This item was first heard at the February 22, 2023 Commission meeting as a referral to PSNQLC and FERC and stemmed from a concern Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez had regarding a common complaint received from residents and small businesses having trouble getting permits from the County which are required for building permits and BTR. 

At the May 23, 2023 PSNQLC meeting, County representative attended and discussed the County Municipal Permitting process and their CHAT team and committed to provide concierge type service to Miami Beach residents and businesses seeking assistance with the County process.

Since the May 23, 2023 PSNQLC meeting, the County reported that there had not been any request for assistance with the County's Municipal permitting by Miami Beach residences or businesses. However, on January 18, 2024 the County's commitment to the City was expanded by having an  in-person representative available at the Miami Beach Building Department once a month to assist homeowners and small businesses with questions or concerns with the County's permitting process. At this first hosting, the County assisted one(1) homeowner. Every third Thursday of the month, a County representative will be available in person at the Miami Beach Building Department from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Additionally, to increase awareness to the public regarding the County process, automatic emails at time of application informing the applicants the need to apply with the County for permitting and information on how to get assistance have been created. Additionally, a dedicated web page explaining the County process and contact information for County assistance has been created.