Commercial shutters sparked another split vote inside Belleview City Hall this week, as commissioners finalized a new ordinance allowing certain “at-risk” businesses to install exterior roll-up shutters for crime prevention.
The debate centered around Ordinance 2026-08, which amends a section of city code that previously prohibited shutters on the exterior of commercial buildings.
According to Development Services Director Shawna Chancey, the discussion first surfaced during the commission’s March 3 and March 17 meetings, when commissioners asked staff to draft an ordinance that would permit certain businesses to install shutters while still maintaining restrictions on appearance and use.
Under the ordinance, businesses considered “at-risk” including pharmacies, pawn shops, convenience stores, or others may apply to install exterior shutters.
One aesthetic requirement quickly became a focal point of the debate.
The ordinance requires the shutter tracks to be painted the same color as the building exterior. During discussion at an earlier meeting, commissioners also pushed to require the shutters themselves to match the building color.
Commissioner Ray Dwyer voiced opposition to the proposal, saying crime statistics presented by Chief Holland did not justify changing the code.
Dwyer noted there had only been three break-ins involving businesses over the past five years among roughly 400 businesses citywide.
Commissioner Bo Smith agreed, arguing the shutters would appear unattractive and unwelcoming to customers.
Mayor Dobkowski countered that the ordinance was narrowly tailored and would not allow every business in the city to install shutters automatically. Instead, she emphasized that only specifically identified at-risk businesses or businesses granted an exception by the police chief would qualify.
Commissioner Goldman took a more property-rights-oriented stance during the discussion, saying he researched other communities and found many do not regulate commercial shutters at all. As a small business owner himself, Goldman said he did not believe the city should stand in the way of business owners attempting to protect their property.
Another point clarified during discussion involved appeals. If a business applies for shutters and the police chief determines the business does not qualify as at-risk, the owner may appeal the decision to the City Commission. Dobkowski said she did not expect the ordinance to lead to widespread shutter installations, noting that only five businesses had previously installed shutters before the issue resurfaced last year.
The ordinance passed its first reading April 21 by a 3-2 vote, with Goldman, Dobkowski, and Commissioner Livsey voting in favor, while Dwyer and Smith voted against it. The final reading on May 5 passed with the same 3-2 split.
