Coversheet


		City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov


		Item 9. COMMITTEE MEMORANDUM

TO: Land Use and Sustainability Committee

FROM: Alina T. Hudak, City Manager

DATE: June 20, 2023

TITLE:

DISCUSS IDENTIFYING AND INCORPORATING TANGIBLE INCENTIVES FOR SIGNIFICANT PRIVATE PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS THAT ARE SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT.

HISTORY:

On September 14, 2022, at the request of Commissioner Ricky Arriola, the City Commission referred the subject discussion (R5 E) to the Land Use and Sustainability Committee (LUSC).

BACKGROUND
The City has a Private Property Adaptation (PPA) Program, which includes a competitive grant for residential and commercial property owners in Miami Beach. Eligible applicants may qualify to receive up to $20,000 in funding to go toward a property risk assessment, in addition to the design and construction of resilient flood mitigation improvements. Such improvements may include a variety of projects, such as floodproofing, home elevation, and green infrastructure. Detailed information regarding this program can be found at the following link on the MB Rising Above webpage:

https://www.mbrisingabove.com/your-home/private-property-adaptation/

As part of the new Resiliency Code and Comprehensive Land Development Regulations (LDR) updates, which was adopted by the City Commission on February 1, 2023 and became effective on June 1, 2023, the resiliency and adaptation standards were combined with exterior building and lot standards and relocated to a new chapter of the Code. This includes environmental mitigation standards, green buildings and rating systems to better emphasize the close relationship between adaptation and mitigation.

ANALYSIS:

When the Resiliency Code and Comprehensive LDR updates were approved at First Reading on September 22, 2022, a separate referral was made to the LUSC regarding incentives for private property to become more sustainable and resilient. The purpose of the referral was to begin a longer, more comprehensive discussion to identify tangible incentives for significant private property improvements that are sustainable and resilient. Ultimately, the incentives identified would be codified as separate amendments to the Resiliency Code.

The types of private property improvements that would be eligible for LDR incentives may include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Creating and expanding living shorelines within commercial, multi-family and single-family properties.

• Providing self-sustaining energy within a property.

• The comprehensive use of sustainable paving material.

• The use of solar panels and wind turbines.

• Gray water re-circulation for irrigation and other non-potable use.

• LEED platinum certification.

The Administration can explore other improvements, as well as applicable zoning incentives based on the incorporation of these types of improvements. Such zoning incentives could include height, FAR, setbacks and allowable uses. Additionally, if funds are available, the City could engage the Code consultant for additional ideas and recommendations.

If there is consensus on establishing zoning incentives for private property resiliency improvements, it is recommended that the Administration provide a draft ordinance incorporating these provisions to the City Commission for referral to the Planning Board.

CONCLUSION:

The Administration recommends that the Land Use and Sustainability Committee discuss the potential zoning incentives and private property resiliency enhancements and improvements identified herein. It is further recommended that a draft ordinance be referred to the Planning Board by the City Commission.

Applicable Area

Citywide

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

Departments

Planning

Strategic Connection

Environment & Infrastructure - Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and heat.