Item Coversheet

Ordinances - R5  T




COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

TO:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission 
FROM:Alina T. Hudak, City Manager 
DATE:April  6, 2022
 

First Reading

SUBJECT:

HEIGHT INCREASE FOR OFFICE BUILDINGS IN THE CD-3 DISTRICT

AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, SUBPART B, ENTITLED “LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS,” BY AMENDING CHAPTER 142, ENTITLED “ZONING DISTRICTS AND REGULATIONS,” ARTICLE II, ENTITLED "DISTRICT REGULATIONS,” DIVISION 6, ENTITLED “CD-3 COMMERCIAL, HIGH INTENSITY DISTRICT,” BY AMENDING SECTION 142-337, ENTITLED “DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS AND AREA REQUIREMENTS,” TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT LIMIT FOR OFFICE USES MEETING CERTAIN LOCATION REQUIREMENTS; AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION, REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.


RECOMMENDATION

The Administration recommends that the City Commission approve the subject Ordinance at First Reading and schedule a Second Reading Public Hearing for May 4, 2022.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

On February 9, 2022, at the request of Commissioner Ricky Arriola, the City Commission referred the proposed Ordinance to the Land Use and Sustainability Committee (LUSC) and the Planning Board for review and recommendation (item C4 P).

On March 4, 2022, the LUSC recommended that the Planning Board transmit the item to the City Commission with a favorable recommendation. Additionally, the Historic Preservation Board is scheduled to review and provide a recommendation on this proposal at their April 12, 2022 meeting.

ANALYSIS

PLANNING ANALYSIS
A property owner is seeking to develop Class A office space along the east side of Washington Avenue, between Lincoln Road and 17th Street, and is requesting a limited height increase to 80 feet for office space in the CD-3 zoning district to make the project possible. Under the current regulations of the City Code, the maximum building height for this property is 50 feet, as it is located within the Architectural District. Attached is the proposed office plan and illustrations.

Currently, CD-3 zoned lots fronting 17th Street have a maximum building height limit of 80 feet. Additionally, within the City Center Area just south of the subject site, the maximum building height limit is 100 feet.

The attached Ordinance amends Sec. 142-337(c) of the LDR’s to allow a maximum building height of 80 feet for main use office buildings, on lots fronting Washington Avenue between Lincoln Road and 17th Street. As the area for the proposed height increase is limited in scope, and the proposed height of 80 feet is consistent with the allowable heights for new construction to the immediate north and south, the Administration is supportive of the proposal.

PLANNING BOARD REVIEW
The Planning Board is scheduled to hold a public hearing on March 22, 2022, and transmit the Ordinance to the City Commission with a recommendation. The Administration will update the City Commission on the Planning Board recommendation at the Commission meeting.

SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA

Incentivize Quality Office Development

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

No Fiscal impact

CONCLUSION

The Administration recommends that the City Commission approve the subject Ordinance at First Reading and schedule a Second Reading Public Hearing for May 4, 2022.

Applicable Area

South Beach
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 
Legislative Tracking
Planning
Sponsor
Commissioner Ricky Arriola

ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Project Illustrations
Ordinance