All About Zoning & Building In Miami

Building Zones in Miami

The city of Miami has several building zones that allow a wide range of development options. These zones are regulated by the city’s zoning laws.

Zoning regulations govern how much land a development can cover and what kinds of buildings it can have. They also control things like floor area ratio (FAR), height and open space requirements.

Zoning

Zoning is a legal process that governs how buildings are constructed. It involves a range of decisions, including what can be built, where and in what form. It's a vital part of Miami's planning process and can help shape the city's landscape for decades to come.

In miami, zoning regulations focus on form-based zoning, which encourages compact building design and pedestrian-friendly public spaces. This is in contrast to the traditional rule-based approach that focuses on specific uses, such as residential and commercial.

The zoning code also includes a variety of requirements for development that promote public benefits, such as sidewalks, greenspaces, open space and underground utilities. These are designed to support a high-quality urban environment and ensure the safety, health and welfare of residents and visitors.

To build in a particular zone, developers must apply for a Warrant or Exception permit. This can be done online through the City of Miami's website, by logging in and entering an address into their GIS map tool.

While the zoning process is complicated, it can be easier than you think, especially if you know your zone. To get started, go to the city's website and click on the "Zoning Search" box under the Miami21 box (Show info).

Those boxes will list what can and cannot be done in your zone. For example, if you see a box that says "SD" (special district), it means that you'll need to get a Class II special permit before you can use the area.

The city also has a zoning map tool on its website that lets you enter an address and view all the zoning regulations for the area, including Miami 21, so you'll know what your property can and cannot do. If you're not sure, call the city's planning office for assistance.

Miami also has a "transit oriented development" zoning law, which allows mid-rise housing near public transit stations and trains. It's one of the most recent changes to county zoning, and it is aimed at making Miami's sprawling, densely-packed neighborhoods more attractive.

But some critics argue that the zoning law doesn't go far enough to make dent in the city's affordable housing crisis. A task force of city planners, attorneys and urban designers is exploring how to revise the law to include a new "transit corridor" zone for development along the rail line that extends from the Design District south to downtown Miami. The group's members will meet monthly and issue a report to city commissioners by December.

Sewer System

The Miami-Dade County sanitary sewer system serves tens of thousands of homes and businesses. It connects them to the Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department through a network of underground pipes that run through neighborhoods and under roads.

But the city’s system has had its share of problems over the years. For one, it has been plagued by sewage spills that have caused fish kills or overflowed into homes and yards. And a new report shows that as sea levels rise, more than a third of the county’s septic tanks could have issues by 2040.

That’s a problem that has become increasingly important to local environmentalists, like Aaron Stauber of Waterkeeper. He says the county hasn’t done enough to push developers toward developing in areas where septic systems are already in place, or by fronting the cost of installing new lines for homeowners.

As a result, the county is now spending $230 million to convert septic tanks to sewer lines in the coming five years. The goal is to prevent sewage from polluting Biscayne Bay and the Miami River.

According to the Miami-Dade County Health Department, septic tank failure is the biggest source of contamination in Biscayne Bay. It causes a toxic mix of bacteria, oils and feces to flood the bay and its surroundings.

A septic tank is typically built into a concrete box that filters the wastewater from toilets and showers before it goes down into the ground or an aquifer below. But the city’s sewage system isn’t as sturdy or efficient as it used to be, and that has put many residents at risk.

In the past, a number of sewage spills have occurred due to broken or ruptured force mains, and other plumbing problems. These leaks can contaminate streets and waterways, especially during flood events.

For example, in October 1987, a sewage spill from a break in a force main sent 10 million gallons of raw sewage into the Miami River, which contaminated the water. Similarly, in March of 2014, millions of gallons of sewage leaked into the Intracoastal Waterway from a force main break in South Beach.

Contractors

Whether you are building a new home in Miami, or remodeling your existing one, it is important to hire qualified and licensed contractors. These professionals can ensure that the construction process goes smoothly and is completed to your specifications.

In addition to their work on homes, general contractors can also handle large commercial projects. Often, they are responsible for managing all of the aspects of a project from beginning to end.

When choosing a contractor for your project, it is important to know their reputation in the industry and what they have done in the past. It can help to research their history through reviews and complaints filed with the BBB. In addition, it is a good idea to check their licenses and insurance.

For example, Newport Property Construction has been in business since 2007. They are known for their work on renovation and rehabilitation of residential properties. Their team has also reconstructed many hurricane-damaged homes.

The firm specializes in luxury residential renovation and construction, and they have completed projects all over the city of Miami. Some of their recent work includes an expansive beachfront property that has been remodeled to suit modern living.

They have also worked on historic renovations and commercial construction, including the Sephora flagship store at 818 Lincoln Road in downtown Miami. The firm also collaborated on a project that remodeled the Miami International Airport’s terminal buildings to better serve visitors.

Another local company, All-Go Construction, has been building homes for nearly four decades. It values transparency throughout the building process, aiming to develop long-lasting relationships with clients. The firm’s portfolio includes projects that have been featured in Luxe Interiors + Design and The Real Deal Magazine.

If you are planning a large remodeling project in Miami, it is crucial to hire a professional who understands the region’s weather and climate conditions. The best residential general contractors in miami understand how to build strong, durable homes that prioritize the safety and needs of each client.

These firms have been selected based on their craftsmanship, customer service, reputation, and awards. They were also evaluated based on their expertise in working on homes within a particular price range.

Planning

Planning is the process of determining how to best allocate resources in order to make a community the most desirable place to live, work and play. It is a complicated process that can involve many parties, including the public and private sectors. The planning department has a wide array of responsibilities, from implementing zoning and land use regulations to managing the City’s infrastructure to developing citywide plans for the future.

One of the department’s most impressive accomplishments is its comprehensive Community Development Master Plan (CDMP). This document is a blueprint for the next 30 years of community development in North Miami and beyond, encompassing everything from neighborhood design to a greener, more sustainable downtown district to an expanded redevelopment corridor. The CDMP is a must read for anyone with an interest in the future of the City.

The department also has an excellent website with a host of informational resources, including a large selection of interactive maps, reports and documents. The site is also home to a robust online applications and fees portal, making it easy for developers and residents to navigate the City’s land use and building codes.

The department has a dedicated staff and a strong network of partners and vendors. Its mission is to ensure that the city is a well-designed, physically integrated, livable and prosperous place to live, work and play by providing high quality services and programs while being responsive to the needs of our citizens and stakeholders. The department is also responsible for enforcing City-mandated zoning and building regulations to protect the interests of residents, businesses and the environment.