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City Council adopts ordinance restricting opaque commercial window coverings; businesses given time to comply
Summary
Miami Gardens city council approved on second reading an ordinance to require clear daytime window openings for commercial properties except during storms; the ordinance takes immediate effect with a compliance deadline of June 1, 2026 and allows the city manager to grant up to one additional year.
The City of Miami Gardens City Council adopted an ordinance July 9 that will require commercial businesses to keep storefront windows clear except when shutters or board‑ups are necessary for hurricanes or other weather events.
City Attorney explained the measure as intended to address businesses that “have shutters, bars, opaque windows during the daytime, and and night all day, every day,” calling that appearance “an eyesore.” The ordinance goes into effect immediately, but properties have until June 1, 2026, to come into compliance; the city manager may grant an additional year where good cause is shown.
The change amends Chapter 16, Article 3 of the City of Miami Gardens Code of Ordinances to create Section 16‑61, titled “window openings.” The ordinance includes a severability clause and language to allow inclusion in the city code and an effective date.
Council members moved and seconded the ordinance on a second reading public hearing and approved it by roll call vote, 6-0. Councilwoman Baskin, Councilwoman Leon, Councilwoman Powell, Councilwoman Wilson, Councilwoman Julian and Mayor Harris recorded affirmative votes.
The city did not provide a compliance‑cost estimate at the meeting and did not identify enforcement timelines beyond the June 1, 2026 compliance date and the manager’s discretionary extension. The city attorney said the rule is intended to limit permanent opaque coverings to storm events and improve commercial corridors’ daytime appearance.
