Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Miami public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in zoning with critical priority
First Presbyterian Church historic boundary reduction
The board voted to shrink the church's 2003 historic designation from the full three-acre bayfront parcel to just the 1949 sanctuary, reclassifying the school annex and parking lot as non-contributing. That clears the way for a Foster and Partners tower behind the church, which Icon Brickell neighbors fought hard to stop.
Tree Preservation Regulations and Zoning Incentives
A proposal to replace Miami's flat mitigation fees with a formula valuing a tree's height, canopy and trunk could make removals of large oaks far more expensive and small trees cheaper. FIU research found Miami's current fees undervalue big tree loss by more than threefold.
Little Havana Transit Corridor Upzoning
A broad future land use change for parcels in Little Havana, Riverside and Shenandoah passed first reading as amended despite opposition claiming the city is already over-zoned and concerned about traffic and infrastructure.
Miami 21 Zoning and Procedure Code Amendments
New rules make it easier for existing legal parking lots to continue by right, but the board tightened the proposal so new off-site parking in T4/T5 zones needs an exception review rather than a staff warrant, unless the lot is bifurcated.
Adoption of Palm Grove Residential Guidelines
Community members strongly opposed citywide density increases and zoning amendments like PZ.1, arguing they threaten the character of historic districts and Neighborhood Conservation Districts (NCDs).
Coconut Grove Playhouse Redevelopment and Commercial Intrusion
Residents of the West Grove expressed strong opposition to the commercial and office components of the Coconut Grove Playhouse master plan, citing a lack of community engagement, traffic concerns, and the need for a protective barrier between the development and the historic residential neighborhood.
Transfer of Development Density and Neighborhood Protections
Residents and commissioners debated changes to density transfer rules, pushing back against last-minute language that could remove protections for historic and conservation districts. The commission ultimately voted to keep neighborhood protections intact.