NEW BUSINESS  30.

COMMITTEE MEMORANDUM

HISTORY:

This discussion item relates to special permitting requirements for bicycling events that occur throughout Miami Beach. Over the past few years the City has seen an increase in bicycle related events. While some large scale bike rides do go through the permitting process (normally those associated with a charity or foundation) other large-scale bicycle rides were unpermitted and not organized in partnership with the City of Miami Beach. These unpermitted events have subsequently caused a disruption in weekday traffic as well as created indirect public safety hazards for the residents within the City. 

The current process for special event permits within the City requires that an applicant apply for a special event permit for any "organized activity" held within the jurisdiction of City boundaries. This permitting process allows for the coordination of City services for all events held on public or private property. As defined by the Special Events Guidelines and Requirements: a City Permit is required for any and all special events. A “special event” is generally defined by the City as a temporary use on public or private property that would not be permitted generally or without restriction throughout a particular zoning district, but would be permitted if controlled with special review in accordance with the permitting guidelines.

A bicycle event which passes through or originates on Miami Beach and utilizes Miami Beach roadways would fall under this definition, therefore requiring a special events permit from the City of Miami Beach.

ANALYSIS:
Unlike other municipalities within Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami Beach has codified guidelines that regulate and enforce the special events process. The special events permitting process is intertwined with other City departments that work closely to monitor, staff, and permit such events.

In planning stages, various City Departments review, approve and staff these events including the critical activity of the Police Department to review and sign-off on the Street Closure form, FDOT application, MOT plan, pre-action plan, and course route. This information is then routed to the Transportation and Public Works Department, where Transportation reviews and approves the MOT Plan (Management of Traffic Plan). The MOT is then routed to the traffic management division in order to closely review the traffic monitoring service. Transportation then routes the Street Closure packet to Public Works for review and approval of the public right of way permit. Once completed and approved by all corresponding departments, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Economic Development reviews the full permit, approves and routes to the City Manager to sign off for final approval. In most of these cases, specific bicycle permitting requests would need to obtain Commission approval due to the use of State roads such as the McArthur Causeway, Collins Avenue and Alton Road.

CONCLUSION:
Item R9M – Discussion regarding the permitting requirements for bicycle events on Miami Beach roadways was heard by the City Commission on February 14, 2018. The City Commission discussed the item and made a referral to the Neighborhood Community Affairs Committee for further discussion. The Tourism, Culture and Economic Development Department is seeking direction on instituting further permitting requirements for bicycle events on Miami Beach.