The North Miami Beach City Commission made significant strides in urban development during its meeting on December 19, 2023, approving a mixed-use development project that will reshape a key area of the city. The project, located at 16385 through 16445 West Dixie Highway and 2255 Northeast 16060 Fourth Street, will feature 34 residential units alongside 23,279 square feet of commercial space, all situated on a 3.3-acre site.

To facilitate this development, the Commission granted several variances from existing zoning regulations. Notably, the project will include a tower building type with a width of 400 feet and 6 inches, exceeding the maximum allowable width of 250 feet. Additionally, the required 15-foot tower setback was reduced for portions of both the North and South Towers fronting Northeast 20 Second Avenue.

Other variances approved include allowing a maximum ground floor height of 25 feet without a mezzanine, and a maximum floor-to-floor height of 20 feet on the eighth level of the parking garage. The building length along Northeast 20 Second Avenue was also permitted to extend to 474 feet and 4 inches, surpassing the standard limit of 300 feet.

The Commission's decisions also addressed accessibility, allowing handicap parking spaces to be 18 feet in length, and permitting a portion of Northeast 16060 Fourth Street to be covered by the podium, where typically 95% must remain open to the sky.

In addition to these variances, the Commission approved modifications to landscaping and traffic flow, including the provision of dedicated turn lanes and wider sidewalks in lieu of on-street parking.

These approvals mark a significant step forward in enhancing the urban landscape of North Miami Beach, promising to bring new residential and commercial opportunities to the area. The Commission's actions reflect a commitment to balancing development with community needs, setting the stage for future growth and revitalization in the city.