Regulations. These rules govern nearly every aspect of property ownership, from the height and color of a residence to the placement of docks and generators. The primary objective of these mandates is to maintain the “quiet elegance” of the community, ensuring that the island’s aesthetic remains uniform and controlled.
Strict Architectural and Environmental Mandates
The regulations impose specific constraints on construction, mandating that at least 55% of any property must remain as permeable open space or landscaping. Furthermore, building footprints are limited to 25% of the total lot size. The village also enforces a minimum size for residences; a primary home and its accessory structures must cover at least 5,000 square feet, with the main house accounting for at least 75% of that total area.
The code dictates precise setbacks for all structures. A primary residence must be situated at least 100 feet from the water’s edge, while accessory buildings must maintain a 50-foot distance. Even privacy measures are regulated; property walls and fences cannot exceed seven feet in height and must be set back 10 feet from the front property line, with mandatory vegetation to obscure them from view. Additionally, the village explicitly prohibits the use of any property as a landing or storage area for helicopters or other aircraft.
Operational Restrictions on Residents
Beyond physical construction, the village regulates the daily use of property. Homeowners are prohibited from hosting events or gatherings intended to promote, sell, or showcase commercial services, products, celebrities, or brands. The code also limits the number of domestic animals, banning groups of more than three animals—defined as herds, flocks, or litters—unless specifically authorized by a municipal resolution.
Maintenance standards are equally stringent. Lawns must be kept shorter than six inches, and construction sites must be covered with grass to prevent dust and maintain visual appeal. Even the signage for properties listed for sale is subject to detailed requirements, including specific paint finishes and lettering styles. These regulations, which also prohibit the subdivision of existing lots, serve to preserve the island’s limited inventory and exclusive character, ensuring that even the most prominent residents remain subject to the village’s comprehensive oversight.
