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City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
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| | | | | | | | | | Item 17.
COMMITTEE MEMORANDUM | | | |
| | | | | | | | TO: Land Use and Sustainability Committee
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| FROM: Alina T. Hudak, City Manager
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| DATE: September 14, 2021
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| | | | | | | | | TITLE: | DISCUSSION PERTAINING TO DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR STREAMLINING THE REVIEW PROCESS AND REDUCING FEES FOR SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES |
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| | | | | | | | HISTORY:
| | On June 21, 2021, the Land Use and Sustainability Committee (LUSC) concluded a separate discussion pertaining to the Palm View Neighborhood Study. As part of the recommendations for the Palm View item, the LUSC requested that a separate discussion regarding options for streamlining the review process and reducing fees for single-family homes be placed on a future agenda of the Committee. |
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| | | | | | | | ANALYSIS:
| Over the past several years, the City has implemented changes to the land development regulations, land use board procedures and building permit review process with the goal of improving/streamlining the review of single-family home projects. Below is a summary of these initiatives.
Land Development Regulations and Land Use Board Procedures
On October 14, 2020, the City adopted a series of amendments to the land development regulations in an effort to streamline and expedite the review of land use board and building permit applications for single-family homes. It is important to note that the simplified regulations did not apply to any applicant who submitted a land use board application or obtained a building permit process number on or prior to August 25, 2020. While there are still a number of single-family home permits that are being reviewed in accordance with the more complex regulations, it is anticipated that review time will be shortened for all single-family home land use board and building permit applications within the next several months. The amendments approved in 2020 also expanded staff’s authority to review and approve additions to existing homes that are not historically designated.
Further, a comprehensive rewrite of the land development regulations is currently underway with the goal of creating new regulations focused on resiliency. This project is well into the draft phase and important issues such as clarity in the land use board and permitting processes as well as further simplification of development regulations are being addressed. The Administration recommends that any proposals for additional modifications to the single-family home regulations take place as part of the review and approval process for the new resiliency code.
Fee Schedule
In 2014, a review of the City’s Development Review Fee Schedule was conducted. At that time, it was determined that the fee schedule did not accurately represent the costs to the City and, in October of 2015, an amended fee schedule was adopted. Included in the revised fee schedule was a reduction of the land use board fee for variances requested for single-family homes with a verified homestead exemption. Additionally, in 2017 and 2019, the City adopted amendments to the land development regulations that waive land use board public hearing application fees relating to sustainable systems such as a renewable energy system, sustainable roofing system, solar carport, porous pavement or cool pavement. Additional land use board fee reductions are a possible option to reduce costs incurred by a homeowner for non-substantial projects. These types of projects could include small additions and modifications to existing homes.
Building Department Initiatives
In an effort to serve local residents, the Building Department recently created a separate email address for homeowners (HomeOwnerBuild@miamibeachfl.gov) where owners of single-family homes can reach dedicated staff in order to promptly assist homeowners navigating the building permitting process. Additionally, there is currently a separate discussion pending at the Finance & Economic Resiliency Committee to explore the possibility of creating a position for a single-family home permitting ombudsman.
In summary, the Administration believes that collectively, these ongoing initiatives will result in improved service for homeowners throughout the City. Additionally any proposed code amendments should be incorporated into the ongoing review of the resiliency code.
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| | | | | | | | CONCLUSION:
| | In view of the foregoing, the Administration recommends that the LUSC discuss and conclude the item with no further action. |
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| | | | | | | | | Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, pursuant to City Code Section 2-14? | | Does this item utilize G.O. Bond Funds? | | | Yes | | No | |
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